40 pounds

Yesterday I bought a 40 pound bag of salt for our water softener. Nothing odd about that, right?

Well, I decided I didn't want to take a cart out just for that, so I tossed it up on my shoulder and headed out the door.

I wasn't even out the door yet when I realized, that's a lot of weight and my lower back was telling me about it. Then I thought "Hmmm, I wonder if I LOST 40 pounds, how much better would I feel? Would it be a relief much like when I put this bag in the car?".

So, I put the bag in the car, and now I am wondering again. "Will I do it? Will I behave myself and lose 40 pounds?"

How hard could that be? The people on Biggest Loser do it all of the time, (and very quickly I might add).

It's time to purge the pantry and go for it!

I've been busy. I didn't realize I'd been "AFK" for so long!!! I have been getting ready for all of my December art shows.

I've been having a lot of fun making beads for items like the bracelet above.

Isn't it pretty?!!!????

The Bike Rack that wasn't

Oh good Lord! In Hind sight, this is funny. At the time though, it wasn't.

If you remember, this past spring I got a new Honda Pilot. She's my new baby. Maybe I am a little more careful with this car than any of my others. Maybe it's that she's still "new" to me.

I bought a bike rack that goes into the hitch and holds 4 bikes. It had a "sleeve" type thing so that it could fit into two different sized receivers. much like the one in the picture above. (I took that picture from www.target.com) In our case, we needed to use the sleeve, as our receiver is a 2 inch.

It worked fine the first two times we used it. Nothing fancy, fairly simple, although I wished I had bought a nicer one, it worked.

Third time out, not so much. Hubby had a hard time getting it tight in the receiver. It had a bolt that we'd tighten with each use. It was threaded within. (now we know, it was threading into plastic)

We couldn't get it tight enough that the bikes were stable, but decided the steal would have to snap before it would break, so we went on our ride. (not that this matters at any rate)

We got home, took the bikes off, and the bolt wouldn't come out.

I mean, it wouldn't come out. At all. It just kept spinning. After about 30 minutes, we decided to use the reciprocating saw and cut the "shaft" so that we could get inside of it and hopefully grab the bolt that way. I was a nervous wreck that he'd scratch my new baby's bum. Eventually the shaft was severed, and her bum was fine.

New problem. No tools will fit inside to grab the bolt. The *&^%$#)@in plastic thing is too large.

Ya know how I melt glass in a torch? I went and got one of my torches to see if we could melt the *&^)%$@#!#"{
But what if he doesn't keep the flame focused exactly in there? (What if he burns her?!!?)

I set up some flame proof barriers to protect her bum, and some sheet metal underneath to catch any molten drippings. (over kill. I know this now)

So, he lights the torch, the *&^%(#@$!/in plastic thing took like 3 minutes to melt, and then it took us a few more to get a good grip on the bolt and remove all of the pieces from my baby.

I returned the damn thing and haven't been on a bike ride since. It all seems so tainted now.

Jay Leno's back!!!!

I'm so happy! I'm not lovin the new time slot, but thrilled to have him back!!!

People are oblivious to their surroundings

Or are they just being rude? I was at Target last night. Not in any hurry. We had a few rental children for the night, and I needed some things to offer them for breakfast, and snacks for the evening.

Anyway, I was walking down the chip aisle pushing a cart. Coming towards me, but far enough away to adjust the direction we're walking, is a woman with 2 children, maybe 6 & 8 or so. She stops midway through the aisle, almost centered, and a child stops on each side of her.

She looks right at me, and says "you go pick out a bag you agree on."

So, me being me, looked right back at her, smiled and said "I'll take those Doritos right there."

Nobody moved. She looked confused at my reply, but stood still. Finally I said "Ma'am, can I walk through please?"(in my most polite and irritating voice) She didn't budge. The kids were looking at me like I had 2 heads, but I know they speak english, as she just said something!
I had to move her cart to get the chips!

Which reminds me of a story from many years ago. It still makes me smile a little inside. I'll share. Although I was the childish one in this story.....

