Greetings,
On Friday, we fly to San Antonio for the holiday. It will be good to visit the family, friends and hopefully there will be time to visit my favorite bar in the country. In the good ole days it used to be called Far West Rodeo but now they call it Cowboys Dance Hall. Far West rodeo was a cool place with lots of different types of people and music, although they played primarily country music. Cowboys Dance Hall has more of a stuffy, twangy, feel and they also initiated Friday Teen Night! Ick. I know that it has changed since my my days of sipping white wine on a bar stool while watching the two-steppers and sometimes surprisingly, finding myself tipsy by accident. Of course the wine helped me to accept dance offers from the strange types of men that would get up the nerve to ask me to dance. They were mostly old enough to be my father. It was at Far West I tested my theories that I still believe in:
1. Theory 1 - Be nice and cordial to everyone. (This is a rule for the single folk, I've dropped it for now.)
Action: I accepted dances from everyone and anyone. (The caveat being that they had at least 15 teeth left, right Meag?)
Result: This usually meant a lot of dances with old men, but they were good dancers and once everyone saw me as friendly and willing to dance with anyone, I got a lot more offers. And usually guys in my age range would ask as the night wore on and they built their confidence from seeing the successful older men.
2. Theory 2 - Guys are intimidated by packs of women.
Action: I went to Far West alone most nights.
Result: This actually worked out OK although it was very intimidating. I also made sure I was always alert and didn't do anything stupid. It was weird to be at a bar alone but the place was so big I could move around and no one seemed to really care. I also met several women this way which was nice to add some more friends. Sometimes I would go two or three weekends in a row and I was a 'regular' and recognized many others. This was cool.
3. Theory 3 - Look approachable.
Action: I would sit on my bar stool (back right, end stool) and smile. I would be certain to not cross my arms. I would laugh and smile as I watched the dancers go by like I was having a conversation with someone. This was totally a game and totally fake, but I knew I was far from approachable and needed to be dramatically more open than usual. Just like overdoing stage make-up. I'm sure I looked looney.
Result: This worked as well. I would start this drill and within 15-20 minutes someone would ask me to dance.
It will be nice to go back and not do any of the three things above! Except for drink the white wine!
Dancing With The Stars
I must admit, I love the show. I loved it from the first season although I didn't really start watching it until the end of the first season.
I like the popular music they play and the different compilations they use. I love the costumes and I love to watch people dance. Just like I enjoyed going to Far West for that purpose. I'm always amazed to hear a popular song and find out that you can cha-cha to it, or do a tango, or jive or even the pasa doble. And it's fun to watch second rate celebrities give it a whirl.
Tonight was the season finale and tonight Emmitt Smith and his professional partner Cheryl won! Cheryl won last season with Drew Lachey, and I picked them early on as the winners. I don't like to brag, but I picked Emmitt too. Cheryl is my favorite and now I'm pretty sure she is the best partner. Emmitt and Cheryl did a great freestyle dance last night to MC Hammer "Can't Touch This." Mario Lopez (from Saved by the Bell) was the main competitor, and I thought the favorite, although I couldn't stand him. News came out that he has been taking dance lessons (hip-hop is the clarification) since he was young. Now although not ballroom lessons, I think that is still shady. I also think Mario and his partner have a 'special' relationship which is fine, I just find them both annoying.
I could go on, but all I have to say is: 1. I'm glad Emmitt won, he deserved it, and I was very surprised with his dance talent. 2. Although I really like Sarah Evans, she really shouldn't have aired her dirty laundry on TV and she wasn't very good considering she is a performer. 3. I can't wait until next season.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Lies and Waffles
I feel horrible. The going got tough and I told a bold-faced lie. I had even planned to lie if I got caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place. But, I had to do it or I would regret it for the rest of my life. Or at least the next 3-7 years.
