Sorry to be so delinquent in posting but dad doesn't have internet or internet access of any kind. But that's ok because I had the worst head cold (or allergies - still TBD) while I was with him.
For those of you who caringly asked - Dad is doing great. He had a protruding disc that needed fixin'. Originally they were going to just "trim it" but the night before the doc called and said he'd changed his mind - he was going to remove it. Dad has this same surgery about 7-8 years ago and was in the hospital a week. This time the doctor was able to do it less invasively and he only had to spend the night. Can I just say Dad on Percoset is a hoot!
As expected Dad was flirting with all the nurses even in pre-op. (He'd say he was just being nice but I call it flirting...) He even had the Chaplin crackin up. He was still crackin 'em up after surgery in his room when he was all high on Percoset (and lord knows what else they gave him.) Funny guy, as usual!
I stayed all week and didn't end up leaving until Saturday. I made an overnight pit stop in VA and then got home around 9pm Sunday night. Needless to say I was pooped yesterday and not in the mood to start blogging.
But there's more to this story (there always is...) and I'll fill in some details more later today or tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Hmmm. Where to begin?? I've been on the road and am currently in Charleston, SC. I'm in a waiting room while my dad is having back surgery. Not only am I sitting here waiting, but my brother is here with me!!! For ya'll who know the story I am glad to report he is doing absolutely fabulous! I'm so proud of him!!! He leaves later this week to fly back to CA to start school.
You know what I hate? Getting to the bottom of your meal and finding something inedible in your food. Although my dad is having surgery at this really modern, fabulous facility, I still got to the bottom of my salad in the cafeteria and found a dead bug. Just writing about it is making me throw up in my mouth just a little... Needless to say I didn't bother to capture it digitally to share...
I should also note here that if you're a friend of mine who reads this and lives in SC please do not be offended that I did not call to get in touch. I didn't tell anyone I was coming because my only reason for coming was to take care of my dad during and after his back surgery. Once my mother flew out to CO to "take care of me" after I had surgery and I hardly saw her. She'd make me breakfast in the morning then get in my car and drive all the way to Denver to go antiquing and not come home until 5 or 6 in the evening. She did this every day the whole week. Needless to say I didn't feel especially taken care of and I'm not going to do that to my dad....
I'm a little brain dead so I'm just going to recount my adventures from most recent back. 'Cuz it's too hard to try and start at the beginning and go in chronological order...
This is an actual bull ball sac. Really. My dad said it was a gift. Who gives this as a gift?!?!?!? Apparently this says a lot about my dad's friends...
On my way down to SC I stopped in WV. (which is how I ended up with my brother.) I got roped into going to church at my mom's little country church. And when I say "country church" my brother and I estimated there were about 15 - 20 people, including the kids*. And they had no piano player. Apparently she threw out her back baling hay.... And it just so happened that my mpther gave the sermon that day, which happened to be Father's Day. She said the sermon was on "Loving Father's". But if you're a church goin' person you also know the story as the Prodigal Son. My brother and I are convinced she chose that particular sermon because he and I were there....
*I was under the impression this was a little country church out in farming country. And indeed it is small and out in the country. I guess I also assumed moderate to poor socioeconomic status of attendees too... But someone pulled out of the parking lot in a new Mercedes SUV. Corn and hay must be good this year...
The previous night I stayed with my Aunt Newlywed and her husband Fiddler. (btw - their 4 year anniversary is next week...) This was the first time I saw their new house up on "the hill". I'm not exactly sure how many acres they own but it's fair to say they have "land". Aunt N took me on a tour of the "property" in their 6-wheel Polaris "thingy". It's like an all wheel drive, souped up golf cart/ mini truck thing. And we definitely needed the all wheel drive. We were back on "the hill" in mud. So in my infinite wisdom I decided to run "the hill" the next morning. Let's say that I definitely need a new pair of running shoes. And there will forever be a 6" deep imprint of my foot on their land....
I finally got off "the hill" and out to the road. I saw what looked like a dead little bird in the middle of the road and for some reason took a second glance. It wasn't dead. Something was wrong with one of it's legs. So again, infinite wisdom, I decided to pick it up and bring it back to the house to see if there was anything that could be done for it. I've been hanging around KVeg too much....
