Got Nuthin' But Luv 4 Ya, Baby! Yeah, whatevah.

Last week, my friend gave me a gift card to Target for my birthday. I was thrilled, because I loved Target. In the 1990s, Target was my go-to for everything. My friend and I would go in to buy lotion, and come out with lotion, deodorant, snacks, toilet tissue, and whatever else we found on sale or thought a bargain.

My money situation is unbelievably tight, and I went to Target with the hopes of getting some snacks for my "work" lunches. I got some much needed toiletries, too. But as I walked the aisles filled with food, certain items caught my eye, but they were too expensive. I found some things on sale, and was absolutely shocked that I had spent most of my gift card. I think I got four items.

What happened to Target? Over the years, while I did not make a lot of impulse purchases, Target was still thought of fondly. I cannot say I feel the same now. Just two-three years ago, I thought their Haagen-Daazs ice cream was priced decently, so I figure the change must be recently. Although at the same time, I vowed to stop buying clothes there. I am not huge, but hello, the clothes did not fit properly even when I went up a size! I live where people will drive for miles for the bargain, and if I wasn't conserving gas, and it wasn't a gift card, I would have driven to Walmart.

It saddens me, but I will probably only shop for things on sale (and never clothes!) at Target from now on. It's still in my Top Ten of favorite places to shop, if only for sentimental reasons. But it has dropped way out of the Top Five. And no, Walmart is not number one. Walmart has iffy practices, and as long as no one in my area can't beat their prices, I will have to shop there. But if I was a middle class girl, no, I would probably still shop there, because I need to be an heiress (so not gonna happen) to change my frugal ways.

P.S. Friends, family, gift cards from Walmart or Meijer or dollar stores, please.

Really Great Lip Moisturizer!

For years, I have struggled with keeping my lips moisturized. And as usual, I used Chapstick, among many other choices.  It frustrated me to no end to have cracked lips that would split and bleed. When I started wearing lipstick, it changed nothing. I would have to put on some moisturizer before the lipstick.

I've tried mostly everything. I found shea butter and cocoa butter worked, but those moisturizers only gained prominence this century. I gained a lot of success using Avon products. Chapstick helped, too. But each lasted for a short while; at the most, six or seven hours.

I switched to Vaseline, and that helped tremendously, but last fall, Rite Aid had a sale. Several brands of lip moisturizers were on sale, including Chapstick and Nivea. Since I was extremely familiar with Chapstick, I purchased a brand named LipSyl.

I tried the LipSyl that night. It tingled almost to the point of burning. That worried me, but I had only paid $1 so I was not that upset, plus I had a drawer full of product that had not worked. I had another lip product that burned every time I put it on, but not as badly. The tingling faded after about ten seconds. When I woke up the next day, however, my lips were still feeling moisturized. I did not put the LipSyl to a full test, but it had been more than seven hours and one eaten breakfast before I needed more moisturizer. I sit here today with moisturized lips after applying more than ten hours ago. After the first application going that well, I hightailed it back to Rite Aid since the sale was still on. Sadly, all that was left were the Chapstick. I went to another Rite Aid. I bought two plus the Nivea. I left one, feeling generous.

The only downside to LipSyl is I can not use it as a prep for my lipstick. But it helps in other ways so I'm not all that upset. LipSyl works. It lasts long. And definitely worth the price and I am talking full price. I give it a 4 out of five. LipSyl Official Website

Since Many Of Us Are Still Here

I am not going to discuss May 21st. At least not here. This is a random posting. I read an article of how Americans do not take vacations or long vacations, and that is correct. At one job, I took a total of eight days off, and two of those were sick days. I had worked 15 months there. They gave me six days my first year, and I had two weeks the next year, but I just did not take all of those days. They already had issues covering me for lunch and breaks, I can only imagine what would have happened if I took off one week.

Now on another job, I had five weeks' paid time off. I always disappeared in the month of December. So, did everybody else in my department. I miss that industry. I don't think federally-mandated paid time off will work here. While most places offer a week or two, they frown when it's used or it becomes troublesome to work around. However, people need it and it helps them deal with job stress and also all-around stress, but it won't happen in my lifetime. And if it did, I'll probably be retired.

I hope to write at least ten posts this month, and I only got four to go. See? Random.

Read People!

I typically don't like to write about politics, but I've done that on here. I also don't want to talk or debate about religion, either. But the madness that this Camping fellow is spouting just upsets me. All of this is just foolishness.

You are going to have to Google everything yourself because I am not going to give him any more hits. Harold Camping is a pain, but you know what really vexes my spirit? His followers. I find that people will believe just about anything. There are several key events that must be fulfilled that have not been completed. Then there's Jesus saying that "No man knows the day or hour." (Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32) Seriously, how do you miss that? This could all be avoided if they would just read their bible. Read it from Genesis to Revelation. Oh, and it is not Revelations. Just Revelation. Don't even get me started on that misspelling.

