The Chronic Consumer

So my husband and I spent the better part of the evening talking about how we’re going to spend the extra $600 that we just got from the IRS. We think that this amount is actually a bit difficult to work with. On the one hand, it’s not quite enough to allow us to look into any North Padre Island rentals or take any kind of extended vacation. On the other hand, it is enough to buy a couple of decent tech toys, such as new MP3 players, video game systems, or cell phones.

I just wish that a single want or need would rise above the rest so our decision would be clear-cut and easy. But it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen. There are just so many different things that we’d love to spend this money on that it’s proving very hard to decide here!

With my braces due to come off in a month or two, I’ve been on a major oral health kick recently. In addition to buying my first WaterPik, I also purchased a Butler Gum Stimulator to use on a daily basis. I want my teeth and gums to be in tiptop shape when my braces are removed, so I’m taking action now. Yes, it’s a bit late in the game to be doing this stuff, but it’s still better than nothing.

The Butler Gum Stimulator is shaped like a typical dental instrument, except that it has a pointed rubber tip on the end instead of a scaler or a mirror. You’re supposed to place the tip at the base of your gums between your teeth, and then “apply light pressure in a circular motion”. Apparently, this type of “gingival massage” gets the blood flowing through your gums and helps firm them up.

I do this for about 5-10 minutes per day, just when I’m watching TV or whatever. This kind of light pressure actually feels good, so I don’t mind using this tool. Will it really result in firmer gums and improved oral health? I have no idea, but it doesn’t hurt to try!

I’m so excited right now! I was taking care of some bills this morning and was about to move some money from our savings accounts to checking in order to cover the outgoing funds when I realized that a transfer wouldn’t be necessary. That’s because I saw the following entry sitting right at the top of my transaction history:

Yes, my tax rebate is here — in full and on time!! Wow, what a fantastic way to start out the day! And you better believe I’ll be pumping that money right back into the economy. It’s time for a much-needed shopping spree!