It is that time of year to consider penning New Year’s resolutions.  Instead of composing a traditional list consisting of items such as lose weight, quit smoking, exercise more, swear less, I have decided to kind of copycat folks who have instituted their own ban on shopping.  I  believe that I already have everything I need in the non-material sense such as love, food, water, shelter, good health and more.  In the world of material possessions, I am also more than complete-a closet full of clothes and shoes, as well as a nice home that has recently been renovated to accommodate my wish list of an updated kitchen and flooring.  (I have had to abandon my wish of a large kitchen with an island and tons of cabinets.  Perhaps my abode in a next life will include such an upgrade?)  As we approach the new year, it is my intention to refrain from making frivolous, unnecessary purchases of clothing, shoes, home decorating items and the like.  I have enough clothes and shoes for work, play, and the gym, and in my advanced age, probably enough clothes for what is left of a lifetime.   Our home is nicely decorated and furnished and the space is maxed out.

I hope to use this blog as a way to document my progress with this self-imposed shopping ban much as I used it to document my venture into the world of online dating.  For the three or so people who followed along with my weekly posts back in 2011 (you know who you are-Nan, Cheryl, Jen), this blogging is sure to be much less entertaining and ridiculous, and hopefully I WILL last the full twelve months.  (If you recall, I bailed on the online matchmaking in October, 60 days shy of my one-year intended commitment.)  This time, I hope to check in once a month or so to update my progress, or more so if I feel the urge to shop.  This blog can serve as my “counselor in need” (think sponsor in AA)  should I weaken in my resolve and have visions of grabbing my keys, hopping in my car and heading to Harper’s Point where I can knock off three of my favorite stores with one parking space.

I am a bit fearful that the absence of my credit card swipes at my beloved haunts-TJ Maxx, SteinMart, Home Goods and Hobby Lobby-might result in a decline in sales so disruptive as to cause the stores to close, so I am calling on all of my fellow female shopping addicts to help save the day, or in this case, the stores.  Shop till you drop and do so in my honor so that as 2017 comes to an end in a little more than 12 months, I can dust off my VISA and once again regain my title as “Maxxinista.”