06 No New Things

Today is all about wrangling returns. I found this to be very simple, but also very timely. I usually don't have items with tags still on or still in the packaging or returns waiting to go back. Usually when I buy something, I unwrap it and start using it immediately. I maybe do ~4 returns in a year, tops, but this week I actually had 2 things sitting around!

Thing 1 - a foldable camping cot.
    I bought this accordion-style folding cot at Aldi for a few reasons.
1. I thought it was noticeably lighter than my current cot
2. My current cot was temporarily used as a portable bench for a kids' soccer team so in my mind it is forever dirty and smelly despite my cleaning it
3. This certain Aldi product was only available for a limited time
    I considered returning it because I didn't actually need it. Although my current cot is almost ridiculously heavy to transport, it is still useful and comfortable. It can be a little tricky to set up, but it is sturdy. But in the end, after discussing with my partner, I have decided to keep this $37 purchase. With a family of 5, we can definitely spread out the use of 2 cots.

Thing 2 - an ankle wrap.
    I bought this for my partner. He is a soccer goalie with weak ankles apparently. He has been taping them regularly with sports tape, but that can only be reused so many times. When I brought this wrap home, he determined it was too small and/or not supportive enough. So I returned it to the store and got $7 back on my debit card. (Last time I try to get something nice for him, amiright?)

This day was pretty painless for me. I have pretty good habits of buying things that I or someone in my family will actually use. The idea of returning items to the store always did make me feel a bit icky, like admitting to a horrible mistake, so I've naturally avoided it.

The only thing I bought when going into the grocery store for that return was a bag a pumpernickel bagels for $4. Goddamn, I love pumpernickel bagels from that place. So it was a win-win.

Things I didn't buy today:
- <nothing>....$0
TOTAL....$35

Success!