Friday, November 1, 2013

Treats?

LuxuryThere was a store called "Pharmhouse" where we could get our prescriptions filled, buy snacks and small gifts and toys and also rent movies.  So when I told my husband that I needed a watch to wear to work, he got me a watch from Pharmhouse for ten dollars. That was fine as I am a practical person and as much as he felt bad buying a ten dollar watch I told him that there is no need to feel bad because I will not feel bad in case I lost it. Well, I got very good use out of it. I mean I wore it for three years in one job, three years in another and almost two years in yet another job. Then when I started working in vendor audit, we were not allowed to wear too much jewelry plus we had computers to work with so I stopped wearing the watch. Yesterday my husband saw that watch on the dresser and was upset. I could not understand why. Then he said that I was not showing any value for the expensive watch he got me. I laughed and told him that that watch  costed him ten dollars over ten years ago. He then said that it costed him over three hundred dollars and only a few people can afford that kind of jewelry. I then understood the misunderstanding.
"This is not that watch," I said. "That watch is locked up with other jewelry as I am careful to wear it only on very special occasions." I said.  He did not believe me and wanted to have a bet with me. Today I took out that watch, showed him and brought a magnifying glass so he could read the name and then brought the ten dollars watch for comparison. 
All he said was "Oh my God!"
I did not say anything. I knew that that "Oh my God!" was because he was amazed at how similar those two watches were.
It could be because he remembered how much upset I was with him for spending money on a name brand that no one would tell apart from something ordinary. It could also be because I had told him that we could have added the amount to the principle on our home. I had also told him that we could have added that amount to our kids' college fund.
 Anyway, he was amazed that we average people cannot tell the difference between expensive and average even though we pay for the expensive brands because we want to give our loved ones what others give their loved ones.
Although he had lost the bet, I brought him a bag of Candy and a jar of honey (our tradition to give sweets to winners). He did not get it. He just asked me if it was trick or treats from Halloween.


33 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love the custom of giving sweets to winners!!

Drora's minimundo said...

I still remember times when a watch was a very expensive item. My parents gave me my first watch on my 18th birthday. It had to be wound- up every night or it would stop.
Like your husband, I too cannot tell an expensive watch from a cheap one.
Who cares?
I like your tradition of giving sweets to winners.
Hugs, Drora

joeh said...

My boss once bought a cheap "Rolex" knockoff for $10. He often bragged about it. One day he came in without the watch. I asked him where it was. He told me some sketchy people were eyeing it on the subway and he decided he didn't want to get beat up and mugged for a $10 watch.

Shelly said...

I think too much value is tied up in the name/ brand. I love how you've gotten so much value out of your $10 watch. Also love the giving sweets tradition!

Launna said...

I have no desire to spend extra money because of a name... that is just wasteful...

Great lesson in this post :-)

Ghadeer said...

The discussions with your husband you blog about are adorable.

It's actually sad- how at the end of the day, most people are paying a hell load of more money for a 'name' that is actually really just an illusion.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

For some reason I hardly ever wear a watch anymore. I have no idea why!

klahanie said...

Hi Munir,

Ah, sweets to the winners. I like that. Must run that one by my human, Gary :)

And watches, if it ticks, it's good enough for my human. I think I shall become a watchdog :)

HAPPY belated HOWLOWEEN!

Penny aka Sherlock Hound :)

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Munir,
Guess my husband qualifies perfectly well for being a true Indian as he LOVES honey and sweets!
This is a precious story and so true in many ways. How many people can at just one glance, tell if a watch or any piece of jewelry is a real investment or a cheap knock off? On average, most will not be able to tell.
You were smart though for not wearing that good one on the job and making do with this ten dollar watch for years. Good mileage you got out of it.
Hugs to you,
Mariette

yaya said...

How funny! I can't believe he didn't know the difference! Too bad he spent so much money on something that has to be locked up and not enjoyed..but how great to have the $10 one last so long! Crazy world! The sweets for the winner made me laugh! I think you deserve 2 sweets!

Granny Annie said...

First of all, I am happy to see a post from you:) Now, I own a million watches (well nine or ten anyway) and only half of them work but who cares? I tell the correct time by looking at my cell phone. I wear a watch for the bling. My most recent watch acquisitions came from a store called CATOS and each cost $4.00. I have received more compliments on them than my most expensive watch.

Chantel said...

Oh my, I imagine he was flustered! lol I feel so blessed to have some great second hand stores about to sift through--while I'm not a "brand watcher" I do enjoy a well-made product, even more so at under $10! Congrats on finding a watch for that price that lasted so long, and a lesson in this story for all. (well told too!)

