Not shopping with my lovely partner!

Today I ventured out of the house in daylight and went to do the weekly shop at Tesco.

Then  we went to TK Maxx, As some of you know I have given up shopping for lent. so TK Maxx is a dangerous place to be. Not when you get taken there by your lovely partner! Technically I was not shopping as I did not spend any money. (yes its bending the rules but I have been very miserable).

This was our first purchase, how beautiful! 

Then it was this lovely big treat Jar for the dogs! 

It is massive and we have been able to put all sorts of different bones and treats in there. 

More pressie's for the dogs....

We did get them a new toy each. 

However the Labrador is not a fan of sharing. 

Socks for the kids (no picture they are just socks) 

and a new sun hat each. 

 my blue hat is a bit of a change from my usual 50's vintage hat, however I need to keep the sun out of my eye's now! it is a nice floppy material. 

I have had my post shopping sit down now, So I had better crack on and get the food put away. Hope you are having a lovely Sunday!

Day 2.....

Well I have discovered that I am not mad! There are many other people who are doing without over lent, My LSP (Long Suffering Partner), is giving up crisps, to anyone who know's LSP they know this is a huge sacrifice.

I have discovered many people in blogland who are doing the same. I have been inspired by  Midnight Maniac  and have pledged to do without for 40 days. Midnight Maniac is going without meat and clothes shopping. Tea and Crumpets  is also doing without clothes shopping for 40 days!

So today was day 2, Busy day so no time to think about shopping, that is until lunch time. A lunch break is very important to me, There was a time when I rarely had one, however. I only get paid for a 7.5 hour day. I start at 08:30 and finish at 17:00. If I do not take a lunch break then I am giving 1 hour of my time for free, as much as I love my job I am not a volunteer especially in the current climate of pay cuts. I am less inclined to donate my services.  I try to have one at least 4 times per week (crisis permitting).

So its lunch time and I am hungry, I walk down to the shop and pick up a salad, walk back to my desk and eat my Salad, As I am eating I find myself reading my email's, drafting an email and before I know it I am working!!! Admittedly I am shovelling Salad at the same time but this is still work.

I considered going for a walk however the wind was blowing a gale and the rain was starting so a walk was not top of my list!

So I take myself off to the library for the last 1/2 hour of my lunch break. I started by Joining the library. Shocking I know, I am 35 and not a member. But I am now. I had a nice wander around then headed up to the local studies section. I love genealogy. So I spent some time looking through the history book's written about my village.

It was a fab way to spend a lunch break, nearly as good as going for a spot of shopping!!!!

Lent

Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent.

 I do not always observe lent but this year I am.

I am going to give up shopping!!!!! It would be to easy to give up alcohol as I seldom drink, I can give or take chocolate so will naturally go for weeks without any same with crisps, biscuits and other snack food.

Shopping will be a real struggle. I love shopping. Especially if I am getting a bargain!

I will still be buying food as I cannot expect myself and my family go on a 40 day fast. However, I will not be buying any clothes, shoes, bags, hats, jewellery, ornaments, books, magazines, newspaper's etc. I will not be visiting any antiques shops, markets, charity shops, department stores, ebay, etsy, and so on.....

If we don't need to eat it or need it to clean the house, clothes or ourselves it won't be coming into the house!

Obviously if something blow's up then it may need to be replaced if it is an essential! Otherwise, no shopping. 

Why, put myself through this torture!

 I have had a few experiences in the past month of meeting people who have nothing or very little, people who due to the changes in the way that benefits are being dealt with that they have no money for food. It makes my spending seem very frivolous and indulgent. I will spend time thinking about people who cannot go shopping. Not just people in this country but people all over the world who spend their day's just trying to get buy, who work all day to earn enough to feed their family. People who walk half the day to collect water. 

I think this is the meaning of lent to most people today, the opportunity to think about other's and their difficulties. 

I know I will be tempted.........

But must stay strong......