Well, the ornaments are down (and at one point lying shinily on the table waiting to be packed, as you can see), the tree is sadly on the curb, everything is put back together in its nonholiday way.I guess Christmas is over. And we have no plans for new year's eve.
Why is it so much harder to make friends when you get older? Remember college? You made friends the first day. By the time I'd lived in Seattle five months, I not only had friends that I still have today, but a serious boyfriend, too.
I have been HERE five months and yes, I know people, but were we invited anywhere for Christmas? Or New Year's? That'd be a no. Is it because we're older or because we're repugnant?
However, we can celebrate the fact that our year of not spending is officially coming to a close. We have about $6,700 to our names, which is $6,200 more than we had at the beginning of the year. Plus we hauled our arses across the country, and got established somewhere else. So I think that isn't so bad, all things considered.
Tomorrow I'll do my big goodbye to you all. But in the meantime, if you have been reading this and have never commented, could you give me a shout out? All you have to say is "Dayton Ohio delurking" or wherever you are. If you don't know how to comment, you click on "Post a comment" at the end of my post. Then just log in as anonymous.
I would love to hear from you all, if I haven't yet!
88 comments:
Wadesboro delurking.
I loved this blog. Where can I find the new one. Keep making me laugh.
Thank you, cpwoman, for all your nice comments this year. The new site will be revealed tomorrow. Or maybe on the first. I don't know. I've already written the first entry and am dying to get started.
Email me if you see this and I'll let you get a sneak preview.
OK, you caught me. Been lurking for a couple of months, have read from the beginning. You are so talented and funny. Yours is the first blog I check every morning.
Technically I commented yesterday for the first time, but here you go: All's well in Douglasville, Georgia (just west of Atlanta).
And y'all are so close, come here for New Year's Eve.
I assure you that you are not repugnant. It just is harder to make friends as you get older. I don't know exactly why. I guess it's a matter of proximity, for one thing. And people get so busy, or have lasting friendships, and aren't really in *need* of more friends?
PS I was waiting with bated breath for you to use the "Happy New Year to you -- in jail!" line. It's one of the great ones.
PPS Inspired by you, I watched IAWL *alone* this year and I didn't feel pathetic at all.
*chuckle* Fine, fine.. just because you asked nicely, I'll delurk to say Happy New Year and all that good stuff. I'll be looking forward to seeing the new site. :)
I think what you've done is awesome! Don't know that I could do it! I'm looking forward to your 2008 challenge!
Teri in CO
Hey June--
Haven't commented for awhile, but I've still been here keeping up with you. I'm so sorry you weren't feeling well on Christmas. And your new roots look marvelous (as does the rest of your hair!)
Can't wait to check in at your new blog--maybe you'll provide just the inspiration I need to lose these last 15 lbs of baby weight I've been hanging on to (ok I totally needed to lose these 15 lbs before I ever had a baby, but baby weight just sounds so much more justifiable!)
Hey June--
Haven't commented for awhile, but I've still been here keeping up with you. I'm so sorry you weren't feeling well on Christmas. And your new roots look marvelous (as does the rest of your hair!)
Can't wait to check in at your new blog--maybe you'll provide just the inspiration I need to lose these last 15 lbs of baby weight I've been hanging on to (ok I totally needed to lose these 15 lbs before I ever had a baby, but baby weight just sounds so much more justifiable!)
I am delurking. dcrmom got me hooked on your blog. I love your blog and can't wait for the new year and new blog. Don't tell dcrmom but I occasionally read your blog before hers, not that I am saying your blog is my favorite or anything but....
You should never take your Christmas decorations down before Epiphany (Jan. 6)! The season isn't over yet! It's just too depressing to face New Year's without the festive stuff up in your house.
Delurking in L.A. Found you through D. O'B. (We worked together before he went off to M.) I've been enjoying your blog since then.
Just F.Y.I. I don't usually write with so many abbr. Maybe you bring this out in me. . . a thriftiness I was unaware of. Hmmmm.
Hey June- I've commented a few times this fall but haven't in awhile. I get a little nervous that my comment might get edited! Congrats on all your life journies this year. You've done well. Here's to a new chapter in 2008!
Melissa
Spying from Denver....
June, I love your blog! I am Kellie's Mom and read you everyday and laugh -its a great start to my day!!
Can't wait to see the new "you"
Great hair by the way!
