Non-deferred Gratification

Sometimes when I'm being sluggish about getting my work done, especially when that work is writing yet another article about windows and doors, I come up with a completion reward. The problem is that I can often find a reason why it's better to get the reward first and complete the work later. I needed a new purse, and that was going to be my reward. All summer I've been using one of those adorable little crossover types, and at first it helped me cut down on what I carried. Lately though it's just been spilling over with stuff I'm pretty sure I can't do without. And it really is very small. So I had said that after I finished my article I would go to the Town Center and try to find a purse. I got up early -- as usual -- took a shower, got dressed, opened the laptop, and tried to find something interesting to say about windows and doors. All I could think about was a purse.

What if the perfect purse was waiting for me but there was only one and someone else got there first -- while I was writing the article -- and bought it? What if the Town Center was so packed by the time I was finished that I couldn't find a place to park? Well, I told myself, there will be fewer people if I get there right when the store opens, and it won't be too hot out yet either. That was all the convincing it took. My page was still blank, but off I went. I did find the perfect purse, not huge but big enough that all my business wouldn't be falling out all over the place. And then I wandered the sale racks and found two pair of nice leggings -- one turquoise, one hot pink -- on clearance, a skirt, and two tops.

And since I was already at the Town Center, I decided to see how full the parking lot was over by DSW. It was pretty full, but as soon as I went around the corner, there was one empty space, pretty much right in front of the store. I saw it as a sign. I had to go in. It was like boot heaven in there! I had to seriously restrain myself. Instead, I got a great pair of gray sandals and a pair of tan lace-up low-cut boots, not sure how to describe those, but they're not like anything I already have and they weren't in the "boot heaven" section.

Back home, I dutifully sat down at my computer and cranked out an article (all about the small kinds of windows that can add style and distinction to a home), without the distraction or worry of someone else getting my purse. It's like eating dessert first. I like it.