My awesome father in law posted on Facebook that there was a crazy shoe sale at the local department store. Shoes? Sale? I'm there. As soon as I saw the post, I was out the door. When I got to the store it was packed. I mean, can't move, people everywhere, line out the building packed. I searched high and low for the new Nike sneakers I wanted, but I couldn't find them. Luckily, my husband was home and was able to get them online for the sale price! Score!
I was a little disappointed I didn't get to have the joy of purchasing my new sneakers, so I decided to go shop around. After all, I had gone to the store to spend some money! I made my way over to the Christmas section (c'mon, who doesn't love Christmas, even at the beginning of November). The display was gorgeous! I walked around and thought about what I would splurge on (I'm a stay at home mom on a tight budget). I couldn't find one thing I REALLY wanted. Then, I saw the Department 56 Villages Collection display. If you know me, you know I have the Department 56 North Pole Village. Yes, these buildings and their accessories are expensive. That's why I don't buy them, I get them as gifts. :) I've collected quite a bit over the years and am always looking out for any new pieces to ask for as a Christmas gift.
I looked up and down the isles and decided that this year's new pieces weren't something I desired. Then, there it was, the one piece I've wanted since I started collecting. This piece was big, beautiful, and perfect for my collection. Unfortunately, with this big, beautiful piece, came a hefty price tag. I never asked for it for Christmas because it would be the ONLY gift I would get and I thought that would be silly. I mean after all, it was just a building. Oh, but what a beautiful building it was...
I stared at the box in amazement. Even the picture on the box sparkled. As I stared at the box, my eyes wondered to the top of the box where the price tag was. I looked at the price, already knowing what it would say and looked away. Wait a second, did I see that right? What in the world?! There must be a mistake. Here was a $150 building and the price I was reading said $24.95. That's twenty four dollars and ninety five cents. "No, that can't be. There probably should be a one in front of that two," I thought.
I was baffled. BUT, having worked retail in college, I decided to take the box to the register and see if they would honor the price on the box. "Hey, the worst that could happen is that they say no." So I grabbed the box and carried it to the register with the biggest smile on my face having a feeling of ownership already. The box was empty, so I knew the building was on display somewhere. I told the girl at the register the box was empty and that the building was on display, but I wanted to purchase it. She told me to wait while she hunted it down.
I waited patiently, hoping, praying, that the price on the box was for real. I waited for about five minutes and the girl came back with MY building. Oh it was so beautiful. I was in love. I talked to her about how busy the store was while she packaged the building in it's perfect box. Then, I held my breath as she scanned the price tag. "Ok, your total is $26.34." YES YES YES!!!! It was the right price!! Honestly, I don't remember the cents...I just heard $26 and blanked out after that because I was so excited!
The best part? I didn't pay the $26.34 or whatever it was. The sweet girl at the register decided to give me a 25% discount. I have no idea why. I know at one point she thought a piece had broken off, but I showed her that the one piece she thought was missing was actually in the box and was supposed to be detachable. But that's the only reason I can think of why she would give me a discount...
So, how much did I pay for the building in the end? A building that was originally $150? And if you know anything about Department 56, they don't go on sale. I paid the lovely price of $19.05. :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
My village is complete now. :) Except for maybe a few accessories... ;)
A coincidence? I don't think so. I believe it to be a blessing from God. And you can think I'm crazy for thanking Him over and over for it. Because I believe God does care about the stupid things we care about, even silly buildings. :)
#GodMustReallyLoveMe
My new building :)
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