Power Shopping

Last Edit March 25, 1999

We didn't have much free time during the offsite in Santa Fe - 5 min. here, 5 min. there.
This frustrates me. I get to look in store windows in passing. I don't even get time to get a postcard. No trip to the museums. There are a lot of them.
It frustrates everyone.
We get walked by the stores (closed) on the way to various planned events - in the evening. I drool at the windows.
Indian vases.
Indian artwork.
Lovely.
I see a black jacket. I want this jacket. Western motif. Ultrasuede with purple in it.
Goes with my wardrobe.
No time.
Maybe Wednesday.
Maybe not.
Tuesday is the Santa Fe Cooking School - with the chef "Wild Bill". I was on the guacamole team. Can't eat it. Could scoop avocados really really well.
Took pictures. We had a Sangria team - they were have a GOOD time. And a "grillfriend". Wild Bill has a sense of humour. Another team did squash and potatoes. But the spices would kill me.
Another group did home-made tortillas. Wow.
There I was able to shop - baskets, a hot chocolate moxer - carved wood - my old one is broken - and a small and one large basket. The heavy apron and my stuff will be shipped.
Good.
No weight added to suitcase.
I like that.
I also like it being shipped because I got my son some halapeneo hot sauce - the hottest they have - and it's packaged to look like a stick of dynamite.
Ho! Ho! Explain THAT at the airport! No thanks! I'll pay shipping!
I end up in a 4 1/2 hour working session and then spend another 8 in a room. Stores not open.
Drat.
Next day - dead run again.
But come lunch time, the "birds of a feather" didn't show up. This is a discussion group.
I made a break for it.
I walked out with a group. They said they spotted a "Donnamaie outfit" - for $2,000 - that store was closed.
Good thing.
But the jacket I had notived earlier......
I step inside the shop.
"I want that one," I say.
We can't find the size. We search all the rack. I try on another jacket - for size. It's not bad looking either.
I AM MEDIUM NOW!!!! HOLY COW!
I haven't been watching.
There is no Medium in the style that I want. We find another that could be a substitute. Sharp.
Pretty.
Fits.
But I want that one! The group leaves for other stores. I wait. I am determined. When I am in theis state, don't try to deter me. I am fixated.
"That one" is on the manaquin in the store window. We check. Yep! It's medium.
So we get a ladder and the little old lady running the shop (her husband having stepped out - for food) climbs up. It's a struggle - the manaquin didn't want to let go. Tried falling over. But....
Guess what? The mannequin is now denuded and I am in the jacket.
$200. I am wearing the jacket.
Worth it.
Black Denim.
Aztec-Indian art on the back and down the front.
Touches of purple.
LOVE IT. Won't take it off.
My boss has to tell me at least four times that it looks good, fits well.
I have a black cowboy hat at home. I am wearing the white one. Both work.
I grab a pillow (a small one is $85.00 - this is art). I would have liked to grab a few. Lovely. Must came back here with a large EMPTY suitcase someday.
I decide the Visa is now in a coma. Lately its been therre often. Good thing I'm well paid!
But, anyway, NOW I am happy.
Never take a woman to an offsite and not let her shop!!!
I put this on the day's evaluation form.
This was a Good day.
I like my jacket.