Inger said...

This was such a sweet post and not only because of the candy gift.

Susie said...

Munir, I loved this post. When I worked , I had many watches. But I switched to a big old man's watch when I worked construction, so I could see the numbers. Now it seems all my watches need batteries so I call them bracelets now. :):) I have been looking at your other post trying to contact you. Glad you are fine. xoxo,Susie

Unknown said...

Haha what a great story Mama!

Looking forward to seeing you guys at home soon!
-a

Elephant's Child said...

Giving sweets to winners is a wonderful tradition.
And this post says (better than I can) why I don't want diamonds.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Good to see you, Munir! This is a wonderful story! I've never owned a very expensive watch since my sweet grandpa spent almost all the money he had on him to buy me my very first watch for my 18th birthday. He was quite old at the time and living with my parents. I thought it was one of the sweetest gifts I'd ever been given. I don't remember much about that day, but I hope he knew how much I appreciated his gift to me. I still have that watch even though it quit working a long time ago! I don't wear watches much now, but when I do it's usually a cheapie because I'd be afraid I'd lose a nice one.

Kelly Hashway said...

The only reason I buy brand name things is if they are on sale. ;) There's no need to pay for a name in my opinion.

The Purple Assassin. said...

Brand names are screwing it for us all the time.
you've beautifully portrayed the message. :)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

HI Munir .. we've never been susceptible to brand names I'm pleased to say ...I've had some nice things over the years and look after them ..

So glad you've treasured your present ... and that the cheap watch lasted so long ... I've just replaced my watch strap - on a watch that certainly didn't cost much - I don't do expensive things!

Cheers to you and thanks for the visit ... oh I could do with a sweet just now!! Hilary

Rick Watson said...

I love watches but I don't spend a lot of money on them.
One of my favorite watches I have was one my wife got with one of her "Gift With Purchase" gifts.
It's a Paul Sebastian watch that looks expensive.
R

Akelamalu said...

I have a couple of expensive watches which I wear on evening out but mostly I wear a cheap one for everyday.

Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting on my Peace Globe. :)

Akelamalu said...

I have a couple of expensive watches which I wear on evening out but mostly I wear a cheap one for everyday.

Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting on my Peace Globe. :)

Empty Nest Insider said...

I often have trouble telling watches apart too. It's wonderful that you took such good care of both watches throughout the years. You also were very gracious to buy your husband special treats to cheer him up. I hope he realizes how lucky he is to have you Munir!

Julie

TexWisGirl said...

for years, i bought all of my watches at walmart. i had a dozen of different kinds, sizes, styles - and none more than $10 each. they were accessories to my wardrobe and i don't care for 'brand name' or 'expensive' items. i'm all about practical. :)

thanks for stopping in today!

Joanne Noragon said...

I've had two watches in my life; a Boliva with diamonds when I turned 21 and an everyday watch. The Boliva was stolen in a burglary of my home; the cheap watch died. I learned where all the clocks were as I went about my business and relied on them.
Love the gift. It was "treats".

Old Kitty said...

Hi Munir!! Lovely to meet you and your wonderful blog! Awwwww you are lovely to give your hubby sweets and honey after such a misunderstanding!

I like that you had excellent use of the cheaper watch and that the nice expensive one is all safe and sound! Take care
x

Jim and Sandie said...

When Jim and I retired we both stopped wearing watches. It's wonderful. When we did wear them they were always the cheap ones. That way I didn't feel bad when I banged them up against something.

Bossy Betty said...

I am totally lost when it comes to brand names! If it works and I like it, it's fine!

DWei said...

I haven't worn a watch in ages. I just use my cellphone to tell the time now.

Hope said...

I like your story Munir and the tradition of giving sweets to the winner. I know the feeling of loosing an expensive watch which i had for very long time. it did me well and was still working when i lost it. Now i find I don't need one so i don't wear one but if i was to decide to wear one again i most certainly will find one of lesser value. :)

thank you for your visit. it's always nice to hear from you. looking forward to reading more posts from you
take care!

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh sweets to the winner I love that also. Wow yes I indeed would never be able to tell the difference that is why I wear a $3. watch and smiled:)Loved this story. B

Gossip_Grl said...

What a nice story! I understand because one of the things I treasure is an inexpensive ring my hubby gave me many years ago. He gave it to me after one of our sons left to go into the Navy and it was this sons birthstone. I know what it is like to value something so much and others just don't see it! Great story!