Writer's Island - "Treasure"

There are not many "things" I treasure except the precious photos of my past. I no longer care much about clothes, cars, shoes, purses or jewelry. I have spent the last two years putting most of our money into our home and now that it's completed I had decided to go against my grain by wanting a luxury item.

Two years ago Dave gave me our tax refund check to buy a flat screen TV for our mountain abode. I protected that money as if it was sacred so I could get a surround sound TV with a good size screen. I love my movies and TV so I diligently did my research before we went to purchase it during the after Christmas sales, this last Christmas. The sales people were very helpful in pointing out that I had not done enough research on my little project. When you see a wall of TV's staring at you, 52" does not seem very big in the store or online. We chose the 52" but I had to keep tugging Dave away from even larger screens. I had no idea how much crap you need for a TV. Once you add your cables, mount, HD DVD, installation, cord cover, wire, warranty, delivery to the boonies, that sale price adds up fast. I was in a state of shock and anger at myself for spending this much money on a want and not a need. Dave was really excited and kept saying we deserved it. I managed to stay under budget but not by much.


Dave was getting really excited for the big day but I was still apprehensive from sticker shock. It truly came to a head when they lifted it onto the mount, I gasped. I had the worst case of buyers remorse I've ever had. It looked huge in our living room and I kept asking the installers if that was what we had chosen. I had to go blog and try to ignore the elephant in my living room. When I walk into the room it growls at me and taunts me by whispering "hypocrite" in HD. It is called "the monster" when referred to by me but Dave thinks it's great. I never wanted a TV to be a focal point in my cosy living room. I don't understand how I got sucked into this whole big screen thing, it's just not me...or is it?

We finally had our first movie night and I temporarily forgot my remorse. It was like being in a movie theater, but with the TV if the channel is not in HD the picture stinks at 52". Our local Fox station is not in HD yet, so House, Prison Break, 24 and Idol will be a mess. The coupons we will receive from our purchase will pay for a Wii and I will get to box with my TV. I will be kicking some serious monster butt. I've re-decorated to disguise "the monster" but it just keeps growing. Karma! I've learned keeping things simple is more my style but I must make peace with the monster.