I really hate shopping at the mall. Like, a lot.
I hate how I look in the dressing room. Maybe it's the lighting. Maybe it's my first time looking in a mirror in several weeks. But I hate it so much that I usually carry on the following conversation with myself--after my shocked ego has recovered enough to think clearly: "Really? My family let me out of the house like this? Self, tell me I don't look like this all the time. [long pause.] Crap. I do, don't I? That's great. Well then. I guess I don't need this [highly overpriced cloth item], seeing as it couldn't possibly cure my [acne, love handles, green skin, cold sore scar...]." Dressing rooms have historically saved me a lot of money.
I hate how tired I am after shopping around all day to find the best bargain. I don't ever in good conscience buy the first thing I like. Unless it's 80% off. And it's ridiculously perfect. Which never happens. So I usually end up wandering from store to store liking plenty and buying nothing. Which makes for one long wasted day. And a sore back.
Mostly, I really [really] hate. spending. money. In truth, on the rare occasion that I buy anything [a phenomenon requiring the planets align and give me the perfect outfit at an incredible discount with a less-than-punishing dressing room experience], my stomach drops and I feel sick the rest of the day. I'm sure some of you can relate to that part. [You can relate, right?]
So when Grace requested to spend her hard-earned chore cash on a single ride at our mall's Merry-Go-Round, I groaned [silently, of course]. But it was her money. And I had promised she could spend it as she wanted. So we went.
I avoided clothing stores. I avoided making direct eye contact with the women who don't need the mall since they are already perfectly coiffed and elegantly accessorized.
And I had a total blast.
We stopped at Starbucks for an incredible cupcake and vanilla flavored milk.
And then Grace and I perused the Disney Store, looking to use her remaining funds for a gift for her friend's birthday party.
Grace paid in quarters, very carefully counting them out in a thankfully empty line behind the register, to a thankfully patient cashier.
We headed back to the car and wrapped the present in paper we found. [My car might be messy, but sometimes the mess comes in handy.] On the way to the party, Grace wrote "CARTER" on the box--something she didn't know she could do.
And she kept repeating, "Oh, I hope Carter likes his present!" Over and over.
It was the perfect Saturday. And it started at the mall. Makes me want to go again.
i totally understand your plight. I can't bear to spend more than $10 on any one item. Makes for frustrating shopping and a closet full of things I don't like. :) Glad you had fun with your daughter this time.
ReplyDeleteDo you remember shopping in Edinburgh with me and what a horror that was? (i.e. not wanting to decide...not wanting to spend money on a less than perfect item?) The trend continues. I can relate. Luckily for me, you were the most patient friend a woman could ask for.
ReplyDeletespending money does make me sick... but only ever *after* I've done it. The sickness never seems to ensue as I'm loading myself up with crap to buy. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI loved that story, Grace is so darling. Those pictures made me miss her a lot. She is so smart it's disgusting! Good job parents.
ReplyDeleteI don't know why I did this, but I snuck a peek at a random friend of yours' blog (does that even make sense, I know its a grammatical nightmare!), and I see she lives in D.C. Is she single? You know...Mike is in D.C....and single, and from what I read in her blog, she intrigues me. Let's set them up, what do you say?
ReplyDeleteElise, I know Grace will probably hate this as she grows up, but I can see so much of Brad in her. She's so big, and grown-up in an almost four-year old way. I've probably told you this before, but my husband is an avid follower of your blog (although he'd never think to post a comment). So I'm commenting for the both of us: keep up your brilliant, literary, self-deprecating memiorish posts. We sure do enjoy hearing your voice as we read your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteLove, Janae