As they shouted out with glee
There are some things in life that I have resolved to never understand.
Things such as Swahili, women who implant eight embryos, and bowl haircuts.
Bowl-cuts should be a form a child abuse, as well as shoving a bunch of embryos up your lady lips when you’re single and unemployed.
Anyhow, the chances of me ever fully understanding any of this in my lifetime is slim to none.
And I’m okay with that.
But then there are some things that may have piqued my interest, but I’m trying to resist.
Things such as cigarettes, turkey bacon, and more recently,… eBay.
I may have dabbled as an eBay-er years ago. However, I was only a buyer. I have never sold anything on eBay. In fact, my sole purpose for creating a PayPal account was to make frivolous purchases while I was without a car or friends during the months away as a traveling nurse.
Clearly, this was before discovering the blogosphere.
Anyway, every now and then my mom mails a package full of stuff from my childhood. Crap that she would rather be taking up space in my house.
She sends anything from old yearbooks to New Kids on the Block trading cards. Each time it’s like the UPS man unearths a time capsule at my doorstep.
And last Christmas, she sent my most cherished holiday toys ever.
Rhonda, Randy, and Ramona Reindeer.
They are a family of cheap, stuffed reindeer. They may have been sold at Hallmark stores at some point, but they were just $2.29 with any order at your local Burger King in the 80’s.
A new reindeer from a family of four was released each week in December.
Clearly, my parents were in no mood to have it their way one week because I’m missing Rodney, the daddy reindeer.
Of course, where on Earth could I possibly still find the missing patriarch?
eBay.
I was determined to make this family complete and watched ten different auctions with Rodney reindeer over the course of the last five days.
In my prior eBay experiences, I rarely had the patience for auctions. I usually just clicked the “Buy It Now” option and payed full price.
But there is no way I was willing to drop $25 on a reindeer this year.
I learned quickly that the final minutes of an auction are key to winning a product.
In one auction, I was outbid by $0.50 cents during the last 40 seconds.
In another, it happened again at 3 seconds.
Who knew these damn reindeer were such a hot commodity?
So I decided to sit on the sidelines and watch a few of these auctions play out.
I price compared. I studied. I learned.
Within 24-hours, I had a master plan in place, a foolproof method of guaranteeing a Rodney reindeer in my hand.
I chose the only auction that ended during the season finale of GLEE.
Let’s just say that after twenty-something years, this family of reindeer will finally be complete this Christmas.
For $0.99 (plus shipping).
It was awesome.
I wanted to light myself a cigarette.
But I won’t.
I already feel like I’ve gone too deep into this strange, strange world of eBay.
What do you think I can get for those New Kids on the Block trading cards?
I am an avid eBayer!!! I don’t know how I would’ve gotten all my baby stuff without it. Buy and sell, I never lost any money. And the frantic bidding at the end? Been there too. And sometimes it is GOOD when you lose.
Doh! My commentluv is now pointing to last week’s PSF. Stop by for the most recent, a scene you know well.
Angela at mommy bytes´s last blog ..PSF – Visiting My Old Dorm Room
December 11th, 2009 at 12:21 am
EBay is a strange and wonderful place. Be careful, though, or you’ll end up with tons of junk you don’t need, just because it’s cheap.
The Mother´s last blog ..I Bet Will Shortz Never Loses His Cool With His Kids
December 11th, 2009 at 12:38 am
I’m thrilled that you totally “scored” on acquiring Rodney. I’ve never purchased anything on EBay, but I know people who have and they love it.
Joyce-Anne´s last blog ..November
December 11th, 2009 at 12:47 am
I have been an ebayer, a seller and buyer, i bought an ebook last week. thinking of getting some xmas presents from ebay too.. but need time to surf thru what worth to buy..kind of impatient especially with my limited time on line.
Agnes´s last blog ..My birthday
December 11th, 2009 at 12:57 am
OMGoodness…I heart eBay. It’s an addiction!
Muthering Heights´s last blog ..Bad Santa
December 11th, 2009 at 1:03 am
ebay is fun. eBay is cheap. Have at it. But if you start smoking I’m going to take you over my knee.
