Everyone has them...things that annoy, frustrate, piss us off and just plain get on our last nerve. I have a few of them, but there is one that comes to mind that I witnessed on Sunday that needs sharing.
I live in a condo, that just happens to be walking distance from a Winners, No Frills and a Walmart. When I first moved in, the WalMart hadn't opened yet, but the other two stores had. On a regular basis the first several months, I would come home to my home, and see several shopping carts from the stores either in the underground, at the back of the building, and at times, even in the hallways of the buidling. Why do people feel the need to bring these carts, which are private property to the stores they are essentially stealing from to the condo.
I understand that not everyone has the luxury of a car. BUT, there are countless types of carts, buggies and carry type products available in the market for people who walk to purchase to carry their parcels.
Back to the story....I had been shopping at Walmart and was driving out of the parking lot to my condo and noticed a sign that said something to the effect of, "Do not remove shopping carts. Past this boundary, the wheels lock and you will be unable to remove". Just then, I notice two people with a WalMart shopping cart ahead of me in the parking lot unable to move the cart.
I stopped and rolled down the window. The woman says to me (in broken english), "He cannot move the cart, it is stuck". To which I reply, "the sign over there says that the wheels will lock if you try to remove the cart". She looks at me dumbfounded and says, "oh really, I did not know that"..... Really, you just walked by the sign 10 steps behind where you were standing.
I drive away shaking my head and thinking maybe ignorance really is bliss.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Bigger is not always better
I think I am an educated consumer. I look at the flyers on line or hard copy, I buy items that are on sale, and I look for the best value for money. I was at No Frills near my house yesterday, and came across something that I found interesting.
I need to step back for a minute. I know A LOT of people (families, couples) who shop at Costco and Sam's Club (pre closure). I get that for a family, bulk shopping makes sense. But for a single person, living in a small space, buying large quantities of products doesn't work. If you buy food, the food goes bad before it is finished. If you buy products, a) there is limited storage space and b) it may take years to finish a 10 kg box of clothes soap. I need small, cost efficent items that will fit in my storage space and that I can finish before it goes bad.
Back to my story....I am addicted to any kind of disinfecting wipes. Mostly the Lysol brand because they are usually the ones on sale. Case in point....No Frills...yesterday.
The regular size package of wipes - 35 pre-moistened wipes - $1.99
The large size package of wipes - 70 pre- moistened wipes - $4.98
Why would someone pay $1.00 MORE for the same number of wipes???
What did I do? I bought two smaller packages (2 different scents) for $3.98 and saved a dollar.
By the way, I did see the MEGA size package (110 wipes) at Costco for $9.98. Which of course is not a good deal at all...3 x $1.99 (105 wipes) = $5.97 at No Frills vs. $9.98 at Costco for 110.
Which leads me to the subject line....bigger isn't always better.
Just think about this the next time you are walking through Costco and trying to decide if that is a good deal or not!
Happy shopping!
I need to step back for a minute. I know A LOT of people (families, couples) who shop at Costco and Sam's Club (pre closure). I get that for a family, bulk shopping makes sense. But for a single person, living in a small space, buying large quantities of products doesn't work. If you buy food, the food goes bad before it is finished. If you buy products, a) there is limited storage space and b) it may take years to finish a 10 kg box of clothes soap. I need small, cost efficent items that will fit in my storage space and that I can finish before it goes bad.
Back to my story....I am addicted to any kind of disinfecting wipes. Mostly the Lysol brand because they are usually the ones on sale. Case in point....No Frills...yesterday.
The regular size package of wipes - 35 pre-moistened wipes - $1.99
The large size package of wipes - 70 pre- moistened wipes - $4.98
Why would someone pay $1.00 MORE for the same number of wipes???
What did I do? I bought two smaller packages (2 different scents) for $3.98 and saved a dollar.
By the way, I did see the MEGA size package (110 wipes) at Costco for $9.98. Which of course is not a good deal at all...3 x $1.99 (105 wipes) = $5.97 at No Frills vs. $9.98 at Costco for 110.
Which leads me to the subject line....bigger isn't always better.
Just think about this the next time you are walking through Costco and trying to decide if that is a good deal or not!
Happy shopping!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The Jewish Holidays
I really don't have any to say about the Jewish Holidays, but my mom just sent me this YouTube video that will have you laughing off your chairs...at least it did for me!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvY98WQ5n9g
Enjoy, I did!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvY98WQ5n9g
Enjoy, I did!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Swine Flu
Let me just give my opinion about the Swine Flu and the situations with travelling to Mexico. It is still safe to go to Mexico. Please read attached article:
http://ca.travel.yahoo.com/news/capress/090424/utravel/swine_flu_mexico_travel_2
Brad works in the US in the radio news forum. I read his facebook status last night and cheered. Someone has to show perspective. Here is his update from Sunday:
"Swine flu. U.S. population = 300 million+ and only 20 cases of the flu. No deaths here. Half a million americans die of heart attacks each year. Instead of worrying about swine flu, maybe we should think about skipping the cheeseburger for dinner?"
