Wal Mart Chronicles - Part 3

Ok, so this is the last Wal-Mart post. I really don't want to give them any more of my energy but I've got to finish the story. This is actually what happened the night I decided to put these posts up in the first place.

Promised Tim I'd be home before he needed to leave for basketball. He really wasn't happy that I wanted to run to the store because he was sure I'd be late. I'm always late. I promised him it was going to be a short trip. And it was until I hit the check out counter. I was so proud of myself that I managed to navigate the entire store and not forget anything on my list.

As usual, Wal-Mart had very few check-out lines open for my 7pm trip. I like to shop in the evening - less people, less time. But Wal Mart is notorious for long lines this time of night. So in order to keep my promise, I decided to go through the self-check out. I had quite a few items and produce to weigh, but I made it through without any hang ups - a true self-check out miracle. I scanned my debit card and signed my name. I hit the final "OK" button and the entire screen went blank. Then within a few seconds a big huge red error sign showed up on the main monitor. My receipt never printed. NOT GOOD!

Several people tried to figure out what happened, all I heard was, "this is not good" or "I've never seen this happen before."

Fast forward 40 minutes later as I am now finally wrapping up my Wal Mart trip. They determined that my sale had not gone through after checking the main computer. They rescanned all my items and I was out the door LATE. Making my hubby LATE. He was gracious.

Wouldn't you know, the next day there were 2 charges from Wal Mart on my checking account. Go figure. I called the store and spoke with a not-so-helpful person who was willing to put me off through the weekend. I decided to have a chat with an upper level manager and she said she'd try get things sorted out for me as soon as possible. Well as soon as possible took 5 days.

Apparently they have not seen the movie "I am Sam"... the customer is always right!

So I waste no more time on my Wal-Mart frustrations. Not sure what the future holds for our relationship. I hold no expectations for any thing different when I walk in the door. I just needed to get these series of unfortunate events off my chest and find some humor in how outrageous my experience in the store has been. It's all kinda strange.

The Wal Mart Chronicles - Part 2

One of my next eventful trips to Wal Mart involved a young cashier, hired for the holidays. Again, I had WIC checks. She had never cashed out a customer using WIC checks before and apparently she was excited as she yelled across three lanes of check out, "Betty, help!!! I have WIC checks over here." Umm.. what happened to confidentiality? If I really cared I wouldn't blog about it, but come on. She broke one of the major rules of customer service.

Anyway, the remainder of our check out experience involved much self-disclosure on her part. I found out how much money she makes, that she was on antibiotics for bronchitis as she coughed all over my groceries, and that her child is in foster care. I was gracious to her.

And then it happened - one of the strangest check out experiences EVER! My face was buried in my purse while trying to fish out my wallet when I heard, "Oh my God, that is the grossest thing I've ever seen!!!" What? "eewww, this is totally disgusting" as she is bagging my raw roasting chicken. So naturally I asked her if she was a vegetarian? And she said no. "So what's the problem?" I asked. And then she responded, "That thing looks like an infant."

Yes folks you heard it right. She called my chicken an infant. I was floored. Again nothing more to say except "Have a good day."

The Wal Mart Chronicles - Part 1

I have a serious, very intense, extremely unfriendly feeling toward Wal Mart right about now. I once wrote this post about my roller coaster relationship with Wal Mart, and things have only gone downhill from there. I have been know to refer to the store as the evil empire.

I'm really thinking that breaking up might be the best idea.

Maybe Wal Mart exists to further increase the fruit of the spirit in me and my budget dictates that I shop there for at least part of my shopping. Seriously folks, I cannot think of another place where I've had to bite my tongue and exercise patience beyond my human capabilities.

OK, OK. Let me get on with it...

I have to start with a trip to Wal Mart that I made while using WIC checks a few months ago. Now if you have used WIC, you know how specific the items are on each check. So, I brought up my usual WIC items - you know, the ones I buy EVERY SINGLE TIME. Yeah, well the cashier was uncertain if the items were the correct ones, so she made 2 separate trips to the customer service counter, leaving me hanging with child in cart for about 5 minutes EACH time. Not to mention, that when I was told I had to get a different brand peanut butter two different times (even though I had bought the same peanut butter a zillion times before), I had to truck across the football sized store to get a new jar.

