Wednesday, February 24, 2010
I wanted to spend money but just couldn't do it
Okay, let's be clear. I can spend money. There's never been any question. But I was on vacation from work for a few days--just taking care of home stuff, practicing some hobbies, and overall refreshing the spirit.
I had a couple of ideas of things I would do during this time. I wanted to get a cupcake from the little shop down the block. I wanted to sit outside and read a book at the coffee shop I adore. I wanted to get takeout from this newish vegan restaurant.
I bought the cupcake and after eating it, realized that I don't do this more often because I just don't eat sugar any more... and this has way too much sugar for me. As in, I felt dizzy. Instead of reading my book at the coffee shop over a coffee and sandwich, I read it on my patio with a glass of wine. And despite considering the vegan restaurant several times, I just couldn't justify spending $15 on takeout. My fridge and pantry are stocked--with lots of food that I really like.
So instead of spending money frivolously, I feel like I saved. Which is why I instead bought:
I had a couple of ideas of things I would do during this time. I wanted to get a cupcake from the little shop down the block. I wanted to sit outside and read a book at the coffee shop I adore. I wanted to get takeout from this newish vegan restaurant.
I bought the cupcake and after eating it, realized that I don't do this more often because I just don't eat sugar any more... and this has way too much sugar for me. As in, I felt dizzy. Instead of reading my book at the coffee shop over a coffee and sandwich, I read it on my patio with a glass of wine. And despite considering the vegan restaurant several times, I just couldn't justify spending $15 on takeout. My fridge and pantry are stocked--with lots of food that I really like.
So instead of spending money frivolously, I feel like I saved. Which is why I instead bought:
- A bereavement card for some friends who lost their pet. $5
- A bottle of Tanqueray (great sale!!). $16.45
- Pet grass seed. $20.26
Why I spent $32.93 instead of $10.96
After spending two hours wrapped in saran wrap and duct tape (homemade dressform), I needed a lampstand for a sewing project. I started my search by unsuccessfully checking three thrift shops before I decided Target would be the best retail option. Wrong! All their floor lamps were super expensive -- at least for my purposes.
So off I traipsed to Big Lots. Or off I attempted to traipse... there being a marathon happening in Pasadena that day. Which I knew about. And still went to Target... smack dab in the middle of the course. After several wrong choices, I ended up going home the same way I came, except significantly more frustrated than before.
It was in this mindset that I went to Big Lots. Yes, they had a floor lamp. Yes, it had a sturdy base and would fit my needs superbly. But it was $30. With tax, $32.93. So I bought it, thinking that if I could find a cheaper one, I could return it. But inside, I knew full well that I was done shopping and driving and looking. I was irritated and I wanted to finish my dressform.
When I got home, I checked IKEA's web site. They had a lampstand in stock for just $9.99. And two more for under $20. But the store is near my job (I was on vacation and didn't want to drive to a place that's basically right next to work), 12 miles away. And did I mention that I was annoyed with the universe? I justified by thinking that the drive was a gallon of gas. Which is approx $3.20. I know, my justification math sucks. Have I mentioned that I'm a writer--not a mathematician?
I also thought to check freecycle. Within two hours, someone emailed offering me a free broken floor lamp. And yes, by that point, I'd actually finished stuffing my dressform with newspaper and fiberfill onto the Big Lots lampstand.
More often than not, spending is situational. And it's always a choice. I made my choice -- buy the convenience and fulfillment of completing my task.
On Sunday, convenience cost me $18.77. And was worth every single penny.
So off I traipsed to Big Lots. Or off I attempted to traipse... there being a marathon happening in Pasadena that day. Which I knew about. And still went to Target... smack dab in the middle of the course. After several wrong choices, I ended up going home the same way I came, except significantly more frustrated than before.
It was in this mindset that I went to Big Lots. Yes, they had a floor lamp. Yes, it had a sturdy base and would fit my needs superbly. But it was $30. With tax, $32.93. So I bought it, thinking that if I could find a cheaper one, I could return it. But inside, I knew full well that I was done shopping and driving and looking. I was irritated and I wanted to finish my dressform.
When I got home, I checked IKEA's web site. They had a lampstand in stock for just $9.99. And two more for under $20. But the store is near my job (I was on vacation and didn't want to drive to a place that's basically right next to work), 12 miles away. And did I mention that I was annoyed with the universe? I justified by thinking that the drive was a gallon of gas. Which is approx $3.20. I know, my justification math sucks. Have I mentioned that I'm a writer--not a mathematician?
I also thought to check freecycle. Within two hours, someone emailed offering me a free broken floor lamp. And yes, by that point, I'd actually finished stuffing my dressform with newspaper and fiberfill onto the Big Lots lampstand.
More often than not, spending is situational. And it's always a choice. I made my choice -- buy the convenience and fulfillment of completing my task.
On Sunday, convenience cost me $18.77. And was worth every single penny.
Friday, February 19, 2010
And to be fair, a great Lily photo
My current favorite Duncan photo
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