The Compact Challenge 2010 (formally "Need help for a challenge")

pink_numbers

well done for just buying what you needed in town. I am too scared to venture out in town yet, I don't feel my will power is strong enough.

I am busy making a second kitty blanket, as the first one seems to have been taken over by my Queen kitty :rolleyes: It's actually quite motivating to crochet for charity, although I haven't checked with them yet if they'd find them useful... I think I shall take a couple over and see what they say (when the ice melts).

How is the weather where you are both? Our road is treacherous! OH had to drive a van for work, and came to pick me up, then we promptly got stuck on an ice skating rink. Fortunately, a very very kind young man (saying that makes me sound so old) came to our aid, and DUG THE ICE WITH HIS BARE HANDS! :eek: we were so touched by his kindness. I really hope we will bump into his again so that we can thank him properly.

Aril

Hello thanks for being so welcoming. It's been a good day today for my OH as he has benefitted from my Dad's large turnout- OH now has a load of good condition shirts and ties. His worn out ties and shirts will now go in the recycling so nothing bought there.
I need to get my son's best friend a birthday present tomorrow- it will be something new but I have spotted the Winter Beano and Dandy book in Poundland which my small person says will be right up his street so if it's still there tomorrow that will be hopefully my only expenditure.
I didn't realise that there was a European compact group- I shall have to investigate that one further I think. Thanks for the info
Our little part of Sussex has had a fair amount of snow. I'm fortunate that I can get to work on foot and we live only 10 mins from the supermarket. Our road is still to dangerous to get out of but we tend to walk most places anyway. I don't think we've used the car since Monday.
Have a good weekend!
Aril

415SanFran

Ha ha I used to love the Beano when I was young?

I have been up to my arms in blocked drains today, the sink in the bathroom decided to just stop working, I had caustic soda left over from when I cleaned the patio last summer.
I used that NOTHING, so I took of the U bend, couldn't see anything blocking the way, so used a really strong solution of the soda, and this time it cleared in about half an hour. Thankfully. Ina previous life I would have used the caustic soda, after that I would have been calling a plumber, thankfully a little perseverance worked. I looked on here at the DIY thread and at one time did wonder if the pipes had frozen, so was prepared to wait it out, but whilst I was on there I got idiot instuctions on how to take off the U bend.

pink_numbers

I've just fessed up to my stupidness on my blog, and I am copying it here as I really can't face writing it all again

"This post is me being honest with you all, and being accountable.

Amongst many things, I suffer from Bipolar Disorder (aka Manic Depression). If you've never really looked into bipolar, it is where you can be super duper all mighty & powerful, OR you just want to go and hide in a hole for months at a time.

The reason why I bring the bipolar up is because dealing with my bipolar is one of the main reasons for doing The Compact Challenge and Living on 6k challenge. When you are up (or 'manic'), you tend to think you can do anything, and spend LOTS of money.

I have tried to deal with this for years by squireling away any money I have on the down (depression) months, so that I had a buffer of money to spend, without ending up spending money for essential things. This drive to spend is very strong, and unreasonable - you cannot control it, like a person with a serious illness cannot help but be sick. All you can do is damage limitation. However, you can imagine it is NOT thrifty to be spending hundreds of pounds on stuff, driven by an illness. So I forced myself on to my challenges to see if I can deal with it better.

I knew I would have many failures along the way (it is an mental illness after all, not just matter of will power - I have lots of will power). Today was the first failure, and I feel pathetic for failing within the first week. I bought some yarn. Yes, MORE yarn... It's pathetic.

The good news is, I have really taken note of this ridiculous situation.I have now put a system in place to cause maximum resistance to me going out and buying stuff. My OH has now hidden my debit card somewhere in the house (no idea where!) and I will have to ask him for it when I need to get money out. Btw, he is not responsible for deciding whether I should get the card or not. This is simply a safe guard that is designed to make me think before I act.

I am very sorry to have failed already, but I am also pleased that I have actually done something about it this time, rather than bury myself with feeling of guilt for weeks and weeks."

pink_numbers

Sorry you guys. I've let you down

Aril

Pink Numbers I've pmed you .
Arilx

veggieblob

Pink Numbers - I've been lurking on this thread because I find it inspiring. I'm not up to doing the whole hog but I have made improvements after reading your thread and I bet I'm not the only one! I can't comment on the bi-polar aspect as I know very little about it, but it does appear that you have a wonderful way of managing it, even if you do trip up occasionally.
Please don't hide from the thread because you have had a hiccup. You are helping people look at what they are spending and are an inspiration, even more so for being honest about your "blips".
If you were my daughter I'd say I'm very proud of you and what you are doing - I really hope that comes across as it's meant, not as condescending!
Keep up the good work!
Suex

415SanFran

OK Listen up.. (Think bossy Mother voice here)

First of all you are NOT a failure! And I NEVER want to see that word again. Work out what was special about this particular yarn, color? feel?anything? you have to work out the triggers . If not take it back, say something like you picked the wrong color or what ever. If you can't do that I suggest that you make something with it and give the item to a charity, or a elderly neighbor.
Next I suggest you ask hubby for the card and YOU freeze it, yes stick it in the freezer in a tub of water and make it into a ice block. That gives YOU the control back. Now the next time you have to spend you have 6 hour wait for it, in that time you might have realized that you don't really need it, and it is just a kneejerk reaction to something, but it gives YOU the control.
(normal voice) I know a little of bi polar but not a lot I will be away this weekend but I promise to read up on it when I get back.
Mr America and I are going to see Oliver in London this weekend.

oldMcDonald

415SanFran wrote: »

Next I suggest you ask hubby for the card and YOU freeze it, yes stick it in the freezer in a tub of water and make it into a ice block. That gives YOU the control back. Now the next time you have to spend you have 6 hour wait for it, in that time you might have realized that you don't really need it, and it is just a kneejerk reaction to something, but it gives YOU the control.

Just a little warning....

We did this a couple of years ago, and then we needed one of the cards for a breakdown which led to a very expensive repair of our mini-bus. When we defrosted our card the white signature strip on the back was destroyed and the chip and pin had stopped working on it - we had to get new cards sent out. Whilst waiting for the new cards did stop any impulse spending, it wasn't all that helpful in an emergency!

oldMcDonald

pink_numbers wrote: »

Sorry you guys. I've let you down

Pink_numbers

I've been reading your blog, and here, with interest. I am still in two minds whether to jump in or not - I'm kind of sticking my toe in and testing the water! I'm quietly taking part in the background and if I feel brave enough then I will officially join in in a week or two:D

If you hadn't started this thread, I would not know about the compact challenge and would probably still be buying a load of tat. You are at the begining of a long journey and this is hardly letting people down! It's just a blip. It is a huge change in your lifestyle that you are undertaking and, in the scheme of things, the odd blip here or there is nothing. In all honesty, I think that you are an insperation!