Shame and Spending

So, I begin this post not with my usual list of prices and purchases--although Lord knows there should be around 50 items listed here, probably to the bottom of the page. I'm ashamed to say that I avoided my blogging duties for the past few weeks, shirking the experiment I laid upon myself in aggressively evaluating the way I spend. A lot of this stemmed from my reluctance to relate my (relatively) recent trip to northern Michigan with my boyfriend, where I was in charge of paying for food and fun. There were a lot of receipts to go through after I returned to Ohio and so I delayed the inevitable. Now, even more weeks have passed--repeated and shameless swipes of my credit card--and yet it is now that I am shamed into returning to my experiment again.

I am shamed by a few second-hand wearing hippies out in San Francisco. I know, it all seems rather prosaic but it's true. A group who calls their environmental spurning of consumerism "the Compact," this group actively avoids making not only unnecessary purchases but ALL purchases except for necessities. They live on the barter system and canned plums from their backyard. They attend "Really Really Free Markets" in downtown SF, where a mohawked biker trades free haircuts for tote bags made out of old chip bags. Ok, some aren't that bad but you get the concept. Anyway, I haven't been exactly shamed into joining them but it did make me think about my own consumeristic habits--particularly how bad they are. Now, I'm a frugal person. My mother says I'm positively spartan in a lot of respects, particularly for my age group and the peers with which I surround myself (spoiled, upper-middle-class, white kids at a relatively expensive midwestern college). I don't engage in a lot of the frivolities of my fellow college students, which can include blowing $100 in shots any given week night. I also tend to avoid the obsession with "expensive chic." I'm happy to say that I actively avoid all Apple products except for my 3-year-old iPod, and frankly don't care about wearing $20 jeans. I think I carry myself well in the world of privilege, despite my limited economic status, proving that it's more than easy to fake your way through even the most materialistic culture.

However, the Compact group touched on items that even I take for granted. I wasn't raised to be brand-obsessed, but is it wrong that I enjoy Dove shampoo and conditioner? Am I just a tad too consumeristic when I swear by an elite line of specialized lotions from Bath & Body Works? What about the make-up I picked up last night at Target? It was just bronzer and Lord knows I don't need it, but it's a product that helps me feel good about myself. In a way, products like these DO define us. It's easy to laugh at the girl who carries a $150 purse, or the Apple-devoted who think nothing of dropping $2000 on a laptop. In a way, these people deserve to be laughed at because of their devotion to "trend." But, what about our daily necessities? The things we believe we need, as opposed to the products we actually do need to survive (food, shelter, etc).

Anyway, I felt a tad bad about the whole thing. However, since I can't see myself giving up my shampoo too soon, I was at least shamed back to this blog. I'm not going to list my purchases, like I've done in the past, but I will try my best to recall the myriad of spending that has occured over the past few weeks.

About a week after my boyfriend's birthday, I tried to swear off spending--didn't work. If the "staycation" is this year's hot travel buzzword for the budget minded, for the petit-ami and I, it was the mini-vacation. I left on a Friday afternoon, driving up the Interstate to Detroit. I of course topped off my gas tank the night before, as well as stocked up on snacks for the drive and hotel room. I also stopped at McDonalds so that I would have at least one "real" meal during the 5-hour drive, but immediately regretted that needless expense as simply disgusting. My boyfriend found us a room at a local Mariott (and quite a fancy one if I may say so myself) for $50 a night, a bargain considering the room usually went for $350. Thank you, Priceline.com. We had a delicious seafood dinner at a nice (expensive) restaurant nearby, which included some fruity drinks and an appetizer to commemorate the festive occasion. We then saw Wall-E--which was totally worth the $18 price of admission for both of us. The next morning, we set off for northern Michigan, my boyfriend at the wheel of his car (thank goodness). It was another 4-hour drive north through breathtaking scenery, only to take us to the western shore near Glen Arbor and Sleeping Bear Dunes State Park. We first stopped off at Glen Arbor, a sleepy little tourist town that comes alive in the summer due to the impeccably blue waters of its inland lake. It's also the home of the Cherry Republic, a long-awaited destination for my cherry-loving boyfriend. We spent time and money there (although I did use cash), buying cherry trailmix and candies. I also spent about $40 of my parents' money on gifts for them. We ate lunch at the Republic as well, which was relatively affordable and delicious.

