Our non-planned, spur of the moment "Blow That Dough" activity for the month of July:
- New cell phones for both of us. Our were old (Samsung Galaxy S5 and S4), but worked for what me needed them for. The batteries could be replaced, another reason we used them for so long. But the few apps we use are no longer supported on that old Android version. I looked at going with newer used phones... but then decided what the heck, get something new so that this issue does not come up for several years. While we did not go the iPhone route, we settled for the Moto G Play 2021, and so far so good. Compared to the Samsung phone it (and all new phones it seems) is HUGE. With a protective case I feel like I am carrying around a weapon. The memory requirement is also interesting, Android is using more memory than mainframe operating systems
, and seems determined to force you to store everything except pictures in the phone memory, which makes it work. Ah, the price of modernization...
The new phone also meant "Blow That Dough" for accesories - new case protectors, new USB-C cables and USB micro-to-C adapters for the charging stations in the house and car, new vent mounts, etc.
- New mattress. Somehow, we missed the fact that our mattress was approaching 30 years old. While it it not feel terrible, when we heard our words out loud we both said "why are we doing this?" So off to multiple stores to check out new mattresses. Wow have they more than doubled in size. And so many were too soft for us, I felt like I was sinking into jello. We finally found a couple that were firm enough. While trying to decide, the salesperson said "Come back in three days... your decision may be easier then> 3 days later, one of the mattresses went on sale for 35% off. Can we call it "Bow That Dough" when we get sometime on sale?
A thicker mattress meant a new anti-allergy mattress cover for another $175.
- $250 gift for a nephew graduating from high school.
-Whittled the amazon wish list down a little: more dry-fit golf shirts for those warm, humid days.
- New sneakers. Blessed to no longer be in "wait until hole gets big enough that the electrical tape coated cardboard you put in to cover it falls through" mode. Now in "I should have 2 pairs of sneakers for walking/social events and 4 pairs for gym workouts, right?" mode. Went to a Reebok outlet and thought I was buy 2 pairs (walking and cross-training) for $150. But first they had a "buy one, one get 50% off sale", then they asked for my email, which was still in their system, which gave me an addition discount. My final cost was $87 for both pairs.
We will see what August brings...