American Girl Doll

Top of the morning to you,

If you haven't figured it out we are still having problems with the blog o paragraph.

My laptop was in the shop for a couple of weeks, so that could have been some of the problem.

It appears to be an HTML problem (I say this to sound smart but don't ask me what it means). Blogger.com editor has some spacing issues with the old form of internet explorer.

So if I have the new updated internet explorer but I send it to the editor (remember I am having this done so I don't offend anyone, which I have to admit I have done in the past) and he/she has the old version it somehow gets rid of all the spaces.

We think we are getting close to figuring it out. It looks good in the editing process and then you submit it and squish...you get what you have been seeing.

Sorry and I am just as frustrated as you are...probably way more.

I am off of work today because I am a chaperon on my daughter's field trip. So I am writing this Thursday night and through modern technology I am having it posted on Friday.

(I know what you are thinking...well then why can't you get some spaces in your blog?")

I digress. So I am going to get right to it today because it is almost my bedtime.

My daughters 9th birthday is on Monday.

And all she wants is an American Girl doll.

Some of you just laughed didn't you.

Now for all you people that don't have a daughter or don't have children yet, let me explain.

Companies that make toys try to have a niche. For example, WebKins are a stuffed animal. But they are not just stuffed animals. They are stuffed animals that when you buy them come with a web code. Then, after and only after the purchase, the new owner is suppose to go to WebKins.com and register the pet. The website will then mark you as the parent of this stuffed animal. The website will give you the birth date of the animal. Then you get points for all the animals that you own and you can get virtual prizes for your points. Oh, then the companies will retire certain animals so they become more desirable..."Daddy, I have to have that one because this is the last month they are making this one."

Needless to say my daughter has over 25 of these overpriced stuffed animals.

(I my defense she got 10 of them for quitting sucking her thumb)

Now American Girl definitely has a niche.

They make dolls that are supposed to look like the little girl that owns them. They make a hundred or so models of dolls and you are supposed to buy the doll that most resembles you.

These things makes Cabbage Patch dolls look like so last week.

This is not it though. There is a whole catalogue of ridiculous things you can do/buy.

I know, I know, I don't know what it is like to grow up a 9-year-old girl. I don't know what it is like to want something blah blah blah.

You can buy matching clothes for you and the doll. Matching nightgowns. Matching dresses... you name it.

If you wear glasses you can buy the same pair for your doll.

You can buy earrings and necklaces for you and the doll.

You can buy the doll a cell phone and a purse.

You can buy it a bed, a tub, a vanity (with a matching stool).

You can buy it a pony, ice skates. A baseball, soccer, or bowling outfits and accessories.

You can buy it a pet and all the accessories that you need if you have a pet.

You get the picture...over the top.

One thing I have not told you is the price.

The basic doll is $95. This is basically the doll with nothing.

So let's say you buy the doll with one outfit and earrings. The average outfit will cost you about $35 and to pierce her ears is on sale for low the price of $14.

Okay you might say that that is not that bad.

Well the real problem is the absurdity. If what I told you wasn't enough for you to think this is absurd.

Then I will go on.

American Girl has, I think, three retail stores, they may call them spas, in New York, Chicago, and L.A.

This is where you can go and you and your doll can get mani and pedis together. Get fitted for dresses together, things of this nature.

Moms and their daughters from the south will jump on a plane to do a pilgrimage to The American Girl store in Chicago.

Okay, I just don't get it.

I brought this up to my staff, thinking they would be on my side of thinking this is absurd.

I about had a revolt on my hands. Every one of them thought I should get my daughter this doll.

They would walk by my office shaking their heads mumbling, "get her the doll you cheapskate."

One of my staff members went as far as having her husband call me and leave a voicemail telling me to get the doll for my daughter.

As I was telling my assistant about this doll, and she is jumping down my throat, a patient from the other room yells at me to get my daughter the doll.

I was shocked.

To her defense only one of my staff members stood with me (and now she is my favorite).

It is not the money...well, it kind of is but $100 for a doll. Come on are you kidding me?

Sure she is worth it but ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR A DOLL.

See this is where I think something has gone wrong in our capitalist society.

Now the minority are the people that think this is absurd. People without a pot to piss in are finding ways to get there lovely daughter this doll. People aren't teaching their kids about values and the beauty of saving and compounding interest.

No, they are teaching them...by any means necessary get the stuff you want, regardless of how STUPID it is.

Has everyone gone completely mad? Have I gone completely mad?

I say this because I just finished ordering the ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR DOLL for my lovely daughter.

I am assuming my wife is looking for cheap flights to Chicago as we speak. I mean how ridiculous would our doll look without a decent mani and pedi.

I have to go. I am just shaking my head now.

I hope you are too.

Have a great weekend.

john

ps. Don't be ashamed to write a comment about your American Girl doll and don't forget to tell me how much you have spent after the initial $95.