Around the Store with 80 Bucks
About a week ago, I went to Target with my little brother at 9:20 PM and we bought a lot of things. We mainly needed foods like breakfast foods, juice, milk, snacks. The store closes at 10 PM so we were in quite a rush. Come to think of it, we shopped very quickly and bought some of the foods on a very spontaneous decision. Bread? Yes. Coffee? Yes. Water Crackers? Yes. T-Shirt? Yes. But there were somethings that took a double take and a split second longer to decide. Olive Oil? Well, we have some at home...But this stuff is nice...Yes. No. Wait. No, I don't need it. I don't remember what else.
Anyway, the very next day after our shopping spree of over $100, my mother entered my room and gave me $80 in cash as a reimbursement for buying groceries and bathroom amenities. This may seem very strange to you. Why would my mother reimburse me for the things that my brother and I buy at Target?
It's a cultural thing. I like to justify a lot of different things with culture. We are a family. I grew up in this family, giving, taking, providing, consuming, things with and from my family. Whatever we do, it's each others business. Even if I needed to go fill up the gas tank, or go pick a leaf off a birch tree, I'd call my mother or father and tell them, "Hey Mom, I'm gonna go across the street and pick this leaf of this guy's tree, I'll be right back."
Yes, I feel spoiled, lucky/fortunate, dumb, and wise all at the same time. Maybe you're thinking, "What can this girl possibly learn from being reimbursed for buying groceries or laundry detergent? Paying/consuming for things is a part of growing up and learning certain responsibilities." But I digress from your criticisms and step back to culture: I'd do anything for my family. If I need to give up my dreams, my ambitions, so be it. I grew up with this upbringing and I embrace it.
Perhaps I haven't been clear enough. I'll be more specific so don't get me wrong. Sometimes, I return from Target or Cub Foods after spending $200+ on groceries, soap, toilet paper, cups, napkins, lotions, clothes & underwear and socks for everyone in the family, and my parents won't give me a dime for any of it. Everyone in the family will use it or eat it or wear it. And all of this is totally OK. Besides, my Mom rarely has time to spend at Target. My Dad never goes to Target. So, it's up to me and my little bro to shop for house stuffs.
I'm getting redundant. You get it.
That's my story for the day, now I'm gonna do homework and go to work at around 4PM. I probably won't spend any money today.
[a few hours later...]
I lied, I spent $25.52 on pizza tonight. It was tasty.