Hey guys, it’s Whatever Wednesdays again and I’m here to talk about Father’s Day 2017. This is going to be a pretty short post.

Stock Photo from: Pexels

So Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 18.

I remember when I was a kid I would always try my best (with my siblings and mom) to find something for my dad. However, he was notoriously difficult to shop for. Every year we’re buy him something, a tie or a watch or a wallet. Every year he would use said tie, watch, or wallet for a little while after Father’s Day. Then he would go back to his old stuff. He would still keep whatever we bought him around and in view in his office, but he wouldn’t really wear them anymore. I didn’t really understand this as a kid. However, as I grew older, I realized that was just how he has.

He already his own set of things he liked and even if we bought him nicer things, he was used to his other stuff.

I guess I’m kind of the same way. My wife says I’m impossible to buy for whenever it comes to birthdays, Father’s Day, or Christmas. The reason I’m difficult to buy for is because every purchase I make I put a lot of research into. I don’t just buy things without making sure they are worth it to me. Like I said, before I ever had a definition of the Value Cost Ratio, I utilized it, even as a kid.

Story Time:

This is going to date me, but when I was a kid, I had a Super Nintendo. I was very, very lucky to have it. My family considered it to be very expensive and pretty much a luxury item since only I played it. My sister used it once in awhile, but it was essentially mine. I didn’t have many games for it because the games cost at least $59.99. This was back in 1991 by the way.

I say at least $59.99 because every game cost that much. However, certain games were priced a considerable amount more than that. For example, Secret of Mana had an MSRP of $74.99 when it came out. I remember this because it was my present for Christmas 1993. That game was pretty awesome by the way, I probably played it for 100+ hours. However, I let an acquaintance of mine borrow it, who then moved away. Sadness. Trust no one (with your video games).

Back to the original story. So back in 1992 when the Super Nintendo was pretty new, there was a game every one was playing in the arcades. It was called Street Fighter II: The World Warrior. I think just about everyone from my generation knows of Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, and Guile. So anyways in 1992, I was aware that they were porting Street Fighter II to the SNES that summer. In preparation, I only asked for money for my birthday (in May). That money, combined with money I had saved over the past few years was around $100. I was hopeful that Street Fighter II would come out with the normal retail price of $59.99.

It didn’t.

This was to become my first understanding of supply and demand. I couldn’t find anywhere that would sell it for less than $79.99.

I had no choice put to pay the $79.99 + ~$6 in tax and nearly deplete my savings to buy this game. However, I didn’t hesitate. I knew this was the only way to play this game at home instead of throwing quarters into a machine. I was 11 years old, but my Value Cost Ratio was clearly defined for this game. My friends and I got so much enjoyment out of that game that its Value Cost Ratio was essentially infinite. I think I still have the original cartridge somewhere at my parent’s house, unless my little brother took it.

Let’s refocus:

I value experiences over things.

My family knows that. If my daughter or son paints something for me or writes “I love daddy” I will proudly display that at my office (at home or at work) for everyone to see. Spending time with my family at the beach or going out to eat lunch or dinner together is priceless to me.

I guess I’m just not the “tie, watch, wallet” dad type. First of all, I don’t wear a tie, like ever. Secondly, I have a bunch of watches that I don’t wear, and a bunch of others I lost somewhere. My wallet has been the same J.Crew wallet for 10 years.

All I really want is a card with my daughter’s writing and my son’s scribbles. Then we can all go out to dinner, or all stay home, as long as we’re all together.

So I guess what I’m saying is that for Father’s Day this year, a tie, watch or wallet is fine. However, if your dad is like me (or like mine) and is difficult shop for, then just spend some time with him. Or if he’s far away, send him a card and give him a call.

Free and Priceless aren’t the same, but they can be.

Here’s a Low Res Selfie of Me and My Monkeys

TL;DR

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there.

If your dad is like me (or like mine) and is difficult shop for, then just spend some time with him.

Or if he’s far away, send him a card and give him a call.

Free and Priceless aren’t the same, but they can be.

I say these posts will be short, but then I start story time and they’re long all of the sudden.

Like I’ve said before, Whatever Wednesdays kind of allows me to write whatever is on my mind.

-Sensei

Agree? Disagree? Questions, Comments and Suggestions are welcome.

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