Finding the Right Gimmick

October 8, 2015

I heard on the radio yesterday that some company is selling sets of fall leaves from New England for $19.99. My first thought, of course, was, “Why can’t I ever come up with some cool yet inexpensive gimmick that will make me a fortune?”

My second thought was that I’d have a hard time finding something to sell from St. Louis. Since I’m new to the area, my only contenders so far are river water and (judging by local news reports) shell casings.

I'd Make a Lousy Life Coach

October 3, 2015

I was window-shopping the other day, and stopped at a Jimmy Choo shoe display. As I marveled at how women ever wear shoes with such high heels and wickedly pointed toes, I saw some older women buying some, and thought that the style seemed too young for them. (I know—it’s ageist. But just as some clothing styles seem too young for some women, so do some shoe styles.)

But then I saw another older woman at the display. She seemed like she’d like to try some on, but was hesitant about making a spectacle of herself, so she was looking at some sensible flats instead; and I wanted to say, “Aw, c’mon, go for it. It’s not like you’d be hurting anything [assuming she didn’t break a hip] by just trying them on. Make yourself feel good! Live a little!”

I’m guessing that as a life coach I’d be fairly inconsistent.

I've Got Friends In Odd Places

October 2, 2015

Today as I was checking out of the grocery store, the clerk was lusting after some cookies I’d bought, so I opened them and gave him one, and we tested them together. Neither of us liked them very much.

I said that they were intended to help me over a rough spot with packing to move. He said that when he moved he just left his bed, couch, etc. in the alley behind his apartment and started fresh. He said it was very freeing.

I would have been more inspired if I hadn’t suspected that he had moved back home to his parents’ house, with all furniture provided. But I didn’t mention that, and we parted friends even though, as he pointed out, we’ll probably never see each other again.

Even if we don’t, it’s always nice to make a connection.