I shopped at WalMart (politics alert)

I know - that's nothing new. But it is! Pablo and I have boycotted WalMart for the past few weeks. And then we broke 'em down.

You see I have had my ups and downs with the giant corporation. They're a company you love to hate. They took over small towns and ran out other stores. But when you think about it, some of the small stores weren't changing with the times - so was that their own fault? And WalMart has done some good things for the environment - forcing suppliers to "green up" when others couldn't get it done.

Why the boycott this time? ALEC - the acronym for American Legislative Council, the conservative advocacy group that has been a lightning rod over voting and gun laws. Until yesterday, the behemoth had been a prime member of ALEC. When I heard that, I decided to take action. In Creston, there aren't all that many alternatives for some products. So it was a bit of a hardship to give them up. And our local Walmart does good things for this town - they were there for people after the tornado. But what about how they treat their employees? Oh they mix me up so...

On the good side of the boycott, it was a chance to recall how nice it is to shop at other local stores. No matter what, I'll keep spreading my business around. I had gotten lazy and I won't do that again.

Evidently the loss of Goldsmith $$ took its toll, because WalMart caved and quit ALEC. wink wink.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/31/walmart-alec-membership_n_1558833.html

Several corporations felt the heat after the tragic death of Trayvon Martin in Florida - seemingly the result of over-the-top right to defend laws pushed by ALEC. Coca Cola, Kraft, Bill & Melinda Gates, and Proctor and Gamble are other companies ditching the group. They all say the original purpose of the group has "morphed" beyond what they had intended.

Would I feel the same way if some libbie leftie group came together to "suggest" legislation to lawmakers at the state level around the country? I believe so. I think each state has enough intelligent people to come up with their own laws. We don't need encouragement from these types of outside groups - be they left or right. They seem to be driven by extremists, who may have ulterior motives (to sell more guns perhaps?).

Anyway - WalMart is out - boycott over!

Shopping around Creston is fun.
First I had a pedicure. In Waukee, when I get one I usually read a magazine the whole time. The manicurist doesn't speak English well, and frankly we don't have all that much in common. At Hair House - my manicurist turned out to be one of Jud's classmate's mom. So we chatted the whole time. She gets migraines and has a shoulder problem too. So we had a lot in common, besides Curtiss and Jud. She even asked about Amy. Her youngest will be a senior in HS next year - and I remember him in diapers. sigh.

Next I stopped at the library. Sue the librarian called me by name when I entered the building.

At WalMart, Assistant Manager Will and Amy's classmate Dusty who works there each said "hello". I knew the woman in line ahead of me at in the speedy lane. She said "hi" and asked me how I was. She was talking to the kid checking us about plays. I jumped in to comment about how much I love "Lion King". I can spend a whole week in DM without hardly talking to people waiting on me. I realize it's mostly because I don't come across as wanting to talk. But in Creston - I let my guard down. There's something about small town life.

Ahhhh

I had my toes done yesterday. Top Nails in Waukee once again. I went there a year ago before my Marco trip and decided to trip it again. Last year the young man did my pedicure, but this year a young woman got the nod.

I was lucky to walk in and get right in - she revved up the massage chair and heated up the water for my footsies. I love the routine! Into the water and out - then she removed my old polish. My foot "artist" rubbed my legs down with sea salt and then put some oil on them. It was fantastic.

As a sidenote she put the polish I purchased on too. And a top-coat. She was insistant that I should push the button on the chair and run the massage. It did feel pretty good - in fact I felt better than I had all day. My pedicure turned out pretty well - but the overall experience was well worth the $30! (including tip)

Today was "Tornado Drill" day at work. We had to tromp down the stairs to the tunnels deep in the bowels of the state offices near the State Capitol. It's very loud there, but I'm sure quite safe!

Like a Virgin

Or pedicure virgin no more. I did it...broke down and got a pedicure. I'd never done it before. Oh I'd had fantasies about it and I'd been pondering getting one before going to Florida next week. I usually do my own self, but not very well. (oooh that's pretty wicked and naughty)

The oriental woman, who did my pedicure gave good foot. And she was very patient since I was a shaky unsure virgin - not knowing where to put my body parts when. She didn't speak very good English, but we communicated well enough to get the job done.

To start with I put my feet in a foot bath to soak a bit. Then she trimmed my already short nails a bit. Next she pumiced my feet and massaged lotion into my firm white lower legs. I did nearly moan with pleasure, but bit my lip to stifle myself! It made me want a full massage.

Next she whipped out these foamy sandals and toe separators and applied clear polish and then the polish I had selected. Once she was through with those steps she looked up at me as if to say "you're done". So I said "I'm done?" and she said "No you fucking idiot nail polish virgin, you have to put them under the dryer". Not really, but I'm sure she wanted to!

So I dried them and she took my credit card to ring me up. It wasn't like a restaurant where you can add the tip on, so unsure of the rules for this type of thing, I dug out a few bucks to tip her. The lights on the foot thing went off, so I began to roll down my pants and put my socks on and she said "push this button and do one more time!" Again I felt dumb, but did as I was told.

Oh, I hope I don't feel sorry I did it tomorrow....like a slut who just couldn't keep my toes in my socks! Between the chiro this week and now the pedicure, I am taking large steps out of my comfort zone. I am pleased with myself, but not smug. And I don't feel a bikini wax is in my near future though!