Austerity Project, day -1

Okay, so today's day -1 because we are still technically in January and the project doesn't start until February 1. I promised yesterday that I would tell you how I would track myself and my temptations and as soon as I finished the blog yesterday, the temptations started. So we'll start there.

I'm pregnant. Occasionally, that means I have food cravings (Actually very occasionally. The biggest craving I seem to have most days is to never have to think about or eat food again. Crippling heartburn will do that to you.) But yesterday, for lunch, I really really wanted Wendy's chicken nuggets. But, it wasn't worth it to me to use the gas to go to Wendy's, spend the $2 on nuggets and then whatever else I would want, and what Tony wanted, too. So I had an apple, a piece of cheese and some crackers. And that was pretty tasty, I gotta say. If I weren't doing this project, though, Tony and I would have probably blown $10 at Wendy's and never batted an eye.

So that's how it works. I'll keep track of the things I would normally mindlessly spend my money on and then feel better about not doing it. Or something like that. I think the hardest part will be that we still "need" some things for the baby (diaper cream, baby monitors, etc.) but I'm committed to wait until March to get any of it. Let's all just keep our thoughts focused on baby girl NOT coming to the world three weeks early, 'cause that would TOTALLY screw up my plan. Plus, I want it to be warmer when she gets here. I wouldn't want to go from a nice warm belly into February in Northern Kentucky, that's for sure. Heck, I don't want to go from a nice warm HOUSE into February and I'm actually equipped to regulate my body temperature.

When we do spend money, whether for groceries or gas or drugs (prescription medications, people), I'll write about it here, tell exactly how much it cost and then subtract it from my total allowance for the month. If we get any windfalls (like we win the lottery or someone starts anonymously mailing us $20 bills) I'll detail that and add it to the allowance. Any emergencies, you'll know about them, too. But just know that I have Sarge on a strict diet and exercise regimen to prevent any further vet visits. He'll be healthy if it's the last thing I do.

Tomorrow, a few more rules about accepting gifts and treats and we'll be ready to go.