Material Temptations

Every once in a while I get major cravings for material things! I'm not talking designer clothes or fancy jewelry, (although thank you Chris for the nice earrings at Christmas), etc.

I know I'll probably never own a yacht, or live in a castle (side note: Ava thinks almost every old building or church is a castle. I'm keeping her dream alive by just saying, "Oh yes, a castle!"), or have every latest crafting gizmo. It seems the things that are way out of reach for me are easy to not desire or long for.

It's those things that are just within reach or maybe just out of reach, that tempt me the most. My list of "things I want" is growing as I battle the wishes and wants. The other side, the practical, learning to be patient, and trying to figure out what it means to be frugal - side is barely winning at the moment. Winning enough to keep me from going out and spending big chunks of change - I'm surpressing that natural man (woman) for now.

So, what do I want? What material things am I wanting to get? That list is coming. First, more details. It's not that I can't buy the occasional bigger sticker item (keeping in mind that "bigger" depends on perspective), it's that I can't have them all - not all at once for sure. Boo Hoo. Really, it's just figuring out when and what and in what order. Also, with the scares of recession and worries of losing money in a stock market tumble, the mind to be frugal kicks in even more. Rainy days ahead?

My List: (I won't list my "things I want but are way out of reach" list)

• tile flooring for my kitchen & bathrooms (getting estimates)
• a basketball goal (for me)
• a digital SLR camera & Adobe Photoshop (probably going to wait a little while)
• lawn and landscaping work (obviously this will wait at least until spring)
• new curtains & pillows for living room & curtains for kitchen (already bought some fabric)
• fabric -lots of fabric - I'm really getting excited about some sewing projects (more details to come in future blog)
• new computer (this is actually already in the works. Chris is going to build me one and has most of the the parts already)
• breadmaker (anyone have any recommendations in this area?)

I'll leave the list at this, although, I could go on. It's really silly to be making such a big deal about material things, I know. I, as do many of you, have soooo many things to be thankful for and already have soooo many extra comforts (again perspective) and blessings in our lives. So what if I can't drain savings and have everything all at once? It's a good lesson in fiscal responsibility and patience. My dad gave some good advice once when he told me, "Don't want too much too soon."

Footnote: Okay, let's be honest now. Maybe the reason I'm not going out and getting everything all at once isn't as much that I've had some sort of epiphany about frugality but more that the "husband gods" aren't on board with all of my wants and wishes and don't always let me have my way. (Is is okay to curse the husband gods??)