I bought my mom a DVD player today along with a few DVDs I knew she would like. Her reaction quite surprised me.

I bought the player as a birthday present (her birthday is on the 6th). I originally wanted to do it for Christmas, but I couldn't afford it. I thought of doing this a few days ago, when I realized that I had more than enough for rent and bills this month, especially when Scott pays me his portion. I also figured that if I didn't do it soon, I wouldn't have time to, nor would I feel I had the money, because of my wonky budgeting system. So, I would have to buy it at the end of the month, before the budget starts anew. Today, I figured, what the hell, I should be able to find one for 60 bucks.

I lucked out. I found one at a sale price of 35 freaking dollars. Sure, it isn't a recognizable brand name, but they all use pretty much the same components anyway. With it being so cheap, I was able to buy more DVDs for her.

She was so moved, I was shocked. She felt that it meant more on her birthday than Christmas, probably because I almost never buy birthday presents due to lack of funding.

See, I knew she would never buy the player for herself. She wouldn't be able to justify the cost to herself, especially since until recently, DVD players were a lot more expensive. She doesn't earn that much, because she is partially disabled, as I have spoken of in past entries. I know she can afford to rent a couple movies a week, though, and I know she can afford to borrow my myriad DVDs.

I am pushing her to try out Netflix, though. I think it is the most ideal, not only because of their ridiculous selection, but because of the no due date policy. Since there are days she can barely get out of bed, I know she would never think to return a late movie on a day she felt particularly shitty.

I don't know why I am writing about this, to be honest. I guess because I was moved that she was so moved. I expected her to be excited and appreciative, but she was overwhelmed with gratitude. It makes me feel good, since I know I am not always the most selfless person and she does so much for me all the time.

I left her house knowing she was going to clean the house, then sit down for a movie marathon tonight in her nice, clean, candlelit house.

Like daughter, like mother.