Sunday check-in

Great morning! 

This morning I went tote hunting again. In case you're curious what I'm looking for, you can find it here. 

I was pretty confident the internet was lying to me again about it being in stock, but I had nothing else to do this morning, so I went. Plus I told myself I could test out the 2 new credit cards I received. I wanted to test them out because Card #1 was received in April but has refused to work. I spoke to the Fraud team recently, and they were supposed to remove the block and update my account. Well, I could confirm one of those things was still not true.

Credit card dreams

Well, both cards worked. But I still had no tote.  My local Walmart was a a little more stocked than it was last week, but still looked picked over. I found it amusing that every single Mother's Day card display was empty. Every. Single. One.  I had just never seen that before - maybe I haven't gone down the greeting card aisle on Mother's Day? I don't know. 

I usually see seasonal items like months before the actual day and the displays are always full, and I always chuckle to myself like who buys this stuff. The people do, the people. 

This morning I was one of those people. I bought two Mother's Day-themed picture frames.  They just caught my heart. I hung one, but I think I will return the other. I actually tried to return the other before I left the store, but the line was soooo long.  And the store was already busy, I just wanted to go home.

I think the credit cards were having their effect on me because in addition to impulse buying the picture frames ($15), I impulse bought 4 dresses at the first Walmart ($28). I justified the dresses as it would be easy outfits for my new job. These impulse buys are further affirmation that I am not ready for responsible regular credit card use. 

It's so funny because I think I'm pretty budget conscious and have learned my lesson about credit card debt, but just having that credit card on me, and I started to believe all the hopes and dreams and lies! It was amazing. The human mind is amazing. 

Suffice to say, when I got home, I put the 2 cards away and froze the accounts, including the one of the card I have yet to receive. Their intended purpose was to get the sign-up bonuses (~$550) when I bought things for the house, namely washer, dryer, and furniture! 

Family and money

So one of my relatives sent me an email to check-in, re: the pandemic. I was pretty skeptical as the last time I received an email from them, it was followed up with a money ask. I've already budgeted $600 bi-annually to this family, so I'm letting the email go unanswered for now. 

Other things to buy

It may be another effect of having the spending power of 3 credit cards, but I now find myself in the preliminary market for a home security system. I justified it for peace of mind for when I move for my Big Pharma Life.  Two of my neighbors as well as a couple peers have either the doorbell cam or some sort of nanny cam. So it seems like a thing people do. 

I guess the doorbell cam would be more of a deterrent, but I think I am leaning toward installing an indoor camera on the inside of the house.  With some preliminary clicks, I think I do want something motion-sensored; that records video; free storage would be nice; able to view in real time either with an app or on the web (I may need to upgrade my cell phone). A budget one I found in two reviews was: Wyze Cam. 

It boasts free 14 day storage and the reviewers say it gets the job done. I'm not needing anything too fancy, just mostly a pair of eyes on the house, even in case of like some sort of leak or weird maintenance need.  The only thing I would have of value would be my $200 TV from 5 years ago. I'm sure you can get much nicer things for less. But again, criminals aren't necessarily logical. 

Sunday and the week to come

So, once I get off this thing, I am going to attempt to park myself in front of the TV with a hot bowl of beans and rice. I am purposing to do No Financial Transactions this work week (Mon - Fri); this includes spending, paying bills, as well as moving money for bank bonuses. I would like some time to mellow out and just absorb the changes about to come, near and far. Plus, the humans are going to be running loose if the trips to Walmart are any indication, as our state is in Phase 1 of easing Covid restrictions.  So retail stores, except restaurant, are back in business. 

See you next time!