I’m thinking about what’s going to happen post-Challenge (March 2007), and though I’ve got a couple of wants, I think that I really want to keep a lot of the habits I’ve developed or strengthened.

I want to continue to go to garage sales and thrift stores more often; I have been re-reminded how much good stuff is out there. Along with that, I want to continue to be on the look out for great gifts all year long. Some of the best presents I have for this year were super cheap at garage sales, and normally I wouldn’t have been thinking of Christmas in July.

I want to continue to go out to eat less. I am really intrigued by enjoying it more when I do it less. That’s actually dining out….I’m not happy with take out, and am not feeling like I get value there. For dining out, I want to make sure I do it because I’m spending real quality time with friends or co-workers over lunch or dinner, and that if I’m the one who instigates it, I want to go because I want that special food, not because I’m lazy. I may spend more than now, but nowhere near what I was spending ($100 a month). I’m thinking $50 a month average will work. (Now note that I’m debt free and putting a pretty fair chunk in savings; I’m not advocating that $50 would work for everyone!)

I want to continue to be more creative in the kitchen, so that I can make tasty, simple, low cost meals that are good for me. Discovering that chicken thighs that have been put in the crock pot de-bone like a dream was a life changing experience for me. Buying and using a freezer has been awesome, and I’ve been able to be very consistent about packing a lunch and eating breakfast, partially due to new tricks (freezing oatmeal being one).

I want to remain ever vigilant in the face of lattés and manicures Costco runs and window shopping. I like that I don’t spend out of habit. I like that I know where I get a big bang for my buck. I’m not anti-latté; I’m anti latté for me. If I am going to treat myself, even treat myself super frequently, it’s going to be on the gas for a hot bath, and bubble bath and bath salts.

I want to continue to avoid clutter; appliance clutter, knick knack clutter, any unused item clutter. The less stuff I have the more I like the way my house looks.

Things I may spend money on in March, or sometime after the challenge….

I’m thinking about a laptop. As it’s a big purchase, I’d want to think on it a long time before buying, Challenge or no. I think I’d use it travelling for work a lot-and the airports seem to have free wi-fi. March happens to be a three paycheck for me, so it is tempting.

I’d like a nice jewelry stand (earrings and necklaces) and jewelry box. I have a fair collection (semi-precious stones and silver, mostly-no big money, but souvenirs from my travels and gifts, that I wear daily.) I know what I’m thinking of, and I think that I may have to spend a fair amount. I’ll be on the look out.

I’d like to be able to spend a little more on My Guy for the holidays. This year will be fine; I’m not thinking it will be bad. And what I’d be looking at spending post-Challenge, maybe $150 total for all gifts large and small, isn’t too extravagant. It’s just that a lot of things he would like are not apt to be found used or at garage sales: such as 1 gig flash drives, or original art by certain local artists, or other computer related items.

I’d like to do more weekend trips. I’d like to every couple months go up to Oregon or down to Fort Bragg and stay in a cheap hotel for a night or two.

I’d like something I can put pod casts on. Maybe an iPod, maybe not. I love certain radio shows like Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me and This American Life and others, and I’d like to be able to listen “on demand” as I walk to work and back.

I’d like to get a bra-fitting, and buy one nice high quality bra. It may sound silly, it may even be silly. However I’ve been thinking about this a long time, and come March, it’s happening.

What I won’t be changing is my lifestyle. I may have a laptop, but I’ll be hanging laundry and washing dishes by hand and making crazy blender soups. I might have a super supportive brassiere but I’ll still be buying used tops, bottoms, and shoes, and getting buck-a-bag books.