Thursday, December 31, 2009

Inflation and the SRE

The SRE often reminds me of royalty. I'd read once, long ago, that the Queen of England never handles money. She never needs to, apparently- there are always ladies-in-waiting around to shell out the cash, and merchants are probably thrilled to give her stuff and then put up signs saying 'By Appointment to Her Majesty the Queen'. Well, the SRE hardly uses cash, apart from what he gives his caddy, and the occasional tip when he travels out of town. He does use a credit card, usually for buying books,CDs and clothes. And since he never needs to check whether or not he has sufficient cash in his wallet to pay for them, he tends to buy what he wants to buy regardless of the price. He is, however, not at all familiar with the prices of many of the other things that are used in the house. At times he expresses shock and horror at the total monthly outgoings, but is routinely shot down for not knowing the price of anything.
While my mother was in hospital, however, our household routines were quite disturbed. The SRE bought a dozen oranges for me to take to the hospital, and was horrified to pay Rs 140/- for them. (They also happened to be the biggest and most expensive oranges at a shop in an expensive residential area, but at times convenience does rule). That was bad enough. A day or so later he realised that his razor blade needed replacing. For some years now he has being using Gillette Mach 3 blades, which are really expensive but do last for a long time. He had, however, never bought them himself. When he finally did, he was so horrified at the price that although he has bought a pack and kept them in our bathroom he can't bring himself to actually use one! He now claims that he is like the traditionally scroogy bania who would just hold out his roti near the ghee tin, and feel happy that the ghee wasn't getting over. So he simply looks at the packet of new blades, and has a perfectly good shave with the old one!
Methinks the new year deserves a new blade. I pray that I can continue to do the regular shopping so that the SRE, the most generous man I know, can shave in peace! Happy New Year 2010.

This is especially for M, my eldest child, who wanted a happy post for the New Year.

14 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you mommy. love you lots and wishing you a very happy new year filled with joyous shopping!!!!!

Cee Kay said...

ROFL at the SRE!! He is just so cute! And you are cuter for posting on this.

DotThoughts said...

Sgree with gtn. very cute :) and its sweet of you to write a happy post for M :) Wishing you all a peaceful, healthy 2010.

Unknown said...

LOL! :) Happy new year!!

mim said...

:-)
happy new year dipster

Uttara said...

how funny and sweet! I noticed we have started behaving this way too-I pay for some things and A for others, and we are routinely shocked at the prices of things the other buys!

Banno said...

:)

Men, I say!

Teja is perpetually with an empty wallet, (though he does have 1 credit card) and expects me to pay for everything.

Well, here's to hoping SRE has gotten himself a new shave in the new year.

Ron said...

Hahahahha. He sounds most cute. A lot like my Dad in fact. Hows your mother now? Hope she is better?

mayG said...

hehe this has got to be the cutest thing ive read in ages :D happy 2010 and amen to your little prayer!

the mad momma said...

LOL! like my dad. imagines he will get good leather shoes within Rs 200. and says he needs no credit card because walking into a store he can get anything and the bill is paid when mum comes by later. doesnt own a wallet either!

Rohini said...

So cute :)

Era said...

I love shopping myself :) . Happy New Year to you and yours!!!

Unknown said...

The SRE sounds amazingly like the spouse. He seems to think the household runs on love and fresh air and groceries drop out of the sky. What a sweet post.

Neera said...

brought a big smile to my face. Both of u r so cute ..you for writing this way and him for being this way :) Loved it!