I can understand that a bible verse might hold different meanings for each individual, but how do you dismiss that?! Trying to predict the end times has been going on since Christ left, so if it happens tomorrow, it happens. And I most certainly will be very upset if I don't go. Despite how much his followers vex my spirit, I am concerned about them. Some have given up all of their worldly possessions (Camping has not, by the way). They have cut off contact with their loved ones. If they are all here on May 22nd, I am praying for them and will continue to do so. Because that is faith-shattering news.  I would delve much more deeply, but this is supposed to be a simple blog to discuss reviews and products and some news. I will leave my proselytizing for my other blog.

True Frenemy! Part One

Is it just me? It's seems that places of employment are behaving like a frenemy. For some odd reason, you hang around this person, but both of you are cruel and hateful to each other. Not a healthy situation.

I read a news report that the EEOC is looking into discrimination against the unemployed. I have never seen the employment ad that stated "the unemployed need not apply." I don't want to see that ever. But if some company has done that, then why? You are not a part of the solution, but a part of the problem. People used to joke back in the day that the job situation was bleak. And when I say back in the day, I mean the 1980s and 1990s. I have never seen a more bleak situation than what I see now, and it's not funny. And if you think I'm kidding, I've found articles because I really could not believe this was happening:

Discrimination Against the Unemployed?
Disturbing Job Ads: 'The Unemployed Will Not Be Considered'
New Bill Bans Discrimination Against Unemployed

In addition to businesses laying off people left and right, and the government having to bailout the auto industry and banks, there are companies allegedly discriminating against the unemployed. As I continue to seek a more permanent position, I've understood that most places hire the unemployed first. And now was not the time to job hop, but if this is going on, then what is a worker to do? Company loyalty is probably at a very low point, but instead of raising morale and creating loyal workers, companies are antagonizing its workforce.

I spoke yesterday with an employee who was doing managerial work, but no pay increase. I saw management's side, in that they needed another level of management but could not afford to pay any extra, but I also saw her side because to the naked eye there was no real benefit to doing her job. And she was not the only one. I have held this conversation or something like it with a lot of people. Having been in that position on both sides, I knew what it felt like to have no hope on a dead-end job, and what happens when you reward someone for hard work. There are times when these things just don't make sense. Doesn't happy workers mean higher productivity? Maybe it really is just me.

I feel this is going to be a series, because this is not the only thing going on in this companies vs. workers fight.

But Is It Necessary?

I will probably go a little more in depth about products and not just give reviews and such. This post is not about a certain product or a certain company or organization. I just have been perplexed about a phenomenon that has probably been going on since before I was born, but I have only recently had to deal with it.

Like a lot of people, there are times when I choose to purchase a product via the phone. I call and place my order and after I place my order, I am asked about several other items. Most times, I say no, but there are times I will say yes. My first gripe about purchasing over the phone or by catalog/Internet, why is the quality so bad? I was so surprised about the satin, silks and other fabric of my Victoria's Secret purchase that I never purchased from there again. I just could not fathom how satin and silk could be bad. I still can't wrap my mind around it. But what got me is how many "new" items the customer service rep would try and push off on me. I patiently (though my patience did grow thinner by the second) would say no, and then hurriedly got off the phone. I had experienced my first upsells. I was not amused.

It was not until I became that customer service rep that I realized that most companies were disconnected from their customers. If I hate upselling, then there are others like me. As the customer service rep, I found I was not alone. I do wonder how many people dislike upsells, but I cannot provide a figure. As of today, May 15th, I shill for no one. But tomorrow may not be the case.

No matter how many calls I got, I always had to spend a large amount of minutes talking through the upsells. I understand the additional products, but when we got to the excess stuff, both I and my customer were ready for it to be over. And herein lies the disconnect: if 90% of my customers hated the upsells, then why continue them? Are they really pulling in that much profit? And knowing that the customer is annoyed and frustrated, why continue pushing? I could not stop, unless the customer threatened to cancel the whole order. And then there was the wordplay. I would very carefully read it, not for the company's sake, but for the customer, because the wordplay would change, and your no should have been a yes. Is it necessary? No. Well, it is necessary for the company to stay in business, but at what cost?

I often thought the best way around it was to order online. This view did not change until a few months ago. I usually like to do a post-mortem on assignments, jobs, basically any work I did. I just want to know where my strengths and weaknesses are. So, when I went over this, I realized that if I did make a purchase from an infomercial or catalog, I would listen to the upsells. I do it not for the company but for their worker. Most are working from home, and a lot of times the money they make is by the minute and very little. And I still have all of my mental wits about me, and I also have the ability to ask questions (in these instances, never be afraid to ask them to repeat everything they just said), so I can sit there and let them say what they need to make the sell. I came to love that phone call when I worked. I wasn't the best at that style of customer service, so it would take me 30 minutes to get through the call. I was new to the style, and I wanted to take my time so everything was understood. The company I worked for, did everything in 30-minute shifts. So that one phone call most often covered my whole shift when I could only get a half-hour. And that meant a lot to me. If it meant that much to me, it would mean the same to someone else, especially in these times. So, I'll sit through your upsells. You can thank me later. I will still order online, but when the fancy tickles me, I will sit through a phone call. I haven't done that much lately because my wants rarely outweigh my needs.

