Jean Chatzky and me food shopping

"I love money. I love everything about it. I bought some pretty good stuff. I got myself a $300 pair of socks. I got a fur sink. An electric dog polisher. A gasoline-powered turtleneck sweater. And, of course, I bought some dumb stuff, too." ~Steve Martin

My husband and I were busy preparing dinner a few weeks ago. I had my laptop on the kitchen counter with Facebook open to the financial journalist and author Jean Chatzky's page. She posed the following question to her readers:

" Hi, everyone! I'm working on an episode for my new show and want to know whether someone in your life is an excellent shopper. Tell me who it is and what makes them the best shopper you know -- I would love to profile them for the show. Looking forward to hearing from you!"

 Without thinking, I immediately replied:

"My husband is by far the BEST shopper I know. If I hear him come home and not hear plastic bags rustling, something is wrong. He is incredible, from buying a car, shoes, groceries, and pharmaceuticals. Coupons, Google Search, Consumer Reports, and read, read, read about all sorts of consumer products. I've learned a lot from him over the years (happily)! OH, I forgot - he also loves to food shop - how great for me, eh?"

Several days later, I got a call from Jean's producer saying that Jean was interested in my response. She was intrigued by my nomination of my husband. Separate phone interviews were scheduled for Gary and me. Unknowingly, we both mentioned our fondness for Trader Joe's and how they never sacrifice good quality by offering lower prices. We also mentioned Gary's trick for purchasing a car. My husband emails several car dealers, tells them the price we are willing to pay (after looking up the Blue Book value), and waits for them to fall over themselves to give us their best price.

Jean's producer thought our stories were cute and funny, and enjoyable. After 24 years of marriage, we'll take those compliments - with pleasure.

A few days later, we were told that Jean wanted us on her show and wanted to tape it at our home.

"If it weren't for Philo T. Farnsworth, inventor of television, we'd still be eating frozen radio dinners." ~Johnny Carson

Let me explain something. On the one hand, we have Gary, who majored in Journalism. He's been on national television as a sports-law commentator, is an excellent trial attorney, and has emceed several fundraisers in front of hundreds of people. I, on the other hand, have a fear of public speaking.

After college, I worked as a copywriter for McGraw-Hill Book Company.   Writing has always been my passion, and, fortunately, it's a passion that doesn't require appearing in front of large audiences. (See my post about self-acceptance).

I felt nervous and apprehensive. I wondered whether I could lose 10 pounds before taping. What was I doing? Why didn't I think this through before responding on Facebook? Then it suddenly dawned on me. I'm 53 years old. This is my Second Chapter. How many chances will I have to appear with Jean, someone I respect and admire, on national television? Here I am espousing the virtues of living a vibrant and happy life after age 50, telling people to face their fears, conquer self-acceptance and live a quality life. If I'm going to talk the talk, I also need to walk the walk.

"All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up." ~Norma Desmond in the movie Sunset Boulevard

Jean's crew and her producer arrived at our door with cameras and lights and smiled in tow. Their youthful exuberance rubbed off on us, and we became excited to begin taping the show. They rearranged our furniture, set up our microphones, and waited for Jean to arrive. When she did, she was as lovely as they were. We talked and laughed and were ready to begin. It was smooth sailing with Jean at the helm.

When our interview ended, we caravanned to a local grocery store, Corrado's Family Affair. (Trader Joe's doesn't allow filming interviews at their stores.) They filmed Gary shopping for fresh fish, fruit, and vegetables while Jean asked him a few more questions. It looked very natural and authentic.

I was proud of my husband being filmed, doing a task that used to be considered a "wifely" chore. Jean explained she'd read a study where 30% of husbands now do the grocery shopping for their family. I want to offer you what I learned from this experience:

1. Money matters can be fascinating. I wish elementary school curriculums included teaching students about money. Children should be taught early on how to be smart about saving and investing their money, preparing them for the risks and challenges of holding onto their money by reaching adulthood.
2. A good pair of jeans and a nice sweater is all a woman needs to make a good appearance. From Coco Chanel to Mary Quant to Vera Wang, women's fashions have significantly changed over the years. We can now dress as comfortably as we choose while looking and feeling great. My issue has always been that I worry too much about what to wear for any given occasion. When I recently went clothes shopping, a sales clerk at Chico's told me (for this interview) to dress, wear my best pair of jeans, a casual sweater, and simple accessories.   In other words, be myself. (I have to put a plug-in for a woman I "met "on Facebook. Marla Ginsburg has a new line of beautiful clothing I think is perfect for 50+ somethings. It's the Marla Wynne Collection and can be found on HSN).
3.  Be confident in who you are. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, experiences, and ideologies. We all have unique gifts we are given when we are born. Be confident with those gifts; they are a commodity unique to you. Jean uses her special gifts as a journalist, author, and motivational speaker. I use my gift using the written word to inspire, educate, support, and enlighten. What is your unique gift?
4. Be your authentic self. This is different than #3. This is being who you are, not someone you think you should be. Because in the end, it never matters what you wear, how much you weigh, or how big your house is. What matters is the person you are in your heart and soul. The real you will always shine through. You are essential, and you matter.

Do you want to know Jean's advice on being a savvy shopper? Then you'll have to tune into RLTV when Jean's show, Cash Call, airs the episode "Deals"…with The Chesters! As soon as I find out when it's airing, I'll let you know.

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