My weekend and the Product Review of SurgiCare

First of all I want to give a shout out to my wonderful coach/ honey.  His school took 3 boats to nationals this weekend.  One W8+, one M8+ and a M4+ .  (for non-rowers, that's a girls eight, boys eight and boys four - all are coxed).  The two boys boats are the hubby's.  Not only did his 4 make it through the semi finals to the grand finals but they finished 6th in the nation!!!!!!  He's checking but we're pretty sure no other boat from his school has ever gotten so far.  And the even better news???  Only one of them is a senior!  Hopefully we'll see a repeat next year!!

While he was at nationals I was home, having just driven home from NH.  Saturday I was content in setting my rear in a chair on the deck and reading for the day.  But many of my neighbors were doing yard work.  I felt bad...  the weather was great - not too hot, not too cold for yard work.  So I sucked it up and mowed the front and back and did some serious trimming of the bushes in the front yard.  But I left the trimmings for the hubby to clean up.  That's kinda our unspoken deal.  I trim, shape and weed while he gathers everything up and puts into the paper yard bags.  If I'm lucky I'll have trimmed enough to encourage him to purchase and layout the mulch while I'm gone over the next few weeks...  time will tell.....

After I was done mowing neighbor Joe (of the night-o-gin fame...) was out on his deck with a friend.  (he had already finished his yard work.)  He invited me over.  So of course I took him up on it.  I was disgusting!  But then again so was he.  I sat on his deck drinking beer and shootin' the shit for a while.  But  I couldn't sit there too long.  My hubby would be home later that night and I had to color my hair and wax!!!

Wax what, you ask??  My bikini line and my moustache.  (it sucks having dark hair....)  For years I've been waxing my own bikini line.  I know some gals really cringe when I mention I'm a DIY kinda girl, but really it's not that bad.  Years ago I found this product, Surgi Wax that was awesome.  You heat it in the microwave, take a wooden stick to spread it on.  In about 30-45 seconds it hardens up to a stiff, yet flexible wax.  You just grab a corner and yank.  Not fabric strips required. Worked like a charm.

I had recently used up the rest of my bikini wax so I went to buy new.  However the company has made some changes.  Now it's  "SurgiCare".  And they added a bunch-o-stuff to the box, to increase I price I'm sure.  Before it was a tub of wax and small wooden sticks.  Now there's a "cleansing gel", a pot of wax, a tube of "soothing lotion" and wooden sticks. 

I decide to follow my usual routine.  This "personal beautifying ritual" entails mixing and applying the hair coloring first.  Then I use the time waiting to wax.  No reason to change my routine.    I briefly take a look at the instructions included just to confirm any usage changes.  You're supposed to use the cleansing gel over the area first. (I'm pretty sure it's just a Purell knock-off).  Then you heat the wax as usual.  This is when I ran downstairs nekkid to the microwave....  hope the neighbors weren't looking.  (see what you can do when you don't have kids..  ; )   However I noticed it's a different color and much thinner once it's melted. 

I grabbed the wax, head back upstairs and proceeded as usual.  But there seemed to be a hitch.  The wax is thin.  I put on another layer.  I wait the requisite time and grab a corner to give it a yank.  Instead of hardening and coming right off it's still very pliable and sticky.  So sticky, in fact, that I no have it between my fingers and it's sticking to my skin like taffy!  I look like a kid playing with their blue taffy between my fingers!!!

And because it's tacky it's also stringy.  So I'm stringing this junk all through my bathroom while trying to wrestle it off my fingers!  After that first try I stop and decide to stir the wax to cool it down.  I'm convinced it's just too hot.  Once it cools down it will behave as usual.  So I try it again.

I pick a spot that still has little, thin wax residue spread around.  I'm thinking that when I put this new wax over it the old will pull off my skin.  I spread it on and waited at more than 60 seconds.  I didn't want it to string again.  No luck.  I ripped it off and it was still stringy.  But it's also leaving wax residue that won't come off!!!!!  I already have it stuck all over my finger pads and nails.  But the use of new wax isn't pulling off the old.  What am I going to do?!?!?