Happy New Year
Karen
Hi June,
This is my first comment ever on blogs, although I have been reading a few over the last couple of months. Of all, I enjoy yours the best - my morning coffee is better with your posts :-)) ... I always wondered how come you don;t have that many comments, I guess many of your readers, like me, are just lurking out there ...
Anyway, looking forward to your health blog (and yeah, when you become famous I'll be saying " I've read her blog ever since Bye Bye buy") - and Happy New Year!
Lurking in Evanston
Best Blog ever. I have really enjoyed reading and look forward to your future work. From Trenton, Ontario, Canada.
delurking in Chapel Thrill (just up the road). not sure how I got here a few months ago but have been enjoying your blog and have ROFL more than a few times. Good luck with the health blog!
and I agree-don't take the tree down yet! we don't take ours down until after New Year's--which as the parents of a young child and 2 people who want to avoid drunks (and cops) on the road, we also spend at home. Fancy seafood on china and whatever is on TV. whoopee. but at least its sparkley!
Austin TX delurking
baltimore md delurking...happy new year and I loved the blog more please.
(raises hand very slowly)
delurking from just outside of Vancouver, Canada. Stumbled on here from a compact group that recommended a good read about someone following the compact 'rules' for one year, needless to say I was not disappointed!
Have been reading daily, never brave enough to comment.
Sad that this blog is ending (going to try the no spending jibe myself in the new year) but I will gladly be lurking the health blog.
Thank you for a wonderful daily read, I cant wait to see what you have in store for 2008!
Delurking in NY......keep writing,
enjoy your blog so much.
I think I may have commented before, but can't remember, so why not?!
I think the secret to making friends is to make the first move and put yourself out there. Unfortunately, I think you have to do it multiple times before it clicks!
Happy New Year!
Hey June,
I've been reading your blog since this summer and have thoroughly enjoyed yet. You are delightful! Can't wait to read the 2008 installment.
A Texas Reader
When I found your blog a few weeks ago I sat for hours reading it from start to finish! First time I've ever read a blog in its' entirety. Entertaining and witty. I look forward to reading about more of your adventures next year!
Central, coastal New Jersey delurking.
Just started reading, a little late! But I have time to go back through the archives :)
Milton, NH delurking
I don't think I've ever commented. I'm going to have Bye Bye Buy withdrawls!
This is so exciting! I got home just now to all these delurkers! Thank you all so much! It is nice to know you are not just typing into a void.
Okay, so who else is out there?
Lurking since Sept. from a Mountain Top in PA. Someone on the Compact list group sent a link to your blog and I've been a faithful reader since.
I've had the same problem where I live making friends. I'm a southern gal from southern VA transplanted up here in Yankee territory since '85 and this particular mtn. in PA since '00. It's a small town thing you are butting your newly dyed head against. I think the small towness has alot to do with not being accepted & not making friends.
If you didn't grow up here and have relatives going back at least 3 generations in town(dead or alive), no matter who you know, what club you join, what charitable group you are in, you are still an outsider. Friends are difficult to make once you hit 30...sad but true.
Thanks for the chuckles JCC!
Thanks for the entermaining blog. I found it rather late -- Blunt Money mentioned your blog, and I thought it was great. :)
Just have to say, "LOVE YOUR BLOG". Can't wait for 2008. Delurking in South Carolina
Hello again from Valdese, NC. I did't recognize about half of the IAWL quotes, including today's, but hey, I just watched the movie for the first time this month.
I also found your blog when it was recommended at The Compact group. Following The Compact guidelines, I've not bought much NEW this year except a timing belt for the car so it would keep running and a dehumidifier for the basement so things there wouldn't mildew. I'm going to continue in 2008...after I buy a new clothes dryer and some shoes. I've found I don't need most of the things I want. Do you feel the same after this experiment? Will you start buy, buy, buying like you used to do? Will you offer some reflections on the year tomorrow? (in an amusing manner, of course)
What you did, trying to buy NOTHING, would be too hard for me. Congratulations on getting through 2007 with so much more money saved than last year!
As others here, I look forward to your new blog. Will you use June and Marvin or your real names?
Elsie
Pittsburgh delurking.
You are a great blogger and I can't wait for your 2009 blog!
Congratulations on your great success in saving money!
I am sad that this blog is going away. I know it isn't fair to expect you to continue the experiment, but I sure have enjoyed it!
Will be following you to your next adventure (in health.)
Wow .. I hope it was cleansing for all the delurkers who outed themselves today. That's just another community service you provided with your blog June.