(after I clear that with your husband, of course.)
lceel´s last blog ..Hope for what it could be like
December 11th, 2009 at 1:06 am
It’s been a while since I did any ebaying (but I’ve got my eyes on several sets of knitting needles that I’m itching to have—double pointed and circular, and the circular should be SEVERAL sets), and I’ve been both seller and buyer (hubby too, he used to have it BAD)…
But I’ve got Ramona! My sister had her too. I had forgotten where they came from. I always thought we went to McDonald’s more. Now I want Burger King…anyhow…I should still have her somewhere (upstairs in the box with all my really important stuffed animals from my childhood. They have no where to go, my favorite teddy bear currently stares at me from the side of my dresser. Right now, it’s creepy…[not really]). I put some lipstick where her mouth should be because that DID creep me out without it!
Allison´s last blog ..Have done and Got’s to do
December 11th, 2009 at 1:06 am
Damn ebay can be addictive. I’m a buyer. I’ve tried to sell stuff, but I guess my greed made my stuff impossible to sell.
sophia´s last blog ..The Way I Want It To Be
December 11th, 2009 at 1:28 am
oh the addiction of EBay! I’ve bought a few things and only sold one thing. you might just find that one person who is still willing to collect NKOTB stuff…………. Good luck!
So glad that poor reindeer family can finally be together for Christmas!
Carrie Keiser´s last blog ..Foto Story Friday # 79– decorating the tree and lighting is my boon!
December 11th, 2009 at 1:28 am
Hey, I remember those reindeer! Is Babisodes playing with them … or are they just for you?
eBay is addicting. And so is Glee.
Holly at Tropic of Mom´s last blog ..Disney Emergency: The Princess and the Frog giveaway
December 11th, 2009 at 1:43 am
lolol. that is awesome. i had friends in college who were freaks for ebay! never got into it but i now have a paypal account for my etsy craziness!
Jameil´s last blog ..Productivity!!!
December 11th, 2009 at 1:47 am
I remember those! And the NKOTB trading cards. Too funny.
Kat´s last blog ..WW- Angels Among Us
December 11th, 2009 at 1:48 am
Yay for no more bastard reindeer children! You are so funny!!! Good work
)
December 11th, 2009 at 2:40 am
Oh yah…I’m one of those last 6 second bidders! I learned that the hard way, of course!
I used to sell sooo much on Ebay, and buy as well. I have bought a few things already for Christmas!
Enjoy the reindeer!!
Alicia´s last blog ..FRIDAY PHOTO FLASHBACK
December 11th, 2009 at 2:41 am
funny, I actually like bowl cuts on boys. And I love ebay. absolutely love it. Unfortunately, I don’t allow myself on very often as we don’t have much space in our house I could easily spend a whole paycheck there in an eye blink.
Amy´s last blog ..From Black to White
December 11th, 2009 at 7:46 am
Those reindeer are really cute (and so clean after all those years). You are now an eBay master! If I knew which TV shows were popular, I’d try that, too.
Dot´s last blog ..Comment on Inheriting by Betsy Wuebker
December 11th, 2009 at 10:43 am
Haha! I remember those! That’s great that you were able to make your little family complete after all this time. E-bay is a lovely thing.
Kelli@GohnCrazy´s last blog ..It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…
December 11th, 2009 at 10:58 am
Good timing and congrats on your completed collection! : )
Elaine´s last blog ..PSF – A Girl & Her Sunflower
December 11th, 2009 at 11:12 am
LOL….I too have just gotten into the Ebay kick. It’s amazing how many people want your junk. I try to do more selling than buying. Otherwise I’ll be up to my nose with my junk AND other people’s junk. Congrats on completing that reindeer family!
Mama in Suburbia´s last blog ..Houston…we have a problem
December 11th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
I had Rhonda and Rodney!!! I bet my parents totally still have them somewhere.