Here is the Canadian perspective:
Canadian Population (as of Jul 2008): 33,212,696
In 2007 - there were a reported 20,000 cases of the influenza and about 4,000 deaths in Canada. (I couldn't find the 2008 stats)
Current cases of swine flu in Canada: 6 confirmed, more 'suspected'.
Mexican Population: 109, 955,400
Confirmed swine flu cases: 103, with 400 suspected in hospital now
Flu virus information
Hotline: 1-800-454-8302.
Federal government websites: www.fightflu.ca, www.voyage.ca and www.phac.gc.ca.
2008 total number of West Nile cases in ALL of Canada - 36 confirmed in humans.
Does it scare us? Yes, it does, but let's try to keep things in perspective.
http://ca.travel.yahoo.com/news/capress/090424/utravel/swine_flu_mexico_travel_2
Brad works in the US in the radio news forum. I read his facebook status last night and cheered. Someone has to show perspective. Here is his update from Sunday:
"Swine flu. U.S. population = 300 million+ and only 20 cases of the flu. No deaths here. Half a million americans die of heart attacks each year. Instead of worrying about swine flu, maybe we should think about skipping the cheeseburger for dinner?"
Here is the Canadian perspective:
Canadian Population (as of Jul 2008): 33,212,696
In 2007 - there were a reported 20,000 cases of the influenza and about 4,000 deaths in Canada. (I couldn't find the 2008 stats)
Current cases of swine flu in Canada: 6 confirmed, more 'suspected'.
Mexican Population: 109, 955,400
Confirmed swine flu cases: 103, with 400 suspected in hospital now
Flu virus information
Hotline: 1-800-454-8302.
Federal government websites: www.fightflu.ca, www.voyage.ca and www.phac.gc.ca.
2008 total number of West Nile cases in ALL of Canada - 36 confirmed in humans.
Does it scare us? Yes, it does, but let's try to keep things in perspective.
The Good Food Festival
I worked this weekend. Not selling travel, but at the Good Food Festival (http://www.goodfoodfestival.net/) promoting the Last Minute Club (one of our companies) and handing out business cards to potential clients. I guess the first question is: "Why would a travel agent be at a food show?" The answer, a free booth!
So, we were giving away a free membership to the Last Minute Club (value $55) and a chance to win a free trip for two to Punta Cana at a five star hotel. Not too shabby, but in case you forgot the following details: in the last 10 days, one tour company went bankrupt, a plane was hijacked in Jamaica, and now we have swine flu. Oh did I forget to mention another ship got attacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia again on Friday? Don't even get me started on that!
Here is the scene of the show. Picture hall 5 at the international centre, filled with row upon row of food vendors, giving out free, did I say free, samples! The greed, and rudeness of so many of the people was unbelieveable. People who come to these shows are a very interesting breed. The walk down the aisles, with granny buggies, suitcases on wheels, or any other type of grocery carry on item with a deep pouch and wheels and looking for the free items. They would take the table cloths off the tables if they thought they were free. (aside, I did manage to obtain 4 sample packages of the free Jello product they were giving away).
It was just the ignorance and rudeness of people that I observed this weekend. We were advertising that we would giving away a "FREE" Sunquest trip. I can't count how many people actually 'challenged' us that Sunquest was the company that went out of business. I finally asked a gentleman, "Sir, do you think we could really give a trip away sponsered by a company that was no longer in business?" I mean really, need I say more? I should state, in case you don't know, it was CONquest that closed their doors, not SUNquest, who is still VERY much in the travel business.
On the positive side of the weekend's adventures, I got to spend time with my friend Lorrie chatting, laughing and catching up. We both work from home, so it was great to actually be face to face with each other and the public. Spent money on Planters nut products, Canadian Club BBQ sauce, Kettle creek chips and a HUGE jug of already peeled garlic. They said it will last 4-6 months in the freezer, but I think I will be rid of it a long time before that. I use a lot of garlic, but I think this was a bit obscene, but for the price ($2) I could handle it. Now, if only my car and condo didn't smell like garlic, I would probably be enjoying it more!
So, we were giving away a free membership to the Last Minute Club (value $55) and a chance to win a free trip for two to Punta Cana at a five star hotel. Not too shabby, but in case you forgot the following details: in the last 10 days, one tour company went bankrupt, a plane was hijacked in Jamaica, and now we have swine flu. Oh did I forget to mention another ship got attacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia again on Friday? Don't even get me started on that!
Here is the scene of the show. Picture hall 5 at the international centre, filled with row upon row of food vendors, giving out free, did I say free, samples! The greed, and rudeness of so many of the people was unbelieveable. People who come to these shows are a very interesting breed. The walk down the aisles, with granny buggies, suitcases on wheels, or any other type of grocery carry on item with a deep pouch and wheels and looking for the free items. They would take the table cloths off the tables if they thought they were free. (aside, I did manage to obtain 4 sample packages of the free Jello product they were giving away).
