I love a good deal and (ask anyone who knows me) historically have always sought out deals for everything. A great value empowers me. Some may call me cheap. I don't like that term, sounds trashy. I, of course, prefer frugal. But there is something I'm learning. There are some things worth their higher price tags. I don't believe you always get what you pay for as I think somethings are way overpriced and others really are a good value.
My best example of this is running/walking shoes. I've owned several pair of tennis shoes -- one pair I just donated to charity, and they were 15 years old! And I remember what I payed for them, $35, and the town where I purchased them, Spartanburg (on Highway 29). I have this strange ability to remember the approximate costs of almost all of my purchases (except groceries) and their relative stores. Anyway, I also bought another pair of "fashion" New Balances several years ago at Kohls at Myrtle Beach while Kevin and I were away for the weekend. We had been shopping all day and my feet were killing me, so I bought these very cute gray and white NB athletic shoes. They were $49.99, quite a bit in my frugal mind. Last year I found a pair of Nike's in my size at a consignment sale for $5, so obviously, I bought those too.
Then...
then...
Two weeks ago I was properly fitted for running shoes and holy cow!! They are amazing...in comfort and the ability to make my feet feel awesome. What they are not is cute, but I don't even care AND they were $100! I assumed I would eventually feel guilty for this purchase. Two weeks have passed and there's not an ounce of guilt. Just a sense of wonder...wondering what I've missed out on by buying the cheap stuff. My core value remains steadfast. It is my definition of value that is evolving. A simple t-shirt for $8 at Target, well, that's cheap and a good value. Brooks running shoes that feel like they were made for my feet -- expensive, and still a good value. My past purchasing habits indicate that I thought value = cheap.
If there is anyone out there actually reading this, I would love to hear other items that may be pricey but worth it...specifically interested in sunglasses, home decor, televisions, furniture, and of course clothes!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Birthday Week
...so, I've decided to give blogging a go (again...2 years after I started this blog)
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Last week was very eventful for me and my family. Sunday obviously was Easter and also my 30th birthday. Tuesday I had a laparoscopy, and Thursday was my husband, Kevin's 32nd birthday.
I can't say that I loved turning 30 but it certainly didn't bother me. I am very blessed and really can only be thankful to celebrate another birthday. I've always enjoyed celebrating my birthday, probably because my parents always made sure they were a big deal...not necessarily by giving me lavish gifts but by spending time with me and letting me do things, like skip school. Since my birthday was on Easter this year, I decided to take a random day off work to celebrate with Kevin and Griffin, my five year old son. They took me to buy running shoes (more to come on how those work out), a new Easter dress, and seriously good cupcakes (SAS Cupcakes).
Just a few days after my birthday, I was scheduled for a laparoscopy to treat endometriosis. While I was concerned about surgery, I was also ready to get this done. I've been told since I was 19 that I probably had endometriosis, and a laparoscopy is the only way to confirm diagnosis. Turns out mine is stage 2 and as of right now, I'm free of it. My wonderful surgeon cauterized all of the endo he found and I have pictures to prove it! I'll keep those to myself though since they are, well...kinda gross. I am simply amazed that on Tuesday a surgeon put four cuts in my abdomen (one in the navel...yes, ouch!), stuck medical instruments into my body, burned stuff on my organs, and here I am today...fully functioning and writing this blog entry! Science and technology are amazing, but what is even more wonderful to me is how the Lord made the human body. It makes me so grateful.
Two days after surgery was my awesome hubby's birthday. I didn't do nearly enough for him, especially considering how he courted me around Charlotte wherever I wanted to go on my day. If he reads this, he will surely wish I hadn't written it; however, I must say he is a great man. I mean a really, really great man. He's not perfect and he's not even the "knight in shining armor" type. He's the "I love you so much, and will always be here for you" type, and that's real. And also seems so rare. So again, I am thankful.
