30 days of (almost) nothing

Well, here we are, November 1st. It's been a rough road. We started this year out so strong, and then have had an unbelievable string of bad luck throughout the year. The money we worked so hard to save earlier in the year has been depleted by several huge unexpected expenses, and the emergencies just keep on coming. I guess we'll start again next year!

So in an effort to stave off as much spending as we can, we're doing another 30 days of (almost) nothing. However, there's nothing admirable in this particular effort. No "getting in touch with our spending" or altruistic intentions for the results of our efforts. We will be using whatever money we save to go on vacation. Because we need it. Badly.

Doing this in November is going to present a lot more challenges than our January endeavor did. Mostly because the advertising this time of year is so "in-your-face", and the sales seem so good. And also because everyone else seems to be in buying mode. It doesn't help that I have lots of dreams involving vintage furniture that could double as extra storage...

You may have noticed that I said 30 days of (almost) nothing. The big exception that we'll be making is that on Saturday night, Jon and I will be going on a very well-deserved date while the kids have a slumber party at Jon's parents' house. Other than that, though, the kids Christmas presents are already purchased and hidden away, our holiday cards are here (along with the stamps), I put our netflix account on hold until January, and I think we're pretty well set on household supplies (i.e. no making our own deodorant this time around!). It is a good reminder to be content with what we have rather than constantly on the lookout for the next thing to want. (I just read a book called "Life would be perfect if I lived in that house" and I could *so* relate to that sentiment!)

We do not, however, have hotel room reservations for our trip, which could prove tricky if there's a sudden rush during the month of November. What can I say, we like to live dangerously. If all else fails, we always have the rental car!