My hubby and I were remodeling. My cousin and I went to "HQ" (home quarters?) which was eventually put out of business, and "Home Depot" came along.

We had one of those push/pull carts full of 2X4 studs. We're both female btw.

It was close to closing time, but not there yet. We walked out to the truck, followed by the cart boy. I thought "How sweet, he's going to help us load".

He stood about 10 feet from us and watched us load the studs in the truck, 1 or 2 or 3 at a time. She and I were too polite to say anything, but we were making faces at each other kind of like "What the heck?!"

When we put the last stud in there, he started to move closer to us. I looked him straight in the eye and said "Are you telling me that you followed us out here and watched us load all of this, only so you could take this cart back inside?" He just nodded.

So, being the grown up that I was at the time, (mid 20's?) I took the cart to the far corner of the parking lot, she drove behind me in the truck, and we went home. I think he deserved it.

Lexapro anyone?

Wow, I better get a refill! My kids told me I'm irritable.

We went to Target, and it made me "grouchy" (as my friend Mary says). Kids are old enough to bug me, but not young enough that it's cute.

Oldest is driving on a learners permit. She drove there, and let me just say, she doesn't allow enough time to brake. For some reason, she needs the music loud. I turn it down, she uses the button on the steering wheel and turns it back up. I think volume #7 is loud enough for a teenage girl. (Or "off" would be good.) Needless to say, by the time we arrived I'd had enough and couldn't remember what we were even there for.

12 year old is flapping her arms like a bird.

"Why?" you ask? I dunno, but when I told her to stop, she told me I was driving her nuts because I'm so irritable". lol, she's 5 foot 9 and flapping her arms like a toddler. "just for fun".

9 year old decided to run circles around the cart while 12 year old is flapping her arms. I put out my arm out to have her stop and almost knocked her off her feet, which made 12 yo burst out laughing uncontrollably.

I still don't know what I went for, but I bought a bike rack and some dog treats.

On the way home I wondered about my sanity. Lucky for me, school starts back this week.

Dirty Socks

OMG!!! Don't walk outside in your brand new white socks!

DON'T DO IT!!!

DON"T ball them up when you take them off, and expect ME to unroll them.

DON'T DO IT!!

When I complain about the color of said socks, DON'T suggest I use bleach on them.

Newsflash........I DID use bleach. I used Clorox bleach to be exact. more than once, and the damn socks are still freakishly dirty!!!

and don't complain when I hide MY white socks from you!

Manners Anyone????

I went to www.Dictionary.com and looked it up. I guess my interpretation of "manners" isn't the true definition. but this is one of the listings:


ways of behaving with reference to polite standards; social comportment.

My thoughts are more like "Treat people how YOU wish to be treated". Simple.

So, what's up with people? Why are so many people in such a rush they forget they're not the only people on earth?

Today I stopped at a gas station to get a "Polar Pop". (The bestest Diet Pepsi in town) As I was approaching the double doors, (I normally go to the right door, like in traffic) a man came out the right (my right) door, and opened it so hard the door hit me. Did he say "Oh excuse me."? Nope. Did he hold the door for me (as I would for him)? LOL what am I thinking?~!!???

What is happening to society as a whole? why are we so rude?

I had a pedicure today

Wow.

I went to the new place in town. It’s very pretty. It’s very pricey, and well, just “wow”.

I told her I just wanted a “basic” pedicure. “nothing fancy” I said.

So she sits me in 1 of 12 fancy pedicure/massage chairs. (I was mentally calculating how much it must have cost to outfit this place) Turns it on, and goes to work. After a few minutes of this chair, I turned it off. I couldn’t take it. It felt like it was going to leave bruises. It was massaging everything. Even the seat was massaging.

C’mon now. who really wants their happy place massaged while they’re in the nail salon? Anyone?

So, she’d notice it was off, and turn it back on. I’d turn it off. Repeat.

I should have told her “me no likey”.

Once she figured out I really didn’t like it, she said “how come you no want a deluxe pedicure?”. I said “I didn’t bring enough money.”.(I blame everything on money) “Oh, I understand.”

