the eye of Nova's mind

I've needed a new backpack for weeks, as I'd tried to tote a sealed bottle of 3-in-1 oil which broke in the bag, after which the contents saturated the fabric of the backpack. The odor, intense the first handful of days, has dissipated but is still present. Also, if anything were to topple from any other container into the bottom of the bag, it would get contaminated (see my individually wrapped peppermints--the oil permeated the cellophane each was in).

So my dad gave me a ten-spot for a replacement. I'd told him I was planning to visit Kiwanis, a thrift store in AA. However, I didn't have directions and the library wasn't to open today until noon. So I changed my plans and headed to ValuWorld, a place I'd never really been but had heard about a lot (particularly from sarahmichigan).

At first, I wasn't sure if they even carried backpacks, but the store was enormous and thus invited one to windowshop, so I strolled through the aisles, stopping first at the bookshelves (of course). I picked up three paperback volumes (one of which was of poems), each $.60 or less. That's not much, I thought. Onto other aisles.

Eventually, I discovered the store did carry backpacks. In fact, there were a slew of backpacks, most at incredibly reasonable rates. I bought not one but two packs, the total for both coming in at under $4.00. Both are in great shape; one even has a spot at the top for earbuds (stemming from a pouch for portable music, which is too small for my Walkman).

I still had money to spend, so I cruised some more. I picked up two hats and a sleeveless red-plaid dress. This brought my entire total past $10.00, but I had enough for the difference.

All told, I spent less than $14 for eight items. I'll have to visit the store again when I return to purchasing professional clothes.

Upon advice given in ann_arbor_ypsi, I decided to go to Dawn Treader to see if I could sell some books. The majority fit their "wanted" criteria: modern, first-edition hardbacks, skewed toward academic titles. One, The Revolutionary Kant, is a trade paperback that normally sells for $60. All in all, I toted nine books up a hill and over six city blocks.

The guy at the counter said the store's usual buyer was upstairs, touring a new employee; he didn't know how long the person would be. He then offered to quote me a price, as he was a "backup buyer". I made the mistake of telling him that I was moving when he asked me if I wanted cash or store credit.

He looked at my books and offered me about a dollar each. I looked dubious. He split the pile into titles he particularly wanted and those he didn't; however, he didn't indicate a difference in price, so I assumed it would still be $1/ea. Another person had lined up behind me, so I felt rushed; I said, "Can I think about it?" I collected my books back into my bag.

The guy said I could try selling them at "a yard sale" (didn't mention eBay once). No thanks, dude.

Hmm. Wondering how I might sell my pies at the AA Farmers Market. I apparently have to use local, fresh ingredients in my baked goods to qualify. They sell blueberries at the farmers' market. That works out.