Shopping has never been my forte.  I feel like it started when I was six, and I needed a snowsuit.  My dad, for some reason, was assigned to this task.  He was just as dissatisfied as me about the situation.  He wanted to be out skiing, I wanted to be out tobogganing.  But alas, he was stuck with a little person who needed a snowsuit and about as much of an attention span as he.  We scoured store after store, but couldn't find something suitable.  I don't remember why.  I can't imagine being too picky at six, but maybe I was.  My guess is that we couldn't find a matching coat and snow pants combo that was reasonably priced and wasn't pink or purple since my parents were determined to teach us to challenge gender roles and didn't want three daughters with all pink and purple wardrobes.  Finally, after twelve stores, a few tears and temper tantrums from both of us, we found a suitable snow suit.  I don't know, maybe this scarred me.  Maybe I was just never born to be a super shopper.  Maybe my Mennonite roots create so much guilt inside of me when I want to buy something, instead of sewing a loosely fitting black dress myself.  Whatever the reason, I'm not big on shopping.

This is mostly a good thing though, since I believe living simply is important and that it's important to not focus on material items.  My disinterest, however, can be challenging when I need to replace clothes.  I used to shop at a lot of used clothing stores, primarily Mennonite Central Committee Thrift Stores.  I would certainly replace my clothes, however, I usually bought more than I needed since it was such a good price, and the clothes didn't really actually fit me or I didn't really actually like the clothes...but it was such a good price!!!

I had procrastinated enough.  Both my jeans had holes in them from riding my bike.  It was time.

Preparing to shop is like preparing for a race for me.
-have a snack with a good balance of protein and fast burning sugars for energy
-bring a bottle of water, comfortable shoes, light clothing
-don't eat anything too gas-producing in the hours before hand (to avoid embarrassing change room exits)
-visualize the route
-stretch

I made it to the mall, kept to my route, and achieved my goal.  The only bump in the road was that I forgot my water, and I was so cold from foolishly thinking I could wear a spring jacket in the end of April (ridiculous, right?!) that I caved and bought a hot chocolate.  A four dollar hot chocolate.  Bah.  Never mind, I succeeded in buying pants, and will not have to flash anyone with the holes in my current jeans.