Every kiss begins with "K(ay)," true enough. But so does krap. And just because it's on Zale(s), doesn't mean it's a bargain. That stuff from the mall really looks like Hel(zberg).
Freeze. Put your wallet back in your pocket/purse. That's it. Slowly now. No fast moves. Take your time. Now step away from the mall jeweler. Good, good. Keep walking. No, don't look back. Breathe. Walk. Loosen your shoulders. That's it. Untighten your grip. Wipe the sweat off your palms. Keep breathing. Better, right? Yup. Okay.
The smell of the Cinnabon and the pretzel guy is getting fainter, isn't it?
It's Mother's Day time again. And if you're blessed enough to still have a mother around, it's a good thing to let her know you're thinking about her.
If you're really lucky, you'll have a mother, a grandmother, a mother-in-law and a grandmother-in-law who will tell you what to get for them. So my job has been very easy all these years.
I basically went from the days when I would fingerpaint something for her at school or macrame something at Bluebirds - then to the phase where she'd tell me what she wanted - to now, when she says she wants nothing, and I know what to get.
In the past, when my mother would say she didn't want anything, it still meant a fun outing and good food and a nice card and great company. And now I employ my father on re-con missions to inventory the Petit Cherie and Cashmere Mist supply and report back. And then I go to Plan B. Meaning, Plan BOOK(s).
What I'm saying is that you don't need to break the bank to get something nice for your ma for Mother's Day.
The best thing you can give her is your time, your attention, and your companionship. And a meal she doesn't have to prepare. Maybe church and brunch? A trip to the botanical gardens? A nice air-conditioned matinee at the theater? And if you want to throw in some flowers, or some neat fragrance stuff, or a manicure and lunch, or a framed photo... just make sure it's something she wants.
She's done so much. Don't reward her by forcing her to sit in Outback Steakhouse where the stench of fried onions will permeate her pretty silk blouse and clean hair, while she stares listlessly at a $59 1/4 ct (TOTAL weight) diamond circle pendant on a 10K gold chain in front of her.
Unless that's what she wants. In which case, make those reservations and get thee to the mall.
And order a steak for me. I kind of like that restaurant. Just not how my hair smells afterwards.
I don't know why Outback gets such hatin'. Those cheese fries permeate my dreams!
I asked for a Dustbuster this year -- since the litter-flinging cat came to live with us, I've had to sweep entirely too much. This cannot stand.
Posted by: Lisa | May 11, 2006 at 02:22 PM
I've actually never been to Outback. But I would be bummed if someone spent their hard earned dollars on junk or even nice stuff I dind't enjoy. THanks for the sage advice!
Posted by: kim | May 11, 2006 at 06:58 PM
Hear, hear!!!!!
In fact, this year, I (on behalf of my brother and myself) made a pre-emptive strike and offered Mom a choice. Usual price range gifts for birthday (November), Christmas, and Mother's Day -- or, as it was a "special" birthday a Really Important Gift for her birthday and tokens for the others.
After hemming and hawing, and with the benefit of some hints, she decided on the former. Which was, IMO, the right choice -- a strand of 9-10 mm baroque peacock Tahitians with 18k white clasp.
Posted by: Wendy | May 13, 2006 at 06:22 AM
This is precisely the type of arrangement that I think we all should consider! It's a win-win gift-giving structure.
1. Mom gets what she wants and deserves.
2. Mom doesn't have to pretend she likes something she doesn't.
3. Kids don't spend money just for the sake of spending it, it's spent on something that's wanted and welcome. It's money well spent.
It's the avoiding the scenario Kim mentions. And it's like what Lisa's doing. Getting what they want/need and not having to see someone spend money for nothing.
I know some people are forced to play mind-reader with their Moms and that really sounds annoying.
Hurrah for asking for what you want!
Posted by: Susanna | May 13, 2006 at 08:24 AM
Lisa,
The cat who owns me has a talent for excavating the litterbox, so I know exactly where you are coming from!
Susanna,
Mom was so pleased she had me shop for a matching bracelet she could buy for herself, so now she has a set or can use it as an extender for the necklace.
Wendy
Posted by: Wendy | May 13, 2006 at 03:38 PM
I got a locket (Yes, it was from the jewelry counter at Wal-Mart, but my 8-year-old paid for it with HIS OWN MONEY, so I gots to wear it. Such is the way of mothers.) and the Dustbuster. AND a nap.
Rawk.
Posted by: Lisa | May 15, 2006 at 05:55 AM
Hey, did you know that Wal-Mart and Costco are into the fine jewelry and loose diamond business now? It's true.
Hurrah for the 8 year-old and his independence! And hooray for the Dustbuster. And the nap? Priceless.
Posted by: Susanna | May 15, 2006 at 11:26 AM
I love Outback! And I love jewelry even more!
Posted by: charity spence | June 26, 2011 at 07:57 PM