Day 22196

Some things are worth the money, even if a cheaper alternative is available.

I know some of you are thinking that should refer to Scotch whiskey, tequila, or some other luxury item. While I agree that expensive liquor is well worth the price, I’m perfectly fine purchasing something more within my budget. No, I’m talking about something much more important.

I’m talking about fingernail clippers.

I had been contemplating this truth as I was searching for my regular clippers. I’m pretty weird about my nails getting long, a thing left over from my days as a boiler mechanic yeas ago. Long nails get dirty and that is something that will always drive me nuts.

You know what makes me crazier though? Cheap fingernail clippers. You probably have a pair around, bought when you were having a cuticle emergency. I have several of these lying around. They are not made with steel and therefore the cutting edges go dull fairly quick.

If I’m being honest with you, I’d spent the bulk of my adulthood buying these cheap clippers. I mean, where does Revlon get off charging ten bucks for a pair of clippers when there are one available for $1.50?

Then I was gifting a good pair and I’ve been locked in ever since. Which led to another pet peeve of mine; if you are going to use my clippers, put them back where you found them. Kids and ex-wives are especially bad about this. I have found that since they’ve flown the coop that I apparently do this from time to time.

My solution was fairly easy. Like folks who use reading glasses, I have several nail clippers strategically placed around the house, as well as in my desk drawer at work. All of them are of quality. The words “Engineered in Germany” are a definite selling point for me.

So, my nails have been neatly trimmed and I’m looking forward to a nice Saturday of working at the computer on my next book. Life is good.

If you think taking about nail clippers was kind of silly, just be happy I didn’t make the argument about quality products using toilet paper. I have strong opinions about that.