Retail therapy

This week I have worked 61 hours. Yes, SIXTY-ONE.
And guess what? I am still sane!

When the offer of extra freelance work became available, I talked to Rob about it. We decided that it was too good for me to pass up, and that we would just knuckle down and make it work. For the sake of earning some extra money.

Some of that money will go towards Christmas shopping, but not much. We pretty much have that area covered with the shopping “points” we earn with our credit card. We get points for every dollar we spend. We put everything we possibly can onto our credit card, and automatically pay the full amount off each month. We save the “points” up all year, and then cash them in to use for Christmas presents. It WORKS.

We’ll use some of the extra money during the Christmas/New Year holiday period, but we have come up with a cunning plan for the rest of it. We are going to hide it away in our savings account, and go to Fiji (or another island location) for our 10th wedding anniversary! That would be in May 2009. It’s exciting to have a goal like that! It makes working what feels like every waking hour worth it.

Yesterday was my self-imposed day off. It was Sunday, so we went to church in the morning. Always a great way to start the day. Then after church, my Mum, sister and I headed to the new Westfield in Albany. I had already seen stage 1 (and was far from impressed with it) but now the rest of it is open (except for Borders and the movies). I think it’s a pretty good mall. But it was crazy-busy! I was shocked. It’s only the middle of November, so how bad is it going to be this time next month?! Shiver.

Anyway, we had a great afternoon of shopping. I bought 3 and 1/2 Christmas presents, and some bits and pieces for the boys’ Christmas stockings. I got a present for my cousin’s wedding in Wellington next month. I also got myself this dress, which I am going to wear to said wedding:

It’s actually longer than that on me; it reaches the floor when I’m in bare feet. It’s cotton, so the fabric doesn’t “cling” like most dress fabrics do. I am SO not interested in clingy fabrics! I have too many lumps and bumps which are usually carefully disguised with my clothing choices. Dresses tend to reveal more imperfections, but the shape of this one is great. And I love the halterneck. I’ve never owned one before, can you believe it?

After the shopping trip, I went to choir practice. This is always a lot of fun! I’m the youngest member of the choir (by about 20 years – my Dad is the next youngest!!) but they are all such great people and we have a lot of laughs. A nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

It was really good to have some “me” time. I’ve been working so-freakin’-hard (with more of the same to follow!) and it was nice to reward myself!

Okay, off to do some more work now!