Beverly, I think maybe we need to take over, because I'm thinking if anyone who could do (buy) all those things went to see the Dali Lama for enlightenment, it might endanger his own.

I also have matching luggage. I believe it is from the not softer, but not hardside side of Sears (or possibly Service Merchandise). I got it when I graduated high school. In 1985.

That Marie Claire article did make a couple of good points (mammogram, charities), but their idea of a "serious car" doesn't quite match mine. I did get my first "serious car" when I was just shy of 40, but mine is a Honda Civic, not a Mercedes. Also, I did get my first new piece of luggage a few years ago (the first I've bought since I went to college), but I got it at Target, and it's only one piece, not a set. I'll probably have to drag out my large college-era piece for my Xmas trip east.

I had to bitch-slap my BFF about luggage when she was 41. She went to France every summer, and every summer she borrowed my suitcase. I finallly said, hey doofus, you're an adult, you should have your own luggage. Our non-matchy luggage is a fancy rolling duffel that was my dad's that my mom gave the DH when he died, so it has sentimental meaning. We just bought a big dark orange rolling suitcase, so we can both pack for our trip to Holland.

Luggage (matching or not) seems to me something every grown up should have. A set of dishes and flatware as well.

As long as there's holdin', touchin' and squeezin'

Well, it's hard. Oh, there've been moments, out on the road

A set of dishes and flatware as well.

Me. NSM. I have a cupboard full of dishes, but it's all individual pottery pieces, very few of them match. I thought about getting my favourite potter to make some matching plates when I turned thirty, but then I didn't.

I do need good flatware, thought but it's not something I'd consider buying myself. I need to get married, just for the presents.

Skipping 1,000,006 posts...

Hi Natterites.

Nice thread you have here.

I think I'm with Beverly and Cindy on the list. I think any list of "must do's" or "should do's" besides one you've made up yourself is kinda silly.

I could go my whole life without matching luggage. I will not go the rest of my life without going to Budapest, Istanbul and Prague.

Nice thread you have here.

"Be a shame if something happened to it" ?

I need to get married, just for the presents.

SERIOUSLY.

Ann Taylor Loft just sent me an email with "8 November Must-Haves." Now, that one made me angry. Mostly because it included capri pants. You know I love the capris, but November is not capri season!! Although I did see two (TWO!) women today at lunch with capris and bare legs. It is not warm out there, people.

Dear Customer,

Thank you for your inquiry! Clearly you are incapable of reading, otherwise you would not be contacting me again regarding this issue. I could say anything here and you wouldn't know! 'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe: all mimsy were the borogoves, and the mome raths outgrabe. If you are reading this right now, then I can't help but wonder why you haven't contacted X at Y for the documents you need as I indicated in a previous e-mail. Are you afraid of the telephone? I swear to you it's not a frumious Bandersnatch. Once again, thank you for your inquiry. If you need further assistance, please contact the help desk.

Thanks,
shrift