Spend, spend, spend

If I plan on spending more than a couple bucks on something I tend to do a bit of research. And by a bit I mean a lot. I can squirrel away 73 hours simply in the weed out process while I determine if an object in question even merits serious consideration.

A year or so ago I was toying with the idea of selling my car which in turn meant I’d need a new one; which in turn lead to a little research. One night Linda interrupted my process with a question, “Are you looking up cars on the internet. . . again?”

“Yes.”

“Seriously? Do you realize we’re on vacation?”

I did, which is precisely why I felt entitled to a bit of relaxation - and research. While others may catch a television show or knit a baby cap to relieve stress, I do research. I find it’s a great way to relax and get a bit of work done at the same time. To most this may seem an oxymoron but to me it’s the bees knees. “And while I’ve got the search engine open,” I think, “why not check into a few future purchases as well. I know at some point I’ll be in the market for a new power tool and figure why not do a little checking while it’s convenient. Just scratch the surface you know. After all, I have the time, I’m on vacation.”

My siblings know about my knack for price/product exploration and tend to call me before making purchases of their own. Video cameras, lawn mowers, or kitchen appliances - they call me first. Conversations open with things like, “I’m looking for a new cell phone, what do you recommend?” and “My toaster just broke, do you know anything about a new one?” Recently my sister Stephanie called asking, “I can’t imagine you’ve been looking for a new washer and dryer but would you mind. . .?”

And I cut her off, “Look into some recommendations? I’m on it.” She knows as well as anybody that I deliver results.

On this note I’ve decided to add a weekly feature to my blog. I’m going to post it each Friday and I think I’ll call it ‘Research & Review’. I’ll just post a little piece about something I’m researching so we can all enjoy the benefits of useless knowledge about something you nor I will ever buy.