20 December 2008

The Christmas Challenge isn't as easy as I had thought

So, I've spent 80% of my Christmas budget (leaving me with 60 bucks), and still have a bunch of presents to buy. Sucks! At this point, I am sure I'll go over, but it's a question of how much. Part of that is because when I budgeted for presents, I missed some things I bought last year that didn't come through on my accounts until January (I don't really know why, but that's okay). Part of it is because I spent too much on my kids, because I love them and like to buy them things and haven't bought them anything all year. And the last part is I forgot to budget for my Christmas tree, which was 40 bucks, and I cut it down all by myself, and it looks like this:
Did I mention I cut it down myself? Yeah, I'm really proud of that. It's one of those things that when I separated from my ex, I thought "OMG, how will I do this by myself?" But I did, just like I learned how to cook chicken (I have an excuse, I was a vegetarian for 13 years!) and shovel my own driveway and kill (or liberate) spiders.

It's incredible how you think that you CAN'T do something just because someone has always done it for you- but you can. And I have.

6 comments:

AmberW said...

I, unfortunately, went WAY over my budget. Ughhh... I was so mad at myself.
That tree is AWESOME! I agree, there were a lot of things running through my mind when I split with my ex - and one of them was putting up the Christmas tree!! WE CAN DO IT!

Maggie said...

Your tree is beautiful!!
Good for you for cutting it down by yourself.

Lisa said...

Just found your blog a few days ago and have enjoyed reading it. I'll be a frequent visitor.

manda said...

Cute tree...I could never cut a tree down...Well maybe but dragging it to my truck is another story :)

Jen said...

I just had to tell you that I love that picture on your fireplace.

We went over budget this year also but I am very proud that we didn't put anything on a credit card.

Kimberli said...

Cute tree!! And good for you, spoiling the boys a little bit. You bought awesome gifts. Who else to buy for? They're adults, right? They'll understand...