This is how I spent (spent being the operative word) my Saturday. You will also learn from this account how an impulse buy results from the very smooth words of the devil. And how I am stripped of all my shoe-shopping money for the rest of the year.

Begin by going to a mall. The objective of which was to find nosepads for your boyfriend's Rudy Projects. Personal objective? Buy shoes.

When the first mall turns up on both of you empty, move to another mall. Purchase your sister's requested birthday gift - a pair of black Brazil Havaianas at a specified size of 35/36.

While your boyfriend makes the rounds among the opticals, you make your way to Terranova. Here, purchase 2 glam sweaters. Smile and revel at the great discounted prices.

Offer to treat for dinner at Tia Maria's, to celebrate the raise you got (the raise that is slowly becoming non-existent). On the way there, stop by a CyberMall to canvass through Mp3 players, your supposed Christmas gift to yourself. The best candidate being a 5GB number priced at around 13K. Hold on to that thought, until Christmas bonus time.

Eat a hefty dinner at Tia Maria's. After that sumptuous meal, walk and pass by a computer superstore. Go in, for another round of canvassing. It wouldn't hurt. NOT.

Find that a certain amount of iPods are on a Christmas Promo. Valid until Dec 31 only. And only for cash purchases. The 20GB iPod Photo has gone from around 21K to 18K. Make rash calculations. From the most reasonable one earlier, I just ad 5K and I have 15GB more? Should I buy this now? Now?

There are only 3 left. They used to be eight, the attendant says. Think, think. Next week these might be all gone. Get the box, hold it in your hands. Eyes closed, say "Okay, I'll take it. Now. Before I change my mind." Watch, with only an eye open, as you debit a chunk from your personal savings.

Now I have an iPod. His name is Eliot.
There goes hopes of the Ugg-like ankle high boots.
Oh, and now how do I go Christmas gift shopping? Hmmm. Good question.