Where was the best place you shopped in 2009? Online or offline, where did you spend most of your mad money this year?
First of all, I had very little mad money this year to spend. However, I do have an awe-inspiring talent for spending money I don’t have. Which is why I’m up to my eyeballs in debt and no longer own any credit cards. With that bit of nonsense revealed, let me now hunt through my receipts for a purchasing pattern…
Food. Food. Starbucks. Starbucks. Restaurant. Food. Starbucks. Random Tchotchke. Old Navy. Gap. Starbucks. Food. Food. Food.
Okay, so my purchasing pattern is mundane and reflects both a horrifying lack of imagination and a disturbing amount of gluttony. In addition, I am clearly a creature of habit.
*sigh*
So what purchase made me most happy?
Cute, non?
AN ELEPHANT.
I was in a very fragile, terrified, overwhelmed place. Far from family. Not wanting to reveal the extent of my vulnerability to friends. Desperately in need of a prolonged hug.
And I remembered all that mid-90′s talk about comforting your inner child, blah, blah, blah.
So I went out and bought myself an incredibly soft stuffed animal. They did not make stuffed animals this soft when I was a kid! It’s utterly delightful. It brings a smile to my face. It makes me feel cozy and comforted.
My petit elephant. Not exactly like a mother’s kiss to a child’s boo-boo. But close.
(p.s. After reading more than a couple of my posts, you may be struck with an impulse to call the authorities. I assure you that is unnecessary. I have a very nice straightjacket already hanging in my closet.)
Alana
/ December 18, 2009You know, I’m really good at holding/hugging/accepting if you ever need it. But I totally get the elephant.
emmajames
/ December 19, 2009Alana: Thanks, chica. So very much.
whollyjeanne
/ December 20, 2009i can understand this – i still have some of my childhood stuffed animals, and even though they look more than a little frazzled now, they still bring me comfort. (funny about the straitjacket.)
Kate T.W.
/ December 21, 2009I once bought a stuffed pink bunny of exactly that softness for the same sort of reason. The only time I’ve even bought a stuffed animal for myself, as an adult. I was in a drugstore around Easter. The checkout lady smirked as I cradled it in the line like a puppy, which it resembled. It was one of those times, and I don’t regret it a bit. I totally get it.
emmajames
/ December 22, 2009Jeanne: I KNEW you’d understand. One more reason I adore you.
Kate: Thanks! I’m glad I’m not the only one, but now I wanna see a pic of the pink bunny!