October 3, 2006

StreetTalk

by Carol Rosen

What is the most extravagant and unnecessary purchase you’ve ever made and do you have any regrets?
(Asked the Kirkwood Plaza)


“I guess that would be my car. It’s a top of the line SUV with all the bells and whistles on it. Yes, I’m still glad I bought it because it’s the first time I got a version that wasn’t used or a new car that didn’t have anything on it.”

Ed Gomez, 48
Campbell
Accountant


“A piece of art; a painting - a numbered original. Yes, I’m still glad I bought it because it has sentimental value as a place my wife and I love.”

Ernie Phipps, 54
Campbell
Computer systems analyst


“We once bought a Cadillac Escalade. It was the worst thing we ever did. It broke down 13 times in two years. We were leasing it and we gave it back and got penalized.”

Linda Nunn, 47
Campbell
Homemaker


“Shoes for my young daughter. They were $55. I originally thought they were on sale, and since they were so cute. But they’ve actually been practical; she’s been wearing them for six months so I’m glad I bought them.”

Dina Rabiah, 29
Campbell
Homemaker


“I spent $200 for a graduation gift, a Mont Blanc pen for myself. Yes, I’m still glad I bought it. It works great and it writes very nicely.”

Becky Price, 32
San Jose
Graphic designer


“A $46,000 airplane. It’s a Zenith Zodiac, a two-seater, seven G airplane. It can do anything I want it to do. I have fun with it. Yes, I’m glad I bought it

Jim Collishaw, 51.”
Campbell
Construction


"We were putting in a home gym, because we had quit our gym. So we bought a flat screen television set to have the complete gym experience at home. I was upset at first, because my husband bought one with all the bells and whistles, but I’m glad now because it swivels from the wall and you can see it no matter what equipment you’re working on..”

Cynthia Niemeyer, 53
Campbell
Homemaker


"My diamond. My husband actually bought it but the money comes from the same place. It’s for my 60th birthday, but I’m getting to wear it four years early. Yes, I’m glad he bought it, it’s a nice, big expensive beautiful diamond."

Bobbi Gee, 57
San Jose
Project Coordinator