At this time, I had been at the check out for well over 15 minutes. I finally made it to my last check and she decided she needed to check with customer service ONE MORE TIME about my frozen juice concentrate size. I HAVE BOUGHT THIS JUICE CONCENTRATE A THOUSAND TIMES BEFORE!!!!! It was at this point that the "keep it together" self-talk began. Gabby was VERY crabby and hungry; she was going to miss lunch because I now had to go straight to pre-school to pick up Samuel so I wouldn't be late. I then began to throw calmly place the remainder of my items from my cart onto the counter and screamed at told the lady between gritted teeth that I no longer wanted these items.

I said nothing more and walked out. And yes, I did call the store manager.

My next Wal Mart story is rather strange... stay tuned.

Lollipop Love

"Samuel, if you eat all your peas, I'll let you have a second serving of macaroni and cheese, AND I'll even let you have that lollipop from the library." He responds, "Wow mom, I think I'll keep you. You are the best friend ever."

And who says bribes aren't ok?

And I must make a public confession. I just ate 5, well... maybe 7 or 8, mint oreo cookies in under 10 minutes. It was heavenly! Does it make it any better if I tell you that they are Newman's Own brand? Probably not. But what's a girl to do when she's been without her hubby for 12 days. I gotta get some lovin' somewhere:)

Firsts

It has been about six months since I've written much of anything on this blog. I guess I knew myself fairly well when I titled this blog a few years ago.

I know, I know, you've missed me. Well, you can put your Kleenex away because I'm back. Well, back to my "not-so-daily self" that is. I decided I couldn't start blogging again unless I recapped the last six months. Don't worry, I'll be brief.

Samuel went on his first camping trip.

He also had his first day of pre-school.

Gabby ate her first apple off a tree.

And she also won her first award - best costume at our super hero themed harvest party. She was "Grape Girl with Antioxidant Power!"

Samuel had his first experience inside a fire truck.

My husband attended his first party as a Doctor!!!

Gabby wore her first ponytails.

The cousins celebrated their first Christmas all together.

I made it to Courtney's "new" place for the first time.

And... I got highlights for the first time EVER!

Photo Shoot

Earlier this summer we had the wonderful opportunity of doing a photo shoot with one of our favorite people, Miss Amanda! If you have not yet checked out her photography site, you really should do so. She's awesome!!! We laughed, we cried, we had the time of our lives...

Well almost.

Anyway, here's the finished product. Samuel was not totally cooperative and Gabrielle only balled her eyes out once. Amanda picked some interesting locations... a beautiful lake, a grassy knoll behind an Arby's drive thru, a wasp infested shack...

We really did have fun and we certainly laughed a lot!

Rock on!

Date Night:
Dinner at Olive Garden, mini golf, browsing the furniture store and a little guitar hero to top off the evening.

(And no, I did not wear this out to dinner.)

Wordless Wednesday - A Day at the Park

All Things New

That was the title of our Easter service at church. Our pastor delivered a powerful message and I am reminded and refreshed once again in the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

Some of you are saying AMEN! Some of you might scan my words and some of you will read no further, BUT before you click off this page, I urge to to open your hearts and your minds for just a little longer.

What if Jesus really can make all things new for you?

He did for me.

Would you take a half hour of your precious time and watch the following MESSAGE? It's really good stuff! Life changing! And please don't skip the cardboard testimonies at the end of the video. You won't regret it - I promise!

This is my cardboard testimony!


(Maybe I should have put a little make-up on before taking these pics at 11pm with a cold)

Do you have a cardboard testimony to share?
Please do!

The crib is calling

After being sick for a month straight and cutting teeth - Gabrielle has lost her ability to put herself to sleep on her own both day and night. I think she slept better her first 2 months of life. Sleep issues plague our family and quite frankly I'm done. Sometimes I wonder if it's something I do to my children or perhaps it's just the genes we gave them. My fault either way.

Anyway, it is a total pain in the patooty and I've turned into "meanie mommy" and "wicked wife" this week (I may also be hormonal - 6.5 months postpartum and still nursing if you catch my drift). Thank God my husband is so chill and is able to see past the absurdity.

Well, I want you to know that my dear daughter just put herself to sleep (am nap) for the first time in forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No assistance, no holding, no pats on the tushy, barely any crying. Oh please tell me we can make this a trend. I can't bare to go through the whole "let her cry" thing again. It just kills me.

The night thing however is a whole different problem. We have been using the family bed with Gabrielle as a means of sanity for me. I can just hook her up and go back to dream land. This was not our initial choice but with Samuel waking as much as the baby - we just had to do something. (He's doing so much better now in his twin size bed - thank God!) I've enjoyed the closeness of sleeping with my baby and hearing her gurgles and feeling her breath on my skin, but it's time for the big move. This arrangement is starting to create a night waking problem and we must break the habit. She gets up like clockwork now around 11:00pm, 2:00am and 5:30am. A 20 lb six month old does NOT need to eat this much and I would love to sleep a solid 6 hours straight sometime soon. It's time for the crib and it's time to sleep longer stretches.

