Saturday, March 10, 2012

The zone

I was downtown today, and noticed I have officially entered the mental “near-home zone.” This occurs every year before I visit the states. I go into a store, see something I like, then turn up my nose and snort:

“I can get something better in America.” (tough luck, potholders)
Or “I can get this much cheaper in America.” (hope to see you in 3 weeks, Calvin Klein tote)
Or “I don’t like this enough not to covert the 30 euros I would have spent on it into $40 I can spend in America.” (good try, pillow covers)

This is really a great money-saving psychological device, also because there's often no follow-up. I don't go LOOKING for potholders, for example....

My retail dreams of America are no longer wholly realizable since the airlines started charging for overweight baggage, rather than just threatening to. Last April when I came back they told me I had to pay $200 for overweight, or $50 for a second bag. Needless to say, I whipped out a second bag and transferred the 50 books I’d bought from my suitcase into it, mentally adding $1 to the price of each book (which was still kind of a bargain).



3 comments:

toniclark said...

Hmmm... How did you happen to have a second bag big enough for 50 books and where did you whip it out from? I need to know these things!! I'm going to have a big travel year. Provence in May. . . .

SarahJane said...

I always keep a bag in my bag! A nice, scrunch-up-able tote bag. You never know.

toniclark said...

Clever. As long as it's rugged enough for baggage handling. (I usually have a carry-on already!) I won't be hauling books, but intend to bring back some wine.

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