Last November, after I realized how often we were eating out, we went on an Eating Out Moratorium. We didn’t eat out (except one or two meals when my parents were visiting) the whole month. Every time one of us would get weak, the other would shout, “MORATORIUM!” It’s a fun word. So, lately I’ve been pondering a full-out Spending Moratorium. Somehow today I managed to convince Andy we should do it. So, we are. MORATORIUM!

Guidelines:
1. Begins at midnight on March 1, 2009, and ends when our credit card is paid off.
2. No unnecessary purchases.
3. Must log all purchases.
4. Must post weekly about status.

What is allowed:
1. Medical care for the people and the animals.
2. Food for the animals.
3. Kitty litter.
4. Basic toiletries.
5. Food basics.
6. Automobile maintenance / repair / registration / inspection.
7. Gas for the automobiles.
8. Propane for the stove.
9. Febreeze refills.
10. Shoes and clothes for Anya if she outgrows what we have.
11. Birthday present for Anya.
12. Supplies needed to finish kitty room / plant room.
13. Plants for vegetable garden.
14. Baby ducks.

What is not allowed (not all inclusive):
1. Junk food (chips, cookie dough, soda, ice cream, frozen pizza, etc.)
2. Eating out.
3. Shoes and clothes for Andy or Carol.
4. Furniture.
5. Electronics.
6. Toys.
7. House plants.
8. Tools.

Exceptions:
1. Eat out once a month.
2. One 12-pack of soda a month.
3. Other things possibly excepted if both Andy and Carol are in total, non-coerced agreement that said things are necessary.