When I got back to the house I had to peel off my shoes and socks (and leave them outside) and had to scrub the splattered mud off my legs in the shower. It was a fun run!!! (if not exceptionally hard!!)
And now for the best story of all:
Last Monday I was to fly out to Chicago for another meeting. My original flight at 11:30am had been cancelled and I was rescheduled for a 7pm flight. I got to the airport and was at my gate by 6pm. Our airport is little. They had three flights going out of the same gate at 6:30, 7 and 7:15. The first two flights were to Chicago and the last one to DC. Since there were so many people sitting right at the gate I sat in the seating at the empty gate across from where I was boarding.
I kept an ear our for my flight number and destination. I kept hearing they were boarding to Chicago but it wasn't my flight number. So I waited. After a lot of folks got on the plane and out of my gate area seating I moved over to my gate. I continued to sit and wait. I even asked the attendant about my flight. And I asked by flight number. She replied that it was late and the plane coming in wasn't even landing until 9:45pm. Ugh. Oh well. I decided to just sit and read. at 9:50 they boarded a plane to DC. After that the attendant came over and asked me what flight I was waiting for. I looked up and I was the ONLY person in the waiting area!!!!
WTF!!!
I must've sat and watched my plane board several hours earlier!! And when I asked about my flight number the attendante must have misunderstood me and gave me the info on the flight to DC that had just boarded and left.
She booked me on the 6am flight for the next morning. So I had the hubby come and get me.
But wait, there's more!!
I got home and set my new voice-activated clock's alarm to 4:30am for the next morning. I set out my outfit so all I had to do was get up, brush my teeth, change clothes and go. At some piont I woke up and saw a little bit of light starting to peek through our door. I thought "well, the hubby took off all the blinds because we had new windows installed so that would make sense that I see a little light..... But NOT at 4:30 in the morning!!!!!"
Aaaaaahhh! I sat staright up in bed.
My clock read 6:10am! My alarm didn't go off and I missed my flight AGAIN!!!
WTF!?!?!?!?
I was immediately on the phone to reschedule myself on the 7am flight. I literally brushed my teeth, changed my undies, slapped on deodorant and jumped into my clothes and was out the door. It was a close call but I made it on the plane. (barely)
So, the moral of this story is - no matter how often you fly you can still screw it up!!
This week I'm going to try and relax while I'm taking care of dad. And he's decided he wants to drive home with my later this week instead of driving up himself week after next.... So we'll be hittin' the road as soon as he's able. And next week I'm back in the office as usual. I'm sure I'll be bored... ; )
Monday, June 14, 2010
A quick recap of 1100 miles
This was the the "college reunion" weekend.
Thursday afternoon the hubby and I set out to MD. We visited Slice - my good friend from college rowing - that I hadn't actually seen in about 11 years. Had a great time - good conversation and great burgers. Wish I'd had longer to chat.
Friday we got up and headed to VA for Wandering Girl's wedding on Saturday. I will post more on this later. But in a nutshell, it was a beautiful outdoor wedding, even though they had to improvise due to torrential storms.
We finished up the marathon car trip with the Sunday drive home. I actually got to stop at an IKEA. My first time IN a store. It was great!!!.... until the few bigger things we wanted were ALL out of stock. WTF?!?!?
We finally pulled in the drive around 8pm - after we made a detour to Pap John's.
I had a flight out today at 11:30AM. Prior to that the window guys came to install our new windows. Except:
Oh, and it's 9:05PM and I'm still sitting in my home airport. The 11:30AM flight was cancelled. I was re-booked for a 7PM flight. The hubby brought me back to the airport. But as I'm sitting here the 6:35PM flight that was leaving before mine was exceptionally late. Then after they are boarded and out of the way I finally find out that my plane that will take me to my destination won't even land until 9:45PM. So I've been sitting here in the airport this whole time. See, I told you business travel is not sexy.
I'm soooo ready to be done with this summer travel....
You know it's bad when your hubby suggests a "real" vacation next summer and your first thought is "are you kidding?? I don't have it in me to plan that big of an event." I told him if he wants a "real" vacation that's great - but he's planning every piece of it. I'm just going to show up.
