Dear Shopping,

I have missed you. I remember from what seems like a different life, when you and I had a good relationship. I needed a sweater so you and I would meet to resolve the situation. Or maybe one of my household appliances needed replacing. You were there when I needed you.

And then the recession and kids happened We had to part ways. Sure, I went "shopping." But only after saving for weeks or months even, collecting pop cans and pennies, selling valuable items on craigslist . . . oh, I got creative. And you and I only happened when it was absolutely necessary--and not without its risk and stress.

Lately I've been walking past the kids room. Hard not to notice the drapes I hung with thumbtacks in DD's room. Or the broken blinds and bed sheets covering the window's in DS's room. Depressing.

Just imagine the delight I felt when there was a little extra padding in the bank this weekend. A smidge extra because we finally paid off one more debt that had been straggling us. Ha!

I'm going shopping! I told DH. SHOPPING! I haven't uttered those words in 4 years.

New window treatments for the kiddos! There rooms look completely transformed. And no guilt or stress about counting every penny.

Now, to sign DD up for summer camp!

But Shopping, just so you know, this won't be a weekly affair. We'll have to limit our visitations for special occasions.

~Limewave.