Those of you who were — and maybe still are — regular viewers of the popular TV comedy series “Seinfeld” may recall the episode that included George Costanza’s stuffed (and eventually exploded) wallet.
That was season 9, episode 12, when George was toting around a wallet so thick it was causing him back pain. It was crammed with things he deemed important including old receipts, Irish money and Sweet ’N Low packets. Can you relate?
Meanwhile, I am amazed how many men today don’t even own a wallet. Since they don’t use cash, they don’t see a need to carry anything other than a credit/debit card and a driver’s license. Everything else is stored in their phones. Not me. I counted 14 cards in my wallet ranging from credit cards to my driver’s license to my health insurance cards to a COVID vaccination card. I wish I could tell you my wallet is also stuffed full of cash, but that’s not the case. Sometimes a bunch of $1 bills feels like a lot of money, but then George Washington’s recurring mug appears as I thumb through the bills. Sigh.
My wallet isn’t just for cash and cards, though. I, much like George Costanza, also keep receipts in my wallet, at least until the credit card statement shows up and I can match them up — or until the Costanza crunch happens.
You may have heard the phrase “as comfortable as an old shoe.” Well, old wallets are comfortable, too. That’s why those of us who use them dread buying new ones. Fortunately, a good leather wallet can last for years.
I don’t believe I have ever asked anyone to search for something in my wallet, although my daughters discovered some cash there in their youth. My wife often asks me to find items in her purse. It’s a tedious task that usually ends up with me frustrated and dumping the contents of her purse onto the table. Jolene then gets frustrated and bumps me alongside the head. On a rare occasion, I actually find the item she asked me to locate, but, more often than not, I end up empty handed. There are a lot of pockets, zippers and compartments in purses. Too many.
I often say the human brain can only hold so much information, but the same is true for a purse. And, unfortunately, that goes for a wallet, too. George Costanza proved it.
Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital editions
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-332-2707