The instructions say to use the lotion to remove any excess residue.  I'm squeezing it one my hands and rubbing them as though I'm washing them.  To no avail.  It's NOT coming off!!!!  I use the lotion on my bikini line to remove the residue there.  It's not working there either.  I have sticky splotches of wax all over my bikini line - not to mention spotty hair removal on said waxed area.  I'm starting to panic because it's not budging!!! 

Then my panic increases when.... the timer goes off that it's time for me to rinse my hair!!!

Oh god!  What am I going to do?!?  I'm covered in wax but I don't want to accidentally chemically burn off my hair!!!   Shit!!!  I grab a wash cloth and literally start scrubbing at my bikini line and my fingers.   I'm frantically looking around to see if I can salvage the plastic gloves to use while in the shower.  I don't want to get my waxy fingers in my hair.  It might end up like a wad of sticky bubblegum in the hair if I'm not careful!

I finally get in the shower having gotten most of the wax off (but not all).  I take my chances using my bare hands to help rinse my hair.  I see a blue spot on the tub floor and when I try and move it with my toe I realize it's a piece of wax ground into the texture of the tub floor.  Ugh!!!

Once I was out of the shower I continue to try and remove the remaining wax off the bikini line.  Screw it.  I'm tired of fighting with this junk.  I'm a VERY unhappy customer with the new formulation.  I recommended the old version all the time.  Now - they lost a customer!  What's worse - I don't like any of the alternative brands so I think I'm going to have to invest in getting it professionally done now.   : (   Y'all know how I don't like to pay for something I can do myself....

So I recommend you stay away from the new Surgi formulation.  If you've had any luck with any other brand please do let me know!  I need a replacement!!!

Note:  why is it I have such terrible experiences with hair removal products???  Has anyone else noticed my issues I've had in the past???

LIVE, from New Hampshire!!!

I *heart* free wireless internet connections....

I'm currently sitting in the middle of the Eastern Regional Meeting in New Haven/ Portsmouth, NH.  The weather here has been great.  The food has been great - even though it took us 3.5 HOURS for dinner last night.  Ugh...  I like these people but not that much.....

And my new trick to not drinking too much wine while traveling for work - because I usually imbibe WAY too much over the course of a "work trip" - is to drive.  Because I might have a glass of wine if I drive and that's it.  But the other issue is that I rarely drive to meetings....  I know, I know - I have to work on my self control.....

Unforeseen perks

I'm sitting at my desk thinking about the state of my career. (or current lack of it)  About how I'm antsy to get moving again.  About how I long for a challenge and excitement. 

But I won't deny that this current position has perks.

After years and years of running, stressing, going 175 mph in all my previous jobs, this one is quite slow moving.  I really enjoyed this pace the first few years.  It gave me time to breathe, to relax.  However, in the past few years I recognize that this pace is too slow for me.  I could try and go faster but there are bottlenecks throughout the company that keep me from going my "perfect pace".  The company is just a little too small.

We don't have meetings.  Well, we do but not really.  I might have a meeting, scheduled or not, once, maybe twice a week.  That's it.  (and even those are usually 30 minutes, tops)  Which is a real shift from my previous employer where I had to work 12 - 14 hour days just because my 8 -5 was filled with meetings - and when am I going to actually get my "work" done??

And after reflecting on the lack of meetings, I realize a side perk to this arrangement.  Because I'm not running from meeting to meeting, or trying to get a little work done between meetings, I actually am able to use the restroom whenever I want!

I know I have some queasy bathroom people reading this.  So I apologize.  But this is very important.  Do you know how much happier I am when I'm able to answer my body's call when it's actually calling?!?!?! And not put it on hold for hours?!?!

If you are one of those people that purposefully put your body on hold you really should try and change that.  I know not everyone has the luxury of going whenever the need arises.  I know some of you are teachers and only can sneak away between periods or during lunch and planning.  Or maybe you have an "issue" with going #2 in a public bathroom.  (I know who you are...)  Or maybe you hold it because your husband is home....  (I think I now know there are at least two of you that do this, not just you... you know who I'm talking about...)

