Death by Diamonds and Pearls

I guess I can say that this post is about values. It's become apparent to me that I haven't really reflected on my own. But, today, as I was sprawled out on "Jenny's" wooden floor with a box of pizza, her dad walked in with a small bag. He had gotten her a "Sweet Sixteen" gift. It was a gorgeous jewelry set that corresponded with her birthstone. 

For a moment, as Jenny modeled her new, sparkly items, I felt a bit jealous. Not in the sense that I thought I should have it, and I'd take it from her (the way a lot of little kids feel about toys). It was more like, I had wished my family had money like that, to be able to give each other shiny gifts.

Immediately after that thought, I realized that I didn't need it. I simply shook and smiled.

Jenny had said, verbatim, "This makes me happy." She was looking down at the sparkling gems on her fingers and around her neck. 

Now, I feel that at times, on this blog, I don't give Jenny enough credit. Due to my aggravation, I tend to...exaggerate her actions (I mean it, just a little). But, she's really not as dumb as some of you may think. There are times that she truly surprises me with little bursts of maturity and processed thoughts. 

Though, she and I were raised differently. She grew up beneath parents with great money. They live comfortably, almost never worrying about financial matters. They have money to go on vacations, and travel often.

I, on the other hand, was not raised with that luxury. I'm not saying, "Oh, my god. I'm so poor. My life sucks. I'm just a jealous, teenage girl." But maybe that's not completely relevant.

Anyway, my parents are not the poorest, but definitely nowhere near Jenny's family--and Jenny's family isn't really rich. But, in order for us to travel, it has to be in a city near us, doing little things that we could do from our current city. 

Don't I sound ungrateful? Well, I'm not. Because I value those little, insignificant vacations my mother works hard to put together. Jenny and her family, however, may not agree with me. They're used to going across the country, out of state, and as for her father, overseas. 

Another example, Jenny's family can afford music lessons. Not only does she take them, but she's switched instruments, dropped the classes, picked them back up again, bought her own instrument, etc. I've wanted music lessons all my life. But, we just can't afford it. You know what I value? I value the YouTube videos Brett Manning posts. That's as close to music lessons as I'll get. 

Any little thing my mom gives me, whether she notices or not, I truly value. Because, it may not be as cool as  what most kids in my area get to have. But, it's better than nothing. I wish I could be like Jenny, but sometimes I'm glad I'm not. We have very different attitudes, and I know our values is what sets us apart. 

In a sense, I feel a bit more down-to-earth. She is too, she just needs steadier footing.