Now you’re making me want to go dig around in my parent’s basement. Thanks for that.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Cursed Ebay! I’ve been outbit twice this week just cuz I wasn’t hovering over the keyboard exactly as the time was up. That stupid outbid email is so depressing, like “Hey Loser!”. Nice trick on the timing it with tv, I’ll have to try that.
And yeah, totally sell those NKOTB cards, I’m sure they’re worth bank!
December 11th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
I know many people who are avid e-bayers. As someone who already is addicted to shopping, I try to steer clear of ebay! Glad you had success though!
Emily´s last blog ..PSF and a photography lesson
December 11th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Ebay is how I spend my children’s college education. That, and iTunes.
Chris´s last blog ..Photostory Friday: The Story of Our Lives
December 11th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
I’ve recently become an eBay fanatic as well and drafted a post on it, but haven’t yet posted it to the blog. If you get anything for those NKOTB cards let me know I have a whole stash of that crap at my parents place. I should totally pull it out and hawk it on there.!
Lisa @ Boondock Ramblings´s last blog ..Hey, calm down. I awesome.
December 11th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Oh, I thought I was the only one that had these as a kid! Well, I still have Rhonda. I think my brother has Randy. I have no idea what happened to the other two. I get Rhonda out every holiday season!
Jenna´s last blog ..Timber!
December 11th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
I suck at Ebay bidding wars. I always think I’m gonna get something and then I’m outbid in the last .34 seconds. So I usually just Buy It Now. In the real world or cyberspace, I am not a shopper.
Hey–when are we gonna see more belly shots.
Carrie´s last blog ..Photos of the kids
December 11th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Oooohhhh… you are smart and crafty. Maybe I should subcontract my attempt to win Lego Star Wars Ewok minifigures to you … I’ve been outbid on 5 different auctions! I need a new strategy.
And I would have SOLD your reindeer if they were selling for $25 a pop!
Jenners´s last blog ..Over-The-Top Holiday Newsletters: Game 11
December 11th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
That was an awesome bit of strategy there. Congratulations on your first purchase. I don’t have much patience for those auctions either, so I feel your pain. It must be nice to have a whole family of reindeer again.
MommyTime´s last blog ..The REAL Santa Claus Lives in Our Town
December 11th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Congratulations! So glad the family is now complete – and at such a bargain price, too! I discovered buying on ebay a few years ago but soon had to curb my habit. I was “winning” too much stuff. Now, selling on ebay intrigues me.
Jane´s last blog ..Some Things Are More Important
December 11th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Yay!! You did a good job. I was always being outbid at the last second, too.
Asianmommy´s last blog ..Ling Doll by Karito Kids
December 11th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
cool deal, outstanding sets for holiday, very pretty mood for others to admire.
jingle´s last blog ..Math, Positive Thinking, Rage Free and More…
December 12th, 2009 at 12:29 am
Sweet deal! That’s a great tip. Next time I need to check the ending big so I will have more chance to win.
Amy @ The Q Family´s last blog ..The Best Budget Friendly Souvenir when Travel with Kids
December 12th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Brilliant strategy! Well played. I’m going to hit ebay hard when the next Twilight movie comes out. Maybe we can lump my old Battlestar Galactica cards together with your NKOTB cards and make a killing?
BusyDad´s last blog ..Go Stuff a Stocking
December 12th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
I’ve heard about how addicting Ebay can be so I willingly stay away. I totally remember those BK reindeer! Brings back memories!
December 12th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
I am laughing SO SO SO HARD, seriously. Thank you so much, I needed that! And be careful with eBay! It’s ADDICTING!
Heather´s last blog ..The Best of ‘09 Blog Challenge December 1-10
December 13th, 2009 at 12:15 am
I have one of those reindeer too, just not sure which one of the ladies I have. My kids have tons of Beanie Babies that I’ve been trying to get them to sell on eBay for years… that and The Boys Pokemon cards.
Tara R.´s last blog ..Weekly Winners ~ winter
December 13th, 2009 at 8:26 am
I’ve got a few boxes of crap too from my mom. So many memories. I can’t throw it out. lol. I have NO problem throwing out other peoples things though….lol.
