SHANNON URTNOWSKI
Living Editor
I am not usually one who has life lessons to spew out, but my Saturday night has given me a whole new outlook on things. I ended up in Camarillo by the urgings of my friends. At the time, I was just happy to have an excuse for a few hours of fun.
Maybe we would go shopping. Maybe we would grab some dinner. Maybe we would see a movie. What I had not expected was to do all three, and multiple times at that.
Our first stop was the Camarillo Outlets. As my friends and I circled the parking lot we came upon an UGG Australia store, and that was the start of a very pressing night for my wallet. I ended up spending $150 on boots I did not need, and then I proceeded to spend about $100 more at PacSun and Gap.
Looking back on it, my bank account would have been much happier had I been writing this Saturday night. But, I was under the impression that my friends and I would be heading back to campus soon. The night had just begun for us, however. There were a number of small yet unnecessary purchases that had yet to be made.
First was dinner at In-N-Out, which cost about $7, and then we headed over to the local theater for a showing of “The Last Kiss,” which cost just under $10. The additional purchases were still at a minimum at this point, so I was not too concerned. My friends and I were going to be leaving Camarillo after the movie, or so I thought.
After the showing, we headed to Wienerschnitzel for ice cream and chili-cheese fries — not a good combo, especially for our second meal of the night. This meal, which cost about $8, was not expensive by any means, but it was not the last of the night.
The next stop my friends and I made was Wal-Mart. I did not need anything from Wal Mart, but did I buy things? Oh, yes I did. My thought process: Diet Rock Stars? Well, they are always good to have for those long study nights. Printer paper? I am running low. Eye-liner? I am out of black, and the gray I have is not working out. I proceeded to grab a few other unnecessary items, bringing my total to about $45.
It was 11:15 p.m. and my friends and I were getting tired, so we were at the point where we could head back to our rooms or seek out some caffeine. We opted for the caffeine.
We came upon a Coffee Bean near Camarillo, which was open until 11:30 p.m., and it was lattes all around. I spent $4 on a medium Pumpkin Pie Latte, non-fat of course, and proceeded to drink it all.
As my friends and I further explored the wonders of Camarillo, we came upon a doughnut shop. None of my friends wanted doughnuts, but the cute boys standing outside the shop sure did, and that was enough for us. All of a sudden it was time for a blueberry pastry — $1 more out of my wallet.
To top the night off, my friends and I stopped at a local gas station for water to wash down the doughnuts we did not want. That was the last dollar I spent Saturday night, and thank goodness for that. My evening of frivolous spending — spending very uncharacteristic of me, might I add — was over. The grand total came to about $326.
I am confident my wallet, and my diet, would have rather I spent Saturday night in, but I would not trade the experience I gained for anything — though I should probably trade in my UGGs before my bank statement arrives.
So, though I am low on cash, let me give you some free advice — stay away from Camarillo. No, on second thought, just plan your nights in advance. And do not let your friends convince you otherwise. Just tell them I said so.
09-28-2006