We then left Glen Arbor for the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes, which cost about $10 for an all-day parking pass. There were no fees for climbing the sand dunes, nor the driving tour which took us right to the banks of Lake Michigan. Around 4:30, we left the coast for Traverse City, a smaller city located about 30 minues from the coast but right on Traverse Bay. We then ate at one of the best restaurants in town, meticulously picked out beforehand, for more seafood. Then, it was back to the Marriott where we promptly passed out from exhaustion. After lunch at Panera the next morning, I left around 1 and was back home that afternoon.

My boyfriend and I split the cost of our psuedo-two-day escape from reality. He paid for the hotel and all the gas, and I paid for the food (at restaurants and on the road) and the movie. It was an almost a 50/50 split, and probably cost us around $200 each. Not bad, and completely worth it.

Upon coming back to reality, I went out shopping for a friend's wedding present. Speaking of which, my boyfriend still owes me $20 for his half. I also bought a dress for the wedding, some jewelry, and a sweater that I fell in love with through a store window. I also rented the last two DVDs of the second season of Big Love, which I had decided upon watching straight through this summer and had left off midway through due to the high cost of DVD rentals. Of course, I have bought gas more than a few times, although I was happy to fill my tank on $3.50 a gallon a few times. Thank goodness for falling crude prices. I have also paid the interest on my student loans, about $180-worth. Of course, I have made my car payment for August (another $180) and am soon to make my insurance payment. I have bought barbeque at a local street festival and bought a stack of books at Ohio Bookstore in downtown Cincinnati (you can't help but buy something if only keep such a tradition alive). Last night, I purchased a slip-cover for my futon, the only reason being I'm tired of its "redness" loudly overwhelming my dorm room. I bought face wipes, absolutely imperative for removing make-up and oil at the end of the day (see what I mean about "necessary" purchases?) I have also purchased, borrowed or collected roughly three-quarters of the novels I need for my classes this semester (all used). As luck would have it, I joyfully discovered I already owned a $40 anthology of sixteenth and seventeenth century literature, saving me precious dollars. I also bought the appropriate wrappings for my said friend's wedding present. I ordered a $50 parking pass for the semester, although that will have to be paid back to my parents later. I bought around $15 in iTunes, making a mix CD so that I would have something new to listen to on the way to Detroit. And I finally got a haircut--$30 that I have been putting off all summer long.

Now, there probably were a few more purchases in there that I have already forgotten. But this is the best representation I can give you right now. I've stuck close with my family this summer, letting them handle most of the expenses I can guilt-trip them into. Of course, I've gotten paid during this time, so I'm not simply a human ATM machine. I still have many more expenses to address until school, but rest assured, you will be the first to know of it.

Interesting article

It somewhat relates to the subtitle of this blog, so I thought it an interesting read...

Oh, and before I forget, there will be another long entry soon devoted to my recent trip to Detroit and northern Michigan, so be on the lookout for that. I typically stave off consumeristic regret by not recording expensive and multiple transactions in my checkbook until I receive a paycheck (which happens to be this Friday), but I can not avoid my moral obligation--to myself, at the very least--to post it here for all the world to revel in my buying habits.

But again, back to the article. If you click the link, it'll bring you to an article with a creepy photo at the top. I hate to think of my face as a Starbucks logo, but the Nintendo kid is just frightening looking.

Branded
From the New York Times

Late in 2006, pollsters at the Pew Research Center called up 2,000 Americans and asked a simple question: Which products could people simply not live without? Take the dishwasher, for instance — was it a luxury or an ineluctable necessity of modern life? And did they believe they needed, rather than merely wanted, a clothes washer and dryer? How about a home computer, a microwave oven, high-speed Internet service and air-conditioning? Yes, yes, yes and yes, the nation nodded in assent. In just about every product category, Americans’ self-professed needs had ballooned since the hand-to-mouth 1990s. Not long ago, we thought of the cellphone as a high-class extravagance; nowadays, we feel naked without it.

