I Now Have Two Pairs of Jeans

We stuck with our plan yesterday and went out shopping so I could buy a pair of jeans. Our first stop was Steve and Barry’s. Thanks Adam for the suggestion since I didn’t even think of trying there and we have one close by!

To my delight, everything in the store was on sale for $8.98. We ended up finding a nice spring jacket for my husband and I browsed through the jeans to get an idea of what was there. Then we headed over to JC Penney. They had some $17 jeans, but none in my size. Not even close.

At this point, we could have headed over to Walmart or I could swing back by Steve and Barry’s and try a pair of jeans for $8.98. Since I’ve never purchased jeans there, we went back and I tried on a few pairs and decided on one pair. Now I have my ratty pair for around the house/working in the yard and I have my new pair for going out and about.

There’s something else I want to touch upon here. Arduous brought up a good point about not buying quality this time because I may need to wear new sizes soon if my weight loss journey goes well. I completely agree that a cheaper pair might be better if I were to lose weight.

But going back to the debt reduction vs. weight reduction issue that I briefly mentioned yesterday, I do find it much easier to reduce our debt than reduce my weight. I am very confident that we will reduce our debt. I definitely wasn’t that confident back in the beginning but after two years of doing it, I just know that we will do it. Sure, there will be some set backs, but it is a goal we can reach. When it comes to my weight, I don’t have that confidence. Maybe it’s because I’m still “new” to weight reduction and perhaps given time I will gain some confidence with that too. I’m not sure.

All things considered, I went with a cheaper, but perhaps not the cheapest, choice. I do hope there is some quality to the pair I bought. Like Adam said, I guess time will tell. But I’m hoping too that given some time I’ll need a smaller pair of jeans

Posted by Tricia on March 30, 2008 at 7:40 AM in Spending Money | 15 Comments »
You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is not allowed.

Newer Posts Older Posts

Erin responded:
Posted: March 30th, 2008 at 9:42 am
I’ve never heard anyone say “its easier to reduce my debt than reduce my weight” but after i read that on your blog i realized it is that way for me also!
wow…something to think about eh?
Mrs. Micah responded:
Posted: March 30th, 2008 at 9:44 am
I hope that you won’t have to find out because you’ll be shopping for new ones before they wear out.

On a side note, I rather hate jeans shopping because what’s in style rarely fits me right. But somehow I always manage to end up with 1 pair (normally from a thrift store) which works perfectly. It’s just a long day finding that one pair.
FlatGreg responded:
Posted: March 30th, 2008 at 11:45 am
I think the same discipline that you’re using for debt reduction are exactly what would make weight reduction successful. Think of how much you’ve educated yourself on finances, now what if you had that much exercise and nutrition knowledge?

So…maybe it’s time to register bloggingawayweight.com? lol
pj responded:
Posted: March 30th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
FlatGreg, Tricia already has bloggingawayfat.com
twiggers responded:
Posted: March 31st, 2008 at 6:20 am
WOW…good job on finding some jeans that cheap! It is very true….if you’re planning on losing weight, why bother with spending a ton! I am trying to lose weight too….and worry about the cost of updating my wardrobe once I am done. In the end I think I’ll go to a tailor and have him take things in! Will be cheaper than buying new clothes!
Sharon responded:
Posted: March 31st, 2008 at 8:43 am
Tish, I can help you with your weight. I always pack on an extra 20 during the winter months and it is a focus must each year at this time, but hopefully I’ll pay closer attention, and it won’t happen again!

Physical exercise is great, choose the mode that you truly enjoy and you will do it four times as much. But, outside physical labor is even better. Let that be the garden, lawn, detailing cars, picking up trash or whatever.

Weight gain could be a result of improper insulin usage or the malfunctioning thyroid, common, but possibly more. However, regardless the source, the problem still remains. So, it must be dealt with in an educational, personal, REALISTIC way. It’s important to keep all of you content.

You obviously have two others to be considered: probably a thin husband and a growing child. And, both must be cared for, each in his own way. And, then, there’s YOU!

First, read, read, read on these two common glands: thyroid and pancreas. Associated with these will be tons of material on diet, food properties, which are great even if you do not have a disorder.

Then, buy some favorites for each of you: a pack of diet cookies or candy for you. And, not just any, look at the packages and see which ones make you salivate most just with focus. On the way home, open one of these and eat 3 or 4. (In other words, satisfy yourself with the sugar taste, immediately, and maybe it is psychological or maybe just physical, but regardless the cravings probably won’t return for days. (Just having these as a backup seems to make the difference.)