Thursday afternoon the hubby and I set out to MD. We visited Slice - my good friend from college rowing - that I hadn't actually seen in about 11 years. Had a great time - good conversation and great burgers. Wish I'd had longer to chat.
Friday we got up and headed to VA for Wandering Girl's wedding on Saturday. I will post more on this later. But in a nutshell, it was a beautiful outdoor wedding, even though they had to improvise due to torrential storms.
We finished up the marathon car trip with the Sunday drive home. I actually got to stop at an IKEA. My first time IN a store. It was great!!!.... until the few bigger things we wanted were ALL out of stock. WTF?!?!?
We finally pulled in the drive around 8pm - after we made a detour to Pap John's.
I had a flight out today at 11:30AM. Prior to that the window guys came to install our new windows. Except:
- the slider was not yet in and they apparently "forgot" to tell us
- EVERY window had been mis-measured
Oh, and it's 9:05PM and I'm still sitting in my home airport. The 11:30AM flight was cancelled. I was re-booked for a 7PM flight. The hubby brought me back to the airport. But as I'm sitting here the 6:35PM flight that was leaving before mine was exceptionally late. Then after they are boarded and out of the way I finally find out that my plane that will take me to my destination won't even land until 9:45PM. So I've been sitting here in the airport this whole time. See, I told you business travel is not sexy.
I'm soooo ready to be done with this summer travel....
You know it's bad when your hubby suggests a "real" vacation next summer and your first thought is "are you kidding?? I don't have it in me to plan that big of an event." I told him if he wants a "real" vacation that's great - but he's planning every piece of it. I'm just going to show up.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Biology - the major that keeps on giving
If you didn't know - I majored in biology in college. (ok, really biological sciences, same shit different name..) And then, much to the chagrin of my favorite botany professor, I went and got an MBA. ('cuz I didn't see myself in a lab for the rest of my life...)
Based on my educational history I was under the erroneous assumption that I wouldn't use my biology degree much... or at all. Apparently I was wrong.
But the hubby brought to my attention last night (via phone, of course. again, we are in different cities...) that biology seems to have proven a great choice after all - even if I didn't plan it that way. Because all the "weird shit" happens to me.
Case(s) in point:
And now, I'm the bee keeper.
First - a side note on the bat:
I, on the other hand, was not too worked up about this. First, you just woke me out of a dead sleep to tell me there's a bat in the house? I don't care. Get rid of it. Secondly, it's just a bat. It's not like you found a snake curled and ready to strike at you in the toilet!
By this time I think my dad was onto us. He knew there was something up. So now he's turned into a spectator of his still-relatively-new son-in-law's antics. I found a shoe box in my closet and told him just to go in, catch it and take it outside. No big deal. So the hubby goes into his office, closes the door and we hear a few "whap, whap" where he's trying to smack the lid onto the box but apparently missing the bat. Then he we hear a shriek and the hubby bounding out of his office. This is NOT what you want to do when your FIL is in visiting.... I'm pretty sure my dad laughed at him. I don't remember. But I'm sure my hubby remembers exactly...
It became apparent that bats are to my hubby like snakes are to me. The world would be a better place without them. (or at least me ever coming in contact with one.) So I ended up taking the shoebox, going in the office and retrieving the bat myself. And then I let it go outside.
Note: I found out later that the DNR doesn't want you to let it go. But I didn't know that. Sorry.
Ok, back to my original story...
You know when you've had weeks when you're really busy and you're just looking forward to some downtime to relax, especially before the pace picks up again?? This was that week for me. Except it's turned out not to be so relaxing.
The hubby is out of town so I'm by myself. Yesterday I looked out on the backyard and saw a lump-o-something. It was so big I was convinced a poo like that hadn't come out of one of my dogs so I went out to investigate. I stood on the gazebo pad we have and saw an unidentified glob of something, about the size of a dinner plate, in the grass... moving! There was a lump in the middle and my first instinct was that we had some dead animal in the yard and it was covered in insects. This is what I saw upon closer inspection:
BEES!
My first reaction? "Fuck! Shit like this only happens to me when the hubby's out of town. Figures!!"
My second reaction? "Now why in the world is there a gob-o-bees in my grass?? In the middle of the yard???"
