The Modern Mom needs a hobby

... or why I have an occasional shopping problem.

Setting: Me, in the office, looking at my Treo at a four-hour-old text message from the Modern Mom that reads: Call me on my cell when you get a few minutes.

I dial The MM on the phone.
MM: Yo.
MG: Yo. Is there some way I can be of assistance? (yes, this is really how we talk to one another)
MM: Oh, it's too late now. I was at Macy's, taking part in one of those rare (sarcasm) One-Day Sales that they have.
MG: Yes, I'm aware. Macy's advertises on my local TV stations, even thought we don't have one in town. It's absolute TORTURE.
MM: That is torture. Well, I wanted to take advantage of the sale to buy you a new purse like you wanted for Christmas, but I couldn't remember exactly what brand you were looking at, so I thought I'd just call.
MG: Sorry, I just noticed I had a text from you.
MM: It's ok, but since I couldn't remember which kind of purse you wanted, I had to do something with myself so I bought myself a few things.
MG: Naturally.