A bit of silent work time goes by, and she says “You want your eyebrow done?”. I said “No, I’m good.”

She says “We take credit card. and check.”

So, I asked her if business had been slow. She told me it has. It’s sad, they have to try and “Upsell” at the nail salon too.

I wanna know one thing though. How come these girls in the nail salons are always so cute and tiny?

Racism is getting old

I have no tolerance for intolerance. I just don't.

I mean, "why?". Why dislike someone based on an appearance? WHY?!!??!!!

We recently had a house-guest. I was embarrassed by her comments, and my oldest child was offended/hurt by it.

Oldest daughter was playing in a national basketball tournament. There were teams in the Chicago suburbs from all of the country. Yes, including Alaska and Hawaii.

It was a very diverse group of people. From all walks of life, all shapes and sizes, and all colors.

The boys seem to have a need to dribble the basketball everywhere they are, in the halls, in the stands, in the parking lot, the sidewalk; you get the idea.

House-guest (HG) didn't appreciate this. She felt like it was "show boating" and she seemed to only notice those boys who happened to be "black". She'd make snide remarks, make ugly faces, and say things like "Guess where they're from?" and I'd mumble things like "Jamaica?". LOL (I know, Jamaica isn't part of the U.S. but I couldn't help myself)

So, HG learns oldest daughter has a good friend with a last name that hints of hispanic heritage. She says "Oh yuck, a Mexican!" with the obvious disgust in her voice.

When will this end? Why do people "hate" so much? and for No reason?

I have no answers. It just drives me batty!!

Sigh.

Update on the Forum Drama

Wow. I posted recently about drama on a glass forum a frequent. Well, I have to say. Jerome may have started it, but now she's not alone.

I cannot believe the people who have acted like 5 year olds. Again, with a link to their business right below their Juvenile comments.

An example would be one person in particular; we'll call her Mary-Ellen, made some really rude comments using filthy language. It was pointed out to her by another poster, who we'll call Jon-Boy that her comments were unreal, and that he will never be able to purchase from her again. Maybe she should watch what she says, cause her customers are reading this too.

Mary-Ellen replied something like "So what? I don't need your business."

My thinking on this is, if Jon-Boy read this, and he was offended enough to tell you, there are probably 10-15 more people out there (myself included) who feel the exact same way.

It seems like suicide for your business. Especially with the economy the way it is.

What could someone possibly be thinking to lash out like this in a public forum? If you were my customer and I offended you, I'd be very upset.

Although I try to think before I type. Sheesh.

TMI on forums

I canNOT believe how much information people share on forums. It is mind boggling!!!

One of the forums I frequent is a glass forum. I love it. It is a place where lampworkers and glass artists gather, share information, and evidently, bare their souls.

In my story, we'll call the poster, "Jerome". I don't know anyone named Jerome. If you are Jerome, don't take it personal. It's not about you. Remember, we haven't met. (have we?)

Anyway, on this forum, most people are in business selling their art. Almost everyone has a link (or 2 or 4) in their signature to their glass business.

Jerome has 3 links in hers. (see, I told you it wasn't about you. MY Jerome is a girl).

She posts frequently about a specific problem in her life. I can't help but read it. It's like bugs to a light, or flies on s**t. Ya know? I have to look. It's involuntary.

I got off track here. Jerome has a major thread going about her biggest issue in life. and I am not belittling her issue. It's big. But I was reading/watching the drama, and I thought to myself.

"a lot of the people who read this board are customers of the artists."

Does Jerome not realize that her customers are reading this?

If I were her customer, I'd be done. I'd move on and find another artist.

Am I crazy? Do people really just want the whole world to know they're "issues"?

I got a cortisone shot in my knee today

Holy mother of God!!! Did that ever hurt!!

Not the needle. The "juice" finding it's way where it was supposed to go felt like flames racing through creekbeds in my knee. If I had been alone in the room, I might have cried out in pain. That hurt worse than childbirth! Almost as bad as a Kidney stone moving its way through the land of no return. Actually, pain for pain, I think it was worse, but with a Kidney stone, there is that fear factor too.

