Challenge Commence or Good Game

Challenge

I've decided to challenge myself next year. Some of you may already know what I've decided to face head on, but for those of you who don't -- I am going to not buy any clothing, accessories, or shoes for a whole year.

Why It's a Challenge

I am a Little Girl with a Big Closet. 

It's not like I really follow the latest trends or have an excessive void that I fill with acquiring more clothes. It's more because I don't throw things out, ever. I call it Grandma Syndrome and let me tell you, its symptoms are strong. I have some sweater tights from Paris that I got when I was 12. They are in perfect condition and the scary thing is is that they still fit.  Speaking of Parisian tights, a lot of my apparel was bought on vacation either out of necessity (read underestimated how cold some locale would be) or out of vanity (read 'Oh my! Look at how it shines').

Bird Shirt

In short, I like clothes. I especially fancy unique articles like my (in)famous embroidered bird sweater or hand-crafted red headbands purchased at flea markets. They are one-of-a-kind and in some magical way, people recognize their rarity and quirkiness. In a good way.

So why am I Subjecting Myself to This?

Well, I feel it will test my strength and character. I honestly can't remember the last time I restricted myself like this. It's not like I live an epicurean life full of every whimsy indulgence currently. But this, honestly will be good for me in terms of seeing how I resistant I can be to capricious desires. It will force me to "shop my closet" and wear articles that I typically overlook. Additionally, it's my hope that I will eventually wear some items until they are so irreparably ratty that I will be forced to sleep in them only throw them out.

Last Supper

I bought a beautiful blouse today and I feel satisfied knowing that they will be my last acquisition for one year. Buying something today marks the last day of shopping for a year officially.

Pledge

Until December 28, 2011 -- I will attempt to not buy any clothes, accessories, shoes or anything that even remotely resembles the aforementioned items.

Challenge Commence

First Post: New Beginnings

Excluding my embarrassing and pointless childhood blogs, this is my first blog post ever. I would like to think of this blog as more serious and mature in tone and substance since I am getting more mature and arguably more serious, but we'll see how that goes.

Purpose: I decided to start a blog mainly for the upcoming new year because I want 2011 to be a year of new beginnings. I hope that it will be filled with, magical experiences, new surprises and wonderful opportunities for all. To bring this optimism into fruition, I have decided to pledge myself to doing good in any way I can. I strongly believe that every change you want to see starts with embodying that change in yourself and I hope that this blog can chronicle the things I do that hopefully will positively inspire someone else.

I can't promise to dig deep emotionally and share intimate secrets from every corner of my soul because after all, this is a public blog and who does that anyway? However, I will try my best to be honest about my experiences and complete in my reasoning for doing things I do.

That said, it's two days after Christmas and the holiday season is coming to an end. Families and friends have reunited to feast, have congregated to light candles on a menorah, have joyously hung ornaments on Christmas tree, and exchanged gratitude for each other. The holidays are always such a sentimental time. That means for me, even though I'm under the weather with sniffles or some minor bug, I bundle up like an eskimo and can't wait to go meet my dear friends for a chat over some peppermint mochas out at the neighborhood coffee house. Red nose like Rudolph's, runny nose and all, I can't wait to see my friends and hear updates on how they're doing.

Today was one of those days for me. I met my best friend and we chatted for a couple hours. I'm so grateful for all my close friends, the wise advice and solid friendship they give me. I just hope that for many years, we can remain just as close and just as friendly.