I have been spending money like a slightly tipsy sailor on shore leave. Oooh, work pants for interview times, buy! ooh, silk and lace shirts at vintage/second-hand stores for interview times, buy! ooh, clean trenchcoat, buy! Oooh, reflective-striping safety vest so I can scoot at night and save money without half-orphaning my child, buy! Oooh, developer edition of SQL Server 2005 so I can update my skills and command a higher price on the job market, buy! Oooh, cell phone!

Yes, I capitulated. The cell phone redeemed itself within three days. Cellular phone suppliers being what they are, they billed us months before applying our discount -- hubby went for the family plan. However, the phone has already redeemed itself. I was at a part-time job, really just hanging out with my friend who was my client but doing "work-related activities" with her -- GET PAID FOR DOING WHAT YOU LOVE -- when someone called and said "hey, lucrative short-term contract. Can you hustle your butt to such-and-such for a job interview in 40 minutes?" Why yes, I can. I wouldn't have if not for the cellular phone. God bless Yamaha and Sprint PCS!

A friend of mine who got out of debt through working three(!) jobs was clear and then dove in again, although to shallower debt waters. My lifestyle situation (child with slight special needs, husband with slight special needs) can't afford for me to work two jobs. But the costs, they are increasing, and somehow I don't have that anxiety provoking me to travel the path to austerity. Except for having the temperature at home at 63F during the day, and 55F at night, and trying to get by on four gallons of gasoline a week (hey, your grandparents did it!), and having more vegetarian entrees per week. I'm not unconsciously blowing money on needless things, but it does seem I'm really going to town as of late. I think it's because I'm between contracts and I have some time to catch up on postponed necessary spending: for instance, I have not really shopped for work clothes for three years.