Merry Christmas Everyone!

I hope everyone is having a fabulous Christmas. I will give you a tip though...never, NEVER, EVER decide to redecorate your living room right before Christmas. On the 23rd I was putting up drapes. At 11:30pm we made a run to Kmart to pick up more valances because even though they covered the windows, they did not gather and look right. Kmart in Tinley Park was super crowded at that hour, surprisingly. I was able to pick up the additional valances and more drapery hooks. Why I needed more, I have no idea.

Christmas Eve I was up at 7am, even though I went to bed at nearly 2am. I had a ton of stuff to do. The drapes all needed ironing. (Don't believe what those steamer cleaner things say about being able to steam drapes while hanging, cuz it doesn't work.) I had to take the drapes down and iron them the ol' fashioned way. Then we had to put the tree up, and of course there were complications with that, but my gf was able to fluff it and get the lights mostly working. Didn't start wrapping until 7pm. My gf helped with that. We actually went to bed at our normal bedtime, surprisingly. Such a nice treat after years of staying up doing marathon wrapping and assembly sessions until 4am!

Of course the kids were up since 6am, (what? Are they 5?). But I was having none of that!

Very nice Christmas morning. Time to start the turkey!

Hope you all are having a great Christmas!

I guess Blogger is too busy, won't let me upload any photos, I will try later.

Lola's Diner ©2008-2011

Update on my Walmart Rant on poor customer service...

Update:

A "manager" called me from Walmart and wanted all the details on how I did not receive good customer service. She wanted to know exactly what happened and who did what.

I'm sorry, but the elderly Greeter did everything I think she possibly could, it wasn't her fault that the other employees who were standing around doing nothing chatting with each other didn't help.

Nor was it her fault that the manager on duty walked away and she had to run after him. The Greeter should not get in trouble.

Anyway, turns out that store only got 4 of the item that had a poster prominently displayed at the entrance. FOUR! And they sold out right way. The "manager" who phoned me claimed they were contractually required to keep the poster displayed for a certain amount of time. She told me exactly where the books WERE. Near the toy department. No one directed me there. She also said someone should have accompanied me on my hunt, or gone to look and have me wait. Nothing of the sort happened.

She claimed they were having a managers meeting at 9pm Wednesday night and they were going to discuss this so it doesn't happen again. Bravo Walmart! I am soooo glad that I helped you to improve your customer service and so happy to know that you are throwing the Greeter under the bus and blaming her.

I'm so happy that I had to go chasing this item down at a competitor and pay more.

Thank you so much Walmart for allowing me to waste my valuable time, not only in your store, being led on a wild goose chase for over an hour, but also on the phone.

And what do I have to show for helping them improve their shoddy customer service? Bupkus! Nada! Zip! Zilch! Nothing! Way to go Walmart!

Lola's Diner ©2008-2011

Random Tuesday Thoughts and Rants

First a rant. I've been doing some redecorating and planned on painting my living room a kind of Chocolate Milk (going with the diner theme here), with the accent wall in Coffee. I purchased paint at Home Depot. I purchased their Behr brand which I've used before and never had a problem with. The color I was covering was more of a very light mocha, so I wasn't covering a dark color. The lighter color I chose seemed to go on well with pretty good coverage. I did need 2 coats, but no big deal, I can deal with 2. When I started brushing on the darker color, the paint was so thin that I was getting bristle streaks as if I had thinned down the paint to do a faux finish. I did not thin it down. I stirred it thoroughly. Ok, so the brush wasn't working well, so I tried a roller. A new roller of the same kind I used with the other paint. Same thing! It was going on very light, like it was too thin, as if it were paint thinned to faux finish. It was going on like watered down crap. I even tried a foam roller that said it was for painting furniture. That covered a bit better, but not much. So far I think I've got 4 coats of that paint on that one wall and it still doesn't look right. And there are drips and runs too. Tonight we'll be at it again, analyzing the wall looking for light areas that need another coat...and swearing a blue streak.

I've been painting since Friday and I'm exhausted so on Sunday my son makes lunch. Grilled cheese. And yes, he made some for everyone. I go to grab 1 from the 2 that were done and my son says "Mom...the dark one is yours because I know you like it dark." To which I respond, "no, I don't, but when I make them and one gets overdone, I take it because I know no one else will eat it." Lmao! Cuz that's what Moms do!

Another rant, this one about Walmart. I went to Walmart to pick up a few things for dinner and to knock off a few items from this Santa's helper's list. I saw one of the items on my list in a prominent display at the entrance. I went to the department that the item should have been in, nothing. I cruised the entire store twice. Nothing. Then I zipped over to the entrance to ask the Greeter. The Greeter didn't know, but asked a group of employees standing at a register (yes, standing at 1 register doing nothing). They said they didn't know and suggested looking in the department behind the obvious department. Really? The 2 departments have nothing to do with each other. I know it's a wild goose chase, but I go anyway. Not there! Big surprise. So I zip back to the Greeter and let her know it wasn't there. She hollers over to the manager who turns around and goes the other way. How do I know this? Because the Greeter says "why is the manager walking the other way?" Umm...am I supposed to know this? So she trots down to the manager, comes back and tells me the same department. Really? So now I'm ticked! I tool around the store another time (I know, most of you would have given up, but this 1 item would have FINISHED my Christmas shopping). I thoroughly look at every end cap and every display lining the aisles. It's not f'n anywhere! I want to know why someone at Walmart couldn't look on their computers and find out where the item was being displayed? They use computer generated planograms for store displays, there would be one for this item. Not only that...it's WALMART! You can't tell me that they don't know what occupies each square inch of their stores. And if they don't have even one of the item...then remove the display that is prominently featured at the store entrance! I emailed a complaint, I'll let you know if I hear anything.

