374. New Pillow

Today we celebrate the HIGH of a really good deal.

Transcripts may not appear in their final version and are subject to change.

I’m Nora McInerny, and It’s Going To Be Okay. 

Every day we find one okay thing in our days, to remind ourselves it’s out there. We love getting your okay things, and today we got a DEAL of an okay thing from Annie: 

Hi Nora and team,

Here is my okay thing: I am a side sleeper, and every few years I pay more than I feel I should for a good, firm pillow from Bed Bath and Beyond. These pillows tend to be absurdly large and a struggle to get into the pillow case, but that is what I need. 

My last pillow was specially structured on the inside, with a big foam layer in the middle, encased in fluffy stuff. At some point, the structure inside broke down. The foam thing started poking out in a weird way, and the pillow became lumpy and uncomfortable. I still slept on it for many more months, maybe even a year – but your girl needed a new pillow. 

The problem was, Bed Bath and Beyond had gone extinct. I had been shopping there for home goods since I was old enough to shop for home goods. I did not know another way. (I’m not a good shopper.)

I tried Target. They had an “extra firm” pillow for $15. I was skeptical, but I got it. I gave it a real try for two nights, but it just wasn’t the one. (My head was NOT supported, and Target should face consequences for false advertising.) I gave it away on Buy Nothing and returned to my broken-down old pillow for several more months.

Then, a lark. I was at the mall with my husband and toddler, and I remembered that Macy’s has home goods. I wandered around trying my best to suss out if their pillows were up to the job. I found one that seemed like it might work, and the $55 price tag gave me confidence that it was legit. And it appeared to be on sale! Yes, girl, I’ll take that 15% off! I also had an ancient Macy’s gift card of unknown balance from a few Christmases ago. 

I took it to the register. Apparently the sale was even more than I thought. It rang up for $31. My gift card had $26. Nora, I paid $5 for this pillow.

I took the pillow home, and… she’s the one. My head: supported. My comfort level, side or back: immaculate. My pillowcase: absolutely straining at the seams. My sleep: eh, pretty good. I do have a toddler.

The old broken pillow has finally been recycled. My knowledge of where to buy things has mildly expanded. My appreciation for Macy’s is through the roof. (My previous attitude about that store was: how is it possible that out of 50 million items of women’s clothing, NOTHING is my vibe?)

Anyway, my new pillow makes me feel like it’s going to be okay.

Your friend,

Annie