Can't wait for your new blog .. Happy New Year June .. and don't spend too much on Tuesday! :o)
I've read your blog since the beginning. You have made me and many of my friends laugh on a daily basis. Don't give up on making friends. I have a group of friends that became very close just a couple of years ago. We range in age from 33-77 roughly. Most of us hover around in our 60's. We are closer than sisters and love each other and it all started after we were "older". ByeByeBuy June. We love you. Delurking from Michigan.
Hi June!
Occasional commenter, delurking to say, Please let us know where the new blog is!
And congratulations on all the amazing adventures that not spending in 2007 brought you. Who knew?!?!
Meadow on the Canadian West Coast
Who loves you in Springfield MO? Dirtsister, that's who! Happy New Year! Looking forward to the fitness blog. Spend on sister!
San Jose, California delurking. Found you recently through another blog. Very entertaining and I'm sorry the experiment is ending. Say, why don't you try not buying anything for TWO years...?
Oklahoma City delurking. I've been lurking for a few weeks and have only read from January through March so far. I hope you leave this blog up so I can finish reading (and laughing) for a while longer!
Not my first time commenting, but I wanted to say that I can't wait to see the new blog.
Krista - freezing my arse off in Michigan
Monroe NC delurking - I've enjoyed it! Thanks, June!
MonROE!?! Girl, we're neighbors! I am in the next "big" town...with the historic uptown part...
lurker from Massachusetts - just found the blog a few weeks ago and read it from start to finish. You are talented and engaging and I hope you post the url for the next blog somewhere soon .... or have I missed something?
Happy New Year and congratulations on an amazing achievement - to both of you!
Providence, RI delurking. Thanks for the insights and laughter.
Gray, Maine...delurking. I found you in December and promptly spent an entire night reading from January on. You've had quite a year! I really look forward to reading next year as well. Best of luck in 2008!
delurking from Houston. Love your blog, can't wait for the new one.
Consider me delurked - Harrisburg, PA! I've been lurking since April and cannot get enough of your posts! I often check in a couple times a day at work when I need a little entertainment. Looking forward to reading the health blog in 08!
And you know what they say in Customer Service? for every letter you get, there are 1000 more out there, saying nothing... so, about 49,000 people reading! :-)
Happy New Year to you and Marvin, and Winston and Ruby, (am I missing one?) and I look forward to the new blog.
Francis! You left out Francis. He is 20 of our 40 pounds of cat, and is hard to miss. I will not tell him of your indiscretion. He does not know whether to scratch his watch or wind his ass, so I doubt he'll read this and catch on.
Happy 2008 to you too, Bronwyn. Thanks for being a constant commentor. Like the tea.
I'm a commenter, but had to chime in with the rest. LOVE me some Crazy Saint June (your new name).
P.S. Totally would have invited you here if you'd have moved to my town.
You know I meant crazy in a good way, right? RIGHT?!
Now who's crazy?
Where's Yoda?
Lower-right-hand side of the photo! See his ears?
I've been reading your blog for about six months now. I'm a fan! Looking forward to your new adventure.
Susan
Durham, NC
I'm a full time reader, sparse commenter here (I'm pretending to call in to your radio chat show, humor me!) from Indianapolis.
Ok, am I a complete ding dong, because I don't know where your new blog is going to be located on the Internets?! Help!
And I forgot the other cat. What's his name?
Well, God bless what's-his-name.
What a joy to make people laugh -
truly an inspiration and fun - I
do the church secretary bit and could relate to things you wrote about -- it can be a hoot! As for
making friends, keep trying - there are people out there just as alone as you - invite them over - I've lived here forever - small town and many times have invited new and even strangers over for a holiday and had a great time.... the same old friends that you've had all your life enjoy meeting new people, too. Reach out - everyone is lonely some of the time.
June! I've read you since the beginning...oh, okay, so I'm a liar! I've only read the blog since August (when you were recommended on my "Compacting" e-group as a "sistah" in the not buying anything new type)and sometimes we talk about you - behind your back, about how we are doing what you are doing as a way of life, and are now going to have our Jubilee Day of shopping and then go back to not spending money. Some of us have wondered how this year has/will have changed you, will you break out into hives when going into Wally World? Will you look at some new toy and say, "I know now that I do not need this" and decide not to spend? Will you enjoy not having so much clutter in your life and deide to continue almost all of your frugal ways? I for one have so enjoyed your blog, and although I know that you are going on to your weight loss (bye/bye/thigh), I hope that you will post here at least one a month and let us know how much of what you have done this year will stick with you and what progress you are still making. Please don't dump these wonderful entries, I'd like to re-read them from time to time. And since I am now known as the Queen of Blubber in the whole of Napa valley, I will be joining you in your weight loss.
