Free Stuff

I just went to an electronics store in Brooklyn owned by a bunch of hasidic Jews to purchase a blow dryer. Believe it or not, they are very reasonably priced. The same product at Bed Bath and Beyond was twenty - five dollars more. When I came to the register to pay, the check out clerk told me that the blow dryer comes with a free curling iron. I told him that if I am blow drying my hair that means I want it straight, furthermore, I don't need a curling iron. He said, but its free. I said I dont need one and I already have one at home in FL. He was so adamant, he said just take it and then began to tell everyone in the store how I was refusing a free item. I even told the guy I was going to sell it on Ebay. I basically had to beg him to allow me just to pay and leave. At the exit, there is a man who checks your bag and receipt told me that it says I purchased two items and there is only one item in the bag. I told him the second item was a free curling iron which I didn't need. He said, but it's free and then began to tell the guy next to him - she isnt taking the free stuff. I said I dont need it. This story solidified the age old Jewish steroetype of Jews and free stuff. In my own little way I am trying to break that stereotype. If I dont need something, I dont want it even if its free! I am not a horder. I like having as little "stuff" as possible. I get rid of stuff I havent used in three months. Why do I need a second curling iron - I rarely use the one I have. I think I could have given them free bird poop, afterall, it is free!

On my way home a little boy of about 6 or 7 asked me to cross the street with him. He was so sweet. It reminded me of when I lived in Israel and all these little kids would always ask me to cross them. (efshar l'avor li et hakvish?) Oh, how I love the innocent trust young kids have in adults. It also makes me feel terribly old :(