You think that when you become an OMG (Old Money Guy or Old Money Gal) that all your problems would vanish.
Sadly, such is not the case. Life still presents its challenges. Listed below are a few Old Money problems. (I know, it’s awful.)
1. You receive a huge financial windfall, decide to buy a new pair of shoes, but still wait for them to go on sale. Why? you ask yourself over and over again.
2. You go on a family vacation, and your luggage is lost. You have to wear your dad’s clothes for a week. Nobody notices. (And you’re his daughter.)
3. Nothing you own, do, or want is “trending.”
4. You belong to a support group whose members are still grieving the discontinuation of the Volvo DL series sedan.
5. That awkward silence you experience when you ask a new acquaintance what they’re reading.
6. That same silence when the same new acquaintance complains of not having any money while digging for change in her $1200.00 purse.
6. How to respond when the name “Kardashian” comes up in conversation.
7. Someone tells you they paid $5000.00 for “bottle service” at a nightclub. You find out what “bottle service” is, and, when you wake up, paramedics are leaning over you, asking if you’re alright.
Hang in there, people.
– BGT
#2 made me laugh out loud. I’ve been there!
Oh, Melisa, that’s hysterical!
This was pretty funny and true. I own numbers one and three.
Very much enjoying your book. As it isn’t available in Canadian book stores, I had my local shop order a copy for me. It naturally came from America (I waited two weeks for it as foreign mail takes longer) and I paid $17 Cdn. The book is so wonderful I feel the $17 is a bargain. A small part of it reminds me a little booklet I received (along with my sibs) years ago when my grandfather died. It was from The Royal Bank of Canada, geared towards ‘young adults’ and entitled something like “Now That You Will Inherit”. It’s goal was to think about one’s future and not succumb to the peer pressures of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. It was a bit of a hoot. Your book really does cover so much more. I am going to recommend it so you may receive a few more orders from Canada. I am still wearing bits of my father’s clothing and still receive compliments on them when I wear them. A favourite is the Madras jacket he purchased at Trimingham’s in Bermuda with Mum on their 25th wedding anniversary. Family motto courtesy of my Scottish great-granny (Clan Duncan): “Use it Up. Wear it Out. Make it Do. Or do Without.”
Michael, that’s a great motto! I love it. Thank you for the generous words about the book. I really appreciate it. The madras jacket must have a lot of memories in it, as well as a lot of style. Congratulations. – BGT
Brian, we are retired, downsizing and buying a villa. The villa needs updating. I have read your book 3 times and follow your blog, yet old habits die hard. I’m struggling to not get caught up in redecorating madness. Help me, we can afford to do whatever we want. Where to draw the line? It’s pretty tacky but the right size, great location on a beautiful lot. It would be hard to live in a house that lacks OMG taste. J Lynn
Hi Lynn, my apologies for the delayed response. It is a fine line sometimes to get the look you want within limits. First, I would recommend proceeding slowly. Live in the place, ghastly as it might be at first, for awhile to get a feel for how you live in it, and what you really see after the first few weeks.
If you can paint the exterior trim, a room or a wall and minimize the tacky, do that first. It’s simple and inexpensive Then address the fixtures. Is there a local store that sells second-hand/vintage lamps or door knobs? The furniture and fabrics you bring along or select will go a long way to get the Old Money ambiance you want. Get to know your neighbors. They’ll have suggestions on what they’ve done to their places, vendors they’ve used, and may even admit mistakes they’ve made that you can avoid.
Finally, continuously strike the balance between living well and going overboard. You want to live a good life, but you want to live a simple one, too.
Oh, and by the way, if this villa is in the south of France, let me know. I’m handy with a paint brush. Merci!
– BGT
Sorry I misspelled your first name.
No apologies necessary, J Lynn. I’m glad you enjoy the book and the blog. – BGT
Very funny and all very true! Like Melisa, I can relate to number two. I think this might be the same picture as “Homeward Bound” posted on December 18, 2013.
Thanks, Amy! – BGT
What in the world is ““bottle service”?
Bottle service: Apparently, in a trendy nightclub (which is called a ‘club’ by those who have never been a member of any other kind) it’s possible to reserve a table, with chairs or a sofa, and have a bottle of liquor (usually vodka), drinking glasses, ice, and assorted fruit juices laid out on the table for your enjoyment. This saves you the inconvenience of ordering drinks individually all night.
It also, I’m told, designates you as a VIP for the evening. $5000.00 was the price for ‘bottle service’ in a nightclub I was invited to a few years ago in Los Angeles. I think I paid $4000.00 around that time for a used BMW 325 sedan.
Oh well.