You must address the basics of protein, carbs, fat, and veggies. Each household differs, but BALANCE is the key. For me it is two pieces of toast with peanut butter and a small pot of coffee (2 large cups), It’s one-fourth cut up grapefruit before lunch or supper (dinner), and one-fourth as a dessert since there is a satisfying sweetness there.

I can also stay FULL with a portion of meat, plus the carbs, veggies, grilled on the small George Foreman, usually at noon. It’s then I drink milk, primarily for my calcium. Just look for the diabetic food pyramid and it is a great reminder. But, even at that, if you tried to do everything they suggest, you would still probably put on weight. (The same as with the other pyramid; you’re being stuffed with just too much!) Portions just take care of themselves with satiety, and the correct foods, plus lots of water, take care of of so much.

Make the dumplings, cakes, and pies for your family because they don’t have the problem, you do. And, in time, they will unknowingly wean over to your ways. And, you take your cookie! Just don’t talk about all of this except as it applies to you. Your child is of another junk food generation; so buy a little for him so he does not feel deprived. But, in time, his taste will change, just a natural.

And for yourself, cheat occassionally. I keep sherbert and sometimes dip once when the sugar craving just gets to me. Is it good or bad? I don’t really know. I just know that it goes away for a week or so, and I don’t always think about it because I know where it is. The same goes for soft drinks, and diet will suffice. If I really want to have a BLT, I don’t thrash myself for a coke and even a few chips. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, I don’t feel the least bit of remorse or guilt.

Now, this attitude can exceed itself into many realms of life. But, just remember, YOU TAKE CHARGE, and all the other shall be added to. Of course, this is probably not foolproof for everyone, and others would disagree with me totally, but if it is somewhat sound and works for me, then that’s all that really matters. (You don’t have to publish this, but a read might just be quite helpful.) Good luck!
Sharon responded:
Posted: March 31st, 2008 at 9:19 am
Oh, too, VISUALIZE! Give yourself real credit and celebrate inwardly for even the loss of FIVE POUNDS. (Many are not really pleased with just that much change, but it is REAL!) Remember how heavy a common bag of sugar is and, even if you buy the four pound one, then you have the extra pound to add to the next bag! Make it fun, and it won’t be such a chore! And, you don’t have to tell anyone about any of this; just keep it your secret for yourself, and your personal pleasure!
Mark B. responded:
Posted: March 31st, 2008 at 9:29 am
Tricia,

Just an FYI. Steve and Barry’s used to be extremely LOW quality and their items would wear very quickly. However, I know they have worked to improve their image and quality. Good luck, but for $9 even if the jeans last a year you come out way ahead.

Also, $8.98 is not a sale, that is their price all of the time at all stores.
Sharon responded:
Posted: March 31st, 2008 at 10:28 am
Sorry, TRISH, not Tish! (keyboard malfunction)
arduous responded:
Posted: March 31st, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Tricia, I agree with you. I think it is easier for me to manage my money than it is for me to exercise regularly.

I think this is because not spending money is inactive – I just don’t go to the store. On the other hand, exercising is pro-active. I actually have to get out of bed and go for a jog!

Anyway I have faith in you though. I am pretty sure those jeans will be too big for you in no time!
moonimus responded:
Posted: March 31st, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Yeah I’m finding that managing my finance is much easier than managing my weight though the principles are the same. For PF spend<earn and you’ll come out ahead. For weight loss, eat<burn and you should see progress no matter how small.

I just have to put it into practice.
Frugalista Files responded:
Posted: March 31st, 2008 at 12:26 pm
The more I eat at home, the more I lose weight. I think being frugal makes your body tight. Walking places instead of driving works wonders.
Emmi responded:
Posted: March 31st, 2008 at 12:27 pm
I second the thrift store for jeans. Got two pair for $5 last time and they fit much better than the new ones. Like Mrs. Micah, the new styles do not fit me AT ALL. And they were both brand new, but had been in someone’s closet for 10 years. Probably bought them thinking they’d lose a few and fit into them.
SavingDiva responded:
Posted: March 31st, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I might have to check out Steve & Barry’s! There’s one close by…hm…
Alex responded:
Posted: August 12th, 2008 at 10:20 am
I found your site on technorati and read a few of your other posts. Keep up the good work. I just added your RSS feed to my Google News Reader. Looking forward to reading more from you down the road!