Thursday, August 02, 2007

When a tightwad spends money...

...it makes a statement.

I just had my husband's final diploma framed. For once in my life, I did not DIY. Why? I wanted all three certificates together, for the most visual impact. I knew I could not cut a 3-in-1 mat with my handheld Olfa cutter, nor would the center diploma fit a standard document frame. I was armed with a coupon and money we had saved to publish his dissertation. (We were able to do that electronically for minimal cost.)

We made a big deal of the occasion--my mom babysat, we had lunch, we leisurely asked advice and placed an order like we do this sort of thing all the time. "What do you think? Burnished gold, or gray with a tint of green?"

I winced at the total price, but forced myself not to react. "You're worth it, honey, I'm so proud of all you've accomplished."

One glance at the receipt, and he knew I meant every word.

19 comments:

A Dusty Frame said...

13 yrs later and my diploma is still not framed due to this;)

Looks very nice!

Melissa said...

Awesome! Sometimes you've just got to do it!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to your husband, congratulations to you, (you are his support system) and congratulations to your family. I know what it means to finally get 'there' after so many years. I think it is worth the cost to do somethings really SPECIAL when the actions to get 'there' are difficult. I am sure you will enjoy looking at this for the rest of your lives. Roxie

Amy said...

That is wonderful! I know how hard that must have been, but what a visual impact that will make to everyone to show how proud you are of him. That is so great- congratulations to your entire family!

The Frugal Shrink said...

This is a very timely post for me as I've been wondering what I should do with my own diplomas! My college diploma is a standard 8x10, but my Master's degree is oddly shaped (and my Doctorate degree will be the same). I've been thinking about buying a custom frame as well. :) I bet that means a lot to your husband!

Anonymous said...

We've been needing to do this sooo badly, and I think your post has finally given me the inspiration I needed to save up and make this dh's Christmas present. All the other attorneys in his office have their diplomas framed and hanging, and he should have his up as well. Thank you.

sheila from life @ #17 said...

That just looks so good :)

martha said...

Good framing job, good photo, good values. We need tangible reminders of the intangible. This piece will be a part of your children's earliest memories, quietly speaking of sacrifice and commitment. Enjoy it!

Jana @sidetrackd said...

The framed diplomas look great!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to the family. I love that picture of you baby standing there. I just can't believe how big she is getting.

Jenn @ Frugal Upstate said...

There are some things that just look best when done by a professional, and I think this was one of them. I think you made the right choice, and I'm sure your husband appreciated it.

Anonymous said...

I consider this sort of thing a "once in a lifetime" deal, and having the diplomas professionally framed was a fabulous idea!! It turned out great!

Anne Marie@Married to the Empire said...

It's definitely worth it. My degree is professionally framed. My husband's would be, too, if he knew where it was. I also paid to have a brass rubbing that I did in London professionally framed. Sometimes it really is worth it to spend the extra money. When you intend it to be something to hang on your walls for many, many years, you want it to look its best.

Anonymous said...

This was a wonderful thing to do, Meredith. Your children will always remember this as part of the "landscape" of their home, and I think that it puts the idea into their heads and hearts early on that not only is school important, it's worth sacrificing for. Congratualtions to all of you!
Susan

Mrs. Cote said...

That is so sweet! He must have felt on top of the world to know you care about his accomplishments that much. Congrats to you both! :)

Anonymous said...

Very worth it I think. Both to honor your husband's accomplishment, as well as your support of his goal, and to give silent testament of the value of hard work and education to your kids. For just that reason is why I decided last week to take my college diploma out of a storage box to hang on our bedroom wall.

Anonymous said...

I felt the same way when I MADE my husband frame his karate black belt certificate ... he picked out the best frame and matting ... it is GORGEOUS and worth every penny he spent on it. He was thankful that I told him to do it, but totally FLOORED when I had him hang it on our living room wall! I told him that he spent as much time earning that black belt as he did getting his Bachelor's -AND- Master's TOGETHER and so it better be prominently displayed! LOL!

Rhonda Jean said...

Congratulations on being such a supportive partner. It's important to mark life's milestones. Congratulations to your husband as well on the completion of his studies.

I so agree when you wrote: "when a tightwad spends money, it makes a statement." I did this recently. DH and I are travelling 2000kms north the week after next. I refuse to fly now as I cannot justify the carbon emissions. We are going on the train instead. The flight price would be about $300, the fast train price is $750. It made a lot of my friends think seriously about why I did that.

Kristine said...

Great choice. I did this too, for my DH's PhD graduation. Pricey, but well, worth it to hang on the wall of his office. Wonderful, wonderful way to celebrate it.