I just finished reading this really hilarious book called Saving Karyn, which a novelized version of the true story of a New York city girl who racked up US$25,000 in credit card debts buying "fun" and feel-good stuff like Gucci sunglasses and Prada handbags. Then she lost her job and could not even meet the minimum on all her cards, so she started this website -- www.savekaryn -- and asked people for donations from one cent upwards to help her pay off her bills. The most interesting part was that she did get enough money from strangers who saw her website to be able to clear all her debts in just 12 weeks!!!!!

I totally empathise with her plight -- which of us haven't gone overboard with a credit card once in while? I, for one, seem to have lost all control over my cards, and still continue to love shopping :) And its fun reading all the excuses and justifications Karyn makes to herself to buy yet another goodie -- a Gucci bag is a career investment because in today's world you need to look good to get ahead; a Miu Miu coral top is an investment in your love life; a $2000-a-month studio apartment in Manhattan is justified because it would save commuting money to office (which, incidentally, is $1.65 everyday); a La Mer face cream is justified because it prevents your skin going so bad that you would need regular facials, which are far more expensive.........the list goes on and on and on and on........its like she got into my head and put all my thoughts into her book!!!!!

What is seriously scary is that I thought all her justifications made 100% sense, and rather than speaking to me about the perils of shopaholicism, it inspired me to go out and buy more of the lovely stuff she writes about.....here's to my new Altec Lansing speakers :) :)