Of course, it only took about 10 minutes, but felt like forever, and I feel like a big baby.

Before the "event" Doc asked if I had ever had one before.
I said "Yes but not in my knee. Only in my heel for Plantar Fasciitus."
He said "Oh, this isn't nearly as painful as that."
I thought "whew! Then I can handle it."

I think he lied.

I did it. I went to enroll for school. But the class I need was full. They had 1 spot left for the next session. I had to take a reading assessment test. I had to test out at 8th grade reading. Or else.

Of course I said to the woman. "I'm not going to have an issue with this. Can you hold the spot while I go take it?". and of course she said "No, we don't hold classes, but when you come back, interrupt me if I am busy, and I'll get it entered for you."

So. I walk halfway around the world to take the assessment test. Wait in line to take it. The whole while thinking "They're gonna fill that spot while I do this." Then, as I am taking this test, I was a nervous wreck. Thinking I was going to overlook something and fail. "OMG what if I fail? I told her I wouldn't have any issue with it. " So, I read things, re-read things, read the questions, went back to the context NUMEROUS times. I was sweating! lol

I finish the test knowing I missed at least one question, cause I hit the "Go ahead" button too soon and didn't double check my answer. OMG the pressure. So, I go out to the lady and tell her I am done, and that it made me nervous. She picked up my results, and said in a very gloomy voice "well....you know how it can be. Sometimes it is harder than we expect." My stomach dropped, it rumbled, I felt nauseous cause she all but told me I failed right? Then she shows me the first page, points to the number 58 and says "you needed a 58". OMG, what did I get? like a 57 or something??!!! I can't read at 8th grade level?!!?

Finally she gives me page 2, and says "you can't get any better than that." Whew. She had me goin. But I still wanna throw up. So, I take the form she gives me, and head back around the world to lady #1, but I can't remember how I got to lady #1. It's 8 degrees outside, and I'm in a hurry. I can't for the life of me find lady #1. (But, I can read at 8th grade level, so that's a good thing.)

I find lady #1. She has her door closed and 3 people in her office. *sigh* I tell the receptionist lady (Lady #3) what lady #1 told me to do if she is busy when I get back. She says "Really? You're supposed to interrupt her? She never says that." I said, "well, the class I need is full, all but one spot, and she said she'd enter my results quickly so I can register." Lady #3 says "I've never heard of that before". Me. "Me either, I'm new here, but I promise I didn't make it up.". She smiled and said "I'll go see what she says". So lady #3 stands outside lady #1's door for what feels like an eternity (probably like 20 seconds, but hey. I'm nauseous). She finally opens the door, shakes her head a lot, hands lady #1 the paper and just stands there. So I think "Do I go over there? what do I do now?". I'm getting evil looks from all of the people in line behind me waiting for lady #3 to help them. and did I mention, I feel OLD? OK, #3 is coming my way, I can't read her expression at all. But she has my test results in her hand. She hands them to me and says "OK, you're good to go". I'm like "go where?". Thankfully it is basically right behind me. Where the rest of the population of Kendall county is waiting in line.

I wait my turn in line, tell the woman what I need, and she hands me another form to fill out. I told her the course only has one spot left. She said "Oh, then we need to be quick. I'll get you in it while you fill it out." (wasn't that sweet? I must have had a little angel holding my spot for me.) So, she gets me registered. She then tells me to go next-door to pay, when it dawns on me. I never asked how much it will cost! Am I really competent enough to enter the work force? LOL

I paid, then decided I'd treat myself to my books from the bookstore. and that's a whole nother story. It's been way too long since I was in school. I'm excited. I bought 1 book. The other 2 on my list are shown as optional, and the bookstore lady (what would she be, Lady #8?) suggested I not buy those unless the instructor says to.


Whew!

I miss Jay Leno

Am I alone? Late night television is now ruined for me. I cannot believe how much I miss his humor. I see odd things and still think to myself "Wonder what Jay will say about this?".

