The thrill of the Thrift

So today Thomas had an appointment in Manhattan. A psychiatrist appointment. I didn't mention in my first post that these days Thomas also carries the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. He received that diagnosis shortly before his 6th birthday. His current psychiatrist's office is right across the street from a Goodwill store. It's amusing actually, about half a city block down from the Goodwill store is a very high end resale shop. Thomas and I have visited that shop a few times. I love to just look and feel the clothes, look at and touch the expensive handbags. I don't even necessarily want to buy anything there, I truly get a kick out of looking. When Thomas is having a good day he loves to go along and he is the worst enabler out there. "Mom! You gonna buy that?? Ooh Mom, that's NICE!" I'll explain, "No Tom, I'm just looking, I don't HAVE to buy something, I just want to look". He's really a sweet companion to have along, when he's having a good day. So anyway, today we hit the Goodwill. The expensive resale shop was closed but that's ok I really didnt want to go there anyway. These days my thrift shopping is true therapy. I can't explain that my mind clears when I enter the store. I focus whatever clothing I'm on the hunt for that day. The people working there are usually not interested in small talk (except lately at my local Salvation Army, one employee is quite chatty and I am not in a chatty mood I'm polite but don't encourage conversation). Most times the other customers aren't interested in chatting either. So...this is the perfect mini/two hour "vacation" or stress diversion. Yesterday I visited the local Salvation Army but didn't find anything that *had* to come home with me. Today however at this lovely Goodwill store I scored a pair of Hudson jeans that were new with tags! Score! I did an online search and they were on "sale" at one site for $112.00. I paid $12.99. Sweet. And they fit awesome.