Oh, the little problems we invent. You may recall that I ran into an acquaintance who sighed--as indulgent mothers are wont to do--as she enumerated all the items required for her daughter's upcoming trip to college. This family has been known to have money/unemployment problems. At the time I wrote gratefully of Miss Em's scorn for the conventional trappings of the off-to-college rite of passage. You may also recall that I wrote of cosmic frugality--when you don't personally benefit from frugal choices or information. My example was of Frugal Son's circuitous drive so he could take a carload of kids to a barbecue. Funny about Money and Duchesse, two great bloggers, suggested the term karmic frugality, so I have added that to the concept.
Anyway, one of the items on the "must-have" list of the indulged daughter (we have some history with this family and it is NOT pleasant, owing to the "anger management" problem of the Dad, which anger was once unjustly directed at an 8 y.o. Miss Em...I digress)is a genuine Vera Bradley backpack. Go to any college campus and you will be blinded by the bright patterns of these babies. Anyway, the backpack is $92.00. Today, I received an email saying that this very item is on a 3-day sale for $40.00!
Frugal conundrum. If I had the family's email, I would forward the notice, no question. But I don't. Should I call? I've never called anyone in this family. If I call. Best case scenario: "Oh, thank you Frugal Scholar! We were JUST about to buy one." Worst case: "Oh, we just bought one yesterday." Then irritation (remember, this mom was complaining about the expenses of college stuff) will be transferred to me and I may even get a comment like, "Oh, we don't really worry about things like that where dear child's desires are concerned. You are so cheap." Most likely scenario: will leave message and will not get any response.
What to do, what to do?
Any thoughts, Dear Readers? And, as always, may the karmic/cosmic force of frugality be with you all.
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4 comments:
Call. Or do you know ANYBODY who has their e-mail? B/c times have changed and you are really only wanting so share news. You could say, "You might be interested in this, or know someone who is"- that way if they have already bought the pack, they can pass on the news. Take care not to invent a reaction before it happens. The worst is they call you cheap, hey you are not, so who cares?
I know how hard it is to get past resenting someone who took their ill temper out on your child.
Vera Bradley stuff looks like it is made of pot holders to me. I don't really get it. Anyway, a call would be a nice gesture. The follow through is up to them. No harm. no foul on your part, as the intention would be sincere.
Frugal, also wanted to say some of the richest people I've known are the ones who are most interested in a bargain. Let us know what you do, please.
OK! I called! Thanks for the push.
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