Then I come back to reality. He won't be there tonight.

I can't get into Conan, and I've never been a Letterman fan, so I can't go there.

I have to wait until the Fall season premiers his new show.

I suppose people felt this way when Johnny retired and Jay took over. But when Jay took over, he'd guest hosted so many times, we all already knew him. Most of Jays audience doesn't already know Conan.

I haven't spoken to anyone who stays tuned to NBC after the late news since the big change.

Have you?

Common sense in Retail. Do they mix well?

Oh my, here I am, back on the customer service "rant". Although this is more about the lack of common sense.

I went to the pool supply store. I had about 8 things to buy. (different chemicals). Before the girl rang it up, I said "Uh oh, I left my debit card and check book at home."

Of course the card I had with me, couldn't take the whole amount, so I said "How about I buy the one I need for today, and I'll come back later for the rest?". No problem.

We swiped my card for the $18.00 item I need for today. Well, it WAS a problem. Her computer system wouldn't let her do this. It won't let her do anything other than complete the sale.

She called a few people. The man in line behind me finally left. She got a hold of someone and then said to me (after she hung up) "You have to pay for the whole thing."

Duh. If I could have, I would have. She said "But it won't let me do this". I said "I know, but I don't have the right card, or my checkbook. Remember?". We stared at one another for a while.

Finally, she called someone else. (maybe the same person, I don't know). She came back to me again and said I needed to pay for the whole thing.

I said "What if I just leave?" "

her "You can't."

me "watch me".

Her "but we already swiped your card."

Hmm. good point.

Me "How about you pretend I wrote a check for the balance, and then void the sale?"

her "I can't do that."

Me "pretend I paid cash, and then pretend you refunded the cash."

Her "I can't do that. It will throw everything off."

Me "How's that?"

Her "it will throw the drawer off".

Me "No it won't. You pretend to collect cash, then pretend to refund the same amount. "

Doesn't this make sense?!

Finally, I said "I have to leave."

her "I can't let you leave."

Me "I have to".

I had been there for an hour by now. I was initially happy with her service, but her lack of common sense left me perplexed.

I learned she didn't charge me sales tax on the item we swiped my card for. So I said "I'll leave you cash for the sales tax, but I'm leaving."

her "you can't do that. You have to sign for the charge".

Me "You don't need my signature unless I dispute the charge."

Her "you have to sign for the sale".

I left her my business card, $2.00 to cover the $1.52 sales tax, took my bucket of pool chemicals and left.

Will I go back there for my chemicals?

Doubtful.

Installing our own in ground pool

OK, I've been "absent" for a while. But hey! I've been busy!

Hubby and I (and our girls) have been installing a pool. An "in ground 15 by 30 with a 6 foot deep end" pool. It's not that big of a pool, but we've never done it before.

We should have our own show on DIY. ☺

We started from scratch with a fairly level yard. We marked it off, dug it out (mostly with a bobcat, but also lots of shovels), measured, and brought in gravel to level some areas where the walls stand. We used a plate compactor thingy to compact the base. Placed the walls, and re-measured and marked for the hopper to make sure all of our angles were right. We have it exactly like the dig specs say. Yippee! It's time for the liner to go in.

Houston, we have a problem.

The dig specs inside the box with the liner are totally different than our dig specs we used. ☹

The company we bought the pool from has been great! They ordered the new liner to match the dig specs, and it came within a week.

OMGoodness, it's harder than I ever imagined. So many times I have wanted to say "I told you so.", but I haven't. It seems that each thing I imagined as a huge hurdle, has been a huge hurdle. But he always says "Yea, but the hard work is over now." Then we'll do something else back breaking and he'll say "But the hard work is finished now". Then we get more concrete delivered, and he says it again! The bobcat came back for back-fill duty, and he didn't say it. So we must be done with the back breaking stuff. PLEASE?

So, that's what I've been doing. I'm in my 40's, I'm overweight. (I really am, I'm not just saying that), and out of shape. I cannot believe I have been doing this. It's hard work. But it will be so worth it. I can see myself floating on a raft in the not so distant future. and we can say "we did it ourselves".

