Oh to have an unlimited checking account but since that is such a first world problem and as long as I can keep a roof over my head, clothing, food and keep Wook in the lifestyle which he is accustomed to I can get over the limited funds. But it is always fun to window shop, dream and sometimes even getting said item after saving up for it. I am the very first one to admit that I have champagne taste on a PBR budget but there are times when investing in a higher end brand is well worth it.
Case in point–several years ago I purchased a key chain (with the clip thing for the valet key) from Coach. My only complaint about this key chain is trying to get keys on and off the ring. Stace’s hubby was trying to help me and somehow the spring in the clip portion broke. On a whim and the thought that it never hurts to ask, I stopped in the store to ask about getting fixed. Instead of fixing it the promptly exchange it with a new, working one no questions asked. I had the first one for well over a year but that didn’t factor into their customer service. I still carry the key chain and still share that story with others.
And then there are trends that are just expensive, kind of like those Swatch watches that I had to have well over 20 years ago. I think I still have one or two floating around but the batteries are dead. In fact, I think my home is where all watches come to die. I will want one, wear it for awhile and then stick it in a drawer. Then at some point I will see a really cute one that I just have to have only to be reminded that I have several that I don’t wear and now no longer tell time.
The following are strictly wants, I don’t need any of these items to actually live so I know it isn’t the end of the world if I never get them.
iPad and case. . . sure I have a Kindle Fire and I love it but. . . I am a gadget geek and since I waited like, forever to purchase an iPhone, the Apple fever is starting to come to a head. As an aside, I was never one to make sure I had a case for previous phones and there are times when my Kindle is not in it’s case but for some reason when it comes to an Apple product, I am adamant about having a case for it.
Hunter Wellies with liners. . .rain boots but not just any rain boots! My love for all things British extend to these lovely rubber boots. There is only one small problem with any type of boot for me though, I am short and my calves are huge, kind of hard to find a comfortable boot that fits them. But I love the red ones and just for giggles, let me throw in the Union Jack liners because I can’t be dorky enough.
Trip to London. . .well, I believe that is a no brainer for anyone that knows me. I am obsessed with the city. Ideally, I have always wanted to fly Virgin Atlantic across the pond and sleep in one of those pod chairs. But I will settle for economy plus on whichever carrier can get me there at a reasonable price. I need a little wiggle room for that long of a flight. Besides taking in every sight to be seen in London, I would want to see at least one show on the West End, check out the ridiculous shopping, spend time in a pub, lose myself in the city and finally be able to say that yes, I have been to London.
Def Leppard. . .they are playing Vegas in a limited run this coming spring. While Vegas has never been on my must see list, I know I would have fun. I used to totally make fun of a friend who used to spend his vacation time following Dylan around but I get it. Sure, they are an 80s hair band but I love their music and have crushed on Phil Collen since the video for  Photograph came out. Seeing them live is worth the money to me, I get to listen to the music of my youth (dear Lord I am getting old) as well as try to rewrite history thinking that I was a really cool kid. I have also added to my Amazon Wish list (for my eyes only people, it helps me remember what I picked out!) Pyromania and Hysteria since my original copies are cassette tape and I lost the bulk of my music when my laptop crashed. Sad panda. . .
KitchenAid Pro Stand Mixer. . .this would be an upgrade since I already own one of their stand mixers. I love it, use it often but at some point I would like to upgrade to the professional series. I have always loved the red one but common sense would be to get the silver one. Neutral colors are easier to decorate around. Thank goodness for friends and family with this sage advise or I would have ended up with a very loud red couch.
Plush Organs. . . as Stace would say, this is really just more clutter but I really do think these are just too cute. And what is another three nonfunctional items to add to junk? There are several options to chose from but I would pick the gall bladder, uterus and ovary since those are organs that have been sliced and diced on me. Also, I find it ironic that the testicle is blue. . . yes I am a 12 year old boy at heart, my mom is really proud of that. I do have a point of contention with the company that made these though, ovaries are white, I have pictures of mine although the tubes are pink.
Manolo Blanick Mary Janes. . .I tried these on when I first moved back to Nashville, I love them, they don’t love my Fred Flintstone feet. Since I have lost quite a few pounds since that little adventure, I may try again. If it doesn’t work out, I will just drool on the picture. Plus, they would add several inches to my very short frame.
Surround sound. . .thanks to my parents, I know am the proud owner of a really big tv but when watching football or a really good movie, I wouldn’t mind adding a sound bar to the mix. I like it when I can hear the helmets hit each other.
Cookbooks. . .Of course no list could be complete without a few cookbooks thrown in the mix. The following three are ones that I really need to just suck it up and order them. . .
I have a list that encompasses lots of cookbooks and just plain old good reads as well but that is really overwhelming to list.
Cooking Gadgets. . .well I think it goes without saying that if I love all things techy, I am a sucker for kitchen gadgets. Currently I am on the lookout for an inexpensive pepper mill, mine broke a couple of months ago. I am always down with the silicon scrappers/spatulas as well as any and all attachments to my stand mixer.
New York City. . .I have been many times to the city that I love but I want to go at Christmas, see the big tree, take in all the beautiful shop windows AND see the real Santa at Macy’s. I joked with a coworker about sitting on his lap and asking for a husband, kid and they lived happily every after. But I am realistic. I would be okay with just visiting with him for a few minutes, get a picture and thank him for all the wonderful childhood memories. I would also tell him that I do still believe in the idea of Santa. But getting a solid week in NYC to take in some shows, shopping, eating and writing would be the ideal trip. I would also like to find exactly where my grandparents got married and where dad was born (South Bronx represent!).
And finally a few simple things, pedis on a much regular basis, a massage once a quarter, a membership to the Y and some personal training back in the mix. I would love to get to the point where I could take off for a weekend to visit friends in Chicago, Baltimore, Kansas City and really take advantage of the fact that I am single and should be enjoying all of these things.
Christmas isn’t about the gifts, the parties or anything as trite as that, it is about spending time with your loved ones. This year I will be preparing a beef tenderloin for my parents, spending time with Bird and the girls and knowing that while I love and miss everyone there, I will get to come back home, to Nashville. I am beyond grateful to have found a great group of people to work with, reconnect with old friends and know that I really did make it through living in Chattanooga. Those two and a half years were rough but I managed to prove that I was stronger than that.
I may never all of my wants but sometimes that is okay. Now I am going to go cuddle up with the most lovable, loyal little man ever, my Wook makes me smile as I walk through the door each night. I may suck at men but this ball of gray fur has my back.
Stumbling Through Life 