Lesson Learned
So, the boy and I played hooky from school yesterday. It’s the end of term and we have so many projects to finish, it probably seems a bit unwise to do so. However, sometimes when you’ve been working hard you just need a break. IZ had treated us to the late night showing (mercifully not the LATE LATE night showing) of the new Pirates movie the night before. Friday dawned late for us and we just couldn’t face doing anything else. As we are blessed with a day off on Monday, we have time on our side. Besides, procrastination is an art form and every serious student will tell you, a necessary part of the process.
What, you don’t write your best work under pressure? I thought so! So, stop your judging! 
Anyhow, the boy and I decided to hit a few garage sales. We spent the better part of the afternoon hunting for treasure. I desperately need more stock for Thrifty Goodness. He, well, he needed a few lessons on the fine art of garage sales. I call it, “Take your child to work day.”
By the end of the day (what, you thought I’d pass on secrets to the internet. My, you people are optimistic!) he was a seasoned pro. At his last purchase the seller commented, “Wow! You’re really good at this!” as he’d managed to haggle the price of his item down to include 4 extra Star Wars figurines for only .50c more. He beamed. So proud to have figured out what he now calls the “code”. He played it cool and said, “I learned it all from my mom.”
It was his day, yesterday. He came home with an arm full— some of which people just gave to him because he was so cute. Uh, how come that doesn’t work for me? Anyhow, I only managed to take one photo yesterday. But it probably sums up the day quite well. This is Boy Wonder and his vintage Underwood. That he got for a mere $10 (they were asking $20).
Me? Well, I struck out. Usually, I come home with at least something to account for the hours, but yesterday was nearly a bust. Some days you score and some days you don’t. But, treasure comes in many forms—a day spent with a great kid being one of them. Another lesson learned, I’d say.
May 26th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
What a score on BW’s typewriter! It’s beautiful and what fun it will be to type on it I’m sure! But where is the USB port?
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He’s ecstatic!
~W
May 26th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
Oh yes…the being with the boy looked like it was certainly the best deal of the day…I decided to opt out this weekend with my mom (see, once you get started with your kids, it catches on…)because it was a holiday weekend. But, I miss spending the morning with my mother when I don’t do it…
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I hope the habit sticks!
~W
May 26th, 2007 at 7:42 pm
Your son is truly adorable - and how endearing he’s turning into a thrifting pro! A few years ago I was vacationing at my best friend’s house and her son (about your son’s age) went thrifting with his grandma. He scored this really nifty little clock and I went a little nutso telling him how cool it was. When I got home from my vacation I found it tucked away in my suitcase. He totally stole my heart!
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Oh! That’s such a nice story. That made me smile. Thanks for sharing it.
~W
May 26th, 2007 at 9:35 pm
What a great find BW made! Where or where did you go?
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We ran out to the Pennisula (on a tip from a Thrift store person!) and I have to say, that was the ONLY deal to be had. Just as you expected, the prices were jacked up because it’s such a big sale. Anything collectible was outrageous! And by the time we got out there mid-day, it was picked over! The only thing I did find was some coolio buttons for good prices. But still, even in that case, not anything remarkable—just sufficient to help with my depleted stash. Sounds like you had way better luck here in Astoria! ~W
May 26th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
My husband absolutely detests garage sales. So sad. If I manage to get to one I have to go alone. But I got some way cool fabric and magazines once. And I felt so economically smart doing so!
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That is sad! Sometimes, IZ will be in the mood and we’ll make a day of it. But, usually, it’s just me and the boy.
~W
May 27th, 2007 at 5:56 am
great lesson! It sounds like it was the very best day for both of you!
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It was a good afternoon. It wiped me out though, that kid can run!
~W
May 27th, 2007 at 6:44 am
Tell him to work his cuteness for all he can!! It will only last so long (at least at garage sales with people giving him great discounts). What a fun day for you both
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So true! He’s an old hand at the cuteness factor. It’s already getting a wee bit weird with the girls checking him out! ~W
May 27th, 2007 at 10:03 am
I need to run downstairs and make sure that is not my typewriter!!! hee hee heeee….. Love it, and I have to gush, what a doll that boy is!! That smile!! Those eyes…. I am a smile girl…I fell in love with this boy once jsimply because of the way his lips curled around his cuspids when he smiled…Love treasure hunting! Yipppeee!! xxo
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Heh…that smile gets me, and I’m his mother. I’m an easy mark, and he knows it! Just smile at your mom and she’ll give in. I’m hopeless.
~W
May 27th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
I pity the folks who run garage sales and meet the two of you - they won’t know what hit them until it is too late. You both are great!
At first I couldn’t believe G wanted a manual typewriter - but then it dawned on me - of course he would - it is mechanical! I’m just glad he has enough common sense not to try and take it apart…
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Or you, for that matter. That was some find with the tripod! (thank you!) I guess it’s fortuitous that we bumped into that sale.
We should walk more often. And re: the boy and his machine. Uh, give him time. 
~W
May 27th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Treasures, indeed!
Underwoods need no passwords, n’est-ce pas?
Any hope of a sermon today?
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Heh, Babette… I posted the sermon as you were posting this comment!
~W
May 27th, 2007 at 3:41 pm
I love the photo for your sermon, but alas, don’t like garage sales at all. Sifting through other people’s dreck to try to find treasure makes me impatient. I am kind of an impatient person to start with. (and don’t even like regular shopping much, unless it’s for books!)
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Well, that’s OK, Margaret. I adore you just the same!
~W
May 28th, 2007 at 7:31 am
haha, Take Your Child to Work Day, hahaha that’s great! That typewriter is fab! Nice work, kiddo!
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Heh, I thought so, too! ~W
May 28th, 2007 at 8:07 am
Man, that kid is cute! I’m glad you guys had mom and cute kid time out and that it was successful in more ways than one!
I love those days when I just take out one of my little chicks and have that incredible bonding time.
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We had fun. My store is languishing, but I’ll have to work that out on another weekend, eh?
~W
May 28th, 2007 at 8:50 am
All children need to be kept out of school from time to time. I’m clad that you and your little one had a good thrifting time. Sounds like he got some neat deals!
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Heh, he did ok! And he’s homeschooled, so the thrill isn’t as big. However, any day he doesn’t have to face the books is a holiday in his world.
~W
May 28th, 2007 at 9:08 pm
Wow, what a score! Good going BW.
He’s such a prodigy!
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Now, if he’d only clean his room!
~W
May 29th, 2007 at 10:06 am
Love the typewriter! And the vicarious garage saling! Since we’re fixin’ to move, we are in a “no-acquisition” state and it’s killing me! Soon, soon! ~A
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Oh, I hear you! I’m in the “no more art acquisition” stage until I frame all the art I have piled up. It’s really sad, when you consider just how much needs to be framed. ~W
May 30th, 2007 at 9:26 pm
The Young mister at our house got his typewriter at the thrift store ( not quite as lovely but Cool as heck) And we replaced the ribbon and it is great. He loves it. Sometimes I fantasize we lived closer and the fellows could hang out together.
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I’m right there with you! I have this feeling they would hit it off spectacularly! ~W