After thoroughly cleaning (I promise) the canister, the filters, the brush and every other component, I packed up the big blue vacuum and took it back to the store. While standing in the customer service line with my big box, I read the return and exchange rules and I panicked. It clearly stated that they would return or exchange unopened or unused items only. When asked if the box was opened, I said with a blank expression, "No." However behind that blank stare I was making a list of what I should pack for Hell, because karma is a funny thing. In my defense, I had done a nice job repacking the box and taping it, so at the time when asked, I was telling the truth. No, the box was not opened. Currently. Anyway, I took it back for my full refund and I'm going to buy a Dyson vacuum in the next week or so when I get a chance. Too many good reviews from friends not to. Forgive me, for I have sinned. I bought a few other things as not to feel so bad, however I waited to hear my name over the intercom the entire time. "Would the lady who returned the vacuum and lied about using it prior, return to customer service. We have towed your card and sold your Visa number."
I wonder how many 'bad' people get caught by blogging too much about the details?
Moving on...
Sean and I saw what we think is one of the Top 10 worst movies we've ever seen. We extremely disliked "Running with Scissors" so much in fact that we were hoping after the first hour (which at this point was when we realized that the movie was bad and it was too late to go into another theater) that everyone would just fall on their scissors.
I always like to state the positives and the negatives, however I don't have anything positive to say and just too many negatives to write. Take it from me, the frugal one, save your money on this one.
I went to Safeway today and had a strange experience. I like to select my groceries and get through the line as quick as possible. For one, I don't like being there and I want to get home. The second reason that efficiency is important, is that I have frozen items that need to be put in their proper place. I was third in line and was catching bits and pieces of conversation between the cashier and customer. The cashier was quite the chatty character and the line was moving very slow. I don't mind if cashiers want to exchange pleasantries, but if you can't scan the items and talk at the same time, I'm not to pleased.
It's my turn to check out. Oo rah. By this time I've learned that it's "Let's call him Stan"s first day. He is pleasant, says hello, asks me how I am. Then he is curious to know what I'm planning to do with my two "cute" mushrooms. I tell him, "I put them in salad." He agrees this is a great idea! Just the confirmation I needed. "Stan" is efficient with the register, he knows how to do everything, however he's not sure of any of the fruit/veggie codes and doesn't seem to be too fond of looking them up. The lady the next register over is nice to give "Stan" the codes. I had about 6 items with codes and this probably tied me up for 10 minutes alone. To be clear, it doesn't bother me that he doesn't know the codes, afterall it is his first day.
When the syrup skates across his scanner he drops it in the bag, looks me in the eye and asks, "How do you make waffles?" I'm a bit taken aback, but I tell him how I do it. "Buy a box of Bisquick or Hungry Jack Pancake mix and look for the recipe on the back. Eggs, oil, milk and you're ready to go."
This isn't good enough. Excited with his new waffle maker (he told me so!) he wants to know if he should add nuts to his waffles. Maybe almonds he asks? Tired, frustrated, but trying to be polite (and trying to make peace with the whole vacuum scandal) I exclaim honestly, "I. do. not. do. nuts. I don't like them in my waffles. I'm not sure how to put nuts in waffles." I start to wonder if I'm on candid camera and if my face will be plastered on TV exclaiming, "I DO NOT DO NUTS." I "recover" by saying "I don't do blueberries in my waffles either" as if that might help my case. I just wanted to be clear that I eat my waffles plain and could not offer assistance with adding other items to the batter. Luckily, no cameras. But "Stan" agrees, maybe he should keep it simple his first time and just stick with plain waffles.
I notice the scanner is charging me too much for my Healthy Choice microwave meals. They are supposed to be on sale. I'm ticked, but I can't possibly bring this up with "Stan." I chalk it up to karma and try not to think about the money. My conversation with "Stan" is over and there are now 3 people behind me looking tired and frustrated and thumbing through People magazine. We got to skip the discussion about single servings of food or about the yogurt flavors I chose like he did with the guy in front of me.
As I carry my stuff out to the car, I suddenly realize just how lucky I was. Thankfully I didn't have any feminine hygiene items or other things no one wants to discuss in my cart. I'm not sure I could have handled those questions. But, I can see it now.... "Do you prefer paper or plastic?"
