CRUISING - WITH TWO MONTHS TO GO!

I actually stopped shopping on August 22, 2012;  so like me to be early! 

A Journalism student asked me if I bought anything on the cruise.  NO.  Did your husband buy you anything. NO... well a few drinks, lol, I thought and did not share!  So, you did not buy a single thing on the cruise?  NO. Not a gift for someone? NO. No jewelry?  NO. Wow, she finally exclaimed, after exhausting her training to get the story.

Until this year, every time I ventured on a vacation, I ventured first on a shopping spree! Years ago,  I actually spent so much time in the newly built Target in Alexandria, Virginia, that security was watching me!  I guess they could not believe someone would want to spend four hours there - oh yeah... and actually buy everything in the cart!  So, no, I did not buy a single thing for the cruise or on the cruise.  I actually had six bathing suits, two I did not even realize I owned! I did not need any cute little summer dresses or TB flip flops.

I began packing for the cruise Wednesday night.  I did my usual - throw everything I think I want to take into the suitcase so that the next night I can begin to eliminate items. That seems to work for me;  that and a long list of items TO BE CHECKED OFF. The following night after I finished grading essays, I sat myself down in the middle of bedroom-turned- closet and "unpacked" each item to evaluate its purpose on this cruise.  It is interesting that this is my usual plan of attack, but this time, I realized I really did not need a shopping spree at all.  I actually have more than enough - of everything.  I only took three bathing suits, not six.  I brought only three pants, not five.  I packed eight shirts, not sixteen.  I packed four pair of shorts, not sixteen. 

With only two months to go, this has been cathartic - I still have not worn all my clothes!  I see the worth of my money now.