Luxury Problems

Instead of buying a converter box for our old television, dear hubby and I decided to purchase a modest, brand-spanking-new HDTV. The decision to *gasp - Maude forbid!* buy something for ourselves that hasn't been owned by at least one other person is largely motivated by our retirement fund statements. Our "joke" has been, what else are we gonna spend the money on, an IRA?

Ha, ha, ha.

Another reason is that parenthood and frugal living have both put a serious cramp in our movie-going. We don't watch much network TV, but we do rent/borrow a lot of DVDs. Why not invest in something that's a little more something-something, if we're going to get mileage out of it? Plus, we get to stimulate the economy on the watch of our current Prez. (Not that a 23 inch flat-panel TV is going to bail much more than a thimbleful of water from the Titanic, but still.)

So I'm on the Internets, looking for a new TV in our price range. Looking and looking. I feel like I'm running in circles, but I don't understand why. Then I realize: I'm not used to actually SPENDING MONEY on something new! I fear I've forgotten how to shop retail!

Well, anyway, I hope I remember soon. That deadline's coming up in a few weeks, and I do NOT want to be on summer break without my kid's co-parent (aka PBS).

Because I turned 40 years old this week, and because captain_oz is 100% Made of Awesome, she is taking us for pedicures today.

So...exactly how does one leave a nail salon in 25-degree weather without fucking up her new foot-paint? Please bear in mind my refusal to wear flip-flops outside of the salon.  I've seen a few women in fur coats with flip-flops on, post-pedicure, and...OMG. The ridiculousness defies comprehension. I can only assume what a jackass I'd look like in a down parka and flip-flops. Not even just to the car and then home.

So. Any non-ridonkulous-looking ideas? T'anks.
 

So, you know, there was this huge real estate boom at the turn of the century, and my spouse and I were thinking, "Hey, aren't we entitled to our piece of the pie, too?"  We go and buy a three-quarter of a million dollar home, but then the market goes kablooey on us. Now we're stuck with this stupid sprawling new construction depreciating right before our very eyes. I mean, this damn house has more bathrooms and bedrooms than we know what to do with! What a catastrophe! Woe is us!

*insert world's teeniest violin here*

My mousewheel stopped working and the procurement officer is out until Monday.

I'm only working until 1 today, and I'm not sure I can make it without the use of my roller wheel.

This Sucks.

The cleaning staff was in my office washing the carpet and they messed up the settings on my office chair! *whine*

It's been forever since I've had a massage, a manicure or a pedicure. I really, really want at least one of those things right now.

Unfortunately, my recent pay cut and/or uncertainty of any income at all after the end of the fiscal year warrants much tightening of the belt. Oh, I'm lucky enough to have a dear hubby who gives deep-tissue massage rivaling that of edumacated body-workers, and I know I can do my own damn nails at home. It's the whole pampering experience that I'm after. I always feel guilty and/or compelled to reciprocate when my husband works on my back and neck, so I cut him off after like 10 minutes. Plus, my nails don't get that nifty salon smell to them when I polish at home.

Fancypants West Division Street nail salons and holistic spas, you mock me and I hate you for it. Don't you have enough clients from all those SAHM's who patronize you on their way home from Pilates class, that you have to go picking on me? Shame on you, Ruby Room! Bah.

I didn't want to spend $16 this morning on a new umbrella; however, it was cheaper than replacing the $300* silk dress I'm wearing.

*Which is what I would have paid had I not found the dress at a floor sample sale for 80% off.

(stolen from fark.com)
Yeah, I'd probably be pissed if I paid $20 to soak in what I thought was mineral water only to find out it was tap water. My skin feels dry just thinking about it.

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I am not sure if these posts fit what you would like to see for this community.  If not, feel free to delete.  Thought I would add my $.02, no matter how lame they might be. 

Given my tendency toward impatience and a lack of intuitive empathy, I suspect it won't be long before I get my panties in a bunch over some high-class problem.  (Right now, I've got my money on sitting in traffic waiting for a gaggle of those disgusting Canada geese to cross the street.  Bear in mind that I haven't yet visited the change-hating vending machine today, so I could be way off.)

In the meantime, I'll link to some rants from my personal account. Much as I dislike recycling my posts on the LJ, SOMEBODY has to get the ball rolling in this community. It might as well be me (what with being the moderator and all). Here ya go:

Three days without DSL service. Oh, the huge manatees!

How dare they! I'm calling my union!

So, a little nice makeup should hurt anybody?

All I wanted was a cup of coffee. What have I done to deserve this?

Have fun. Rant ya later!