So what do I do? I called my dad. Isn't that what they're for?? It seems my grandpa used to raise bees when dad was growing up so dad had a good bit of advise.
So I went into the house and grabbed a coffee can - which miraculously I actually had - and old washcloth and the Bic Flame starter thingy. (I'm sure that's what it's actually called. It checked ; ) Note: a 100% cotton rag would probably have worked great. It didn't occur to me until later that the cheapie wash cloth I grabbed was probably a cotton/ poly blend. I had issues getting it to light... But once I did light it I tried what dad suggested but it wasn't working. I called him back.
And this is what followed:
I let is stay there a while but those buggers wouldn't budge! So I finally gave up and went inside and called the hubby back. He looked online for some "bee hints" and got me the name of a honey place close to call the next day about possible removal.
Later that night I was thinking about what the hubby had found on the web - bees are least active at sun up and sun down. The sun was going down so I thought I'd give it another look. I went outside - which was starting to get chilly - and saw that the bees were there but hardly moving at all. I'm guessing it was a combo of the timing and the temperature.
So I hustled out to the shed, got the flat-end shovel and went out and carefully scooped up as much of the glob as I could. Slowly I walked to the back fence and dumped them over the side. And I may or may not have run like a wild woman back into the yard after the dump.... just sayin'
When I was certain that I wasn't going to get swarmed by pissy dumped bees I carefully went back and tried to scoop up a bit more. They got dumped over the fence too. However when I went back to get the rest they were pretty active and I decided not to press my luck. Ok, I didn't "decide" to stop shoveling. I stopped because I was "chased" through the yard by an angry warrior bee determined to protect his hive. After being dive bombed a few times I decided to give up.
I put the shovel back and called dad and the hubby for a bee status update.
The remaining bees were there this morning but all seem to be gone by the time I went home at lunch. There are some unfortunate souls that didn't make it and so are making a small "pile of the dead". But I'm not feeling too guilty about it. I did save a bajillion other ones.
And through all that I didn't get stung once!
Just call me the "bee whisperer".
Based on my educational history I was under the erroneous assumption that I wouldn't use my biology degree much... or at all. Apparently I was wrong.
You might think that I use it because I work for a medical device company and therefore it's useful to have a working knowledge of human biology. That's true. But I wouldn't say I use my degree. It just makes understanding things I need to know a little less complicated.
But the hubby brought to my attention last night (via phone, of course. again, we are in different cities...) that biology seems to have proven a great choice after all - even if I didn't plan it that way. Because all the "weird shit" happens to me.
- Tadpole rescues
- Frog relocation
- Bat catcher ( I have scrolled through my blog to link to this story and I suppose I never posted about it. You know, 'cuz the true story makes my hubby look like a ninny...)
And now, I'm the bee keeper.
First - a side note on the bat:
A few summers ago, while my dad was visiting, we had a "visitor". Dad was already in his room getting ready for bed. I was already in bed when the hubby finally came upstairs after watching some late night tv. He was standing at the sink brushing his teeth when he saw something swoop through the upstairs hall. He thought he was just tired and his eyes were playing tricks until he saw it again going into his office!! He ran to shut the door on his office to capture whatever it was and then ran and woke me up. I have to say he was a smidge hysterical. Apparently there was a bat in his office.
I, on the other hand, was not too worked up about this. First, you just woke me out of a dead sleep to tell me there's a bat in the house? I don't care. Get rid of it. Secondly, it's just a bat. It's not like you found a snake curled and ready to strike at you in the toilet!
By this time I think my dad was onto us. He knew there was something up. So now he's turned into a spectator of his still-relatively-new son-in-law's antics. I found a shoe box in my closet and told him just to go in, catch it and take it outside. No big deal. So the hubby goes into his office, closes the door and we hear a few "whap, whap" where he's trying to smack the lid onto the box but apparently missing the bat. Then he we hear a shriek and the hubby bounding out of his office. This is NOT what you want to do when your FIL is in visiting.... I'm pretty sure my dad laughed at him. I don't remember. But I'm sure my hubby remembers exactly...
It became apparent that bats are to my hubby like snakes are to me. The world would be a better place without them. (or at least me ever coming in contact with one.) So I ended up taking the shoebox, going in the office and retrieving the bat myself. And then I let it go outside.
