Independence Day
Today is July 4th, Independence Day. This morning I set out on the river in my kayak for a little early-morning paddle before the river got too crowded. Along the way I passed a young girl of about 12 paddling in the other direction. As the boat approached, she shouted, "Happy Independence Day." I replied, "And a Happy Independence Day to you." Then she added, "You know what I love about the 4th of July? All the stores have great sales. You can get 50% off, sometimes even 75."
I chuckled, then shouted, "You can't buy paddling on the river in a store." She giggled.
I smugly figured she thought paddling, like air and food, are always there so not of any special value when compared to things one bought.
As she passed me she leaned in and smiled, "Kayaks are also on sale."
She was a huge step ahead of me. My kayak, my tasteful swimwear, my wraparound sunglasses. She knew I had a Prius parked in my garage and a big screen TV. I was another consumer and she read me instantly. Were I not, I would be swimming naked as the gods intended and officials would lock me up as a pervert. That would make for a terrible independence day.
Today is July 4th, Independence Day. This morning I set out on the river in my kayak for a little early-morning paddle before the river got too crowded. Along the way I passed a young girl of about 12 paddling in the other direction. As the boat approached, she shouted, "Happy Independence Day." I replied, "And a Happy Independence Day to you." Then she added, "You know what I love about the 4th of July? All the stores have great sales. You can get 50% off, sometimes even 75."
I chuckled, then shouted, "You can't buy paddling on the river in a store." She giggled.
I smugly figured she thought paddling, like air and food, are always there so not of any special value when compared to things one bought.
As she passed me she leaned in and smiled, "Kayaks are also on sale."
She was a huge step ahead of me. My kayak, my tasteful swimwear, my wraparound sunglasses. She knew I had a Prius parked in my garage and a big screen TV. I was another consumer and she read me instantly. Were I not, I would be swimming naked as the gods intended and officials would lock me up as a pervert. That would make for a terrible independence day.