Oopsy Daisy

I can see you--through the miles and over the airwaves--keeping me honest. I overspent today.

There's N., in the D.C. area, diligently reporting to work at her government job even with the shutdown/pay freeze. I spy Liz, who swore off buying new clothes and Kim, who meticulously reorganized her stuff, down to every necklace, and likes to shop her own closet. Don't forget Eileen, mother of three, who goes into Whole Foods solely for the good salmon, and will not take a cart, not even a basket, to avoid other temptations.

Can’t miss Sis, who is not an overspender or waster; Moey, who generally doesn't buy at full retail price; and Anne, who loves thrift shopping. My friend Bill, cub reporter/editor at The Daily Targum, who told me about the Mint spending tracker. And what about Mary Kate, who said I was doing well?

Or my cousin Lin? We share the same Italian immigrant grandma, Rosie, who worked hard in NYC doing piecework [artificial flowers for hats, etc.]  while mothering four boys, one who died in babyhood. I don’t think Rosie wasted money--or had much money to waste.

But in my defense: Did you know that my first staff magazine job was in a fashion department? I was indoctrinated at age 22 into the world of insider sample sales [where designers sell clothing at giveaway prices] and a locked fashion closet, similar to but smaller than the one in "The Devil Wears Prada." Did ya know that when I was at Good Housekeeping, my editor loved my accessory style and inquired about me moving from writer to fashion editor? And before that, another EIC wondered if I would be interested in being beauty editor?

Oh, hell, none of that pays the heating bill, does it?

I always check the coupon machine when I arrive at CVS to get Rxs. Today
I had $4 off Neutrogena Rainbath [I take a lot of baths] and $2.50 off
Colgate toothpaste.

Anyway, here goes. As forecasted, I received an electronic payment--for $960. Unlike someone I mentioned who might have been tempted to drink his paycheck, I did pay some key bills first.

• I was at the dentist this morning to get my crown [not gold tiara, sadly]. On my way out, I doubled down on our monthly payment plan agreement and paid $300 instead of $150.
• I paid off the total balance owed to my therapist, so I have a clean slate going forward: $320.
• Fees for using an ATM that was not my home bank: $1.25 and $3.
• Then, innocently enough, I was driving by Frederic Goodman, an anchor in our town--an establishment, a jewelry store that has been there for 40 years and is going out of business. The other day, I stepped in and Jeannie [sp] showed me a beautiful Swarovski crystal wraparound bracelet with 7 large genuine pearls spaced among the crystals. No clasp to open and close, and slow me down, making me less likely to wear it. It was marked down from $486 plus tax to $195 plus tax. It will also go nicely with the necklace your husband got you for Christmas, Jeannie said. I resisted. But the store only has a few days left and now the bright signs say, YOU SET THE PRICE. I walked in and asked Jeannie if the bracelet was still there. It was. She said How about $145? I said okay, and walked out wearing it. With tax, that was about $154. I feel like I'm disappointing you, friend, but not necessarily myself, in admitting that. I think I can see you shaking your head in dismay? Three thoughts/emotions were at play here when I handed over my debit card: 1. That I had made a big dent in family bills already and 2. That Frederic Goodman was closing, so this was a last chance and 3.,A  biggie, the idea that I deserve this treat and shouldn’t be deprived. See, the road to overeating and overspending starts with #3 for me. I lose sight of the bigger picture, my overall health and my family’s financial well-being. I also believe that fashion softens life and adds beauty and sparkle--so there’s that.
• Parking meter was 50 cents for 30 minutes.
• Next stop, Williams-Sonoma, but not for me. For a $25 gift card to mail to sweet newlyweds. [Dan and I were invited but could not attend reception.]
• Then, CVS, to get Punchy's melatonin. I spent $22.24, which included $4.99 plus tax for a Hallmark wedding card to go with the W-S gift card I will mail.
• Then I went back to Chelsea Square and got another tube of that Kiehl's Butterstick SPF Lip Treatment in Touch of Berry because I really love it and decided the color is just right. Price with tax, $20.79.
• Jackie's Grillette for my lunch and a coffee for Figgy. $15.99 plus $3 tip.  $18.99
• Joyist, where I have come to work until 4:15, for a handcrafted cappuccino [delicious custom Java Love bean blend, $6] and 2 small cacao PB cups, $4.; so $10 total.

$MSOOP

So, if we take away the family bills [therapy and dentist], and the $4.25 in ATM fees, we are left with $252.13. What? Wow. That is a lot.

Postscript
It's 3:42 p.m. and I've had a very difficult time settling down and getting my work done. Does overspending, like overcaffeinating, bring on this jingly-jangly feeling? Is it the cappuccino? Or the carbs at lunch at Jackie's? Or the overstimulation of spending too much $? Also, it does take time to write these posts....adding up every cent....I did walk the 20 minutes into town with Figgy in the brisk sunshine, but did not sleep well last night. Could use a nap right about now.

The spending continues and I feel every dollar. Punch has weekly therapy but this week is talking alone, not with me. So I'm working in Java Love, right near therapist's office and Punch will walk down and meet me. I had to buy something, so got Figgy a wrapped vegan raw bar for $4 plus 31 cents in tip jar.

Revised total. $256.44.