Brand Spanking New

Getting something new is always a treat, but can have its down side also. Let me explain. First, think of how you feel when getting a new pair of shoes. Think of how you feel when you find them on sale, in your size, and happen to be the exact color you were searching for. You can't help but feel good about your acquisition. How about the feeling when you get a little bigger ticket item, such as a new car? When it has 8 miles on the odometer, no stains on the seats from messy kids' stuff, and that new car smell. You may actually enjoy this purchase for quite some time. The 'newness' doesn't wear off as quickly as that new pair of shoes. Then the negative side of things. Friends and family may give you crap for buying a brand spanking new whatever it is. This is all in an attempt to make you feel guilty because they may not be able to purchase new, big ticket, items. Even if they can, you can still expect some flack for your purchase. I recently bought some new work jeans. First, I get ribbed for having wore out jeans that I wear to work, then I get ribbed for buying two new pair. Damned if I do, damned if I don't. What folks don't realize is, the jeans have to be new at some time in their life. Same as a new car, it too, had to have a beginning, and someone had to be the first owner. I really appreciate the attitude of one friend. He was at work one day, and a fellow workmate had bought a brand spanking new car. This happened to be the exact model this friend would have bought if he were in the market for a new car. After seeing the car in person, it was love at first sight. His workmate had to point out the painful obvious, that my friend would not spend that much money for something that new. Those who know him, know how painful it is for him purchase something brand spanking new, and part with a large sum of money, even though he probably has it stashed in a mattress at home. His response was, 'Yes, but in ten years, this car is going to be mine'! As much as a miser as some people strive to be, they still have to make new purchases whether they like it or not. There's absolutely nothing wrong with buying things second hand. My family would probably be wearing skins from animals we found dead on the road, if were not for thrift stores. But certain consumables, such as, say, toilet paper, should NOT be purchased second hand or used, for obvious reasons. It really doesn't bother me that bad when people 'harsh my gig' because I'm wearing new work jeans. I'm in no way being pretentious, just trying to get the most for my money, while still trying to look presentable. If I were trying to show off, I would invite you over to check out my new roll of butt wipe. Soft isn't it?