Thanks for all thr laughs!
Mary Ellen
Napa
Delurking from Wellington, New Zealand :-) Fabulous blog! I've only discovered it recently, and have been doing lots of catch-up reading. Very inspiring. Looking forward to your next blog! All the best for 2008.
Lynchburg, VA delurking! June, I don't remember how I found your blog in the beginning, but I've been reading all year. I can't wait to see what you come up with for the new blog. Happy New Year!
Hi June,
I am delurking from Saginaw. I am a friend of your extraordinarily attractive and brilliant mother. Reading your blog inspired me to start one - it's called Sanity in Exile and was supposed to describe how I manage not to lose my mind with all that's wrong with the world and my crazy need to try to fix it all - but I only did two entries. Maybe I will pick it up again at some point. I started it on a day I was "supposed" to be writing something academic and I was thinking "this is so boring nobody will read this it doesn't matter if I cite ten or twenty sources or if I just write about my cat because nobody is going to read this and I could be giving myself a facial right this minute." I don't focus well. I love your blog and it has been just the lift I needed to give myself a mental break and just laugh. You have a real gift (from your incredibly brilliant and stunningly attractive mother I presume). Thanks for sharing.
Hey June,
I am not a lurker, but I play one on the TV.
OK, not sure how to transition from that opening line, but I just had to type it.
I am not a lurker but I didn't want the year to end without saying that I am grateful that I found your blog this year, and also to have had the chance to get to know you.
What I loved about "reading you" this year is that you have been very real. You haven't sugar coated the tough things about your year (although you wrote about them with humor that always made me put my coffee down, lest I read and spray coffee all over in my laughter.)
Even though I have never seen you face to face, I could see how this experiment was changing you; growing you up and changing your perspective. The great thing about "change" is that when you face it head, on and are willing to be teachable, it can't help but change those who are around you. You have influenced change.
It was amazing, (as I told my friends about your site, and they told thier friends) to see how your experiment really made us think about how we were spending and why we were spending, and there were many of us who were spurred on to talk about, and take a good look at, our attitude towards money, and change it. If you and Marvie could totally cut spending for a year, how much more could we take our funds and critically examine how we choose to use our funds. What you did was INSPIRE us to be more wise with what we have, not just with money but with other things in life as well.
That is only one lesson I take away from your experiment, I could name others (like how in your experiment your generous heart found ways to express itself without a big price tag; or how to persevere even though life finds you in a moving truck in the middle of TX, etc) but I just wanted you to know that you have taught me (and other's) things that have been more than just a daily laugh on some random blog. And I, for one, am grateful.
It's been a great year! I look forward to reading your new blog tomorrow!
Happy New Year!
kellie
PS: I can't even believe my mother de-lurked. I don't think she even reads my blog everyday! ;).
(Just kidding Mom!)
ALABAMA IS DELURKING,
YOU HAVE INSPIRED ME(NOT ENOUGH TO STOP SPENDING,BUT INSPIRED ME NONE THE LESS)HAVE A GREAT NEW YEAR.
Looks as if you have many loyal lurking friends all of whom would love to have you over for dinner. Now wouldn't this be the party if we all got together? Happy New Year
83% of us will be spending New Years at home--you've joined the in crowd
De-lurking here... I got to your blog through dcrmom and have enjoyed it so much this past year.
Thanks for the laughs from SE Michigan...
I loved reading your blog everyday. I loved that I could count on you to entertain me. I started making my husband mute the tv to listen as I read your blog to him. Now he claims you as his own. Figures! Thanks for being a bright spot in our day.
Hi lady.
You can come over to our house tonight. That is if you don't mind hanging out with 4 adults and 6 kids 12 years old and under who all want to stay up late and drink caffine.
And, look how many great friends you have. Not only that but, real touchable friends aren't guarenteed to think you are so funny and entertaining!
I love this blog!!!!
Your stalker, I mean fan, in NC.
I'm not delurking, because I comment al the time. I do love your blog and what's the name of your new blog, so I can follow you and hopefully join the healthy venture.
Tee
Jonesboro, GA (Historical as in the Civil War battle that decided the war.)
Already delurked a couple months ago, but wanted to comment that you are an excellent writer and a funny gal!
