No fear.
I got a call this afternoon from the school district asking if we're moving to the new elementary school this week or would we still be at Litchfield Elementary. Uhm...that makes me nervous. We have exchanged a half dozen emails over the last few weeks and I've had conversations with the custodial staff at both schools, all about the move this week.
I couldn't finish today's workout, which bugs me because it's one I've completed before. Must be I need more dessert in my diet.
How did I miss this?
I learned today about "aspirational shopping." We do two kinds of shopping - buying things we need and things we don't. Many of the things in that latter category reflect what we wish we were, what we aspire to be. Someone buys a particular watch because of the statement it makes, and a new hire at Wall Street firm buys a BMW because they aspire to look the part and fit in. The GAP exists for aspirational adolescents and their 20-something successors.
I heard the term "aspirational shopping" for the first time this morning in the context of an analysis of JC Penny's new marketing strategy. They want to increase their appeal to aspirational shoppers instead of falling into the Walmart niche where people shop primarily for what they need. (I don't think the words Walmart and aspirational have ever been linked except in contrast.) Then, to learn more, I read an article that said aspirational shopping dropped way off during the worst of this recession and its resurgence is one sign we're moving into a recovery.
That made me wonder if I do aspirational shopping. Do I buy things because I think they reflect what I wish I was, what I aspire to be?
"Because these make me look cool."
"Someone who is _____ (insert positive trait) would own this."
"People will think I'm _______ (insert positive trait) when they see me with this."
Is aspirational shopping bad? By bad I mean contrary to biblical values and standards?
Note: not all non-essential purchases are aspirational. That term defines those items that appeal to me because they reflect what I wish to be - but am not. Or at least don't think I am.
Frankly, I'm too busy and have too many mental irons in the fire to chew this one over like it deserves, especially at the end of a week when my head is increasingly focused on Sunday morning responsibilities. But my gut tells me God would rather I passed on aspirational shopping. It implies a discontent with who I am - my station in life or some other transient aspect of my condition. After talking about the vicissitudes of his life, a life that had included jail, beatings and disease, Paul says, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation" (Phil. 4:12). I don't see Paul doing a lot of aspirational shopping. Again, I'm not saying any non-essential purchases are inappropriate, but buying things that reflect what I wish I was but am not - doesn't feel right.
President Obama gave a speech at the U. of Mich. today in which he called on colleges to hold down tuition or face a reduction in federal funds. But the administration insists he hasn't been reading my blog.
4 comments:
Aspirational buying probably also applies to books we choose to buy (or borrow from the library). Especially when we never actually read them. Or educational shows recorded on the DVR we never actually watch.
The opposite is likely "guilty pleasure" choices of books and TV that we secretly enjoy but hate to admit.
Hey! Are you talking about me, Dave? Because sometimes I check out books just to *see* if they're read-worthy. ; )
I think aspirational shopping *can* be good if we have specific goals we're trying to achieve. You know, like my new 8 pound hand weights gathering dust in the basement. After all, I can't lift those weights if they're not there. (Is anybody buying this?)
(no)
Well, I'm accululating some woodworking tools when they're on sale in pursuit of my passion to do woodworking when I retire in q few years. Would that be aspirational shopping or planning ahead? I prefer the latter.
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