Setting a 2013 Tea Budget

Normally I don't set a hard budget to control any of my habits, I try to keep a eye on it from time to time.  But a tiny alarm bell tinkled in my head when I ended up buying $400 worth of chocolates in a single day. But when you are constantly handing out multiple bars to people who need cheering up, even a supply such as this can last only a few weeks. I'm aware my chocolate budget is now heartily eating into my tea budget.  

Fiscal prudence is a virtuous habit which can be forced upon you sometimes by painful necessity.  Fortunately I'm saving to fulfill a fantasy.  While in Hawaii- I noticed parcels of ocean front land in Puna for sale which I could buy if I was more modest in my current lifestyle.  All discretionary spending is now on review.  So I'm about the business if officially setting my tea budget this morning which should include all tea, tea wares, and shipping.

I thought of a pleasing round number like $1000 which I could easily spare because I don't own a smart phone. While many of my friends are a slave to their monthly iphone payments (~$85/month or $1020/year), I have a burner phone which costs me $10 every three months.  When you think of lump annual sums, they appear more formidable. 

This year, my tea budget has to accommodate:

• a tetsubin kettle
• decent non-exploding non-leaking electric kettle for work
• a nice yixing teapot for myself
• teapots for various friends
• gift tea for friends

While limitations in theory force a more careful use of one's resources, a person unused to such discipline could crack else where.   Starting next week, instead of handing out multiple chocolate bars, I'll just have to share chunks of a single bar. A twinge of regret already forms in my mind and friends might be confused at this new policy of stinginess.