buy less

is the question. This is definitely not a SMART goal.

The key seems to be to eliminate impulse buying altogether. I can’t deny the sheer pleasure jolt of acquisition, but I also think there’s often as much enjoyment to be gained through extended contemplation of a potential new thing.

What would it mean for a purchase to absorb the same amount of psychic energy as a philanthropic gift? (Gosh knows there’s also a fair amount of impulse philanthropy out there.)

from my roof garden today. a little salad greens and a carrot (plus avocado that had miraculously survived and ripened to perfect texture over the holiday). sauteed up some chard. and the awesome pumpkin soup G had sent over for xmas. deep deep satisfaction!

way too much. part of buying less needs to be – buying groceries so I’m not all the time buying food from restaurants. goal for this week – take my lunch! no buying food during the week!

for buying less. somehow, it’s just easier for me to buy things on the road. Per diem helps with this a little, but – not enough to account for the actual spending that just happened! (met my new sweater quota for the season.)

at the office. not really on purpose. but as result, I seem to be having a buy-nothing weekend. it’s a little inconvenient – i’m out of eggs, milk, bread. but have been eating delicious greens and a tomato from the garden. and persimmons and apples from my auntie’s.

taking my lunch to work
and tracking expenses more carefully (quicken has worked in the past, but it’s been a while)

rushing home to check and see if there’s anything to eat in the garden helps!

getting books in the mail from bookmoochees helps!

knitting with scrap yarn helps.

Moratoria:
Now declaring a moratorium on knitting supplies.
And on music purchases until I’ve listened to all new acquisitions (at least twice around).

phew.