Week 21: Girl With The Orange Purse

I've always loved watching early 2000's romantic comedies. My mom and I would watch them together, and the promise of a happy ending was generally comforting.

One of my favorites was Confessions of a Shopaholic, Isla Fisher can get it any day.

The story follows a shopping addicted young woman drowning in credit card debt, and her journey to pay those debts (and fuck Hugh Dancy).

Isla's character is a small-time magazine writer with big dreams (ironic how I gravitated towards a journalist's story). Throughout her writing career she develops this character: The Girl in the Green Scarf.

In the movie, there's a scene where Isla's character is seduced into yet another designer store. The store mannequin becomes lucid and starts encouraging Isla to buy the green scarf it wore around it's neck, promising her loyalty and happiness.

Isla's character gives in, and thus begins on the quest to pay for that hundred dollar scarf.

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I identified with Isla's character from a young age, and whether it be chance or a self-fulfilling prophecy, I've too struggled with credit card debt.

And so, my job loss and rejected from unemployment payments, has made me determined to keep within a budget. Going on this road trip is non-negotiable.

A friend of mine, Lauren, invited me to go shopping with her for a specific item at one of my favorite stores.

Danger.

I agreed because I adore spending time with Lauren and I told myself I was just browsing. I picked up a few spell candles for the future, and a new journal to finalize my road trip itinerary. Of course, I also saw the cutest hand-embroidered, orange, multi-color purse. $10. Fuck. Danger.

I could see myself rationalizing the purchase. $10? Cheap.

But instead I walked away. Reminding myself that I recently purged my closet to cut-down, not to replace.

I walked out of that store feeling regret, and also pride. Proud I kept a promise to myself.

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Last night, I had the pleasure of seeing Lauren, again, for a small game night/engagement party at her house.

I packed up two of the homemade cat treats I baked for Egg, for her cats Moscato and Pinot, and the last two tall boys in my fridge.

Lauren greeted me with a warm hug and said, "I have something for you".

She went back to the store and bought me that hand-embroidered, orange, multi-color purse.

I had my own Isla Fisher moment.

xxoo Ten