I don't care if you play the radio loudly and use a ton-o-air freshener in order to make you more comfy while in the presence of others in your house.  But I think if you get past these "issues" you will find yourself relaxed and happier overall.  Really.  I do.  Because I know I was a bitchy mess when my work schedule dictated my "other" schedule.

Just try it.  It's liberating!

Editors Update:  I was just informed by one of my readers that she may not "toot" in front of her hubby, even though they've been married over a decade, but she will "do her business" while he is in the house.  Of course she also thinks I was referring to her in the aforementioned post....  but I will not confirm nor deny it.

A MUST SEE

If you have not yet seen this site you MUST visit.  I'm going to go home tonight and see if I have anything to contribute.

I get asked that a lot

We had a potential  new sales rep in the office today for interviews.  I got to interview her but my job was really more just to chat her up.  See how she "is".  You know, "girl talk". 

She asked me many questions but the one that got her a little sidetracked was when she asked me about my career background.  I explained I had been in consumer goods and worked for some divisions of Newell Rubbermaid, Waterpik, etc....  The question really came up in regards to product pricing because consumer goods pricing is straight forward as compared to my current industry.

I'm guessing she's a shopping kinda girl because she immediately asked me "What are the mark ups at Macy's and places like that??  I've always wondered!!!"

I told her and I'm going to tell you.  Because I know we're all bargain shoppers.  And because we're all bargain shoppers I'm confident that you'll be able to keep up with my explanation that contains a lot of percentages....

Department stores and big box stores usually have a 50% (or more) markup.  NEVER buy anything at one of these stores that isn't on sale.  That said, I wouldn't even venture to buy anything at these stores unless it's one heluva sale, at that... like at least 50% off or more.

Wal-Mart - usually have smaller mark ups - between 25 - 45%.  The issue with WM is that they demand such low prices from their suppliers that it's not uncommon for a supplier to lose money on a product just to get in WM.  'Cuz once you've got something in there you're more likely to get something else - hopefully something you actually can make some money.  So when you shop at WM know you're most likely getting the best deal (and if WM finds out the supplier isn't giving them the best deal they'll drop 'em like a hot potato).

Target takes higher mark ups than WM, but lower than department stores.  I'm thinking around 30 - 45%.  And although they want great prices from their suppliers too I'm not aware of them pushing them quite as hard as WM.  The way WM and Target keep from treading on each other's feet is to have suppliers provide them with "Target" or "WM" specific products, designs, or even packaging.

And the warehouse stores are almost always your best best.  Granted you do need to do your due diligence since you might not get a deal on toilet paper but do expect to get the best deal on electronics and some other items.  However, these rules do not apply to food because 1) I'm not from that industry and not sure of their usual margins (although I've always heard grocery margins are very, very low) and 2) it doesn't make sense for every household to purchase three years worth of vinegar just so you can get it for $0.10 an ounce... 

Your other best best at a warehouse stores - jewelry.  I tried to explain this to the hubby when we discussed engagement rings years ago.  But he wouldn't have any of it.  The stigma of buying a diamond at Sam's was too much for him to bear.  But why not???  Diamonds are all certified on a universal scale.  So you know exactly what you're getting....  I didn't care if my ring came from Sam's!!  (as a matter of fact, you know what you're going to spend on a diamond  - but you can get a bigger one from a warehouse store...)

Here are a few caveats:

• I haven't worked in consumer goods for the past 4.5 years.  So things may have changed.  But I doubt it.  If department stores took smaller margins in the past few years it probably had more to do with the economy, not a trend they expect to continue.
• These are extreme generalizations.  And margins differ within a store depending on the actual items/ department.  Grocery items are going to get much lower margin than vacuum cleaners.  (think sell through volume...  the faster something is likely to turn on the shelf the lower the expected margin at discount stores.  That doesn't necessarily hold true to department and box stores, though...)
• Kohl's, JCPenny and the like are sometimes grouped as department stores, but take lower margins.   (they have a category of their own)  They are generally a good bet if you like to shop there.  But again, I would highly advise to only buy items on sale. 
• Remember - all stores (except WM, Target, warehouses) purposely mark up regular prices pretty high with the expectation that they have a scheduled sale in which they will lower the price to a point they know the item will move. They bank their margins on the sale price, not the regular price. So remember that regular priced items essentially have a "sale mark up" in them. 
• There are certain brands that demand an MSRP.  have you ever tried to bargain shop for Oakleys?  How about an iPod?  The only bargains you will find on these name brands are those styles that have been discontinued.  Stores are not allowed to mark them down.  If they do they will lose their "privilege" of carrying that brand.

