Failure to consume
Looks like I’m in trouble! According to the newspapers, I’ve missed my holiday duty – to consume, madly. No queues in front of big box stores. No mall crawls. Not even a blip on the nation’s credit report. In a world where the economy trumps everything else, I’ve sat back and let others stand in my place. If we were at war (and we are), I might see people pointing in my direction and murmuring. “Failure to consume!”
Sure, there were things that I could have done. Bought newer versions of things I already own. Opted for a different colour scheme in my shirts and jeans. But, I didn’t. Not even a side trip to the Price Club (my jellybean jones will have to wait). My kids weren’t coopted to serve, via roles as designated proxy shoppers.
OK, I confess: one tiny purchase on eBay. But that was for another, and I might have gone down that twisty trail on any other evening of the year (lack of Internet access excepted). No, I’m guilty as charged. “Failure to consume!”
Will future generations recognize this as an important act of civil disobedience? Or will modified accounting principles categorize it as the (in)action of a broken man. Penniless and too proud to beg.
Tomorrow could signal a relapse, but there is a snowstorm in the offing. If the roads are closed for a couple of hours / days I’ll be into another weekend. Busy making resolutions. Yes, this could be the beginning of an inexpensive lifestyle. Stay tuned for updates.