Note: I found out later that the DNR doesn't want you to let it go. But I didn't know that. Sorry.
Ok, back to my original story...
You know when you've had weeks when you're really busy and you're just looking forward to some downtime to relax, especially before the pace picks up again?? This was that week for me. Except it's turned out not to be so relaxing.
My first reaction? "Fuck! Shit like this only happens to me when the hubby's out of town. Figures!!"
My second reaction? "Now why in the world is there a gob-o-bees in my grass?? In the middle of the yard???"
I looked up and could see a broken hive way up in the tree above it. The heavy winds we'd had the day before must have broken it off. (although I still didn't realize bees would build a hive way up on a tree branch like that. I'd have taken a picture but I don't have that good of a camera phone..)
- get yourself a coffee can
- get an old cotton rag
- make it smoke and smoke them off the heap
- then you can see what's under there and remove it
Ugh. Really? That's a lot of steps! I haven't broken out the Girl Scout handbook in so long that this was actually making me nervous. Ok, not nervous, but pissed. Pissed that I had to even deal with this. All I wanted was to make a great dinner and have a glass of wine.
"Poke some holes in the bottom of the can so the air can circulate better and increase the smoke." Really?? This is waaay more effort that I want to put into this. So after being whiny on the phone with dad I hung up and eventually went to the shed and put a few holes in the bottom of the can. I grabbed the leather work gloves and the shovel - 'cuz I was a girl scout and I wanted to be prepared.
And this is what followed:
Later that night I was thinking about what the hubby had found on the web - bees are least active at sun up and sun down. The sun was going down so I thought I'd give it another look. I went outside - which was starting to get chilly - and saw that the bees were there but hardly moving at all. I'm guessing it was a combo of the timing and the temperature.
So I hustled out to the shed, got the flat-end shovel and went out and carefully scooped up as much of the glob as I could. Slowly I walked to the back fence and dumped them over the side. And I may or may not have run like a wild woman back into the yard after the dump.... just sayin'
When I was certain that I wasn't going to get swarmed by pissy dumped bees I carefully went back and tried to scoop up a bit more. They got dumped over the fence too. However when I went back to get the rest they were pretty active and I decided not to press my luck. Ok, I didn't "decide" to stop shoveling. I stopped because I was "chased" through the yard by an angry warrior bee determined to protect his hive. After being dive bombed a few times I decided to give up.
I put the shovel back and called dad and the hubby for a bee status update.
The remaining bees were there this morning but all seem to be gone by the time I went home at lunch. There are some unfortunate souls that didn't make it and so are making a small "pile of the dead". But I'm not feeling too guilty about it. I did save a bajillion other ones.
And through all that I didn't get stung once!
Just call me the "bee whisperer".
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Why business travel is great... and not so great...
If you travel for you job you understand that getting on a plane and flying all over the US/ world is not really as glamorous as the movies make it seem. But there definitely are perks - which widely differ depending the company you work for and where they send you.
Although my company is sending me all over the US in May/ June and it's making my home life crazy it can actually be a mini-vacation. All I have to do is show up and do my schtick. If I'm in a nice place I can treat it like I'm really not working (except for the times I'm stuck in a conference room or a convention center... where I have to be present.) No getting up with the dogs. No worrying about what to do for dinner. No trying to read my book in peace while trying to block out the noise of the tv/ the hubby's music upstairs. No more vying for my hubby's attention with the tv. No guilty feeling for not cleaning the kitchen. You get the idea... It's just "me time".
(and those are my fuchsia toes... let's hope no one from Singapore is going to be stalking my blog after this...)
However, this paradise isn't perfect. Because I'm at a meeting we still all have dinners we have to go to together. Last night we didn't have dinner until 8pm ('cuz the guys were golfing... : P ) That's 11pm for me folks. Y'all know I can't stay up that late. I was exhausted. I gave it the old college try but I literally almost face planted in my nationally recognized prime aged steak...... but then I got back to my hotel and didn't sleep at all.. again.... I'm exhausted right now. And I don't function well on such little sleep.....
Sunday, May 30, 2010
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???
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???
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
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.....
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.....
Friday, May 21, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
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:
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.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
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....)
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....
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...
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??
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??
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
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!!
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....)
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