The Amex bill

I pay the bills in our house. G Man has no idea how, how much, where, which bill is paid via online banking or by paper check. Life is more peaceful this way. Once in awhile he will look at a bill and complain for a few days, other then that he is not involved. Thankfully.


Generally I peruse the bills to make sure no extra charges have been added. This practice has proven to be useful. The cable company mistakenly charged us for a movie we did not order, our snow plow guy mistakenly adds an extra plow to the bill once in awhile, and our dentist charged us for visits instead of sending the bill to the insurance company. Our telephone bill had long distance service charges of $50 per month added to it, because G Man always the funny guy, Ok'd some sort of long distance carrier to be added to the bill. My understanding of the situation is G Man was being sarcastic when he said, yeah, ok, sure go ahead, just what I need added to my bill another charge. The company added it, and even had G Man on tape being sarcastic. It took me a few months to discover the charge and when I called the company they let me listen to the tape of G Man. Thankfully the company removed the charges and cancelled the service. So looking at the bills has saved us some money.

The amex bill is another story. Here I was thinking I had my spending under control. My buying habits are simple, Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, Victoria Secrets, and our grocery store. The amount of money I spend at Starbucks is minimal. One medium half cafe a day at $2.00. No big deal. I have to have my Starbucks. No one who knows me will deny me my Starbucks. It just isn't a sane attitude to have. I truly believe that Starbucks puts something in the coffee to make it addictive, the same with Crispy Creme Donuts, but that is another story. One Starbucks a day makes me happy. Unless I am visiting my mother in law, then several trips to Starbucks is needed.

Spending at Victoria Secrets is minimal as well. One trip every 6 weeks or so for new under ware is good. I hate wearing under ware that is old. It just doesn't feel right. Victoria Secrets ha the best boy short undies. The panties fit well and the elastic doesn't give out after a couple of washings. They used to sell the silkiest pantyhose too, but most woman do not wear hose any more, me included, so I do not buy them and the stores so not carry them. The pantyhose have to be ordered online.

What can I say about our grocery store. The chain is the absolute best in the country. People that visit our area include the store in my town as one of the attractions to visit. There is no place like in the country. Inside the store there are mini restaurants, chefs cooking at taste stations, ready to eat foods that are out of this world, the store has a patisserie that offers cookie, cakes, tarts, all made from imported ingredients, it's undescribably incredible. Something that has to be experienced and seen to understand. I tend to spend alot there. I only buy fresh veggies, fruits, cheese, product from the olive bar, and breads from the organic area. It is expensive, but worth it.

Barnes & Noble is my problem. I LOVE to read. Our latest amex bill indicates I have a problem. Several hundreds of dollars showed up on the bill. I know it is accurate too. G Man asked me why I do not use the local library. My answer is simple. It does not have the books I like to read. Not that the books are unusual, the library just doesn't have them. So I have decided I am going to read all the books in my possession again and no trips to the book store for an entire month. I hope I can do it.

The bookstore is my place of solitude, quiet time and allows me to sip my coffee slowly. I enjoy looking at books, reading reviews and taking my time choosing which book to read next. People watching is also included in my trips. Something I have done for years. People reading books are relaxed, uninhibited with their mannerisms. I find that many seem to be in a world of their own and can see delight and happiness on many faces.

Not going to the book store will be tough, I think I can do it.