July 25, 2005

• Ok, so, I have a confession to make.  Last night, I went to Wal-Mart.  I know, I know, but it was 8pm and Whale Rider was on PBS and I really really really wanted to see it.  Unfortunately the new apartment doesn't get reception like the old apartment, so I decided to get a new antennae.  Wal-Mart was the only place open, and I was half-thinking that I would go, buy the antennae, use it for the night, then return it and get another one somewhere else. 

  
  

  As I drove into the parking lot, I felt my pulse quicken.  So. Many. Cars.  I got trapped in a lane with five cars waiting for one 'prime' spot near the door.  I looked to my side and saw many open spaces available so I pulled into one and walked towards the entrance, passing the cars still waiting for that great spot.  As I walked through the parking lot, it became very clear to me that I was on enemy territory: it seemed that every car in the lot had a Dubya sticker on the bumper.  A few had those silly "Boycott France" stickers.  Seriously?  Then stop worshipping the Statue of Liberty, you morons. 

  
  

  Anyways....I walked through the door and OMG it is so freaking bright in Wal-Mart.  There were children everywhere, and they all seemed to scream on cue when I got there.  I saw the "Electronics" banner and tried to focus on that as I navigated the rugrats and tried to fight off the building panic attack.  That place is just too huge, too bright, too plastic for me.  I found the TV antennas, but to my dismay there was not one on the shelf that said "I'm the one you want!" and, of course, there were no sales people around to help.  I called Chris and he gave his advice as to which one I should get.  I quickly took that antennae and headed for the registers. 

  
  

  I first went to the Express Lane, but there was a long line.  Then I saw the self-checkout, and I rushed over to beat two 13 year-olds laden with enough nail polish, make-up, and ponytail holders to last them through puberty.  I scanned my one item, and I think the machine got pissed I was only buying that one, 12 dollar item.  I couldn't find the credit card reader, and the unit started beeping at me.  I finally found it and scanned my card, grabbed by bag, and tried to grab the receipt before it was finished printing.  It got caught a bit, but managed to spit my receipt out to me.  I hurried out of the door into the chaos of the parking lot--Where did I park my car?  Shit.

  
  

  It took about 10 minutes to find my car, and then I was on my way home.  I rushed in, connected the antennae, and found out that it worked maybe 5% better than the one I already had.  Goddamnit!  Now I have to go back there to return it.  Katy is not a happy camper.  Not only did I have to go to fucking Wal-Mart, it turned out to be a totally worthless trip.  And I didn't get to see Whale Rider.  Maybe Mario and I will consider satellite or cable after all.

  
  

  *****Anxiously awaiting news on Shelly's baby...her doc was going to induce on the 24th if she hadn't gone into labor yet; figers crossed that all went well*****

  • 12:19 pm
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