Lola's Diner ©2008-2011

What was the best Christmas Party you ever attended or hosted?

As my office Christmas party approaches, which I am dreading by the way, it made me think of this post back from 2008. I dread it because I've heard there are going to be "games". Now I googled "Christmas Office Party Games", and that made me even more dread it.

One of the replies to one of my Christmas traditions posts made me realize that posting these has helped me reminisce and is really helping me get into the Christmas spirit. I hope it’s giving you all a chance to get into the Christmas spirit too!

Today’s questions is:

What was the best Christmas party you ever either attended or hosted?

And yes, I’d love to hear your drunken office party stories too. Lol!
I have to cheat and share 2 Christmas party stories. Hey, it’s my blog and I can do what I want.

The best Christmas party I ever hosted bk (before kids) was a potluck “theme” party. The theme was childhood favorites. I think this was the best idea for a party I ever had, and the most successful party I hosted. My contribution to the party was a baked ham, homemade split pea soup and homemade apple pie. One guest made the most delicious, incredibly fattening, wonderful, homemade Macaroni and Cheese. The most notable contribution though was Fluffernutter Sandwiches. I thought these things were nasty sweet, but in terms of following the theme, they were definitely the winner.

The best Christmas party ak (after kids) was the year of my son’s first Christmas, my daughter was 1 ½ years old. First a little history on that year’s Christmas. I was living in Chicago at the time and decided to bundle up both kids and head to Marshall Fields on State Street to visit Santa. First off, I don’t know what the hell I was thinking. Dragging two little ones on your own all the way downtown isn’t the greatest of plans, but I was determined to have their pictures taken with Marshall Fields' Santa. Thankfully the line wasn’t very long and we made our way up to Santa and the Elf photographer fairly quickly. Finally it was our turn. My daughter was first. Santa didn’t even bother to chat, the elf parked her on his knee and went back and snapped the picture. No "and what do you want for Christmas" or "have you been a good little girl". Same thing with my son, park him on Santa's lap, shoot the picture. No coochie coo, no waving a stuffed animal to get his attention, just snap, grab him off Santa’s lap and pass him back to me.

When I got the photo packages I ordered I was furious at having spent a ridiculous sum of money for crappy, hastily snapped photos. It was not the 'memory' I expected after having plunking down that much hard earned cash. After we got home the more I thought about it, the angrier I got. I decided to write a letter to the head of Marshall Fields Public Relations Department. I even called to find out the person's name. I figured if nothing else it would be an exercise that would allow me to vent. About a week later, to my surprise I got a phone call from someone from their Public Relations Department. The Marshall Fields rep apologized profusely for my bad experience and they wanted to make it right. They offered to send their best Santa (aka Mr. O’Riley) to our apartment so my kids could have a personal visit with him and we could take as many photos as we wanted. As luck would have it, we were having a holiday party that Saturday. They juggled Santa’s schedule and promised to have him stop by during the party. They also refunded the money I spent on the photo packages.

When guests started arriving at our holiday party that night we told them we ‘might’ have a surprise visitor. Everyone thought that meant that my husband (now ex-husband) would be ‘disappearing’ while Santa made his appearance. Boy were they surprised when Santa showed up and my ex-husband walked in right behind Santa. Santa gave our kids stockings filled with goodies and gave us mugs filled with candies. Santa had every child (and every adult that wanted to) sit on his lap and talked and laughed with each and every one. Santa let us take as many pictures as we wanted to. Everyone had a really good laugh when Grandma sat on Santa’s lap. The picture below is the only photo I could find.
Marshall Fields was the best, truly. It’s really sad they no longer exist.

That's Santa and my daughter. She's still a cutie!

Lola's Diner ©2008-2011

Sunday Stealing - The Blue Memory Meme Part 2

The Blue Memory Meme, Part Two

Welcome back to Sunday Stealing which originated on WTIT: The Blog authored by Bud Weiser. Here we will steal all types of memes from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent memes. You may have heard of the expression, “honor amongst thieves”. In that age-old tradition, we also have our rules. First, we always credit the blog that we stole it from and we will “fess up” to the blog owner where we stole the meme. We also provide a link to the victim's post. (It's our way of saying "Thanks!") We do sometimes edit the original meme, usually to make it more relevant to our global players, to challenge our players, sometimes to select that meme's best questions, or simply to make it less repetitive from either this new meme or recently asked questions from a prior featured meme. Let's go!!!

