Sunday, January 10, 2010

Guest Blog: New Year's Resolution Confession of a Compulsive Target Shopper

Well, I promised a sassy guest blogger, and I have delivered! Kaitlan Capalbo is the kind of person that when you meet her, you decide immediately that you really want to be friends with her. She is super fun and witty, and always has a sassy response for every question or quandary. She is a person who is not afraid: to laugh loudly, to sing karaoke, to speak her mind. Her confidence is contagious and her wit is absolutely magnetic. That said, it didn't surprise me that she sent me this little essay that is as introspective as it is sassy. It takes a strong person to honestly reveal little chinks in their armor, and discuss ways for self-improvement. I like it because it reminds me that we are all on this earth to learn from every experience. This year, The Epic New Year's Resolution Project asks us to do just that: to look closely at ourselves and resolve to be better (whatever that means for you.) That, my friends, is a brave undertaking upon itself. Enjoy our little resident sassy's piece...let's continue our discussions about an epic resolution for 2010, and show Kaitlan some love in the comments.

New Year's Resolution Confession of a Compulsive Target Shopper

By Kaitlan Capalbo






I can always think of a reason to go to Target. I love Target. My boyfriend says my demeanor and attitude lightens the moment I walk into a Target, like I am passing through the pearly gates of heaven. I just love it. And it’s not just Target -- I love to shop. For anything: clothes, shoes, Swifter products, or cat litter. I can always think of something I need. This is why I am writing this blog, to introduce my New Year's resolution and put it out there for the world to see and, maybe, hold me accountable. My resolution is to want less. To ask myself, before I get the bug up my butt to go buy the new Pledge Fabric Sweeper literally 8 seconds after I see the commercial, 'Do you really need this'?

I didn't map out a plan to measure my progress in achieving this goal, which probably isn't good for someone like me, who needs a trainer to hold her accountable for what she eats on a weekly basis or to motivate me to workout. (“Kaitlan, you have to go to the gym cause Susan is going to yell at you if she doesn't see you there every day.”) My loose plan is really to dig deeper when I get the urge to run to Target, or go buy some new jeans at the mall. I resolve to ask myself the tough questions: you don't have a job, do you really need those $200 jeans? Is it absolutely essential to buy your cats three different kinds of wet food? I realize I am making myself sound like a shopaholic, but I am really not. Denial? Maybe.

I am just hoping to become a better person by making this resolution. I have caught myself saying 'I want, I need, get me' an awful lot lately and I don't like the way that sounds coming out of my mouth. I sound like a spoiled little brat. I'll keep you posted on my failures and successes (through hopefully more of these writings.) Happy new year!

3 comments:

  1. I can definitely understand the desire to acquire, though I probably tend more towards electronics and video games than cleaning contraptions. Maybe channel your inner shopaholic into some other activity any time you get the urge, or you could Ebay all your old stuff and raise money for new things. Not sure how many people would buy used Pledge Fabric Sweepers though!

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  2. I am also addicted to Target. Everything is so clean, and red and white. And the commercials are so happy. And you can always find something great: new towels, $5 DVDs, a new chap stick. And I always want something. Maybe I'll try to resist the Target-urge too. If one person can do it, maybe there is hope for me yet.

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  3. Yes, I realize my cleaning contraption penchant is a little odd. I get a sick, wonderful high everytime I use my Swiffer Dusters (at least once a day). I like to clean, it's calming and Target houses all these wonderful cleaning products. So far, I have been a good girl so far and only bought essentials (writing a list and sticking to it really helps). But it is only January 12, I've got a long way to go.

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