Day One Learnings

I've always been a fast learner, but never did I imagine that I would learn something after only one day of budgeting. 
First of all, let me just say that this meal plan budget thing really takes the guesswork out of shopping.  There was no meandering, no thinking, no wondering if I should get this over that; there was just me and my list traveling down each aisle, selecting only what I had to get in order to complete the meals I have planned out for the next two weeks. I was such a good patron and stuck to my list, except for a few impulse purchases (chocolate milk and gum at the register.)  I walked out feeling extremely accomplished, knowing that I had bought 5 meals worth of groceries for less than $70 -- including enough for leftovers.  Of course, I had to take in to account the items I already had at home, but in my defense, that wasn't much, so I bought most of what I needed today.  I felt (and still feel) so proud of myself! 
But as I headed home, and was gloating to myself, I realized that budgeting helps you do more than manage your money.  It helps you prioritize.  This is going to sound really stupid, but I actually reflected back on my shopping experience and remembered thinking that I was only shopping for what I needed.  Then I started thinking about the rest of my budget.  I have my money divided up for things that are important.  Keeping a budget for things like clothes, my crafty bits, and eating out has made me realize that I need to seriously consider what I want to spend before I actually spend it.  It is making me realize that money runs out, and I need to focus on what is truly a priority in my life before I spend my hard-earned money on it. Lord knows (and so do most of you) that my money is earned whole-heartedly.  My money has my blood, sweat, and tears all over it, and I'm slightly disappointed in myself that I didn't have this realization sooner. 
When I was married, I had no choice but to watch every penny as it left my bank account, because I was the only one working...I was busting my ass in three jobs, and running in a hamster wheel for nearly the full 10 years.  So, when I left, and started life on my own, I had a warped sense of financial freedom...thinking that I could spend my money on anything I wanted to now, because I didn't have to support anyone anymore.  It has taken me all this time to realize that what I've needlessly spent over the last 2 1/2 years could have been cut in half, had I thought about needing it in the future. 
I now have a large goal to reach in a short amount of time, and I regret that I have been so careless.  I'm now trying to pick up my own slack and work as much as I can, doing anything I can, to meet my goal.  My priority is spending Christmas with Phil.  He is my prize, and my eyes are on it.