That we are, as a nation, consumed by consumerism will surprise few.

Read more

I need a raise

Money Spent: $4.95
What: iTunes songs

Money Spent: $79.88
What: Ralph Lauren polo shirt

Money Spent: $66.56
What: Nautica cologne set

Money Spent: $69.06
What: Groceries

Money Spent: $13.00
What: Drinks (one martini, a seven-and-seven, and a vodka gimlet)

Money Spent: $43.78
What: Dinner at Brazenhead

Money Spent: $35.00
What: Gas

Money Spent: $27.94
What: Gas

Frankly, I don't want to talk about it. Since July 1, I've spent over $500. It was worth it because items two through five were dedicated to my boyfriend's 21st birthday (and I don't regret a single penny because he deserves it), but the buck really DOES stop here. I'm done. I'll wait to ask for the external hard drive and new laptop battery for my birthday (in September), and I really don't need new clothes. The only thing I plan on buying (for SURE) this summer is a dress for a friend's wedding and a wedding present. Other than that, it's gas and maybe a few extra bucks during a trip to visit the boyfriend in Michigan. *Sigh* I've been waiting so long to write this entry...I've been too scared to even look at my finances. Thank goodness I get paid this Friday.

Another month

Money Spent: $180.98
What: Car insurance

It's due on the 15th, so I gave it a go a little early this time. Oh why not get into the habit of making my payments on time? :)

I must point out, though, that there is a suspiciously missing entry between this and my last. I went out and bought my boyfriend's 21st birthday present last night and I'm sure everyone is just itching to see how much dough I spent and what he got. Unfortunately, I won't let him cheat the system on this one. Since he doesn't get to know until Friday, then YOU don't get to know until Friday. But rest assured, I have plenty to say about the art of gift giving. Stay tuned.

The last time...I promise

Money Spent: $21.06
What: Dinner at Mimi's Cafe

Money Spent: around $15
What: the DVD "Amelie"

Money Spent: $3.50
What: Candy and frozen lemonade

I seriously think this is my last bout of heavy spending for at least...a week. At least when it comes to eating out. The story behind this is that my friend is leaving for France in two days. A best friend, I will not see her until our birthdays (my 22nd, her 21st) at the end of September. We obviously needed to have a "girl's night out" before she left, bringing us to Mimi's and two delicious dinners--the leftovers of which we both inconveniently left at the restaurant. I then bought "Amelie" at Best Buy because 1) she had not seen it, 2) it was perfectly French and 3) I had been wanting to buy the movie for a long time (it being one of my favorites). We almost waited in line for ice cream at Greater's but decided to buy our own snacks at Krogers instead. (The candy, just to clarify, is for my desk at work). My friends couldn't have picked a worse time to all be flying the coup for bigger and better adventures elsewhere--all these "going away" dinners are seriously going to break the bank. Seriously, what's wrong with Cincinnati, Ohio?

In the spending forecast, there are some major purchases on the horizen. My boyfriend's 21st birthday is only a week away, requiring me to do some major shopping sometime next week. I will delay posting that purchase, however, since he reads this blog. Then there will be the birthday dinner, etc, etc. Also, I need to start seriously considering buying a latop battery and external hard drive. I found the brand I liked in the Dell flyer, and so now I have a more legit way of researching these Iomega drives without resorting to Amazon. And the orange light is still blinking on the laptop, and so that problem HAS to be addressed before I go back to school in the fall.

Money Spent: $7.00
What: Two Starbucks frappacinos

Money Spent: $10.64
What: Earbuds

Money Spent: $54.31
What: Gas

Ok, I'll admit it. Starbucks is a luxury item and I shouldn't indulge in the tasty, sugery concoction that is a mocha frappacino too often. Lucky for me, I don't. But my boyfriend took me out to lunch yesterday and so, with 15 minutes to spare before I had to be back at the office, we decided to waste some time at the local Starbucks. Unfortunately, you can't waste time at a Starbucks without buying something, so I provided our post-lunch dessert. One interesting note about Starbucks, though: the company said yesterday that they plan on closing 19% of new stores that have been opened during the past two years. They cite the suffering economy for the loss of business. I find the concept of the closing Starbucks store--as opposed to a new branch opening every other day--rather telling. In the Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks film "You've Got Mail," Hanks' commentary on their role in society seem to infer that Starbucks had become as ubiquitous a part of American culture as, I don't know, morning traffic. And if they're featured as the meeting place of the Upper West Side book elite, they are also the epitomy of hip and therefore prime material for copy-cat suburbanites. Although I don't see this as the fall of the Starbucks empire, I do find it interesting that Americans, stripped of extra cash by the rising costs of food and gas, can forego those non-fat lattes if they so choose. 10 years ago we may not have heard that tune, but my how times have changed.

