I started doing The Compact (buy nothing new) in January 2007. It was not an immediate hit with my sons, then 8 and 11 years old. They like to be bought stuff, and were skeptical, very skeptical. They have since warmed to the idea.
This little incident happened last summer on the way to swim class.
I was blissfully driving along in the minivan, singing along with a Regina Spektor library CD. I can really belt those songs out.
“On the radio. On the radio. On the radio, uh-oh!”
I kinda suck. Needless to say, the boys were less than pleased, and were not shy in wailing their protestations.
Driven to desperation, my younger son suddenly declared, “If you never listen to this CD again I will join The Compact!” I reached over and immediately turned music off. Silence filled the car as my son realized what he had just agreed to. The power of an embarrassing mom knows no bounds.
-Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Too funny, Katy! So has he been living the compact ever since?
Holy Smokes!!!
That is hillarious. Thanks for sharing that story. I can just imagine that heavy silence in the car. Brilliant move on your part.
I LOVE it! You made me laugh! Thanks!