Are You a Pleasure Procrastinator?


According to this article in the New York Times, I am. Currently, I have unused gift cards for Target, Nordstrom, Macy's, Fleming's, Brewvies, and a facial at a local day spa. I even have one for a tattoo that my friends gave me for my 34th birthday (please don't do the math!). I've written about my problem before here.

I also have a bottle of my favorite champagne stored in my basement. Champagne doesn't get better with age, what the hell am I waiting for? Honestly, I don't know, but I think it has something to do with waiting for that perfect reason to celebrate. I wish I could tell you that a hoarded bottle of booze is the worst symptom of my disorder but sadly it's not. For nearly a decade I've been using a credit card to accrue miles for that perfect beach vacation. I have the miles now but still haven't planned the vacation!

I've always been this way. I opened my first savings account when I was thirteen and didn't make a single withdrawal until I bought a car after I turned sixteen and got my drivers license. I've thought this was my own little brand of crazy for years now but the New York Times article suggests that I'm not alone.

So, one of my New Year's resolutions will be to seize the day! I'm drinking that bubbly (maybe this weekend), laying out all those gift cards as a reminder to use them, and planning that long overdue vacation to a sunny place where cabana boys bring me cocktails. Please tell me that I'm not alone and that some of you do this too!

2 comments:

Ann R. said...

I have this same problem. But recently I've gotten "better" because I was just irriatated at myself for having lost money on expired certificates - what a waste. Hope you find a great moment this weekend - I say tomorrow night is the perfect time to open that bottle - enjoy!

Ann R.

Susan Mercedes said...

You're not alone. I have carried around gift cards, often forgetting to use them even when I make purchases at the store. The bubbly problem...I can totally help you. :) xo