While being deployed, I have to admit that I’ve become a bit of a shopoholic.
There aren’t very many things to do around here to pass the time. Funny thing is, it’s more like prison than you ever would think: we have an hour of “time in the yard” or work out time, an allotted time for chow, and everyone has their assign job to help pass each day. We even sleep in prison style bunk beds with 20 or more roomates. The two things that make it different are the pay and the internet. I’ve used my internet perks for shopping.
I can’t say that I wasn’t into online shopping before I left; I used to love the great Groupon deals or awesome clearance sales on kids clothing. It made stocking up for the next season so much easier. But here, I’ve been focusing on one particular shopping item: crap. Yup, stuff that I’ve always wanted but never got. Funny t-shirts that I wanted to purchase but didn’t see the point of getting. Fancy spa products that I’ve wanted to treat myself to but couldn’t. The money I have been making here isn’t part of our usual budget, so for some reason, I keep seeing it as fun money. Yes, we are saving most of it for our down payment on a house, and yes, some will be used on a much needed vacation we’ll be taking once I get back, but when I see that check hit the bank I think “shopping time!”
I feel like I’ve traded places. The frugal me left the building once I hit Asia, and the spendthrift that I used to be when I was younger has taken her place. I have to say though, I’m not really that upset about it. I will probably never EVER be able to spend on me again like I am doing right now. And while I am getting a little kooky with the purchases, I know that it’s not effecting our budget at home. Maybe that’s why I continue to press on and shop. It’s become a way for me to stay connected to the other side of the world and keep my mind off of the serious situation I’m in here. Or maybe, I just like to shop….a lot.
LOVE IT – glad to get an update on how you are doing. Hubby is cracking up at this article because it reminds him of his stint overseas. Do what you gotta do to get through this deployment, and don’t feel bad about it 🙂
Completely understand the need to unplug and that internet shoping is the main way for you to do so, but can’t help to wonder to that part that you say “not effecting budget at home” – you mentioned before that your hubby’s idea of budget and necesary purchases are different from yours, so just wondering just what surprise of a budget you’ll get when you get home. All this extra money that you think will go to home downpayment might end up going pluging home budget holes instead.
You deserve to splurge on yourself for what your going through being away from your family. Good job of saving most of the extra.
Jeez, finally hear from you! You never answered my last email! As for your splurges, I know it’s fun, but I’m here to remind you that not only do you have to save for the down payment for a house (Yippee!) but doesn’t NJ have the highest property taxes in the nation?
I’m just sayin’, what kind of friend would I be if I didn’t mention that? Home ownership is not for the faint of heart. *Chuckle* it’s nearly like having another kid!(ie there’s always something you’re throwing money at)
From the “udder coast”, I’m counting the days ’till you’re home. It may be the same day that Jenny graduates from college! (How did that happen so soon?)
I’m glad to hear from you! Stay safe, and if shopping is what it takes, well then do it!
YAY a post!!!! I’ve missed your posts!!!
Glad to see you’re doing okay and partaking in some shopping 🙂
Can’t wait til you get back…we will have to do another get together when you do!!!!