The Value of an Umbrella

"The price is what you pay. The value is what you get." - Unknown

It's been rainy and drizzly here in Claremont the past couple weeks. I used to really struggle with it-- the wet, cold, icky feeling of the rain, putting a groggy damper on my entire day. Then one day, I suddenly discovered a solution: an umbrella.

I'm not here to claim I invented the umbrella, and I'm not here for you to ridicule my lack of obvious knowledge that a cheap umbrella from 7 Eleven has the potential to protect me from the rain. I am here to give my thoughts on the value of the little things that make your life better.

For so long, I scoffed at the idea of an umbrella. I don't know if I thought I was too cool, or if I assumed my hoodie could protect me from even the briefest walks between my apartment and my mailbox. (It could not)



A couple weeks ago, I had a babysitting job interview. I missed the interview due to the rain, and failed to get in touch with the family despite a couple calls and an email. I wasn't particularly bummed about the job-- I didn't really need the money, and it was 3 miles away (I don't have a car). I would have to take a Lyft there weekly (#boycottUber) and it just didn't make sense.

The interview was scheduled for 2 pm. At noon I started doubting if I could go in the rain-- it was such a hassle to wait in the downpour for the little car from the app to float onto my screen. At 1 pm I walked to my mailbox to check the mail and see how easy it would be to wait in the rain.

In 2 minutes, I was drenched, head to toe. As I peeled off my wet hoodie and wool beanie that now smelled of sheep, I decided I hated the rain. I called the family and left a message that I couldn't go out in this, can we reschedule or change locations. They never called back, and I received a form message from care.com that the family had chosen to pursue other options.

I had class the next day, and the rainstorms were not letting up. I figured I had to call a Lyft to get me that 3/4 mile from my apartment to class. I walked out to the curb and opened the app, only to see that the rides would cost an extra 25% because it was a "busy time".

I understand that. It's a business and they make money this way. At least they were polite enough to warn me (looking at you uber). But I'm a granddaughter of Howard and a daughter of Marci, and I was not going to pay that premium for what I could get for free.

I made a dash for the 7 Eleven and bought a $10 umbrella (the one with the fingerholes for easy carrying). I walked to class protected from the rain. I was dressed plenty warm, in tight (compression) leggings under my Modcloth dress. I closed the umbrella and went to class-- It wasn't a hassle at all. I realized that day how absurdly easy it is sometimes to change the way you look at things, by adding something as simple as an umbrella.

I'm going to add here later some other examples of small additions that made a big impact on my day to day life.

Think about it: what is your umbrella today? What small thing can you stick in your bag to make the whole day just a little better?

From strength to strength,
Rivi









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A few of my favorite "small price, big value" products:

1. Zebra Highlighter Mildliner, 5 Color Set (WKT7-5C): There are just so enjoyable to write with. They have a thick highlighter part and a thin marker part for underlining/writing. I use a different color for each class, and it makes it (almost) enjoyable to take notes.




2. Hands Free Grip Umbrella: This isn't the exact one I have, but the design is similar



3. Leuchtturm1917 Medium Size Hardcover A5 Notebook - Dotted Pages - Black
Check out my Bullet Journal post for more details on why I love my planner system-- the dotted pages are ideal for artistic freedom without the complete emptiness of the blank notebook style.