Social Networking Allure

There are many times when I sincerely wonder about my age. And there are days that I don't. Now, I can waste time like everyone else, and just wander across the Internet for hours. But you won't see me land on any of the most popular places.

When I wander for hours, I feel like I'm really young because according to society, I should have better things to do. I should be putting kids to bed except I don't have kids. I should be making my husband a sandwich except I don't have one of those, either. I should read a book. Um, hello? I am reading on the Internet. I know things I shouldn't know. I've seen things that now can't be unseen. Before I only saw and read stuff in English. Not anymore. I can't say the same for people my age, even among people in my circle.

But when it comes to social networking, I'm very old. Do I think it's for the youth of today and tomorrow? Maybe. I just don't want to join the big ones. I came close by joining one, but then my world shifted again, and now, I can not be bothered to keep the profile. And with me being me, I should be all over Facebook or Myspace. I have my reasons. but I just pooh-poohed the idea.

With Facebook and Google feuding, and Myspace becoming a pervert's wet dream, I can't see myself joining as me anytime soon. I can if I want my books to sale. And perhaps this is why I don't join. Social networks are more for the advertisers and businesses that prowl for new customers than for reconnecting or staying in touch. My friends used to taunt me with who they found or spoke with on Facebook, but they've been very quiet for months. Maybe they've spoken with them all, or the newness has worn off. It happens. And without even joining the major ones, I've already been approached by my past. And that got old real quick.

Personally, I like the new. I can not tell you how many times I have been talking about things to friends, and they have given me such a blank or bored look. But when I find communities online with the same love I have, and a stranger writes this really long post, and I understand what they are saying perfectly, and I tell them so. And we began a conversation. It's just a nice feeling. I feel like I'm going to go off on a tangent so let me pull it back. Reconnecting is fun and dandy, but I would rather create new memories with new people. I know social networking can be all that and much more, but it's just not my thing.

New Topic To Discuss

Was last week as eventful for you as it was for me? Oh, first things first. I do not like talking about politics, but there are times I feel that I must. I promise to never write more than 800-1,000 words on any one political topic, and will try not to rant, and be open-minded when comments disagree with my posting.

That being said, last week was just eventful. It started Sunday afternoon, and culminated Tuesday afternoon for me. Last Sunday, I read that President Obama zinged the birthers and Tea Party people. He opened his speech with "Good evening, my fellow Americans." So, I quickly clicked on the video, and watched. The joy I felt after his speech was done, was very much needed in my life. I relished in it. The zings came fast and furious.

Obama's best quote: (At Donald Trump)  "So he can focus [on] real issues at hand facing America, like ‘Did we really land on the moon?’ ‘What really happened in Roswell?’ And, ‘Where are Biggie and Tupac?’"

He was just on point and on fire. And if I knew how he was going to end the day, I would have focused more on the news sites versus what I usually do Sunday afternoons and evenings. After he did that, I knew I had to watch Seth Meyers. Seth Meyers did not disappoint. I laughed until I cried. So, already in a good mood, I did what I normally do. Before bed, I turned on the television to watch reruns of Numb3rs and Criminal Minds, and saw the news alert. Needless to say, I was happy that Osama bin Laden had been caught and executed. And evil man had met his end. Before I went to bed, I wondered why people were gathering outside the White House.

Monday, I saw the celebrations and the communities I follow were overjoyed. I was happy for those people. I was happy that bin Laden was brought down during the Obama administration. Despite the justice and the celebration (for those who lost someone on 9/11 or lost someone during attacks ordered by Al Qaeda, you are well within your right to do the happy dance over his death), I was feeling a tad perturbed. It could have been at myself or it could have been at all those celebrating.

Tuesday afternoon, I had made my decision and it will probably be confusing. First and foremost, to all those who think Al Qaeda is done, the fighting is over and the return to life as you know it pre-9/11, it aint over. Pull your head out from the clouds; take off those rose-colored glasses; remove your head from under that rock, do whatever it is you need to do to learn more. This is not over. That old adage of "cut off the head, and the body will fall" or whatever it is, does not apply. We are dealing with a new type of enemy, and pre-9/11 is gone. Let it go. Deal with the now, and prepare yourselves.

Those of you celebrating because you were drunk or you needed a release, no. We looked just like those who celebrated the death of innocents on 9/11. Only those who truly lost on that day or lost at the hands of Al Qaeda should have been out celebrating. The thing is I get that celebrating was in order (even by drunk revelers and college students in need of a release). A man who changed and/or destroyed the lives of countless citizens of the world was executed. An evil was cut down. And I know that no matter if everyone had gathered and prayed and then sang "Kumbaya," it is not going to change how we are viewed by people who hate us. So, I am ambivalent about the reaction, but the mass murderer was brought down during the Obama administration. Kudos to the Navy Seals who did their job.