Chrisonomicon

Friday, July 19, 2002

I've come to believe that consumables are a good indicator of one's independence and place in life as I have recently purchased several domestic items never considered before living in my own apartment. Take alcoholic beverages, for instance. The only alcohol I'd bought in my life was for specific occasions however I recently finished the first six-pack of beer I picked up, "just for the hell of it." I also now own a bottle of Crown Royal (thanks going to Jonno for the introduction), that sits in it's purple, velvet bag on top of my refrigerator.

This morning, I brewed my first pot of coffee in my new coffee maker and toasted a bagel in my new toaster, both appliances recently purchased on a side trip to the Farberware store while visiting Mike on Wednesday. All of these extraneous appliances that seem to have root in so many lives are pervading my space, appearing as if by magic instead of planning on my part. I own a coffee maker and a toaster oven. I am joining the ranks of my middle-class colleagues.

When I lived at home, I never imagined buying stuff like this?appliances, air fresheners, cleaning supplies, alcohol, window treatments?and, although I'm not one to advocate consumerism as a means to attain any sort of status, it certainly seems to be a barometer of one's living situation. Now, the only isles in the grocery store I have left to explore are feminine hygiene and baby care. Let's hope I don't have to venture into either anytime in the near future.