I once had a goal like this before. At the time, it was much easier to keep because I lived in a large city - 200,000+ people - and lots and lots of other shopping options. I was successful for 3 years. It was great. Now I live in a smaller town with about 30,000 people and not much to speak of when it comes to shopping (except GapOutlet - that's awesome! But also another story).
So what is this goal, you ask? To go as long as I can without shopping at Walmart. It is a crazy, silly little goal but hey, it keeps me entertained. And more than that, it keeps me happy. I wish I could adequately explain how even setting foot in that place sets me in a grumpy mood. My mood doesn't get any better attempting to traverse the mega store that is supposed to carry all my needs. I believe Walmart's true motto is "If we don't carry it, you really didn't need it anyway." And their second motto is "We really don't care if you stand in line for 20 minutes or more."
Enough said about that curse-ed store.
So far I've successfully avoided that store for 30 days! Yeah! I should start a club or something. I'm telling you, this is not an easy feat. Here's how I've happily managed:
1) Aldi! What a blessed store. Seriously awesome. You have to check it out if you haven't. I love that it's small, contained and very inexpensive. I can buy a gallon of milk at least $0.50 or more cheaper than that store-who-shall-not-be-named. One thing I've been surprisingly pleased about has been the produce. Very good! I have been saving a lot of money doing my grocery shopping there. Anyway, awesome store.
2) Coupons! Wow, I never knew coupons could be so much fun. I've seen blog post after blog post of friends of mine who've gotten loads of groceries for dirt cheap. Well, I figured it was worth a try. Very addicting. I even dragged Clark tonight on our date to Homeland (our local grocery store that doubles coupons). I think he might have been slightly impressed. $36 of groceries for $10 - not bad for a newbie. Coupons are my new obsession. I laughed when Clark gave me a "coupon" for Valentine's day to buy some make-up. He knows the way to my heart.
So there you have it. My goal. My progress. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do when we run out of diapers. Target is 45 minutes away and going to Kmart - well, that's a bit scary. Maybe I can pay someone to buy them for me. Better yet, I'll send Clark.
