My Monkeys went to visit their grandma for a few hours this afternoon. I forgot fish filters on my list of things we needed this week. I broke my first rule and decided not to wait until next week. The fish tank is starting to stink. So I went to Wally World. I figured I could also get a cute basket to put the books I bought for my friend's shower in. Well, one thing led to another and I spent $82. That is what I hate about super centers. It is just too easy to impulse purchase. I will say that most of what I bought was practical. I bought quite a bit of food so I can do more cooking from scratch. I also got band aids, pull-ups, wipes and some cold medicine. Elder Monkey and I have a head cold coming on. But there were a few things that I just plain wanted, like a vase for my entry table and a running skirt.

I can make excuses, but the truth is I'm bummed I didn't stick to my challenge. I have to ask why? At first I was thinking that I have the typical American affluenza and shop for recreation. Part of this may be true. But the truth is, I have had little kids shopping with me for 6 years now. When I have a chance to go to the store without the Monkeys, well, it feels like a luxury. So I think I shop when they are busy out of a sense of entitlement almost. I CAN shop (peacefully), therefore I MUST! And some of it is boredom. I just don't know what to do with myself when they are out of the house. I had already cleaned the house and steam cleaned the carpets. This may be part of the reason I am considering going back to work. With Elder Monkey in school all day and Younger Monkey in pre-school 3 mornings a week, I'm a little worried that I might get bored. I'm not sure what to do with myself. I need a hobby. I don't know what though. If I'm going to stay home, I definitely need to figure out ways to fill my time because I can't afford to shop whenever I am bored. I guess I could always actually use the gym membership I'm paying for. Once a Month cooking? Volunteer! Really, like Mom always said, "Bored people are boring".