I realized that since I quit Chapters, I have not had nearly as many rant-type posts. It is not because I didn't like working there (I really did!), but that retail can often bring out the worst in people.
Case in point: last night at Walmart. To give a little back story, while perusing the store during the (allegedly) amazing anniversary sales at Walmart last week, I stumbled upon selected seasons of "The Gilmore Girls" for $13 each. So...considering that Denise and I were at a loss now that we couldn't watch it on t.v. at 4:00 pm every day and we had developed (or in my case re-visited) a bit of an affection/addiction to the Girls, I gladly scooped Season 4 and 5 up and took them home to join our ever-growing family of TV on DVD.
Cut to me, last night. All was well until I tried to watch a few episodes fro disc 4 of Season 5 and realized that the disc wouldn't play at all. After an embarrassing garbage dive, I found the receipt and hightailed it off to my fave late-night hangout with my trusty roommate in tow. When I went to exchange the DVD, I was informed that the store policy for returning things that were originally wrapped in plastic was that if the plastic was removed, they could not be returned...even if they were defective. The girl told me reluctantly that I could exchange it for anything else in the store, but that I couldn't get cash back.
Does anyone see the flaw in the logic here? As much as it would be convenient, defective items are not labelled as such, and especially not outside the plastic. If something is defective, how is that my problem? Why should I essentially have to pay for something that doesn't work? I don't usually get upset while shopping, but I let my displeasure be known with this "policy". It seems absolutely ridiculous! I was lucky that there was another copy available so that I could exchange it, and I only barely restrained myself from asking the Customer Service girl if she could please tell me if disc 4 in this copy would work.
So, the moral is: don't buy DVDs from Walmart unless you are psychic. That, or find a way to get the discs out without removing the plastic.
Wait...maybe I have figured out why the DVD was on sale...
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
"you've seen how I sparkle when fall nips the air"
I am so excited for the weather!!!
Fall is my favorite season for the following reasons:
-the smell of the change in season...I swear I can actually smell a difference and it is wonderful!
-the clothes which include sweaters! cardigans! jeans! jackets! layers!
-the turning of the leaves...at the College there are actually quite a few trees, and so my drives to and from are so colourful and beautiful
-riding in my car is not the slice of purgatory that it was all summer (black interior+no air-conditioning= an armchair in the waiting-room of Hell)
-the beginning of school which always fills me with a sense of renewal and promise
I know that I am probably going to be nay-sayed on every side, but I love the cooler weather. I am a true Canadian girl, and the heat just makes me cranky and sweaty. In the fall and winter you can always throw on a sweater or jacket (and look amazing!!). In the summer, however, I can only take so many things off without embarrassing myself and/or others.
Thoughts? Arguments? Collective sighs of relief for the reprieve from the desert-like heat?
Comments are always appreciated!
Fall is my favorite season for the following reasons:
-the smell of the change in season...I swear I can actually smell a difference and it is wonderful!
-the clothes which include sweaters! cardigans! jeans! jackets! layers!
-the turning of the leaves...at the College there are actually quite a few trees, and so my drives to and from are so colourful and beautiful
-riding in my car is not the slice of purgatory that it was all summer (black interior+no air-conditioning= an armchair in the waiting-room of Hell)
-the beginning of school which always fills me with a sense of renewal and promise
I know that I am probably going to be nay-sayed on every side, but I love the cooler weather. I am a true Canadian girl, and the heat just makes me cranky and sweaty. In the fall and winter you can always throw on a sweater or jacket (and look amazing!!). In the summer, however, I can only take so many things off without embarrassing myself and/or others.
Thoughts? Arguments? Collective sighs of relief for the reprieve from the desert-like heat?
Comments are always appreciated!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Poetry Day ( with a little bit of jenny for free!!)
I stumbled across a blog today and I found some words of wisdom: "It's ok to wander. It's ok to explore."
These words made me think about how I can often get so caught up in worrying that I am not moving forward in my life, that I am not more "successful". At some point I think we have to realize that it is ok to stop where we are for awhile and look around us. We might meet someone new, we might be able to help someone in a fundamental way, we might be able to take a vacation, we might start seeing ourselves in a different way. We might even learn something valuable about ourselves or someone/something else.
Awhile ago, my Dad told me that instead of moving "up" in his career, he was going to branch out. He started to find different boards/foundations to be a part of. As a result, he started to develop new interests and discover strengths and abilities he didn't know he had.
I have realized that I want to do the same things in my life. I love to be involved in a lot of activities, service opportunities, and jobs: it helps me feel like my life is more fulfilling, I get the chance to meet so many great people, and I can stay busy.
It is so important to be happy where we are in our lives. Sometimes that does mean taking a breath and looking around for awhile. I found one of my favorite poems by Robert Frost today that I think adds something to my thoughts and discussion. I have a special place in my heart for Robert Frost, because I inherited a collection of his poems from my Grandpa after he died. My grandpa loved and wrote poetry, and I have always felt a special bond with him even though I was 12 when he died.
