"Month of Poverty" Confessions

Pretty typical of the last year of my life....but here is the post I wrote 8/31 and now am posting 9/24:
The month ends tonight.
I can report on a variety of unexpected expenses.
Boo.
Hiss.
A speeding ticket, resulting in a court visit, resulting in forking out $120, plus another $179 for vehicle registration in the beehive state, and a beehive state driver's license at $25, left me distanced from my anticipated $0 position. Seriously, mapleton. Seriously, maryland. Anyway.
Then there were the 4-5 emergency food stops...
And then there was the purchase of the most amazing baby carrier. Ever. Ergobaby and Costco unite. We had a scout hike scheduled and the baby bjorn was not going to cut it with h. She's a beast to tote. And with the distance planned, e was going to need a break too, so the kelty pack would be occupado.
Rationalizations.
I admit.
Bottom line the thing was $80 and I've never seen them for less than $100.
So other than the "emergencies," it was an excellent exercise in restraint.
I started wish lists and soul-searched my needs vs wants.
I was able to produce creative service, birthday gifts, meals for last-minute dinner guests and new mommas, dinner parties for family, and host out of town guests (please come back tayes').
I baked three custard rhubarb pies without eggs (ground flax seed, baby).
Forced myself to extend my reuse and recycle.
BUT.
The most amazing things I learned this month were about the dears in my life:
cheri, you bought me a bolt of ikea children's fabric that will make me emotional every time i see the items made from it. that was probably one of my tops gifts. ever. your support guided my determination to stick with the plan. i didn't want to let you down.
mom, you brought me eggs three times this month. i love you and appreciate your continual support as i strive to breed self-discipline in my character.
rachel, the dozens of kindnesses that you plunk down to help me stay on track with my crazy goals.
mica, creative ideas of playdates that are free, plus your generosity in sharing your zoo pass with us.
aline, patiently meeting for lunch where you order and i produce an assortment of home-grabbed randomness. :)
husband, you are always game for whatever adventure i throw down. trooper.
So, next month my goal is to spend $300 on food and $200 on fuel. I have money budgeted for h's big TWO party. Other than that, it's the same story. Let's see if I stick to it!

Here's pre-hike proof of my obedience to local laws

Best sisters forever

e is a mountain goat! She always finds a good walking stick and uses it the whole hike :)