Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

[Almost 3000]

So sorry K-Mart was such a bad experience for you, bigskygirl. I've always hated K-Mart because the ones in my area were really crappy and now closed anyway. Retail jobs are for the most part are not great. I've only been in a Walmart a couple of times while traveling because I figured they'd have what I needed and they were open early to late or 24hours. If I had an employee discount, as I assumed Jill has, I'd probably shop there otherwise once every five years or so is my limit.

[Joe Jitsu913]

Macys is just as bad as Wal-Mart with their shady practices. I hated working for them. They will hire you on the spot- that's how desperate they are. Management does not give one fuck about the employees and the dressing rooms are nothing more than a petri dish. One word of advice: never, ever go barefoot in the dressing rooms.

The customers are just as bad as Wal Mart shoppers, if not worse. I could write a book about things I've seen. The shoppers are especially cruel around the holidays. One lady got under my skin to the point where I had to go to the stockroom and cry.

Edited December 3, 2014 by Joe Jitsu913

[Almost 3000]

Retail during the holidays is such fun. I managed a well-known food/gift store and during December never took a day off. About a week before Christmas I decided to leave at about 6pm which was early for me a that time and made the snarky comment, "What's going to happen if I leave? Somebody going to die?" and someone did. Dropped dead just inside the door. Ambulances, police etc. came so my crew at their direction locked the front door. People were pounding on the door to open while looking right at the body on the floor. It was right there and obviously not part of the holiday décor. My assistant manager was trying to exit shoppers out the back so the emergency personnel could work and shoppers wouldn't leave the store! They still wanted their holiday gift baskets made up while the dead lady was laying there. I can honestly say Christmas has never been the same for me since then in that I just can't make a big deal out of the excessive gift giving and buying hype. Oh, and people can be real a$$holes.

[Portia]

The Walmarts in my town are clean, well stocked, and well managed. I buy almost all my groceries and supplies there because I can't beat the prices and convenience. Target has much cuter household items, but their prices are WAY higher. Also, in my town the Target has terrible customer service --I can't tell you how many times I've circled around for 10-15 minutes looking for someone on the floor to help me find something. At Walmart I can nearly always find someone quickly, and they make a point of taking you to the thing you're looking for, not just pointing you toward the correct aisle.

[Jynnan tonnix]

Just for curiosity's sake I looked up obituaries for Violet Underwood & her husband...turns out they had been married for 63 years when he died and she lived another 6 years after that (until the age of 93). Happy to hear that she had a good run. She was truly one of the gracious, old school yet still bubbling with humor personalities which you don't often see anymore.

 

A couple of the other wonderful personalities who I met at the time (while working as a pharmacy tech in West Hartford, CT) were Katharine Hepburn's brother & sister-in-law, who were also of that old-school, genteel upbringing, and also her youngest sister who reminded me of nothing as much as the character or Aunt Pittypat from Gone With the Wind...Honestly, not trying to drop names or get too far off topic, but just got stuck in a bout of nostalgia...

 

By the way, don't try to google Violet Underwood yourself, or you will get images of some porn wannabee who seems to have hijacked Carrie Underwood's face.

[BitterApple]

And the customers just make it so much worse. I would rather spend extra and go to Target, even if they, too, aren't the best employers. At least the store is clean and I can find what I'm looking for.

I always find the dichotomy between Wal-Mart and Target customers fascinating. Where I live (Las Vegas) the Wal-Mart shoppers are the lowest common denominator of every racial/ethnic group in the city whereas the Target shoppers are suburban snots who take up two parking spaces with their Escalades, wear the same over-priced Lulu Lemon yoga gear and ignore their bratty children while talking on their cell phones and blocking the aisles. For me both places suck equally, but I'm forced to shop at both because neither store carries all the products I buy.

[Betweenyouandme]

The Walmarts in my town are clean, well stocked, and well managed. I buy almost all my groceries and supplies there because I can't beat the prices and convenience. Target has much cuter household items, but their prices are WAY higher. Also, in my town the Target has terrible customer service --I can't tell you how many times I've circled around for 10-15 minutes looking for someone on the floor to help me find something. At Walmart I can nearly always find someone quickly, and they make a point of taking you to the thing you're looking for, not just pointing you toward the correct aisle.

That is true about "my" Target, too. In fact, that's why I like it. But, last time I went, a sales associate asked me twice if I needed help. It made me paranoid :/ I want to choose my washcloth in peace, thank you. :) I kept worrying that I looked like a shoplifter.

