Christmas shopping

Today I went browsing through Christmas things in a mall and a Target. I did most of my Christmas shopping on a trip last August, but couldn't resist of few more items. I use to impulse shop after a fight with my Mom or a stressful day at work, but not anymore. It was something on the Oprah show during her Change Your Life series people critized. Someone said when shopping you should ask, Do I need this, Can I afford it, and Will it get used or sit in a closet to gather dust. Therefore, I pledged to myself to not let Mom get to me. I often told her that since my paycheck is in my name, I make the decisions how to spend it. When I spoke to Mom after that, I did not answer questions that were none of her business. I am not deep in debt so why should she care how many shoes I have.
Another good way to browse and not buy was to leave my wallet at the shoe store I used to work at and tell myself through the mall that I can buy things tomorrow if I really want them. Today I was good. I bought a few ornaments and a book for myself. If I feel a splurge I try to picture the item I see covered in dust inside my closet or say I will be shopping again before Christmas. It helps the impulse calm down. I bought a book on money management. The author was on Oprah. I have lost my faith in my father being my financial advisor. His advice often benefits him more than me. I mostly want to know how it all works. I have no debt other than my monthly bills, but maybe someday live in a condo. I have never mowed a lawn before or dealt with repairmen, so I am shaky about a house.
In recent Des Moines news, a cat was beaten to death by its owner and another cat was in critical condition. Some drunk man watching his children and stepchildren claimed the cat bit him so he clobbered the cats in front of the children. Then he calls his wife at work to say their cat was injured and a daughter got on the phone to say the father killed the cat. The man was arrested after the wife called police. That is where the story ends. The last time there was a cat murder was several years ago when a man staple gunned and stabbed a cat. The vet had to put it asleep because removing the staples would kill it. The news showed a photo of it and it was horrible. I felt so sorry for the cat.
That story ended until a coworker dated, moved in, and became engaged after a month to the catkiller. We thought she was insane, especially when she has 2 girls under 10. At the beginning I thought it was a rerun of another coworker in an abusive relationship. It was. Shooping sprees, diamond ring, and suddenly, no more presents. Many times she said she wanted out, but didn't want to give up her new clothes and jewelry. Then the wedding was halted when she found out a marriage would change her taxes and may be paying instead of getting refunds. We applauded. Amazingly, it took a year before he hit her. We saw this coming long ago, but she was surprised. Where was her brain was the most asked question.
Finally, we cheered after a broken screen, he hitting her with his car, and a few more slaps placed the bastard in jail for violating his parole. An animal rights group showed up at his hearing too. The couple were bawling their eyes out. She dutifully gave him $200 after he started serving his sentence and it disappeared in a month. She fought battles to see him and take her daughters to see him. She fought for phone calls with him next. Eventually, he was tossed out of the picture. We were jumping for joy. Now she has a new boyfriend.
I better go now. Time for bed. Good-bye.