Have a wonderfully happy weekend!
A Time to Talk
by: Robert Frost
When a friend calls to me from the road
And slows his horse to a meaning walk,
I don't stand still and look around
On all the hills I haven't hoed,
And shout from where I am, What is it?
No, not as there is a time to talk.
I thrust my hoe in the mellow ground,
Blade-end up and five feet tall,
And plod: I go up to the stone wall
For a friendly visit.
These words made me think about how I can often get so caught up in worrying that I am not moving forward in my life, that I am not more "successful". At some point I think we have to realize that it is ok to stop where we are for awhile and look around us. We might meet someone new, we might be able to help someone in a fundamental way, we might be able to take a vacation, we might start seeing ourselves in a different way. We might even learn something valuable about ourselves or someone/something else.
Awhile ago, my Dad told me that instead of moving "up" in his career, he was going to branch out. He started to find different boards/foundations to be a part of. As a result, he started to develop new interests and discover strengths and abilities he didn't know he had.
I have realized that I want to do the same things in my life. I love to be involved in a lot of activities, service opportunities, and jobs: it helps me feel like my life is more fulfilling, I get the chance to meet so many great people, and I can stay busy.
It is so important to be happy where we are in our lives. Sometimes that does mean taking a breath and looking around for awhile. I found one of my favorite poems by Robert Frost today that I think adds something to my thoughts and discussion. I have a special place in my heart for Robert Frost, because I inherited a collection of his poems from my Grandpa after he died. My grandpa loved and wrote poetry, and I have always felt a special bond with him even though I was 12 when he died.
Have a wonderfully happy weekend!
A Time to Talk
by: Robert Frost
When a friend calls to me from the road
And slows his horse to a meaning walk,
I don't stand still and look around
On all the hills I haven't hoed,
And shout from where I am, What is it?
No, not as there is a time to talk.
I thrust my hoe in the mellow ground,
Blade-end up and five feet tall,
And plod: I go up to the stone wall
For a friendly visit.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The sky is falling...
For the delight of everyone working or attending class in the Andrews 2700 wing, there has been massive roof construction going on today. This has included and has not been limited to constant banging, noises that have literally shaken the building, and doors and pathways blocked (different ones every hour so that one feels as though she has taken crazy pills).
There is nothing like a rhythmic banging to aid you in your efforts to come up with personal and professional goals for the upcoming year…
In other news, the heavens seem to be smiling down on all my wonderful friends, and I am beginning to wonder when it will be my turn. While Denise was reunited with someone from the past, and Ashley has suddenly found herself in a regular-type relationship, all I can boast is an awkward side-hug that is probably better left unmentioned, and a strange Pot-luck goer who was a little too attentive for someone I have never met. Sigh. I am about one happy friend away from singing that I “guess I never will be lucky in love” Quel Fromage!
I hope you are all having a wonderful week!
Until next time…
There is nothing like a rhythmic banging to aid you in your efforts to come up with personal and professional goals for the upcoming year…
In other news, the heavens seem to be smiling down on all my wonderful friends, and I am beginning to wonder when it will be my turn. While Denise was reunited with someone from the past, and Ashley has suddenly found herself in a regular-type relationship, all I can boast is an awkward side-hug that is probably better left unmentioned, and a strange Pot-luck goer who was a little too attentive for someone I have never met. Sigh. I am about one happy friend away from singing that I “guess I never will be lucky in love” Quel Fromage!
I hope you are all having a wonderful week!
Until next time…
Monday, September 14, 2009
the best Monday in a long time
Hello to you all and a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed welcome from the land of the non-ill. It feels amazing to be able to breathe again...two nostrils, no waiting!! I am actually having a fantastic day thanks to a busy schedule today, a lazy Saturday, a late night pizza session, a "great talk" with a good friend or two, and a beautiful sunny day.
So, not only was Saturday a lazy day, but it was also the first Ashley Flickinger Poetry Exchange extravaganza (she didn't name it that) We met at her house for an evening of poetry reading and delicious drinks. There was a handful of people there and I only knew about 2 of them. I read 3 of my poems,which was an extremely nerve-wracking experience. I think they were well received...there were snaps aplenty, but I think there were also a few people who may have been asleep.
This week looks to go quickly as it is busy and ends with a bang...Stake Conference.
Keep dreaming, everyone!!
So, not only was Saturday a lazy day, but it was also the first Ashley Flickinger Poetry Exchange extravaganza (she didn't name it that) We met at her house for an evening of poetry reading and delicious drinks. There was a handful of people there and I only knew about 2 of them. I read 3 of my poems,which was an extremely nerve-wracking experience. I think they were well received...there were snaps aplenty, but I think there were also a few people who may have been asleep.
This week looks to go quickly as it is busy and ends with a bang...Stake Conference.
Keep dreaming, everyone!!
Friday, September 11, 2009
The fisherman's friend is more like a frenemy...
