I was semi-responsible.

I'm giving most of it to my mom for helping me out with a car accident when I was unemployed for 7 weeks. Paying her back, basically. She doesn't need it right now or ever but that's not the point. She will likely pass it on to someone who needs it because that's who she is. I started a new job that pays $20,000 more than my last gig. I feel I have job stability because I work for an affluent government entity known for its AAA bond rating and massive fund balance. I believe funds for my position have been allocated through fall 2021...

Naive? perhaps.

Now the rest of that money? I blew it shortly after the deposit hit on things I've been eyeing for months. Welp. I went to bed late as if I didn't have to rise for an 8:30 a.m. phone conference. What is wrong with me?!

My most frivolous purchase was on some Vans. My first pair. I'm NOT even remotely close to being a sneakerhead but I've had my eye on these since last summer. I don't know why; I just love the color scheme. The only other sneakers I own are some Nike Free Runs for fitness and some classic Chuck Taylor low-tops I bought in college more than 10 years ago.

My new kicks: https://www.madewell.com/vansreg%3B-unisex-sk8-hi-high-top-sneakers-in-varsity-colorblock-canvas-99105608553.htm

Everything else:
- I purchased some goods for pick-up via my local bookstore and bon-bon shop. The bookstore already had lay-offs. ;-(
- Philadelphia Printworks misprint sale. I copped some Assata, Black Panther and "Thank A Black Woman Have A Nice Day" gear. 50% of all sales will go toward the shop's employee “Rainy Day Fund" so they can offer more paid time off for workers during the pandemic. New products will be added every Wednesday until the brick and mortar shop reopens.
https://philadelphia-printworks.myshopify.com/collections/online-misprint-sale
I also bought some ish on OKP...Been eyeing that Bonita Applebaum shirt 'cuz I got it goin' on...
- I spent about $75 in music on indie musicians, mainly on Bandcamp and Google Music. Got some Tanya Morgan, Jasminfire (formerly of Chargaux), Shabazz Palaces and Dave + Sam.
- I bought a Rappcatts subscription (Egon and Madlib) since they are having a 50% off sale. I also signed up for Eric Roberson's Patreon. $5 a pop.
- Household and hard-to-find groceries from the devil that is Amazon.
- Magazines. I'm a sucker for magazines. I finally bought Waxpoetics latest issue with Digable Planets plus a back issue of Straight No Chaser and something from Boutique Mags (UK shop)
- Shea Butter blend from Don't B Ashy. Cute packaging gets me every time. Please send help: https://www.etsy.com/listing/507184233/renaissancedont-b-ashy-body-butter

...I'm going to Target later today. I have to leave my house to drop off eBay items. Prolly 'gon treat myself to some Thai and sprang rolls.

I feel guilty because I know this wasn't the right choice. Savings was the right choice. I'm trying to justify it because most of the funds were spent on artists, small and local businesses.

*shrugs*

At least my eBay side hustle is going well.

--
"Music is not to be possessed; it's to be shared.” - James Mtume

"Just stay loose, keep it raw, and bang ya drums out sometimes." - Madlib