No Spending Progress

Day 1: After 4 days of the stomach flu, I woke up feeling better.  Coupled with sunshine and day 2 of Spring Break, I decided it was time for family fun.  I knew my membership was up soon so I made the executive decision, and we packed up to head out to the Detroit Zoo.  I did stop at the grocery and bought snacks to tide us over.  I also topped off the gas in my car – all allowed under the ‘rules’ for April.  I found myself thinking about hot chocolate and cherry limeades from Sonic.  But I was strong, and made it through the day.  Dinner at home, and all was well.   Total spent: $0

Day 2:  A very lazy Saturday at home.  No errands, just chores and reading and games.  Total spent: $0

Day 3:  Big Daddy suggested we go to IKEA, and who am I turn down a voluntary family trip to my favorite furniture megastore?  We made the trip and although I wrote imaginary checks as we meandered through sofas, kitchens, and storage, we spent no actual $$.  The day turned rainy, and we spent the rest of the afternoon movie surfing, reading, and playing dress-up.  Total spent: $0

Day 4: It was a rainy day, so we huddled down inside.  I caught up on the household chores, and we only left the comfort of our home to stretch our legs at the library.  Although I gazed longingly at the Sonic drive-through (half price Cherry Limeades!), I sped by and stayed strong.  I did go to the pharmacy to pick up an Rx, but avoided the Easter candy and nail polish aisles.  Total spent: $0

Day 5: Another cold, overcast day.  Took the kids out for a walk & it was SNOWING.  I am so over winter.  I had a new book to read (from the library), so I was fairly distracted.  Ran to the grocery store for a few things, but was not tempted by anything ‘extra’.  Total spent: $0

Day 6:  I think this is feeling more difficult because the kids have been home for Spring Break (school starts again on Monday!).  I want to do fun things with them, but I am not finding anything that is free and local.  Must schedule playdates soon.  Occupied most of my day with creating listings on eBay.  My version of Spring Cleaning, I guess.  Total spent: $0

Day 7: No luck scheduling playdates.  Sold an item on Craigslist & found it enormously satisfying.  Also cleaned out bits of the basement, garage, and back yard.  Did not leave the house.  Am wondering if I am becoming agoraphobic.  Am also realizing how many email lists I am on – they always seem to arrive touting some new discount or deal.  Difficult on my resolve, but I am staying strong.  It is feeling a little less like punishment & more like ‘the new normal’.  Total spent: $0