I have always liked to compartmentalize my life. (Maybe that is why I can't help liking Don Draper, even if he makes the worst decisions when it comes to women!!!) When I was younger, I didn't like to mix friends and family, so I would rarely invite friends to stay over at my house. I was protective of both parties, and didn't want misunderstandings or confusions. These days, I hate mixing friends from different parts of my life (work, church, etc) because it is often so awkward to bring people together who have nothing but me in common. What should we talk about? Me? Seems a bit egocentric.
Am I a different person with all of those people? If so, is that a bad or a good thing?
Not sure what prompted these musings, probably my swollen glands are pushing my brain into new and strange shapes which, in turn, is provoking some unusual thought activity.
Yes, I am sick - like unto the proverbial dog, and all that. I am 85% sure that I do not have the flu of the pig-people, just a seasonal cold; but I am washing my hands every 2 minutes just in case. (I am a good girl and do what the President tells me!) The result is that my hands are severely chapped (I could probably use some goose grease and a pair of kid gloves right about now) and I am wasting a lot of water and soap. On the upside, I am hopefully not passing on germs to my fellow staff or any of the students. If I had gotten sick just a week before this, I could have stayed home from work, but this week was chock full of beginning of the year commitments. I plan to have a very relaxing Saturday...purely medicinal, of course.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
Am I a different person with all of those people? If so, is that a bad or a good thing?
Not sure what prompted these musings, probably my swollen glands are pushing my brain into new and strange shapes which, in turn, is provoking some unusual thought activity.
Yes, I am sick - like unto the proverbial dog, and all that. I am 85% sure that I do not have the flu of the pig-people, just a seasonal cold; but I am washing my hands every 2 minutes just in case. (I am a good girl and do what the President tells me!) The result is that my hands are severely chapped (I could probably use some goose grease and a pair of kid gloves right about now) and I am wasting a lot of water and soap. On the upside, I am hopefully not passing on germs to my fellow staff or any of the students. If I had gotten sick just a week before this, I could have stayed home from work, but this week was chock full of beginning of the year commitments. I plan to have a very relaxing Saturday...purely medicinal, of course.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Pretty much going to ruin your Thursday
Hello party people...and those who are shut-ins (I respect every one's right to socialize or not...according to their will)
I have come to you today to tell some truly horrific news: The Criminal Justice students at the Lethbridge College are no longer required to dress up in professional wear on Mondays.
Wha-a-a-a-a-at?
This information will mean nothing to you if you are one of the following people:
1. Someone who has never attended or been employed by the Lethbridge College, LCC, or any other handle it has been given
2. A personage of the male persuasion (unless you are the type who does enjoy the sight of a clean-cut man-boy in a suit and tie)
3. A heartless and obviously blind female.
I am 32 years old, but I enjoyed the sight of a veritable sea of youngish men in suits as much as my 20 year old self did. It really brightens up a Monday. Honestly, sometimes it was the only thing getting me to work after the weekend.
So, now it is back to a "case of the Mondays" for me every week. Sigh.
Anyway, to cheer you all up, I have found a poem that I wrote about 2 years ago to the month. You will be happy to know that this one does not have a story from my life behind it...merely musings. When you read it, please allow me the privilege of misusing a comma and inventing a word. It is poetry, after all!!
September 2007
This is how my heart breaks:
one awkward regret at a time.
Oh, I had visions
of different scenes-
ribbons of eloquence
that would stretch out to
bring you back
when my beautiful words
(my perfect words)
had made you understand
But.
those shiny bands
(who can tell how strong?)
were severed by my ineloquence
and your silence.
JKO
I have come to you today to tell some truly horrific news: The Criminal Justice students at the Lethbridge College are no longer required to dress up in professional wear on Mondays.
Wha-a-a-a-a-at?
This information will mean nothing to you if you are one of the following people:
1. Someone who has never attended or been employed by the Lethbridge College, LCC, or any other handle it has been given
2. A personage of the male persuasion (unless you are the type who does enjoy the sight of a clean-cut man-boy in a suit and tie)
3. A heartless and obviously blind female.
I am 32 years old, but I enjoyed the sight of a veritable sea of youngish men in suits as much as my 20 year old self did. It really brightens up a Monday. Honestly, sometimes it was the only thing getting me to work after the weekend.
So, now it is back to a "case of the Mondays" for me every week. Sigh.
Anyway, to cheer you all up, I have found a poem that I wrote about 2 years ago to the month. You will be happy to know that this one does not have a story from my life behind it...merely musings. When you read it, please allow me the privilege of misusing a comma and inventing a word. It is poetry, after all!!
September 2007
This is how my heart breaks:
one awkward regret at a time.
Oh, I had visions
of different scenes-
ribbons of eloquence
that would stretch out to
bring you back
when my beautiful words
(my perfect words)
had made you understand
But.
those shiny bands
(who can tell how strong?)
were severed by my ineloquence
and your silence.
JKO
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