It was just the ignorance and rudeness of people that I observed this weekend. We were advertising that we would giving away a "FREE" Sunquest trip. I can't count how many people actually 'challenged' us that Sunquest was the company that went out of business. I finally asked a gentleman, "Sir, do you think we could really give a trip away sponsered by a company that was no longer in business?" I mean really, need I say more? I should state, in case you don't know, it was CONquest that closed their doors, not SUNquest, who is still VERY much in the travel business.
On the positive side of the weekend's adventures, I got to spend time with my friend Lorrie chatting, laughing and catching up. We both work from home, so it was great to actually be face to face with each other and the public. Spent money on Planters nut products, Canadian Club BBQ sauce, Kettle creek chips and a HUGE jug of already peeled garlic. They said it will last 4-6 months in the freezer, but I think I will be rid of it a long time before that. I use a lot of garlic, but I think this was a bit obscene, but for the price ($2) I could handle it. Now, if only my car and condo didn't smell like garlic, I would probably be enjoying it more!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Sit on it Potsie
For anyone who doesn't know, I had a car accident on February 21st, 2009. I am feeling much better now, and that is thanks to an amazing therapy clinic not far from my house. I go there twice a week and have massage therapy, active release therapy and acupuncture. The doctor's and therapists are amazing and they have been teaching me a lot, as well as helping me in the process.
So...back to the story. I was having my massage therapy yesterday, and there were some very tender spots in my lower back, hips, butt area. While he was trying to work them out (believe me, it hurts), he told me that I could work on it myself at home. I don't know about anyone else who has massages, but sometimes I hold my breath during the pain. I have been advised that it is not good to hold your breath, since you are not allowing oxygen to come back into the body and help the muscles. See what I mean about learning new things.
Back to the butt......he told me to take a golf ball or tennis ball and sit on it. Yes, I said sit on it, roll it around until you find the tender spot and then work out the tension with the ball. The first thought that popped into my head was the show "Happy Days". You all know it and loved it, and Ralph Mouth always used to say, "Ah, sit on it Potsie". I almost laughed out loud, but the pain got in the way.
At the end, I asked him again what to, and he showed me. It looks funny, and I haven't tried it yet, so I will update once I do.
It gives a whole new spin on the saying, "sit on this and rotate...."
So...back to the story. I was having my massage therapy yesterday, and there were some very tender spots in my lower back, hips, butt area. While he was trying to work them out (believe me, it hurts), he told me that I could work on it myself at home. I don't know about anyone else who has massages, but sometimes I hold my breath during the pain. I have been advised that it is not good to hold your breath, since you are not allowing oxygen to come back into the body and help the muscles. See what I mean about learning new things.
Back to the butt......he told me to take a golf ball or tennis ball and sit on it. Yes, I said sit on it, roll it around until you find the tender spot and then work out the tension with the ball. The first thought that popped into my head was the show "Happy Days". You all know it and loved it, and Ralph Mouth always used to say, "Ah, sit on it Potsie". I almost laughed out loud, but the pain got in the way.
At the end, I asked him again what to, and he showed me. It looks funny, and I haven't tried it yet, so I will update once I do.
It gives a whole new spin on the saying, "sit on this and rotate...."
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Mail delivery
When I lived at my parents house, I used to love getting mail. I remember always asking my mother when I spoke to her from work, "did I get any mail?" Now, mail is just a pain in the ass.
You are probably saying, well of course mail is a pain the ass, it is always full of bills. But that is not the only reason.
For those of you who live (or have lived in a building/condo) and park in an underground parking spot, you know what I mean. The mail room is NOT user friendly. When I park my car underground, and always have something in my hand, the last thing I want to do is go to the ground floor, down the hall to the mail room, get the mail, go back to the elevator and upstairs to my suite. So, I don't check the mail every day, or every week. Well, usually once at week on Fridays so I have the whole week's worth of mail to go through.
Now, that is another thing, usually there is very little mail there of any value. There are coupons, and flyers, flyers and more garbage. AND the same real estate agent(s) flyers every week. I get that they want me to remember them when I am ready to sell, I really do, but every week is not necessary.
I am not being naive, I know that the mail can't be delivered to each individual suite as they do with houses, it is just one aspect of apartment living that takes getting used to. Or maybe you never do...I probably won't. Can't be bothered.
You are probably saying, well of course mail is a pain the ass, it is always full of bills. But that is not the only reason.
For those of you who live (or have lived in a building/condo) and park in an underground parking spot, you know what I mean. The mail room is NOT user friendly. When I park my car underground, and always have something in my hand, the last thing I want to do is go to the ground floor, down the hall to the mail room, get the mail, go back to the elevator and upstairs to my suite. So, I don't check the mail every day, or every week. Well, usually once at week on Fridays so I have the whole week's worth of mail to go through.
Now, that is another thing, usually there is very little mail there of any value. There are coupons, and flyers, flyers and more garbage. AND the same real estate agent(s) flyers every week. I get that they want me to remember them when I am ready to sell, I really do, but every week is not necessary.
I am not being naive, I know that the mail can't be delivered to each individual suite as they do with houses, it is just one aspect of apartment living that takes getting used to. Or maybe you never do...I probably won't. Can't be bothered.
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