Finally and most importantly, I am eternally thankful for the ressurrection, and my salvation in Jesus Christ. When I really ponder it all, I am overwhelmed at what He did for me and how little I do for Him. It's very humbling and again evokes an attitude of thankfulness in my heart. As I reflect upon everything this week offered, I wonder if I should have called it Thanksgiving Week rather than Birthday Week. However, it is just April. And I didn't have any turkey this week.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Last week was very eventful for me and my family. Sunday obviously was Easter and also my 30th birthday. Tuesday I had a laparoscopy, and Thursday was my husband, Kevin's 32nd birthday.
I can't say that I loved turning 30 but it certainly didn't bother me. I am very blessed and really can only be thankful to celebrate another birthday. I've always enjoyed celebrating my birthday, probably because my parents always made sure they were a big deal...not necessarily by giving me lavish gifts but by spending time with me and letting me do things, like skip school. Since my birthday was on Easter this year, I decided to take a random day off work to celebrate with Kevin and Griffin, my five year old son. They took me to buy running shoes (more to come on how those work out), a new Easter dress, and seriously good cupcakes (SAS Cupcakes).
Just a few days after my birthday, I was scheduled for a laparoscopy to treat endometriosis. While I was concerned about surgery, I was also ready to get this done. I've been told since I was 19 that I probably had endometriosis, and a laparoscopy is the only way to confirm diagnosis. Turns out mine is stage 2 and as of right now, I'm free of it. My wonderful surgeon cauterized all of the endo he found and I have pictures to prove it! I'll keep those to myself though since they are, well...kinda gross. I am simply amazed that on Tuesday a surgeon put four cuts in my abdomen (one in the navel...yes, ouch!), stuck medical instruments into my body, burned stuff on my organs, and here I am today...fully functioning and writing this blog entry! Science and technology are amazing, but what is even more wonderful to me is how the Lord made the human body. It makes me so grateful.
Two days after surgery was my awesome hubby's birthday. I didn't do nearly enough for him, especially considering how he courted me around Charlotte wherever I wanted to go on my day. If he reads this, he will surely wish I hadn't written it; however, I must say he is a great man. I mean a really, really great man. He's not perfect and he's not even the "knight in shining armor" type. He's the "I love you so much, and will always be here for you" type, and that's real. And also seems so rare. So again, I am thankful.
Finally and most importantly, I am eternally thankful for the ressurrection, and my salvation in Jesus Christ. When I really ponder it all, I am overwhelmed at what He did for me and how little I do for Him. It's very humbling and again evokes an attitude of thankfulness in my heart. As I reflect upon everything this week offered, I wonder if I should have called it Thanksgiving Week rather than Birthday Week. However, it is just April. And I didn't have any turkey this week.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A New Year
2009 is well on its way and my to do list keeps growing and growing. I don't believe in resolutions. Never worked for me. Action plans seem to be more reasonable for me. Or at least a list so that I can check off the items I complete. I have to feel like I've accomplished something. I am one of those people who will write something on the to do list even after I've done it, just so I can check it off.
My daily to do list is usually more than I can handle, so I'm not sure how to even begin on a yearly to do list. If there's anyone who's figured out how to exercise, work, clean, cook, do laundry, and take care of a family in 1 day, please let me know. It's simply overwhelming and the start of a new year somehow offers hope that I will get it right and simulates more pressure than a cooker full of mason jars . I don't like it. It's a very weird place...you know that weird feeling of taking down christmas decorations...the end of something great and the beginning of something that you hope will be great.
I do have hope for 2009 as there are many goals I want to accomplish...probably at least 11 check marks, I would say. I've never had a blog, but I think since I started one, I'll add it to the list. Make that 12 check marks and one down.
My daily to do list is usually more than I can handle, so I'm not sure how to even begin on a yearly to do list. If there's anyone who's figured out how to exercise, work, clean, cook, do laundry, and take care of a family in 1 day, please let me know. It's simply overwhelming and the start of a new year somehow offers hope that I will get it right and simulates more pressure than a cooker full of mason jars . I don't like it. It's a very weird place...you know that weird feeling of taking down christmas decorations...the end of something great and the beginning of something that you hope will be great.
I do have hope for 2009 as there are many goals I want to accomplish...probably at least 11 check marks, I would say. I've never had a blog, but I think since I started one, I'll add it to the list. Make that 12 check marks and one down.
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