5 items that have paid for themselves

One of my fancy-schmancy techy-gadgets got me thinking the other day. Thinking on things that I've paid for over the years that have, in my opinion, paid for themselves. Here's my list, in no particular order (except for #1).

5. Canon EOS Rebel XTi - My camera. My hobby. My obsession over the past few years. I bought it at the end of 2007 after returning from a trip from the Bahamas in which I had borrowed my sister-in-laws version and thought this is something I must have. I would of said, had you asked me four or five months ago, that the camera had already paid for itself after one year. We'd used it on countless trips, I'd even done a photo shoot for Meghan and Mark and thought, "it's nice to have a good camera." But now, right now, I would say that this camera has paid for itself ten-fold. Afterall, it's allowing me to earn some much needed $$ right now while I job hunt for a more full time opportunity. It's my saving grace if you will.

4. Apple iPhone - Labeled a 'toy' by my anti-smart phone father, my iPhone has been anything but. Considering, again, my current situation, my iPhone has been a lifesaver. Using it's GPS system on the mapping application, I've been able to successfully navigate from house to house. I can use the calendar app to keep appointments and while I NEVER thought I'd use the internet feature that much, it has been a lifesaver on too many accounts! And while, it can be a downfall at times (cue Jeff and Colleen at a restaurant playing on iPhones rather than talking to one another), it has staved off the boredom in more than one occasion (i.e. waiting on doctor at office visit, waiting in line, etc.). And I've only had this baby for a little over 2 months! score.

3. King-size mattress (and bed). Jeff and I talked and talked and talked (and then we talked some more) about upgrading to a king sized bed. He's 6'4" and we've both got back issues (so sad as we are both still in our 20's) and our queen just wasn't offering the support and the room for restful sleep. So in December 08, we upgraded. It has been awesome. While there's still some back issues (obviously not from the bed) they are less frequent and the cushioning on the new mattress offers great support. And a the little side bonus for moi? I finally have a footboard. Oh yes, this may not mean that much to you, but if you're husband was 6'4" and you slept on a queen size bed before, you'd understand. No room for footboards - they are the first to go!

2. Every single pair of shoes I own (almost). I used to be a shoe fiend when I was in junior high and high school. I loved them - boots, clogs, tennis shoes, sandals, whatever. These days, I'm too cheap to indulge in my old obsession. So I buy my basics. Boots. Flats. Flips. Done and done. In fact, the last two pairs of boots I've owned, I have literally worn out the soles. The pair before the ones I owned were only thrown away because the heel snapped off while I was walking through HEB. And I even tried to super glue it back together, which attributes to my cheapness laziness (fyi, it didn't work). My current pair have been so over worn that their sole has literally fallen off and is now exposing the nail. I can't seem to walk down a hard floor with out the not-so-subtle click, click, click of my boot heel that has, I must admit, become a bit embarrassing as of late. My flats are almost in the same condition, minus the nail. The soles have worn away so much that there are holes! Jeff keeps telling me to replace them. I think he's sick of me complaining. But it's what I do. "It's kind of my thing" (a common phrase heard around the Koenig household).

1. Jeff (my husband) - Alright, alright, alright. I hear what you are saying? He's paid for himself already?! Well, monetary units aside, Jeff has been an awesome husband and has surprised me in so many ways. The man changes oil, is a super handy man, paints, gardens (at my request), can fix almost anything on a computer, cooks (cereal excluded), has fantastic opinions on matters (that he mostly shares only with those he's close to), has a silent intelligence (you know you are Jeff) and let's face it, anybody who puts up with my crazy rants is a keeper! Am I right? He's by far the best investment I've ever made.