Na na-na na-na na.

This is just a reminder that I have a pinball machine, and you don't. Thanks for your time.
Woo

I have a problem.

Okay, several. But I am going to talk about one specific problem. (at a time). You are perhaps hoping that I am going to talk about my nerd problem. Well, the thought crossed my mind, but I think there will be a time for that later. For now, I choose to talk about my favorite problem. One that I admit to having, but am unlikely to overcome anytime soon. Maybe we should play 20 questions?

Is your problem an addiction?
Yes.
Is your addiction manifest on this very blog?
Yes.
Okay, this is too easy.

My problem is buying things at thrift stores. I can't stop doing it! I don't want to stop doing it!
Most thrifty people (I don't think anyone would deny that I am one) seek to minimize their unneeded expenses. I am always searching to save a buck or two. Every bit helps, especially when you are a graduate student, with a wife and 1.5 kids. But even if I was rich, I would be pinching pennies. Unfortunately, the way things are heading, I am going to need to be rich, just for storage fees, let alone up front costs.

So what, you might wonder is the root of my problem? Am I too thrifty? I don't think that is the problem. I spent over $100 at thrift stores over Thanksgiving break... yet, I won't turn the heat up another 2 degrees, since I am saving money?

Well, I'll cut to the chase (I don't have much time, as I need to get ready to argue with Bohn on his next blog post).

What is the root of my problem? Why do spend $1000 a year on 2nd-hand clothes? Do I grow out of them? Do I soil them? (don't answer that).

Maybe before I answer that, I will give a few of my justifications. Everyone with a favorite addiction/sin has at least one really good justification... (He said that before he was the prophet... I have already paid for so much music, and the artist don't get their cut anyway... I will pay it all back and more when I get a high paying job and pay my taxes... The movie rating system isn't reliable anyway... gambling is just a form of entertainment, like paying $10 to see a movie... If God didn't want me to be homosexual, why did he make me that way? (I put that one in for you Sloyd, and so somebody wouldn't claim that I was just quoting him (or her...).

Okay, so here are my justifications:

• We need a years supply of food, why not a years supply of clothing? You never know if we will have laundry detergent, in the case of a disaster.


• How about: I am keeping it out of a landfill. Look at me saving the environment. Come hug a tree with me, and pet a koala.


• Or this: It is really an investment, I am sure I could turn around and sell them all for twice what I paid... if I wanted.


• Or: I am still saving money over those high priced department store goods.

Feel free to bear your testimony to me about why those are or are not valid justifications...

Anywho, none of those is the real reason I have a problem saying no at thrift stores. The problem is, when I find something totally awesome, whether I need it or not, I think to myself: "If I don't buy it someone else will."

That is why I have a reel-to-reel tape player, a briefcase slideshow presentation system, a projection screen, 3000 or so records and a whole bunch of 8-tracks.

That is why my closet looks like this:

(admittedly, the top left corner is cheltz' stuff)
And this:

And this:

Oh, and two laundry baskets full... and the dresser, coat rack, and hat rack. (but I am typing this naked so don't worry missing anything there)


And that is why my blog exists. So, if you find yourself envious of some of my highlighted finds (cough cough... tumble-weed blow-by from right) just remember, ssenssateews comes at a cost.

Oh, and the nerd problem? I don't think it exists.

Rubes...

I put up some new pictures of Rubes, if you want to check those out.