The earbuds were a simple choice because the ones that came with my iPod were completely shot...my iPod rounding out its third year on this planet. I refuse to satiate Steve Jobs too much, and either haven't had the money or interest to snap up every product that's come out of Apple. I have my dignity, you know. And those stupid Mac vs. PC commercials annoy me to no end. Sorry Steve, I'm still going to use my Dell no matter how "un-hip" that may make me. With that said, I do need a new iPod but don't have the extra cash this summer. My plan is to wait til Christmas when I can take advantage of the generosity of my elders.

And finally, gas. That's right, it's been 2 whole weeks since I last got gas. I stretched that tank and I'm PROUD. My secret? Well, it is no secret but common knowledge that most people tend to forget. For two weeks, I have barely touched my air conditioning. I drive home with all my windows down and my music turned up, and have reaped the rewards by doubling my drive time. My boyfriend assures me that "everybody" knows about this, but I argue that my discovery is enlightening because I have witnessed this miracle under the terror of $4 gas, the fear of which threatened to completely demoralize me a few weeks ago. I was ready to give up on humanity for awhile. I bought the gas for$4.09 a gallon, unleaded of course. Probably not the best for my engine, and my mother always taught me to automatically default with the "middle button." However, everyone has to buck their upbringing sometime. Filled with this knowledge, I now marvel at those still driving around with their windows sealed tight and their air conditioning pumping. I would have understood them a year ago--when I drove with air conditioning all the time on $3 a gallon. But now, I stand in slightly disgusted awe. I would understand if I took the highway home and witnessed this spectacle, but I don't. I take back roads where the average speed is 35 mph. People... Also a good sign, my car's little computer tells me that I have upped my miles per gallon from 23 mpg to 25.6 mpg. Considering that's all city driving with a V6 engine, I take that as a point of pride. Let's see if I keep it this way for awhile.

Another belated entry

Money Spent: $4.95
What: iTunes

Money Spent: $4.79
What: Blockbuster rental of "Michael Clayton"

Money Spent: $5.38
What: UDF ice craem

Hey, the good news is that all of these tiny purchases are all under $6! Eh? Eh? Ok, I know. Rein in your spending, Laura. Keep that wallet closed. Don't fritter away useful dollars and cents on a music downloading site, where 99 cents songs are like crack to an addict.

I know all these things. But I guess I will, at least, forgive myself these snapshots of discretionary spending in the name of hedonism. Downloading "Young Folks" by Peter, Bjorn and John makes me happy...thank you very much. And it's only the second time I've hit the "buy song" button this summer. I consider that an accomplishment.

The other purchases were in the valient name of date nights everywhere. Plus, I've been dating the same guy for more than three years now. I can afford to foot the bill of ice cream and a rental if he pays for dinner. Romance isn't all dead, but fiscal responsibility is also a crucial component of any relationship you expect (or want) to last. If you, as a female, can look your man in the eye and say "Sweetie, I'll pay for that," it should be a moment of liberation as well as maturity. You have a job--don't deny it. And you save money too, as much as you would like the opposite sex to believe that we spend it all on shoes, hence our empty wallets when the check comes. Don't expect him to stay with you long if he has to foot the bill everytime, ladies. Now, I'm not the champion of feminism everywhere--he did pay for the dinner, and drove for that matter. But I hope that these feminist war cries go a little ways toward explaining my extra spending. I mean, it's only $10...

Oh, and the question I know you're all dying for an answer: was "Michael Clayton" worth the money? Maybe, depending on your tastes. Too bad the boy fell asleep halfway through. But ah, so is love.