While in "the city," meaning New York City, this week I briskly walked passed a boutique on Houston near Broadway on my way to a lunch date.  The falling warm rain was changing the sidewalk snow into slush, so I slid a bit when I abruptly stopped in my tracks and reversed.

This vision halted my pace.

It's so cute. I love its vivid color, length and asymmetry.

I didn't even think of going inside. I just admired it for a few minutes, documented its existence and went on my way.

I didn't go inside first because I was in Soho, which means the price tag wasn't worth my time to be informed of it. Next, as one of my 2010 New Year's resolutions, I tried to be more mindful in my purchasing behavior.

Though I enjoy stuff and things, I didn't want my heart to be so set on them.

I still like to shop, but now, even if something is a bargain that I previously would have purchased, I ask a few questions.

Am I buying it for the shopping experience or because it's something I really want?  Do I already have something just like it that I'll quit wearing once I get it? Will I use it or will it sit in my closet? How much will I love it when I get home? Have I exceeded my discretionary budget for the month?

It's really curbed my purchasing behavior.

Latter-day Saints (Mormons) believe in living within their means.  Modern day prophets have taught that debt is justified when it's for education and a modest home, not for the lifestyle choices of clothing, vacations and dinners.

What we love and how we spend our time tells a great deal about who we want to become.

I also believe God wants us to be able to enjoy the good things of the earth, which He has provided.  I like that I can enjoy stuff and things and I'm pleased that through this last year, my heart isn't as set on them. I'm more focused on meaningful interactions with people I care about.

I would have been just as happy meeting this friend for lunch at a Wendy's in Nebraska as I was at L'ecole in Soho.

So, I got a little turned around on my way to lunch, but finally made it to the International Culinary Center on Broadway and Grand.  Here, culinary students made our food and it was delightful.

My friend ordered for me because of my late arrival.

This was his appetizer.

This was mine.

I liked his better, so he offered to switch. I accepted.:)

This was his entrée.

This was mine. I liked mine better, so I kept mine.:)

He had to go back to work on Wallstreet before our dessert arrived. So I ate some of both of ours.

You know the place is fancy when they have burning candles in the bathroom (fancy or maybe just courteous).

Then I set our for the Bolt Bus near Penn station to head back to Washington, D.C..

If anyone could help me understand why 3 cabs in a row on Canal St declined taking me to Penn Station, I'd appreciate it. Isn't my money American enough for them?

Tags: building eternal relationships, faith in Jesus Christ, friends, materialism, mind and heart, modern prophets, mormon beliefs, mormon cult, Mormonism, New Year's resolutions, repetance through Christ