Can't wait for the health blog! I can't help thinking (actually, you popped into my head yesterday out of the blue) about how you are really using this blog thing to improve your life/self (from 500 to 6700! that's great) and you don't give up! That's what great! It's would have been so easy to have stopped penny-pinching and posting - so I think you're next health endeavor will be rockin' as well!
Re-de-lurking (hmmm... probably not a word) in Oceanside, CA.
Will somebody tell us what "Compacting" is?
I have wanted to comment, but it is difficult to type when you are laughing so much. Thanks for the entertainment this year.
so sad to see you and your non-spending adventures go, june cutoff cash... but am excited for the year of health via bye bye, pie. can't wait!
post script: I'm glad that this year helped you learn that living with less can actually make you more happy. I wish everyone could learn this lesson. thanks for the inspiration!
Hi there. Love your blog. Love the such-and-such called and wants their what-not back.
I started reading in November and spent an entire evening catching up.
I know you are excited to spend, but do it in moderation. Keep on saving!
For thosse who asked, "Compacting" (based on the Mayflower Compact) is an e-group of people who have agreed not to buy anoything new for a year. Good group, lots of help, 9000 members. Join us at thecompact@yahoogroups.com
Mary Ellen
Napa
Love reading your blog - your sense of humor makes my day! Can't wait to see what inspiration you have for us all in 2008.
Mesa, AZ
Delurking here in Orlando, FL! :)
Delurking - in Alabama. I have so enjoyed reading your blog. I think you need to combine all your entries and make them into a book - you are a very talented and humorous writer! Your comments make me laugh out loud at times.
Sandy M
It's been great reading your blog this past year. I'm sure you thought I had deserted you, but I have been lurking. Just had a lot going on. I had carpat tunnel in my right wrist, going to physical therapy, had surgery, still wearing the bandage as I am typing this. A friend on a forum I frequent is planning a 6 month freeze on her spending. I told her about your blog and sent her to read. I am planning to visit you at the new place.. you gonna be coming to visit me for some hog brains and eggs?? LOL!! Good luck!!
I read your whole blog in a few hours today. It's 2 a.m. and I have a job interview tomorrow morning. You're a hoot! (I've always wanted to say that).
--Jobless in Kuwait (yep, the one in the Middle East)
I am going to feel really bad if you blew the interview because of my stupid blog, Jobless! Do check back and let me know!!
Love,
June
It's nice to meet you. I was going to start out my comment with 'hey' but since you like complete sentences from kids I figured you'd like them even better for adults. Anyway, I've spent the last three days reading your entire blog and I'm really impressed at your experiment, your moxie, and your willingness to fess up to cheats. Congrats on your new life in the south and I can't wait to subscribe to your new blog. You're talented, funny, and real - the very best combination. No wonder your friends love to give you stuff.
I don't know if you ever get back to check the comments on this blog or if you are so off and running with your new blog you have left this in the dust. But will take a chance and post here anyway.
I found your blog while doing a search on "church secretary". What a hoot!
We have so much in common it's almost freaky!
West coast transplant to east coast...Portland Oregon and SF Bay area in California, now living in Small Town USA in Massachusetts. Big City Girl now living life as a Small Town Girl. Moved due to the hubs work.
Refer to myself as a crow because I like bright and shiny things!
Favorite color is pink!
LOVE CATS although now only have two.
Love to laugh and get the giggles with a good friend - last night when I discovered your blog, and read the entry about Marvin inadvertently being IN the wedding on Cape Cod had me giggling so much I near peed my jammies. (which are bright red flannel with cats, balls of yarn, and kitty foot prints on them...did I mention I was 49 years old...) Also, think of "The Pool Party, your table is ready" and snort coffee.
Fellow church secretary to a small town church.
The list goes on, but lest ye think me a stalker (I'm not!) I shall cease immediately.
LOVED your "Bye Bye Buy" blog and will now begin reading your new one.
So long, from farther up the coast...
Great job on the savings. Way to go in keeping it as savings, or at least vowing to.
How come you say "who" when it should be "whom"?
Congrats on what must have seemed a very long year.
hi from wauseon ohio! i know this blog is dead but i hope you still check the comments. i only recently found you and have read the whole blog in a few days. very funny! now im off to check out bye bye pie. im excited as i can be!
Geneva, Switzerland delurking. More than a year too late, but I discovered your blog just yesterday and read the whole thing in nearly one go. Thank you so much for the little window into your life, it got me wondering if I really have to spend so much on stuff I don´t really need. Off shopping now. ;)
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