I have to say though, all three of our daughters have been a huge help in this process. 2 of them have already been in it during the initial fill, where we had to put some water in for the liner. It's bone chilling well water, but they didn't care.

I do know there will be some back breaking work soon. It's not really over, because we still have to install the fence, and landscape it. But I am not moving anyore concrete in wheelbarrows. We're going to pay someone to pour the decking. I'm so over that. I don't have to say I did that too. (Or do I?)

Thanks for checking in. As soon as I can figure out how, I'll post pictures of our progress.

Car shopping sucks

Yep, You read right. Shopping for a car is so NOT fun!! While I use the word "sucks" on a regular basis, it really doesn't sound very nice. But, geez Louise, have I had enough of car dealers.

A couple of weeks ago, we sold the family minivan. I have been driving minivans for longer than I care to admit, and I wanted something different.

So, I started the "experience". Yeah, we'll call it an "experience". It began with suburbans, and ended with the purchase of a Honda Pilot. I'll spare the details, but suffice it to say, they're isn't an SUV out there that I didn't look at and/or drive.

My reason for this post is one particular dealer. I will not mention the name, so no worries there.

I went to a GMC dealer to look at the Acadia. It's really nice. The vehicle is not the issue here.

My sales guy was nice and courteous. While he went out into the expanse of inventory to find the one with the options I wanted, I waited in the showroom. I listened to a phone conversation that I couldn't get away from. A very loud man at the main reception desk of the dealership was speaking to his mortgage broker. He was not pleased with his mortgage broker. He was quite vocal. I learned his name, his mortgage payment amount, his due date, his interest rate, his new interest rate, his wifes name, and his late fee if payment isn't made by the 15th.

And, he curses. A lot! He dropped the F-bomb numerous times, before I finally approached another salesman and asked the question: "what is this guys postion here anyway?".

The answer may shock you. "General Manager".

After picking my jaw up off of the floor, I said "You're kidding me?!!".

He just shrugged and said "Nope. GM".

So I gave him my sales guys name and said "Can you tell ***** I had to leave?".

I went out the door, and there is *****, so I told him I didn't like his GM, and I wasn't so sure I could buy a car here. He apologized, and got me to come back inside to talk price.

Loud mouth was still on the phone, at a different desk, with the mortgage broker on speaker!

I asked ***** if GM had an office with a door. He said "Yep, it's right over there."

So, my question is actually quite obvious.

Why would this dealership keep someone like this in such a position? I wasn't the only customer in there. I'm quite certain I wasn't the only one shocked by this behavior.

It is disgusting to think that this man would care so little for the image he portrays of his employer, is employed, while so many others would love to have his job. (or any job for that matter.)

I guess I am still stuck on "customer service". Maybe I expect too much. Although respect doesn't seem like too much.

Smokers vs. Ash trays

OK. Let me begin by saying, I am an ex- smoker. I used to use something called an "ashtray". When it needed it, I would empty it into a garbage can.

It wasn't so hard. You put the butts in the ash tray, then when it's not hot, into the garbage. repeat.

Recently we were walking down a picturesque street in a cute little town not too far from Chicago. I was enjoying all of the older buildings, and seeing what unique businesses occupied them. It was like Mayberry. Except every so often, there would be a receptacle for cigarettes. You know, those things shaped like gourds, and you put the cig in the top hole and somewhere along the way it snuffs it out. I assume somebody eventually empties these into garbage cans of some sort. These were n the "smoking areas" more than 15 feet from the business entrances I assume. Around each of them, was a huge and disgusting amount of cigarette butts on the sidewalks, and in the ornate metal grates around them.

WHY????? How hard it is to put the little thing into the hole? Why does it have to hit the ground, and remain there for someone else to deal with?

I also realize, not ALL smokers do this. I am irritated with the "sloppy smokers". Not those of you who take care of your own butts. ☺I have a sister in law who smokes. She is very curtious about disposing of her butts. It's not so hard. Honest.

