IN THE BEGINNING...

I shopped - not until I dropped, but until I felt full and happy. I shopped when I was bored, when I thought I needed or had to have that something now! Shoes, purses, pants, jackets, watches, sweaters - you name it, I had a justification for why I needed it and needed it now! No joke, several times I have returned home to discover I already purchased a dress or sweater. Instead of recognizing my addiction, I would giggle and compliment myself on my good tastes! Once, walking out of a store, I turned to Ted and actually said, "Well, every girl needs something ugly in her closet!" Ted just gave me THE TED LOOK that is defined by his inablilty to understand my logic.

Ironically, twice a year, I park myself in the bedroom converted into my closet and purge my possessions. Some I pack up to bring to school for my colleagues, some I pack up to go to The Salvation Army, and the rest, I simply pack into large garbage bags and throw out. Many times my colleagues will say, "Trace, this still has the price tag on it!" This process is always cathartic for me - out with the old, in with the new! In reality, removing the clutter, the undesirables from my life is what I actually reveled in - until I made more purchases.... and then more purchases that enabled me to continue the purchase and purge process six months later.

Nearing 50, I find myself thinking of retiring in six or seven years and the desire to continue traveling. The thought that two week check will not be coming in is scaring me - shop less! This process of not shopping for an entire school year, is frightening.

How much many can I save by not buying that purse or those jeans?