Shop 'til You Drop

The way I see it, there are three distinct shopping styles that one can embark on: shopping for necessity, shopping for pleasure and, shopping for the sport of it.  Each can be quite gratifying in its own way, yet every technique is quite unique and satisfying… if done fittingly, with the proper attitude and personal flair.

Shopping for necessity: think essentials: eggs, milk, toilet tissue, Q-tips, ice cream and chocolate – household needs that are usually scribbled on a scrap piece of paper in no apparent order.  Although not as rewarding as one may think on the onslaught of your weekly pilgrimage to the marketplace, the camaraderie of kindred spirits partaking in the search for the perfect zucchini can be pleasurable.  I once spent 35 minutes pondering which frozen concoction would satisfy my cravings finding that only in a small community can you run into so many people you know in one aisle (great minds think alike).  I felt efficient and content as I solved world problems in the freezer section, debated school politics in produce, dawdled in dairy and actually remembered to pick up all the things on my list.

Shopping for pleasure: applies to having the occasion to linger, to stroll down aisle after aisle, to spritz perfume til your hearts content.  With nothing particular you are looking for (but always finding something) you have ample time to take pleasure in the smells of leather, texture of fabrics, delights of desired tchotchkes.  Done while on vacation (when the emporiums hold an added anticipation of new and unusual local finds), when the kids are at school (to have a couple hours of retail therapy clears the mind and is cheaper than therapy), alone (can you imagine?) or with a shopping buddy (this is a trusted co-heart and kindred spirit who holds this high honor), but rarely with a husband – they are usually in tow only during the dating phase or when a major electronic purchase is possible - pleasure shopping is soothing to the soul.

Shopping for the sport of it: this is the queen of queens – power shopping, if you will.  With expertise and proficiency handed down from generation to generation, there is a talent and technique that is above and beyond the typical day-to-day shopping.  Typically thought of “on a mission from above”, there is a means to this madness.  The skilled eye quickly scans the perimeter, searching for style, color and/or designer name.  The ability to hone in on desired criteria allows for efficient “search and rescue” of the bounty with a swift yes or no to procure, and on with the hunt.  Success is measured in bag size and quantity.  This type of shopping is for the physically fit and not faint of heart.  Even lunch is quick and to the point – don’t want to miss a moment of valuable time.  You can tell a true shopping warrior by the comfortable shoes they wear, that ones that have the ability to accommodate their swelling dogs in the afternoon.  Be advised:  Spousal units can become confused, bewildered and left in the dust and should not be brought along.

Since we come by shopping honestly (it is our inherent right as gatherers) rid yourself of guilt feelings.  Live dangerously and enter an emporium that you have always wanted to try but never made the time.  Check out the local offerings – I can guarantee you will find something you “need”. And always keep in mind… when the going gets tough, the tough go shopping!

Cynthia A. McClelland, curious observer of the obvious with interpretations of the oddities of daily life.  Mother, wife and lover of the furry, resides in the north Lake Tahoe area.                      

Cynthia A. McClelland © 2003-