[DoctorWhovian]

As for retail, I think that the good companies are the outliers, not the norm, unfortunately. You can definitely tell which companies treat their employers better, because those stores are more enjoyable to shop in. But even with the good companies, there will always be people with personal experiences that are negative.

[wanderwoman]

I wanted to let you all know that I lost one of our twins last week. It was terrible. I'm not back in the game. But, I've been reading and the snark is top notch.

[Micks Picks]

So sorry about your loss, wander.   

 

I so enjoyed some of the retail experiences mentioned here that I went goggling for blogs by retail sales clerks.  They are surely out there, talking about their experiences.  Couldn't find them though.  Does anybody know of some?

[QueBueno]

http://www.retail-sucks.com is a good read. :)

I worked in retail for many years. I remember Christmas time being kind of fun.

Edited December 3, 2014 by QueBueno

[abseedee]

So sorry for your loss wanderwoman =(

[Micks Picks]

Gracias, quebueno.  It's really quite good.  I will enjoy myself, I know.  I need to laugh.

[Honeycocoa]

Oh no, Wanderwoman I'm so very sorry for you loss. So very sad.

I find cake wrecks (.com )  to be a very happy distraction ( though you might avoid the occasional baby shower cakes for  a while)  There are a lot of books about pregnancy loss, but I don't know that's there's much about loss of one twin. That's really tough. Take good care of yourself.

[frenchtoast]

((Hugs)) wanderwoman. I'm so very sorry for your loss. That's not fair! Bad things shouldn't happen to good people!

[LazyToaster]

wanderwoman - I'm so sorry for your heartbreaking loss.

[mbutterfly]

I wanted to let you all know that I lost one of our twins last week. It was terrible. I'm not back in the game. But, I've been reading and the snark is top notch.

I am so sorry wanderwoman. I hope the snark gives you great pleasure. 

[Jynnan tonnix]

So sorry to hear that, wanderwoman...I hope everything goes smoothly for the remainder of the pregnancy. In a weird way, the loss of one twin almost seems as though it would be more devastating than a single miscarriage. But I am a surviving twin of a pair born two months prematurely, so maybe that's just a personal take on it. I've always found twins fascinating.

[Catlyn]

Very sorry for your loss, wanderwoman. I pray the rest of your pregnancy goes well for both you and the baby.

 

I so enjoyed some of the retail experiences mentioned here that I went goggling for blogs by retail sales clerks.  They are surely out there, talking about their experiences.  Couldn't find them though.  Does anybody know of some?

For quick stories, http://notalwaysright.com/ and http://notalwaysworking.com/ are fun. Sounds like some of our fellow snarkers could contribute there.

[DamWrite]

wanderwoman, I'm so sorry.  I hope the remainder of your pregnancy goes well...

[Jellybeans]

wanderwoman, I am sorry about your loss. there are no words. :-(

[Turquoise]

So sorry for your loss wanderwoman. A virtual hug to you.

[Jellybeans]

What Jelly Belly flavor would best describe you?

I don't like jellybeans at all but I like the idea of liking jellybeans. All the colors and flavors! But I can't stand them, so I guess I'm a mixed bag. :-p

[Betweenyouandme]

I'm sorry wanderwoman

[3 is enough]

So very sorry for your loss wanderwoman.

[3 is enough]

BitterApple, I live in Vegas too!  I have to say, your comparison between Wal-Mart and Target is spot on!  My son works for Sam's Club so he is a Wal-Mart fan. He is always telling me, "You know, mother, you can get xyz cheaper at Wal-Mart."  I am sure he is right, but my poor student days are long gone, so I don't mind shelling out a bit more money for the same items at other stores.  In fairness though, my older son goes to school in Phoenix and the Wal-Mart he goes to is clean and well-stocked.  And I have been to some Targets that were kinda yucky.

[Fuzzysox]

What Jelly Belly flavor would best describe you?

You too need to get a private chat room already!

[Barb23]

Wanderwoman- So sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts & prayers.

[Fuzzysox]

Macys is just as bad as Wal-Mart with their shady practices. I hated working for them. They will hire you on the spot- that's how desperate they are. Management does not give one fuck about the employees and the dressing rooms are nothing more than a petri dish. One word of advice: never, ever go barefoot in the dressing rooms.

The customers are just as bad as Wal Mart shoppers, if not worse. I could write a book about things I've seen. The shoppers are especially cruel around the holidays. One lady got under my skin to the point where I had to go to the stockroom and cry.

Macy's dressing rooms are NASTY! They took over our Marshal Field's in Chicago and I never can stand to shop there. The place is a complete reck like no one cares. Would never happen when it was Marshal Field's.

