Every year, I try to maximize on gifts. I think back to my younger years, when presents meant everything. I cannot fully express the disappointment in my heart when I got a blanket one year. As indescribable was the euphoria of getting a Nintendo DS Lite.
In short, the expected utility betrayed the experienced utility.
Thinking back, since then I silently swore with a puerile fury, I would give better gifts than this.
Maximizers don’t settle. Neither do I, when it comes to meals or peeling off stickers. I scratch like a dog until a corner lifts. Then with the plump end of my finger, I swipe at that corner. It gives way, ‘til the sticker looks like your tongue when you try to touch your nose with it. Something’s got to give. Picture the restaurant menu. Eating with the eyes, I’m full and my wallet’s empty before dinner is done. I satisfice for my collections, though. I get many magazines solely cuz’ of their year of publication. Prior to the 2000’s, I’ll check it. Same for movies. I think content’s a little too ‘cooked’ these days. Lacks taste, refinement.
When I subscribed to a weekend paper, the world faced a threat it hadn’t seen the likes of since 1918. But it wasn’t all bad.
The offer was a dollar a month for 12 months and they would throw in a free weekend journal, almost every week. That was a lot to read then, but having gotten so much value, are you surprised I started keeping as many as possible?
The Chipotle restaurant near my job earns my money for convenience. Rice, beans, pork, lettuce, and cheese aren’t expensive alone. Yet, a week ‘cept Sundays of burrito bowls would cost: $66 per. That’s too much of my pay on that. I got bills. Art to collect. Stories to write. So, in exchange for the convenience value, I rather plan & prep.
The newspapers are gems because they have so much packed in: recipes, book recommendations, style guides and more. Gifts don’t have to cost more money; you owe it in heart. I rather decorate the package and give a little, than give a lot without any forethought. I’m learning to satisfice on more. Not every game I play will end up in the league’s highlight reel.
Nothing like a little good fortune to turn your world upside down.
I just gotta admit to myself, that the real win was… catching my favorite Pokémon along the way. 39 kills, 6 deaths were alright too. Thus, my practice to get a grip might handle my aim issues, intra-game rage and my health all at once. That, my fine friends, is good enough for me.