Has anyone out there had a successful transition from bed to crib around this age range? If so, I'd love to hear about it. If it was a nightmare, spare me the details and I'll go on hoping for the best.

A few of my favorite things!

Living up to the name again with my sporadic posting. Sorry blog land, but when I must line up my priorities you fall off the list. Unpacked boxes, runny noses, teething, etc. I do miss you so, but family first - ya know what I mean!

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In the spirit of the season, I thought I'd share some of my most favorite things with you all. The things that really get my goat, make me shout and do a funny little dance. Maybe some of these little things might make you happy too!

International Delight - Chocolate Mint Truffle Creamer
This is like heaven in a bottle. If you are willing to crash your diet for a moment. This little bottle of sugar and fat will surely put you in the holiday mood! I would not call myself a coffee drinker (I prefer a good cup of English Breakfast Tea), however I can't turn down a cup of decaf java with some chocolate mint lovin' in it! YUMMY!!!


Bravado Nursing Bras
My wonderful friend Chrissy gave these nursing bras to me when Gabby Girl was born and they are nothing short of spectacular! I nursed Samuel for 29 months, took a 6 month break, and here I am back in the milk department. So you can bet I am in the market for a good nursing bra and this one is tops on comfort and ease. No hole to peek out or cumbersome clasps. They are a one-handed wonder! A bit pricey but worth every penny!



NutriBiotic Grapefruit Seed Extract
My osteopath introduced me to Grapefruit Seed Extract a few years ago. It has great anti-bacterial/viral properties and can be used for so many things especially during cold and flu season. We use it in our OJ when we feel a cold coming on, soak toothbrushes in it, clean produce with it. Here's a recipe for homemade veggie wash. Works great and much less expensive than the bottled kinds.


Mary Kay Lotus & Bamboo Body Wash & Lotion
I am not a shower gels, lotions, bath bubbles kind of girl - I do use them occasionally but I like light, clean and fresh scents. Oh how I love this stuff. This is just the perfect aroma to arouse my tired body in the morning or evening or whenever the heck I get a chance to take a shower. I hope they carry this scent forever!

7 Random Facts You Probably Didn't Want To Know...

So Courtney tagged me over the phone over a week ago and I'm just sitting down to give you these fabulous, juicy, you know you can't wait to read 'em, facts about myself.

Ready?

1) I met my husband when I was working at the college bookstore. I was a manager and he a student worker. Scandalous right? Not really - it was God's plan. But still, it was a shocker for almost everyone working there. We were married 10 months later.

2)Not only have a I been a college bookstore manager, I've also been a gift store decorator, bartender, an art teacher for migrant workers, an early childhood education specialist and I am currently a lia sophia jewelry advisor. I've never been one to stick to one thing. Call it a weakness??? No, I call it my hidden free spirit.

3)I think I currently have toe nail fungus - Can you say EEEWWWW!!!! Anyone have any natural remedies for such an atrocity??? (It may just be staining from my nail polish, but I have a "worse case scenario" thinking problem too.)

4) When I was a child I had a recurring nightmare that aliens would come in their spaceship to take away the new diamond & emerald necklace/ring set my parents had just given to me. Then in my dream, my parents would ask me where my jewelry was (because I was suppose to take very good care of it) and they would not believe my story when I told them about the spaceship. I had this dream over and over and over. Can we get Freudian on this one???

5) I nurse my babies until they decide to wean. Some think it's gross, I think it's one of the most wonderful and natural experiences a mother can have. Samuel weaned at 29 months and it was smooth as butter. If anyone has any questions about toddler nursing, I'd be happy to chat by email.

6) I have finally gotten over the need to have my bra and underwear match. It took, oh, almost 31 years. It didn't require therapy, just having children.

7)When I was in high school, I totally sported the "Forehead, Five Head" hairdo. I was a pro at getting those bangs a mile high with some Stiff Stuff Hairspray (another marvel of the eighties). I grew up in Long Island folks - big hair was an absolute MUST!

And just to make it worth your while for reading this meme all the way through I present to you a teenage portrait of me as a high school junior...

Now, I'm going to tag just 3 people who I'd like to know something random about:
1) Vic
2) Sarah
3) Mel