Half-way and...going strong?

Six months and I am at the half way point.  Well for those of you that are my faithful readers, I appreciate your comments and support, but last month I gave a challenge.  Well, I dare say that no not one rushed to join me.  There are a few that gave lip service to a part-time gig or a month try, but no not one wants to take on a full year or finish the year with me completely in fair trade.

   

Why no takers?  Could it be because it is just too hard to be limited to only fair trade when you really need something?  Could it be that it takes more time, thought and planning to buy fair trade?  Could it be that you too just love shopping?  Or could it be that it is easier to get what you want or need when you want it? Or maybe it is the thrill of looking at sales and finding that great buy, that new fashion, and just the freshness of NEW. Not even to mention, July is the best sale-shopping month of the year.

Well, I know exactly how you feel.  And I must admit I feel like a failure and you will understand when you read the following.  It is summer and when Zach and Adrienne asked me to join them at the mall, I jumped at the chance.  I haven’t been to a mall in what seems like forever and well it was Victoria Secret semi-annual sale again.  So it has been at least 6 months.  (Underwear is not a forbidden purchase). Well, walking into the mall, I felt guilty. Just breathing the air of the newness of retail shops was intoxicating. But it was like I was going in a forbidden location, like cheating or sneaking where you wonder if someone is looking.  Then for the first time in 6 months I actually entered Forever 21 and really, really looked at clothes.  It was wonderful ….and a mistake.  I found this and that and oh my, it was so fun.  I felt like a kid in a candy store or maybe an alcoholic in a liquor store.  I like kid in a candy store better.  I even followed Adrienne into the dressing room with clothes to try on for me. What was I thinking, right?  You know how we rationalize the forbidden.  I know it is hard for you to read this, but does it make you feel any better to know I did not leave the store with a purchase? So why do I feel like a failure?  Well, because I have a precious loving wonderful son who I think may have made a purchase and isn’t there a holiday soon?  Ah yes, the fourth of July is the perfect time to have a new red top as a gift from my son.  Okay, I am a failure.  I am guilty, just pond scum! I didn't really find a loop hole or cheat the system, because I stand guilty of full knowledge that I have a compassionate son. Don’t you think there should have been a couple of free days added into the year anyway?  It is hard to go cold turkey for a whole year. Rest assured I will make it!

Ah, but I do not feel too bad since NONE of you took the challenge to join me.  My girls are away making who knows what purchases in a foreign land (better not point fingers at my little “Mother Teresa’s”), and I have really done quite well for virtually no shopping for half a year.  Can you imagine what it is going to be like for 6 more months, all the way through Christmas?  As you can see, I am open for gifts!

I apologize for no challenging insight to keep the fight, forge forward, and to make wise choices.  This month you will have to settle for my failure.

-Elaine