Tightening Purse Strings

I have decided that for the next few months with the exception of my birthday week, I'm going to stop purchasing extras and cut way down on dinners out. I sort of went easy on myself after the car was paid off and then depleted the savings account when I had to pay for car repairs, tooth repairs, etc. Now I'm finding myself getting nervous that if anything else big comes up I'm totally screwed. So I will give up coffee's, iTunes Wednesday, exchange dinner with friends for walks including the pooch (this is also based in disgust with myself for not taking advantage of the nice weather as much as I should) or Shakespeare in the park which I love anyway and is free. I also want to start riding my bike to work for the exercise and the savings on gas and car maintenance. There is no reason to spend money in summer. So much is free or cheap and it's so easy to save that I have no excuse. Also I must stop purchasing any fun stuff for myself because I always ruin my birthday that way. I think I'm not buying things anyone else would buy me, but my best friend is really good at getting me things I really want, and I have ruined a few of her gifts. Beth, I promise I will purchase no cd's, movies, shoes, jewelry or other such material goods until August 1. Pinky swear.