Getting Back to Normal

The holidays are, for most--if you're very lucky, a time of indulgence. We eat a little more, we spend a little more, we have a little more bourbon in our glass. I noticed, this holiday especially, that it was more difficult getting back to "normal" than I'd hoped. And, (thanks so much for sharing this) I'm not alone. Whatever commented this week how difficult it was for her to get back to her rules and goals following the holiday splurge. I felt relieved that I wasn't the only one.

Here's what happened to me: On 28th I went to Target for two items, eyeshadow and dishwasher detergent. But as I walked into the store, I fell prey to every marketing ploy that box stores use. Dollar items near the door? Maybe there's something I could use. Purses and wallets on sale? Maybe these will help me be better organized. After all, the Christmas cash was burning a hole in my pocket. I needed to spend it on something, stat.

I picked up a number of items, walked around with them and shopped some more. Then I came to my senses. Purses and wallets weren't why I came into Target. Yes, I'd been considering buying a new wallet for months now, but I don't really need one. Nor did I need a Christmas t-shirt. Or more socks. They were just frivolous impulses that I swore off a couple months ago--years ago, in fact.

For me to give in to my rationalizations to buy, would further erode the rules I've established about spending. And the more I erode those rules, the easier it is to break them in the future. That's really why I had trouble in the first place. I'd spent the days leading up to and following Christmas buying things I didn't really need. That $8.99 shirt from J.C. Penney that I wrapped and put under the tree with Husband's and Step-Daughter's name in the "From" line, that second box of Christmas chocolates on sale for half-price after Christmas, that magazine I'm always tempted by but never satisfied with...they were just things, yet they'd managed to disrupt my normal routines and bleed into my non-holiday life.

There are some Christmas splurges I wouldn't give up, though, just to satisfy my rules (but I would give them up if I had to choose between them and heat for the house, of course.). Most notably, the Christmas cookies and ice cream ingredients. If we didn't have them, what would we leave for Santa. Some traditions, especially those that are limited to a few short years, transcend rules.

Oh, and I managed to make it out of Target relatively unscathed. What can I say? I was hungry for Hot Pockets! I guess my new rule is to always have something cheesy at home and ready to eat.

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Today was not a banner day to restart my food log. Snow day for step-daughter coupled with paying for babysitting with Taco Bell and bribing my husband with junk food to drive me somewhere equals big spendy day.

Breakfast: Oatmeal, peanut butter & banana A great start at 28 cents
Snack: On sale holiday shape cookies 8 cents
Lunch: Gas station hot dot I'm so ashamed $1
Dinner: Taco Bell $2.98
Total: $4.34