So there you have it kids.  The secrest of retail.  None of it probably comes as a surprise. 

Interesting....

I just started reading Super Freakonomics by Levin and Dubner.  Note this passage in the introduction: (as in, I haven't even gotten to the "meat" of the book....)

Indian women also run an out sized risk of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including a high rate of HIV/ AIDS.  One cause is that Indian men's condoms malfunction more than 15% of the time.  Why such a high fail rate?  According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, some 60% of Indian men have penises too small for the condoms manufactured to fit World Health Organization specs.  That was the conclusion of a two-year study in which more than 1,000 men had their penises measured and photographed by scientists.  "The condom", declared one of the researchers, "is not optimized for India".

Does the book have your attention??  It has mine. 

Although if I were an Indian male I'd be all pissed that someone let the cat out of the bag....  But then again, this is the culture that brought us the Kama Sutra....  I suppose they felt they had to make up for lack-o-size in other respects...

Excuse me while I go back to reading this exceptionally interesting book....

The kids are growing like weeds!!

Take a look at the growth spurt of our adopted kids:

About three weeks ago:

About two weeks ago:

About  4 days ago:

There really are four birds in all the pictures.  They're getting a bit crowded out.  I'm guessing they might be leaving the nest soon!

Mommy Mo-bile is now the Swagger Wagon...

My friend Emily, mother of almost-one-year-old twins, posted this on her website.   It is outrageously funny.  (and if I were a cool kid I'd be able to import it into my blog..  but I'm just not in the mood to try and figure that out right now.  Maybe later...)

I hate to say it but I could use a minivan right now.  Because of the dogs.  The low profile would really be best for them now since they're showing limited mobility.  But I absolutely refuse to drive a minivan...  for a lot of reasons...  not the least being that I don't even have kids.... 

But this almost had me change my mind...

To Disney and Beyond

So how do you follow up such a fabulous bargain-finding win??  You go to Disney World!!!

Really.  I did. 

But it was for work, of course.  While I was there I was able to get together with friends.  GREAT friends might I add - they even helped me break down my booth at my trade show!!  (I am now regretting I do not have pix of this to share....)  Neda and Coach were in town to watch the shuttle launch and we were able to get together.   After the show was over we headed to Downtown Disney for some food and...  Lemoncello!!  (of course...  ; )

Luckily we were able to spot the shuttle launch from our convention center.  Neda was texting me "t minus 1 min. 40 s"......  "t minus 30s"....  I was happily keeping all the show goers/ shuttle watchers properly informed so we wouldn't accidentally miss the launch all together.  As you can see we could see it but we had to really look for it...  (hint: look between the light poles....)

The next day Neda and Coach picked me up to hang out until I had to head to the airport later that evening.  By the time I checked out and they picked me up it was heading close to lunchtime so we consulted Neda's smart phone for a restaurant.  We all thought the Orlando Brewing Company sounded like a winner!  Until, of course, we started driving through this:

Um, I'm not sure I want to eat in the ghetto-industrial park of Orlando.....   Sure enough it was a brewery alright.  But it looked as though the food was an afterthought.  So to the Ale House we went!!!

I got back at midnight, into bed by 1:30-ish.  Needless to say I was draggin' the next day. 

Side note: I just looked at my schedule and realized that starting today (Wednesday) I will see my husband exactly 11 day during the next FIVE weeks.  So if you happen to see him in the airport or on the road can you tell him "hi" for me??