After thoroughly cleaning (I promise) the canister, the filters, the brush and every other component, I packed up the big blue vacuum and took it back to the store. While standing in the customer service line with my big box, I read the return and exchange rules and I panicked. It clearly stated that they would return or exchange unopened or unused items only. When asked if the box was opened, I said with a blank expression, "No." However behind that blank stare I was making a list of what I should pack for Hell, because karma is a funny thing. In my defense, I had done a nice job repacking the box and taping it, so at the time when asked, I was telling the truth. No, the box was not opened. Currently. Anyway, I took it back for my full refund and I'm going to buy a Dyson vacuum in the next week or so when I get a chance. Too many good reviews from friends not to. Forgive me, for I have sinned. I bought a few other things as not to feel so bad, however I waited to hear my name over the intercom the entire time. "Would the lady who returned the vacuum and lied about using it prior, return to customer service. We have towed your card and sold your Visa number."
I wonder how many 'bad' people get caught by blogging too much about the details?
Moving on...
Sean and I saw what we think is one of the Top 10 worst movies we've ever seen. We extremely disliked "Running with Scissors" so much in fact that we were hoping after the first hour (which at this point was when we realized that the movie was bad and it was too late to go into another theater) that everyone would just fall on their scissors.
I always like to state the positives and the negatives, however I don't have anything positive to say and just too many negatives to write. Take it from me, the frugal one, save your money on this one.
I went to Safeway today and had a strange experience. I like to select my groceries and get through the line as quick as possible. For one, I don't like being there and I want to get home. The second reason that efficiency is important, is that I have frozen items that need to be put in their proper place. I was third in line and was catching bits and pieces of conversation between the cashier and customer. The cashier was quite the chatty character and the line was moving very slow. I don't mind if cashiers want to exchange pleasantries, but if you can't scan the items and talk at the same time, I'm not to pleased.
It's my turn to check out. Oo rah. By this time I've learned that it's "Let's call him Stan"s first day. He is pleasant, says hello, asks me how I am. Then he is curious to know what I'm planning to do with my two "cute" mushrooms. I tell him, "I put them in salad." He agrees this is a great idea! Just the confirmation I needed. "Stan" is efficient with the register, he knows how to do everything, however he's not sure of any of the fruit/veggie codes and doesn't seem to be too fond of looking them up. The lady the next register over is nice to give "Stan" the codes. I had about 6 items with codes and this probably tied me up for 10 minutes alone. To be clear, it doesn't bother me that he doesn't know the codes, afterall it is his first day.
When the syrup skates across his scanner he drops it in the bag, looks me in the eye and asks, "How do you make waffles?" I'm a bit taken aback, but I tell him how I do it. "Buy a box of Bisquick or Hungry Jack Pancake mix and look for the recipe on the back. Eggs, oil, milk and you're ready to go."
This isn't good enough. Excited with his new waffle maker (he told me so!) he wants to know if he should add nuts to his waffles. Maybe almonds he asks? Tired, frustrated, but trying to be polite (and trying to make peace with the whole vacuum scandal) I exclaim honestly, "I. do. not. do. nuts. I don't like them in my waffles. I'm not sure how to put nuts in waffles." I start to wonder if I'm on candid camera and if my face will be plastered on TV exclaiming, "I DO NOT DO NUTS." I "recover" by saying "I don't do blueberries in my waffles either" as if that might help my case. I just wanted to be clear that I eat my waffles plain and could not offer assistance with adding other items to the batter. Luckily, no cameras. But "Stan" agrees, maybe he should keep it simple his first time and just stick with plain waffles.
I notice the scanner is charging me too much for my Healthy Choice microwave meals. They are supposed to be on sale. I'm ticked, but I can't possibly bring this up with "Stan." I chalk it up to karma and try not to think about the money. My conversation with "Stan" is over and there are now 3 people behind me looking tired and frustrated and thumbing through People magazine. We got to skip the discussion about single servings of food or about the yogurt flavors I chose like he did with the guy in front of me.
As I carry my stuff out to the car, I suddenly realize just how lucky I was. Thankfully I didn't have any feminine hygiene items or other things no one wants to discuss in my cart. I'm not sure I could have handled those questions. But, I can see it now.... "Do you prefer paper or plastic?"
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