I Own 47 Pairs of Shoes

...23 Skirts...26 Dresses...24 Pairs of Pants...and well, I think you get the point!

(Here's a picture of part of my closet in case you weren't

fully comprehending where I was going with this!)

I would love to tell you that it's because I've worn basically the same size for the last 10 years, or that most of them were bought on sale, some of them don't fit, or some other ridiculous excuse....but that's exactly what it would be...an EXCUSE! There is seriously no reason for any one person to own the ridiculous amount of clothing (or other crap!) that I do.

I've acknowledged this for years, and yet, I really do nothing about it. For 5 summers I packed up everything I needed into a few suitcases and headed off to Governor's School, and I often marveled at all of the left behind items, that I clearly didn't NEED. Every time I move, I complain about the amount of unnecessary "junk" I own (so I downsize...and then buy more stuff!). When I get letters from my Compassion kids and see the things they are thankful for and what they spend their birthday money on, I know how spoiled I am. I often think that if I were called to the mission field tomorrow, I would really take very little of my possessions. And yet, I've clearly never been compelled enough by any of these acknowledgements to actually do something to change my lifestyle.

In January, a friend of mine went on a 6 month shopping fast from clothes and accessories. And while my first thought was "You're crazy!", my second thought was "Wow, I should really do that. I admire her commitment to such an intimidating goal!" So this summer when I read about this 1 year shopping fast, I decided that after years of inaction I'm gonna go for it.

I've told a few friends, and most of them have replied with some form of "You are insane! Why in the world would you do that!" I could give lots of reasons, (hungry children around the world, saving money, exercising self-control, personal challenge, etc.) but I think the more appropriate response is "Why not!?!"

I don't NEED anything! God has provided me with an amazing job, a beautiful home, an awesome church, a loving family, and wonderful friends. I am truly content. I don't need THINGS to make me happy.

And so, here begins my so-called "Shopping Fast"...One (school) year without shopping...No clothes....No accessories...No Books...No journals...No new makeup...No "other things I don't really need"!

Basically the plan is to refrain from spending money on "luxuries" from August 23, 2010 until June 10, 2011. (I know that is a weird date choice, but in my life, it only makes sense to follow a school calendar!) Since many have asked: Yes, I am allowed to buy gifts for others. (And I am making an exception for my matching outfit for the Princess Half 20-3 Reunion Extravaganza-no worries girls!) :)

I'm sure as this adventure gets underway, I'll have to make some determinations about what this challenge does and doesn't include. Truthfully, I think in our culture it's pretty hard to determine what is and isn't necessary. I'm sure we could have lengthy debates about the (un)necessary items in all Walmart shopping cars. But the point is not to get caught up into details, but to stick with the spirit behind the idea.

So here we go....Day 4 is almost complete...only 288 to go! :)

(And yes, I do realize for some of you this commitment would entail very little challenge...but let's not forget "I own 47 pairs of shoes"!)