The following is a reprint of a previously published post. Enjoy!
I was on my way back from dropping my son off at his life guarding class this morning, when I started to have a minor anxiety attack. This came complete with waves of nausea and a feeling that maybe I should start hyperventilating.
It wasn’t a good feeling.
I knew I had a ton of stuff to do in the next couple days, so much so that I had no idea where to start. So instead of heading home, I decided that a trip to Goodwill was in order. I’ve been really good about limiting my Goodwill trips, and haven’t set foot in my home away from home for a month or so.
I knew the timing of my day was tight, but frankly, I wasn’t up to facing my adult responsibilities without a little something something for myself.
My heart rate started to beat at a regular rate as soon as the automatic doors swooshed open.
Ahh . . . .
I ended up going to two different Goodwills, and here’s what I bought:
- A pair of Nike brand basketball shorts for my younger son. They’re very cool and reversible. $2.50
- A new looking pair of Crocs for my younger son. $3.99
- A package of brand new Jockey brand underwear, marked $14.99 on the packaging. $2.99
I am fully aware how strange it may seem that I find it relaxing to shop for used underwear, shoes and shorts. Very few women would admit that this is their me time. But I can get a little nutso when I go too many days doing nothing but ferrying kids, cooking, cleaning, hostessing and housekeeping.
And to fully place me back in control of my sensibilities, I pulled the mini-van over to glean a nice big terra cotta flower pot from a free pile on my way home. (Which I promptly filled with compost soil and a handful of hens and chickens.)
I came home feeling somewhat in control of my life again. And all it took was a packet of Goodwill underwear.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
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Sometimes it’s the little things, isn’t it! When I’m down/out of kilter, an hour in a book shop just browsing cures me. I list up a lot of books to borrow form the library and otherwise just soak it up. You live it up with those socks and jocks!
Isn’t it amazing how someone else’s discards can be such a treat and treasure. Today’s treasure for me was 3 yards of Marimekko vintage fabric in perfect condition! Priced at 6.99 but 1/2 price for the holiday. Oh yeah! Who says money can’t buy happiness….
So jealous!
Katy
my daughter and I went to goodwill. I got a pink tutu for my granddaughter and children’s books were .69. The joy of watching her twirl around was well worth the cost of the tutu.
Ha! I totally understand where you are coming from. Deals & finds make me feel on top of the world. And reusing a cast-off or turning into something new, makes me feel oh so clever! 🙂
The Tuesday morning seniors-half-price run: a nice piece of soft green linen, enough for a skirt and summer pants; a pair of 1930s painted iron Christmas candlesticks; a vintage Japanese “singing bowl”; a hand blown iridescent glass oil lamp; and a small heavy (ironwood?) older carving of a seal. All for $24. The oil lamp for a friend’s birthday, the linen, carved seal and singing bowl for me, and the candlesticks to sell to a dealer in vintage Christmas decorations.
The worst thing you can do when you’re having an anxiety attack is dash home. Staying out and about is far more helpful in the end. I should know – my other blog is about what it’s like to suffer from anxiety!