I could rule the world…as long as I have a pen that writes well.

I love free things. Yes, I know you sometimes get what you pay for. But I will sit through any meeting and listen to any insurance company, medication representative, etc. if it means that I get freebies. I scored big-time with our office’s recent insurance “fair.” (It was just a few tables set up in a room, nothing fancy.) But I got a free water bottle, tote bag, chapstick…even an apple and a package of almonds. At a different insurance meeting I scored a rockin’ day planner that I can’t wait to use. Not to mention both meetings had a truckload of free pens.

That brings me to my real confession.

I…am a pen whore.

Pen, preciousss?

There! I’ve admitted it. I’ve no sooner gotten a new pen in my clutches before I’m eyeballing the next one in the cup at the bank. When I tire of one, I move to the next. Oh, I’ve had my rebound pens. And I’ve turned back to a few after thinking I could move on. The one pen I’ve managed to truly be faithful to is actually from my dad’s workplace. I love their pens with a passion. Thankfully, Dad also keeps me well-stocked with them. I’d like to think they’re my one and only, but even the other day, at yet another insurance meeting, I glomped onto the free pens like they were a bag of Dove’s chocolates.

It made me realize just how easy it is to “promote” things, and how big-name people can get carried away. I mean, imagine if it was jewelry. Or a designer dress. Or top of the line shoes. The list goes on. I know I’m guilty of it. Sure, I’ll wave your company’s logo everywhere if it means I get a free toothbrush. (True story. Even at an insurance meeting.) It makes you wonder, would you still accept the gift it was from a company that goes against something you believe in? If you know for a fact that the company in question is a staunch supporter of something that you strongly protest, do you have the courage to turn it down? I’d like to think that I would. Then I look at how excited I get over a pen. A really, really, awesome, shiny new pen. Could I turn away a new car? Or a laptop? Or a gaming device? Tough question.

I guess I’ll just be thankful that I get all the free pens my lustful little heart desires. And pray that my dad’s company never decides to change pen carriers.