Gimmicking my way to . . .

Two strategies I've employed recently to discipline myself involved saving money and losing weight. My savings strategy:

• never spend change
• never spend a $5 bill I receive as change
• don't spend money I get reimbursed
  
• deposit above monies in a credit union account
• use that account to make fun purchases

It's worked well. The first two gimmicks I read about in news pieces. The third I made up. So far I've use the money I've saved to . . .

• buy this laptop
• buy an HD TV and Blu-Ray
• buy my beer-making equipment
• replace my lost wedding ring
• pay a speeding ticket

It's disciplining me, but it's creating a paralysis of analysis anytime I contemplate spending money, hence my difficulty replacing my Nexus and hesitation to buy any new computer games through Portal as Ben is suggesting.

As for the other gimmick: I was challenged by my doctor to lose weight lest I get put on blood pressure medication. Here's what I did (and this is proving more difficult to do in the summer):

• no second helpings
• no eating while standing
  
• set utensil down between bites
  
• no beer Sunday sundown through Friday afternoon

It's funny how these weight-loss gimmicks are harder to tackle in the summer while my proclivity against spending and for saving gets easier.