[Fuzzysox]

I'm sorry to hear about your loss wanderwoman. :(

Maybe we could get our own reality show, anyone have suggestions for the name for our show. Keeping up with the prayer closet; The Real people of the prayer closet.

How about Brian loves Jellybeans: a true prayer closet love story.

[NausetGirl]

I wanted to let you all know that I lost one of our twins last week. It was terrible. I'm not back in the game. But, I've been reading and the snark is top notch.

 

Just saw this - and so sorry, WanderWoman. You must be heartbroken - sending all good thoughts and a virtual pat your way. 

[Jellybeans]

You too need to get a private chat room already!

What??? You just joined the growing number of forum members in the Prayer Closet. I'd offer a seat but now it's standing room only.

[Jellybeans]

Jelly don't tell anyone about the Prayer closet lap (instead of a lap dance) that's our little secret.

Brian J, I swear.....

[DoctorWhovian]

BitterApple, I live in Vegas too!  I have to say, your comparison between Wal-Mart and Target is spot on!  My son works for Sam's Club so he is a Wal-Mart fan. He is always telling me, "You know, mother, you can get xyz cheaper at Wal-Mart."  I am sure he is right, but my poor student days are long gone, so I don't mind shelling out a bit more money for the same items at other stores.  In fairness though, my older son goes to school in Phoenix and the Wal-Mart he goes to is clean and well-stocked.  And I have been to some Targets that were kinda yucky.

 

We are a Costco family. I've never been inside a Sam's Club.

[maraleia]

Sorry for your loss wanderwoman.

[amitville]

I wanted to let you all know that I lost one of our twins last week. It was terrible. I'm not back in the game. But, I've been reading and the snark is top notch.

I am sorry for your loss 

[GEML]

Wanderwoman- I'm so sorry. Hugs from the DC area.

[frenchtoast]

There was some talk about comforters vs duvets in another topic and I had to chime in. I've been eyeing duvets recently because sometimes I find the comforters too warm. Doesn't help that hubby is a furnace.

 

I do find, like layering clothes, I like layering sheets and blankets and quilts.

 

But it is also so incredibly difficult to find all cotton sheets. And when I do they are super expensive. But it's the polyester that doesn't breathe that makes me warm at night. During the Black Friday madness, I was poking around online for a good deal but was unimpressed.

[Betweenyouandme]

There was some talk about comforters vs duvets in another topic and I had to chime in. I've been eyeing duvets recently because sometimes I find the comforters too warm. Doesn't help that hubby is a furnace.

I do find, like layering clothes, I like layering sheets and blankets and quilts.

But it is also so incredibly difficult to find all cotton sheets. And when I do they are super expensive. But it's the polyester that doesn't breathe that makes me warm at night. During the Black Friday madness, I was poking around online for a good deal but was unimpressed.

I don't know your price range, so I'm sorry if this is unhelpful. I've always found Macy's Hotel collection sheets to be soft and good quality. They range in price and include cotton and Egyptian cotton. Right now, there's an extra 25% off with the code stayed on the website and free shipping. These sheets in the past, at least, have lasted a long time for me. If you just get the fitted sheet, maybe you could then find a duvet cover. Again, Hotel collection is a good choice and is on sale. I'd suggest buying the actual duvet in person so you're sure to get nice quality and the heaviness that you want. Edited December 4, 2014 by Betweenyouandme

[Almost 3000]

There was some talk about comforters vs duvets in another topic and I had to chime in. I've been eyeing duvets recently because sometimes I find the comforters too warm. Doesn't help that hubby is a furnace.

 

I do find, like layering clothes, I like layering sheets and blankets and quilts.

 

But it is also so incredibly difficult to find all cotton sheets. And when I do they are super expensive. But it's the polyester that doesn't breathe that makes me warm at night. During the Black Friday madness, I was poking around online for a good deal but was unimpressed.

I invite you to look at real down NOT feather for a duvet. I get great buys (tjmax, marshalls) on Ralph Lauren white goose down that have a soft as butter ticking which is just as important as the down itself. They are light weight and warm but not overly so for California winters and very breathable. I wash and dry with a couple of tennis balls for fluffing and they come out great. I don't use a cover but should because they'd last longer but I just like the feel without a cover.

[SoSueMe]

I am so sorry for your loss, Wanderwoman.

[Jynnan tonnix]

When it comes to sheets, I switched to those made from bamboo a few years back when trying to find something which would help me feel at least marginally cooler at night. They can be pricy, but I've found some decent deals on them at Overstock . com, and even Amazon.  Meaning around $80-$90 for a queen set vs. the $300 or so they could run you otherwise. Because THAT is not going to happen!