Glad you added your fluffy friend and cheaply! NICE!
sheila´s last blog ..Relentless MeltA Quote for Today
December 13th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Ebay is so completely addicting. I saw a dress at Banana republic I wanted. Didn’t have my size. I found it on ebay at half the price! You can find ANYTHING and EVERYTHING on there!
Nancy@ifevolutionworks.com´s last blog ..A Study in Frustration Management
December 13th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Grin, Congrats on mastering ebay
December 13th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Glad you got it!
I had to laugh the other day when I was in the grocerystore and I heard a New Kid’s on the Block song play over the loudspeaker. Took me a minute to realize what it was.
Cookie´s last blog ..Winding Down
December 14th, 2009 at 12:27 am
That is SO awesome and YOU, you are wildly smart!
I love your story and your plan!
NKOTB rocked.
rachel-asouthernfairytale´s last blog ..Pork Tenderloin with Orange Chipotle Marinade and Grilled Veggies
December 14th, 2009 at 11:59 am
Now that’s an awesome deal!!
I LOVED those reindeer! We had the whole set when I was little… I wonder what happened to them.
Jac @ Wuzzlemakesthree´s last blog ..Dinosaurs and Snow Drifts
December 14th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Hahaha! You and your pregnant mind crack me up!
kspin´s last blog ..Getting Into The Holiday Spirit
December 14th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
So happy for you! A family united!
Puna´s last blog ..Please Help Me Choose A Pet Photo & Giveaway
December 14th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
I entered the Ebay world about six months ago. I haven’t sold anything…yet. But I’ve bought a fair amount of stuff. Almost all of it for Sophie. There are some real deals to be had, but I think the trick is to not get too sucked in, because it’s kind of like gambling. And just as addictive.
Cara´s last blog ..Sunday Afternoon
December 14th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Careful, Ebay is addicting! But you can definitely find some true deals there if – like you – you watch, learn and time things well (great thought about finding something ending during the Glee finale. I’ll have to give that a shot sometime).
Kimberly´s last blog ..Holidazed
December 14th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
I love those reindeer! I have never delved into the world of eBay… buying or selling. I guess I am too intimidated or something!
December 14th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
ROFL! I have the whole family too! They were unearthed when my mom shoved several boxes of crap in my garage and told me to go through it or pitch it. I love those little guys.
Ebay, on the other hand, is the debil. I am going to have a hard time avoiding it’s siren call once I’m permenantly at home, trolling the interwebs for fun!
Karin aka Perpstu´s last blog ..Only 10 days ‘Til Christmas…Egads!
December 15th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
I save E-Bay for emergencies like when I’m really looking for something and can’t find it because it can get addicting. As far as those little guys of yours – hehehe I got them too. They’re sooooo cute. Merry Christmas. Couldn’t find your follow button or I would have. Stop by me if you have the time. Always could use another follower myself.
Xmasdolly´s last blog ..Zhu Zhu GIve – Away at 24/7 MOMS
December 16th, 2009 at 2:58 am
My sister and I had those same reindeer too! How funny!
Last Christmas, Hallmark sold large and small Rodneys and two appeared in my girls’ stockings on Christmas Day. Maybe Hallmark is selling them again this year?
Hmmmm….Maybe I’ll dig one of ours for you.
Run DMT´s last blog ..Plus One
December 16th, 2009 at 4:38 am
A used pink bathrobe…
A rare mint snowglobe…
A Smurf tv tray.
I got on eBay.
LOVES me some eBay — why in just the past 2 weeks I’ve risen to 680 stars from 660 — Christmastime is here.
Happiness And Cheer!!
Hang onto those NKOTB cards, they could set you up for retirement. Seriously!!
December 17th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Oh those BK reindeer brought back so many memories! I, too, have been the recipient of multiple cross-country time capsules as my mom decided the time had come to clear out the childhood cobwebs – but I never unearthed such delightful Christmas memories as those reindeer friends. Thanks for spreading some holiday cheer to this fellow freezing cold New Englander!
Emily´s last blog ..No Cause for Alarm
December 18th, 2009 at 1:01 pm