A bunch-o-miscellaneousy

My morning didn't start out so great.  First I found out about my lost status (see previous post).   And then it went downhill from there....

As I was trying to get an up-close look at Em's adorable twins on my computer screen I accidentally whacked the top of my knee against this stupid metal support on my keyboard tray.  As in "that exact spot" where your stomach starts to churn and you see spots.  And if you're lucky you might be able to actually keep yourself from passing out.  It hurt like a mother *&#$!% !!!!!!  It didnt' help that my office was unbearably hot.  You know, 'cuz we've had SNOW recently so our office heat is on.  That just made the vomit reflex ten-times worse...  But don't worry.  There was no up-chucking at my desk.  But I did have to sit for a while with my head between my knees until all those so-unpleasant-feelings passed.

Then on a positive upswing the hubby sent me a picture of our newest neighbors!!

Man, they are really ugly right now... In case you can't tell there are 4 baby robbins in there.  The hubby and I saw the momma and papa "upgrading" the nest.  The bottom of the nest is from last year and they added an "addition" right on top of it.  Do any of y'all know whether birds return to their own nests or did they just track down a vacant property and call dibs?  Either way they sure are adding value to the neighborhood dwellings!  They are fabulous little nest builders.

Last year we had similar visitors.  (the same ones??)  But not long after the birds hatched they mysteriously disappeared.  I know, I know.  They're birds and they eventually grow up and fly away.  But they only seemed about a week or two old when we didn't see them anymore.  I'm afraid they met with an untimely demise (aka neighborhood cat, raccoon or other similar bird- feasting beast.) 

Anyone have any ideas on how to better keep these little guys safe?? I'm open to suggestions!!

And for one more totally miscellaneous tale...

I just want to brag that I'm the BEST bargain shopper EVER!  Now that the hubby and I have a painted bedroom and a cool headboard and reading lights I think it's about time our linens say "adult, married couple" as opposed to "college kids".  Several years ago I actually bought a whole bedroom ensemble.  I really wanted a duvet cover for my duvet but couldn't find what I wanted and so settled on a "bed-in-a-bag" thing at BB&B for several hundred dollars.  (I'm too ashamed to even say how many hundreds...)  I even bought the curtains that matched too.  But the comforter was too hot and therefore sits folded on the GUEST bed along with the king pillows with the matching shams.  In our bedroom we have these wild curtains ('cuz they match the spread) and a goldish bed skirt.  With goldish sheets and a green cotton blanket.  All mis-matchy...

This past weekend I decided to put the whole thing on Craigslist.  (and sadly no takers yet.  It is kinda wild... and king....)  So I wandered around in Sunday looking for a chocolate duvet cover to start the redecorating of the room.  I searched everywhere!  I looked on Overstock.com at home.  At the stores closest to me I went to Target, TJ Maxx, BB&B, Kohl's, even Wally World!!  Nuthin' I was in love with.  Finally dad suggested JCPenny.  It was on my list but I really didn't want to have to drive all the way down to "the mall".  But I did anyway. 

And then I found it.  A king sized, plain chocolate duvet cover and 2 matching shams.  ON CLEARANCE!!!  The original price tag said $150.  (which I thought was pretty good even for full price.  I wouldn't have paid full price, of course, but most others I saw were in the $200 range.)

And then I looked at the most recent sale price tag.

$100???

Nope

$75????

Nope

$50????

Nope

Remember - this is a KING set....

The tag actually read:  (drum roll please)....

$14.97!!!!!!

I shit you not.

I even took it to the register to confirm.  It rang up as $29.99.  (which I would have happily paid) but I pointed out that all the other sets (only queens were left) all had the $14.97 sticker.  And without any hesitation the sales lady agreed.

I paid $16 and change for a king sized duvet cover and 2 matching king shams.

So even if the existing set doesn't go on Craigslist I won't fee so guilty about donating at some point....  (but I'll probably try eBay before that....)

The Earth has stopped rotating

The Earth as I know it has stopped rotating.  The spinning has stopped and it's thrown me for a loop.

Why?  you may ask..

