Seriously, I'm NOT weird.

I've been wondering mostly today why I have never gone to an op shop. I figure that part of me feels "ashamed" to go to the *gasp* OP SHOP; but I think another part also feels guilty.

Is it taking from people more unfortunate than you by shopping at Op shops? I kind of felt like I was...almost...stealing? from them. I paid $6 for a really cool pair of pants, I paid $4.75 for a great jacket type thing and $3 for a mickey mouse for Mr 'Tude. I will do photos soon - although I'm debating who exactly is going to give a crap what my new purchases look like... ;)

For all that care, Mr 'Tude is my nearly-5-year-old. He's had grommets this year and has gone from mr perfect to mr Tude - all in about 8 short months. I have him, and I have the Terror. He is a terror and is almost two.

Anyway. In principle, I can afford to spend $10 on a Mickey Mouse toy for Mr 'Tude. No problem. So, is it taking from the less fortunate by paying such a cheap price? Is there like some unwritten rule in society - "no one earning over xxx shall walk into an Opportunity shop as it is deemed to be theft"?

My family never were ones to really care much about the environment. Animals - well give my mother a cause in the name of an animal and she's there with bells on. But, for some reason, the care factor of environment has eluded them to date. How? Why?

I mean, even if you thought *oh fuck it, I'm not going to be here to see it, who gives a shit* of the whole global warming thing - surely you'd be even a little bit concerned?? I mean, it could happen soon. But not my parents. Completely oblivious. I love them dearly, but I wish they'd stop looking at each other like that when I tell them about my gardening efforts. I am not turning into some sort of *cough* hippy - I am trying to do my bit for the world.

Is this how religious people get frustrated? Like *hey, buddy, how can you WANT to go to hell?? I've seen what that place is like, and you don't wanna end up there* - and the drunk guy watching footy just says *hmphh* in response??

I want to look my kids in the eye and say 'I tried' when they ask why we sat back and watch the world go by...