decisions

Life is a series of decisions. You decide what to eat for breakfast. You decide how you're going to behave toward the people closest to you in your life. You decide to stay in a current job or to get a new one. You decide, and you live with the consequences. That is the beauty of our God. He gives us free will to make our life what we want it to be.

When it comes to travel, decision making plays a huge role. Do I have the money to take this trip? If so, is there a better way I could be using this money? Where should I stay? What kinds of activities should I do? How long will the trip last? Should I deliberately miss my flight and stay here forever?

Naturally, one of the largest factors in the decision making process is money, or lack thereof. Those of us who are blessed enough to have the opportunity to travel know that it is not cheap. So making the decision to go on a trip of any kind is a big commitment. So why do it? I could be putting that money toward student loans. Savings. A new wardrobe for work.

If you have read past posts, you know I am an advocate of Dave Ramsey. My husband and I are working to become debt free, and plan to create an emergency fund after that. Dave Ramsey, however, advises his readers not to spend any extra money until they are debt free. Great advice. And we follow it. Usually.

For example, when the opportunity arose to go to Las Vegas with my best friend before her wedding, I didn't even hesitate. Granted, I knew I could get my plane ticket for free (thanks, credit card rewards points!), the hotel was cheap, and I did a lot of extra substitute teaching at the end of the year. Do I want to have a comfy retirement fund when I'm old and gray (if, God willing, I make it to be that old)? Of course. But I don't think I'm willing to sacrifice unforgettable experiences with those I love to get there. I want to have wonderful memories and pictures to look back on when I'm older, not just a stack of money.

I'm normally one to make rational, beneficial decisions. I believe in "everything in moderation," living a healthy lifestyle, and being cheap frugal. But I guess if my parents taught me to be smart with my money, they also taught me to experience and enjoy life, to follow my dreams, and to see the world. As long as it doesn't put me further into debt. 

Plus if I had turned down Vegas, I would have missed out on all this:

Happy hour!

Happy Hour at the Stratosphere - dos por uno!

Delicious martinis and the best view of Vegas!

 Incredible food.

This roasted tomato fondue changed my life.

These nachos had vegetables on them, so they were healthy. It's science.

Walking the entire Vegas strip in one day(and I mean the whole 4 miles), because our bus passes expired, and who wants to pay for a taxi when you can walk?

Right around the time we realized walking 4 miles in 100 degree heat was a bad idea.

M&M store. A candy lover's dream.

I'm taking him home with me :)

This is real. My mecca.

Hoping to catch a showing of "Bite." A risque show about vampires. We never did get around to it...

Get bitten.

And don't forget...Vegas night life! I accomplished one goal from my life list: #54 - take a shot in Vegas. 

Done and done.

And don't forget! I gambled $2! I'm a high roller!

We only played this one because the lever we got to pull on the side was huge!

Vegas 2011. You rocked my socks off.

Do you ever make exceptions to your budget? What do you find to be the pleasures in life worth splurging on?

Keep dreaming, dreamers!