 

Read all the reviews, because some brands are better than others. They appear really flimsy if you are used to a heavier weight sheet, but they feel like nothing else in the world...They really breathe and keep you cool in the summer but warm in winter. During the summer I often sleep under only a sheet, and these just feel like a puff of air. If you roll over or something, the top sheet will actually float up just a little, then slowly settle back. Heavenly. LOL...sorry, I sound like a commercial! But, honestly, I'll never go back to cotton sheets after having bought these.

[Readalot]

Wanderwoman, I weep for your loss. I am so sorry.

[Almost 3000]

Hmmm, may just have to add bamboo to the down!

[Readalot]

So back in the 80's during college I worked at Target for a few years. I worked in Electronics. One lovely Christmas season I was in the "boat" showing cameras etc when a man asked me to ring up a few pack of batteries for him. I told him as soon as his number came up I would be glad to do so. Well he was not happy with my answer and proceeded to throw the batteries at me from just a few feet away! I don't know of it was his bad aim or I was fast but thankfully didn't get hit. My mild manner temp co-worker turned Rambo and jumped out of the boat and proceeded to chase the guy out and actually got his hand on the jerk. Well good thing other employees broke it up, we later found out my co-worker was an ex Green Beret/Ranger, one of those elite positions. He probably could of killed the jerk with his bare hands. Fun times.

[NausetGirl]

When it comes to sheets, I switched to those made from bamboo a few years back when trying to find something which would help me feel at least marginally cooler at night. They can be pricy, but I've found some decent deals on them at Overstock . com, and even Amazon.  Meaning around $80-$90 for a queen set vs. the $300 or so they could run you otherwise. Because THAT is not going to happen!

 

Read all the reviews, because some brands are better than others. They appear really flimsy if you are used to a heavier weight sheet, but they feel like nothing else in the world...They really breathe and keep you cool in the summer but warm in winter. During the summer I often sleep under only a sheet, and these just feel like a puff of air. If you roll over or something, the top sheet will actually float up just a little, then slowly settle back. Heavenly. LOL...sorry, I sound like a commercial! But, honestly, I'll never go back to cotton sheets after having bought these.

 

Me too - highly recommend bamboo-cotton blends in both sheets and towels. I also have bamboo-cotton socks which feel as soft today as they were out-of-the-package-new, and they've been washed at least 100 times. Using Dr Bronner's Sal Suds instead of commercial detergents also helps a LOT in this regard. I can't say enough good things about Sal Suds.

[MargeGunderson]

There was some talk about comforters vs duvets in another topic and I had to chime in. I've been eyeing duvets recently because sometimes I find the comforters too warm. Doesn't help that hubby is a furnace.

 

I do find, like layering clothes, I like layering sheets and blankets and quilts.

 

But it is also so incredibly difficult to find all cotton sheets. And when I do they are super expensive. But it's the polyester that doesn't breathe that makes me warm at night. During the Black Friday madness, I was poking around online for a good deal but was unimpressed.

 

I'm with you on the 100% cotton sheet. I also dislike sateen or anything like it, so only percale sheets for me. I'm happy with the Martha Stewart ones I got at Macy's (only on sale, otherwise too expensive!)

[abseedee]

100% cotton for me also but, I will try the bamboo/cotton blend.  I like the higher count thread but it's expensive so I always wait for sales.

[NausetGirl]

100% cotton for me also but, I will try the bamboo/cotton blend.  I like the higher count thread but it's expensive so I always wait for sales.

 

Actually higher thread count does cost more $$ - but DOES NOT necessarily equal a better-quality product. Linens with a thread count as low as 250 can be extremely high-quality and durable enough to survive 100s of washings. The amount of cotton used is a better indicator of quality than thread-count. I never buy a thread count higher than 300 myself now but try to get as much cotton as possible. Just one of the many household facts I picked up when I had a part-time job, years ago, as a bridal registry consultant in a department store chain. We learned to recognize dozens if not 100s of china, silver and crystal patterns and were VERY well-trained - sometimes by manufacturers' reps - on all housewares and tabletop products, including linens and small electrics. I gained a lot of knowledge that has been very useful to have on many occasions since. A very fun part-time job to have...

Edited December 4, 2014 by NausetGirl

[ChiCricket]

I wanted to let you all know that I lost one of our twins last week. It was terrible. I'm not back in the game. But, I've been reading and the snark is top notch.

I'm sorry......for your loss, for your pain, for your grief, for your sadness.