I just realized that I lost my status with USAir. 

Now for those of you that don't travel often this may not seem like much of a crisis.  Most people who travel don't have status.  So yes, I now have to travel like "everyone else". 

Except that I do a lot of traveling for work.  (although apparently not enough these days...)  I have had status with an airline my whole professional career.  While there is an upside - I'm not traveling as much as I used to - the truth is I still have to travel.

And this is a problem. 

Within the next 6 weeks I will be on a plane for 4 of them.  That's a pain in the ass - regardless of what kind of status you have.  But consider that I have to fly this next month and a half without:

• priority check-in
• priority seating
• free checked baggage
• priority boarding
• possible upgrades to first class
• not to mention bonus miles for flying and a bunch of other little tidbits that I won't bother mentioning here

I know, I know.  You're thinking "boo hoo.  poor little thing has to travel like the rest of us in cattle class."  But consider this.  Remember back to the last time YOU traveled via plane.  Did you pay an arm and a leg to check your bags (and maybe that of your whole family)??  When you checked in did they tell you they couldn't assign you a seat yet?  Did you get bumped from your flight?  Did you get stuck in a middle seat flying from JFK to LAX??  (NYC to LA)  When you flight was cancelled did you not get the best alternative flight because everyone with "status" filled that flight too??

If any of the above happened to you I'm sure it was a royal pin in the ass.  But I'm also betting that you were traveling for vacation. Maybe a wedding...  But you weren't traveling for work.  Where you're expected to show up at your destination.  On time.  And ready to "work". 

And the last time you flew I'm guessing you probably did it only once, maybe twice within one year.  (Ok, Christy and Neda are exempt from this.  But on the other hand you probably feel my pain.  And maybe Emily too.  Especially Emily because maybe you flew a lot in the past pre-babies and now have to look forward to traveling forever in the future with twin babies....)

I'm on the road four of the next six weeks. 

Not having status when you're traveling for work SUCKS!!!!  As a matter of fact, having status makes it worth it to be on the road for as long as it takes to get it.

So excuse me for the next six weeks while I travel all across the US and back several times....  If I'm cranky you'll know why.

Plese identitfy yourself

I have a follower "betonarmes".  I don't know who you are.  I also see that someone from Halliburton Company in Houston, TX has accessed my blog. 

Please identify yourselves.  I do not know anyone from Halliburton that would have any interest in my blog.  Plus I don't know anyone betonarmes.com - which appears to be Russian, perhaps??  Greek???

Why are you following my blog???

Are you SERIOUS?!?!?

This is what I woke up to Sunday morning.  Shit you not. 

In case you forgot - Sunday is MAY 9th!!!

I guess I'll be replanting the herbs in the pots....

It depends on your perspective...

The Nook is either the greatest gift or the worst...  depending on your perspective.

For me it's the greatest.  Really - I've had my nose in it since Christmas.  And I've especially had my nose in it at all times since discovering the library.  But you guys know this because I've already told you.

What I haven't mentioned is why it would be fair if the hubby said it was the worst gift ever....

See, I read at night.  In bed.  You know, since we made that handy dandy headboard with the reading lights attached....  And I'm one of those readers that means business.  As in "Don't bother my while I'm reading or you're bound to get yelled at...  or slapped."  See where I'm going with this?

So, for a long list of many reasons - the Nook being at the top of the list - we aren't having kids.  Or can't.  Depending on your perspective.  So for all you gals that do ask or are dying to ask consider this your answer.   

So from hence forth your kids can refer to me as "Aunt JD".  Which is a good things 'cuz don't aunts love to spoil the nieces and nephews??

Nook

Ever since I've discovered eBooks from the library (aka FREE) I haven't put my Nook down.  I just finished Freakonomics by S. Levitt.   It was extremely interesting and thought provoking!  I'm going to see if the library has Super Freakonomics right now.

Oh -  and I added a little gadget over there on the right column...  my reading list.  But I refuse to embarrass myself and list all the trashy romance novels I've read.  So that's why it looks a little sparse at the moment...  I've had a rash of romance recently....