While I am at it. Why throw them out the car window? There are no little magical beings that come along and zap them non existent. What do you "sloppy smokers" think happens to them? There is no difference (in my opinion) in throwing out a cigarette butt to throwing out your grabage from lunch on the road. They're equally disgusting.

Maybe I'm crabby. I just want people to take responsibility for their own trash, and use the garbage recepticles so thoughtfully placed throughout the civilized world. It's not so hard.

Kids, and Sexting

I'll admit. I'm old, (in my forties) so I see things differently. I have seen the stories, I'm not living in a cave, but OMG.

Last night, I went to the grocery store to get some stuff to make salsa. It was almost 9:00, and the produce guy was in the process of covering all of the stuff.

So he and I were in the aisle, along with 2 young girls. They were giggling, and being typical teenagers.

Except: they were posing with cucumbers and taking pictures with their cell phones. I looked at them and must have looked shocked, cause they went into another aisle.

They came back while I was still picking out tomatoes and stuff, and picked up more cucumbers. So, me being me, walked over to them, took the cucumber and said "I bet your parents would be so proud". I was called a B**** and they laughed at my stupidity and huffed off.

I know it happens. (unfortunately) and I'm not an idiot, but for cryin out loud, BUY the damn things and take them home and do it in the privacy of your own home!!!!

Now, I think I'll only be buying the organic,seedless WRAPPED cucumbers:lol:.

Can I drive you crazy while you shop?

Wow. This will be my first post of hopefully many, MANY more!!

Right now, I'd like to focus on Customer service, and more likely, where did it go? I (like most people) have quite a few stories regarding customer service.

The sad truth is, I am at the point that when I DO get good service, I actually tell them! I am thrilled to be treated with common courtesy. Why is it so rare in 2009? (or 2008,7,6,5,4 etc....) When did it go into hibernation? Will it ever wake up?

I think my background has influenced my Customer Service (how about I call it CS?) expectations. My family was in the retail business for as long as I can remember. I worked for the family, and we were expected to be courteous, and treat people with respect and kindness. Sure, there were a few customers we could not please, and yes, even those that made you cringe when you saw them coming. I even remember my Dad disappearing into a back room when one man walked in. I had never seen him "hide" before. But I had also yet to meet this man. In about 5 minutes, I wanted to go join dad in the back room. LOL

I waited tables prior to working full time with the family. I think to this day, the waitress job was my favorite job. I loved the fact that I got paid based on who I am, and how I treated people, rather than getting a paycheck merely because I "showed up". I'd still wait tables now, in my 40's. It's not easy, but it sure makes you aware of how to behave.

There are also those people in retail that really should get a job where they don't have to deal with the public. You know you KNOW those people. We all do.

One story before I close this, my very FIRST entry. (many more to come I'm sure, as this topic is never-ending)

Within the last year, I went into Walgreens for some feminine products. This was pre-hysterectomy, so things were tough. It seems, the second I enter our local Walgreens, the gal at the Cosmetics counter wants to "help" me. Well, that in itself bugs me, but I of course smile and say "No thank you" or "I'm good, thanks" but she follows me anyway, and pops in periodically to see if she can help me.

I picked up something like shampoo and headed into the aisle. Ladies, you know the one. Tampons, pads, and creams, coming at you from all directions. Silly me, I didn't grab a cart. I have my shampoo in one hand along with the box of industrial sized tampons, what would be a lifetime supply of pads for a normal woman in the other, and here she comes! Little miss perky! I already told her I don't need her help. and she says once again "Can I help you find anything?" (in her most squeaky, perky, irritating voice) and I said again, "No, I'm good". Now, freeze this moment in your mind. Third times a charm.

What she should have done was notice what I had in my hands, and take me gently by the arm, and silently lead me to the chocolate aisle.

What did she do? In her most irritating iwanttoshovetheseproductsinyourears voice, she says "if you're done, I can check you out over in cosmetics!"

Why? Why drive me crazy while I shop for things I'd rather not need? WHY?


Now, I'll gather my thoughts for future posts. Thanks for checking in!!