11.10.10

i think they drank haterade

When I started telling friends, family and strangers about The Project, I anticipated a few questions. I thought, surely, folks would ask how much I had saved so far or if I had cheated at all. 

 
Guess the NUMBER ONE question I get asked.
Can you buy groceries?
 
I haven’t figured out a simple way to answer this yet. It always come out something like:
Er…well…umm…I kinda have to eat so, no, I haven’t given up food….yet. 
 
That seems to get the askers a little miffed. Then, of course, they give me permission to keep buying groceries, but I can see a little glint in their eyes that says Cheater!
I always feel apologetic afterwards. I walk around for a few minutes with my head lowered, debating:
 
Sheesh, Elizabeth, maybe it’s time to give up this “I Need Food” charade.
That only lasts for a few seconds. Let’s Get Real. It’ll be a cold day in hell before someone snatches this bag of kettle korn out of my greasy little hands.
photo via blueq.com
November 10, 2010
11.08.10

Monday Dare: a penny saved is a penny….say what?!

Every Monday, I’m picking from the List of Things to Try, Places to Go, Possible Acts that Help and Possible Fun to Have. It’s a list I made before The Projectstarted and I’m still adding to it. If you have suggestions, please, feel free to throw them my way. I’m calling the list my Monday Dares, as I get overwhelmed just looking at the words “challenge” or “goal.”

This week: I will revise Lizanomics and make it work. Then petition a small country to adopt it.

Remember when I saved $45 in one week by using coupons, then I bought a $300 pair of shoes as a reward? Hark! Lizanomics was born!

Lizanomics [liz-uh–nom-iks] -noun

the financial applications of a delusional grown-up rooted in the belief that saving a penny merits a purchase of up to and possibly greater than one hundred dollars


With just a short and manageable 42 weeks and 2 days left on The Project (hey, it’s all the way you look at it, folks), I’m spending the week sifting through my Lizanomics rules to see what can stay and what must go.

So far I’ve sorted out:

  • DUMP: Subscribe to every possible retail email, membership program and newsletter to stay abreast of sales, promotions and new merchandise notifications. This shit is dangerous.
  • DUMP: Buy an item because it’s on sale. “I’ve never owned orange pants before and it’s already 70% off!” and “I’m buying these baby clothes because I might get knocked up again!” are never good reasons. Put that shit back.
  • DUMP: Buy an item “just in case.” You don’t need that back-up ball gown unless you’re a fairy princess and your main mode of transportation is a unicorn. 
  • KEEP: There is nothing in this pile so far. I am shocked.
  • KEEP: I take that back. I make special exceptions for Tim Holtz products. Because I love him.

_____
Dare I ask…do you have your own rules for spending and “saving.” Do share!
photo via blueq.com

November 8, 2010