Today we ripped off a blogger and blog called BlueLifeMemories. It's long so we will do it in two parts. She states she stole it from a friend, but did not say which friend. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The Blue Memory Meme, Part Two

Cheers to all of us thieves!

26) Are you happy with the person you've become? Yes, I am. However, it would be nice to have enough money to pay my bills and not be so stressed.

27) What's a sound you hate; sound you love? Sound I hate? That's easy...Drummer boy aka Metallica-head when he's playing music...whether it's the drums, electric guitar, or music. Sound I love...my kids laughter.

28) What's your biggest "what if"? What if I'm not around for those who need me.

29) Do you believe in ghosts? After watching Celebrity Ghost stories most of Saturday afternoon, I'd say no. Some of these are so hokey, it's ridiculous.

30) How about aliens? I've heard about Dennis Rodman. LMFAO!

31) What is the single best decision you have made in your life so far? Coming out.

32) What's the worst place you have ever been to? The mall during the holidays!

33) Can insanity bring on more creativity? That depends on the kind of insanity...

34) Most attractive actor of your opposite gender? Hmm...can't really think. Antonio Banderas comes to mind, but I think it's more his accent than his looks.

35) To you, what is the meaning of life? Family, love, peace.

36) Define “Art”. Art can be anything, it's how each person interprets it.

37) Do you believe in luck? Yes, and I could use some right now.

38) In your opinion, what makes a great relationship? Communication.

39) What's a song that always makes you happy when you hear it? Rem's "Shiny Happy People"!

40) Where were you yesterday? Home all day. Was supposed to paint, but messed up my back, so spent most of the day in bed.

41) What's the worst injury you've ever had? When I was 7 years old and missed the screen door handle and my hand went through the glass.

42) Do you have any obsessions right now? Words With Friends on Facebook. Omg! I love that game! Why don't they have it on bb? I am getting bored with Word Mole.

43) What's up? The ceiling.

44) Ever had a rumor spread about you? Not that I know of. Hear anything juicy?

45) Do you believe in real magic? Define "real" magic?

46) Do you ever hold grudges against people who have done you wrong? In rare cases.

47) What's your favorite (non-pet) animal? Penguin.

48) What is your secret weapon to get people to like you? Magnetism.

49) Where is your best friend? Dunno.

50) What do you think is Satan's last name? Wtf kind of question is that?

Thank you for playing this week on Sunday Stealing! Please leave a comment or link when you have posted. Stop back and visit other player’s posts. That is really what this is all about, making new friends! Have a great week. See you next Sunday!

Lola's Diner ©2008-2011

Kid's Christmas Lists...

A bit of a re-run from 2009:

Our kids know that this year...again...will be a bit different from the rest because this year is not good in terms of our finances. We're not making it obvious, like my Mom did (hello 4 foot aluminum Christmas tree), but we have asked them to dial it down a bit.
The kids have been talking about lists since before Thanksgiving. Mostly my daughter. She's got some big ticket items on it, not surprising, because her the refurbished computer I bought her last year took a dump...but seriously...an Ipad? Ugh!

Do you ask your kids for 'wish lists'?

If you do, what was the biggest ticket item they asked for?

If you do, what was the most unusual thing they asked for? How old were they?

My kids have always made lists, even before they could write, they used to cut the pictures out of the ads and paste them on paper.

Video game systems have been on their list since they became aware of Nintendo 64, but I'm not springing for a PS3, or an Xbox Kinnect. They've got enough different systems. Used games or gift cards for Gamestop will have to do.

Lola's Diner ©2008-2011

Review - EdenFantasys...time to get something good for the Holidays

Most of us have someone special to shop for, and whether we buy them a gift, or buy ourselves something they will enjoy unwrapping (wink), Edenfantasys is the place for sex toys. Edenfantasys now also has Beauty and Body products..

Specials running right now are:

Free Standard Shipping on orders $59+.

25% off luxury gifts for him and her.

Click on "Promotions" at the top of the page to find ALL the deals.
Buy something get something free.

40%-60% off select toys.

It's a long list of savings, be sure to check it out.

Free gift with any order. Click "FREE GIFT GET IT HERE" next to the search box.

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Eden Fantasys has a large selection of adult games, adult toys, sex toys, dildos, vibrators, dvds, and lingerie (even plus size lingerie). Finding something unique and fun is easy. Not sure what to buy? On the left side of the home page you can select from Toys for Women, Toys for Men, Toys for Couples, Toys for Gender Play. There is even a gift finder.

Ladies...how about selecting something sexy for your guy or gal. They've got women's lingerie, corsets, women's underwear, men's lingerie, men's underwear, thongs, and costumes.

Eden Fantasys ships promptly and all packages are discreet. I find that my packages arrive on time, sometimes arriving earlier than expected.

Lola's Diner Disclaimer: I may receive a gift certificate in return for this EdenFantasys.com review as part of their Ambassador Program. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. Links within this post will direct readers to EdenFantasys' site, which contains adult material.

This post brought to you by EdenFantasys, an online sex toys retailer.

Lola's Diner ©2008-2011