1 September - Freeze & Face

No sooner have I decided on a once in a lifetime experiment, that the world conspires to make me break any resolutions. The experiment is thus: having lots of possessions to get rid of (flat needs upgrade/redecorate) and feeling overwhelmed at the thought of boxes, storing etc, I decided that at least I should not buy anything for a while. I then reduced the ‘a while’ to a month. Seems a 21st century kind of thing to do. The last time I emptied my home was in ’99 and it looked lovely the night before I left it empty for tenants to go travelling. Amazingly, in less than ten years it’s filled up again. This time there’s more ruthlessness and I even got rid of some good vinyl by mistake. A gatefold sleeve lovingly protected in cellophane Selling England By the Pound was got rid of for a mere £1. I think I felt sick afterwards but it would be odd if Genesis still meant that much to me. But there aren’t many albums I once knew the lyrics to and that was one of them.

I digress, so am not buying anything for September, till this particular little moving nightmare is over. I knew I’m likely to see all sorts of bargains, but I also know that I’m a reasonably iron willed person when I want to be. I decided though not to be tempted so am avoiding window shopping or any shops/markets etc. Should be fine.

Then I get a note from the book club girls and apparently we’re reading two this month so there you go… bought them on Amazon, though books are not a problem, I pass them on once read these days. Then I realise that there will be no flights left to anywhere at Xmas so am looking on the net and that purchase may well have to be made this month. Same for theatre, concerts etc. But no buys of other physical things I say.

But what to do? The dermatologist I went to see and who froze the age spot that had chosen to grow on my cheek suggested not 1 but 2 products. One is essential she says, a factor 50plus or 55 if I find it sunscreen which I’ll have to wear everyday because it’s the bloody UV’s that you have to watch out for. And guess what, if you sit under lighting all day in an office for example or you dance in clubs at night, the UV’s will get you. Darn, am condemned to a remaining lifetime of expense to ward off the evil rays. The other product could be optional as it’s some camouflage that they sell in Selfridges and I can use it to cover the now very brown spot that will scab in due time. Or I could use a plaster of course or.. nothing. Am sure both will set me off £50 odd.

Now, then, if my ‘no buy’ policy is to do with money that’s one thing, if it’s to do with space, clearly these 2 things are not going to take up much and I can purchase? But then, could I purchase just jewellery this month? It’s small stuff? Make up is small too? See how quickly you can break the resolve? But no, no, no. you know those clear plastic crates you use for storage? I have 4… full of… bathroom/beauty/hair products. And I don’t buy much stuff, it sort of comes in at night when I’m not looking, it’s left there by ghosts. It never seems to get used up!
Help.