OK, you’ve got me this week. Mr. 1500 is catching up on work issues that apparently he is the only person who can fix. A nice problem to have when you are a contractor…
Here is my list of things that make me go hmmmm. (Is that song in your head now? You’re welcome!)
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I have two daughters, ages 6 and 3. The little one, for whatever reason, has decided that the phrase she should speak most often is “butt cheeks.” I am supremely annoyed every time she sings her butt cheeks song:
My butt cheeks.
My butt cheeks.
My four, groovy butt cheeks!
I have repeatedly requested that she stop. Mr. 1500 thinks this song is hilarious (which it would be coming out of anyone else’s 3-year-old’s mouth.) It is tough to not smile at first, because she has this tiny little voice.
I was not amused when Mr. 1500 found a rock while mowing the lawn and brought it inside to show the girls. What does it look like? A butt, of course.
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I am also supremely annoyed at the teenage boys who stood on the other side of the glass door to the mall and allowed me to wrangle my double stroller through, and then hurried through it while I held it. I even said to them “Here, let ME hold the door for YOU.” They then said thank you, like THAT was what I was looking for. I am furious with their mother(s) for raising them like that, but even more angry with them, because they are old enough to know that it is common courtesy to hold doors for people, especially those who are struggling with a double stroller.
If you see a woman pushing a stroller, and the door you are about to go through is not an automatic door, hold it for her. I never did understand the women’s lib ladies who don’t want the door held for them. It is a nice gesture, not some form of oppression…
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Along those same lines, if you are in the parking lot, and you see someone who is not parked close to the cart return, offer to take their cart for them. You are going into the store anyway, you would be doing them a favor. Especially in Costco parking lots, where there are about 2 cart returns in the entire lot and they are never anywhere near where you parked.
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I intensely dislike when the toilet paper is coming out UNDER the roll. The only way it should ever be is OVER the top. When I am at your house and you have it wrong, I feel it is my duty to change it for you. I will even correct it at a restaurant bathroom, if that option is available.
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I have an equally intense dislike for people who get on the elevator at the second floor, and then press the button for floor 1. If you are older or obviously infirm, I have no issue with you. I know there are people who suffer from emphysema and you can’t tell they have a problem with taking the stairs. But I have a feeling that that was not the case last weekend when those teenage girls, wearing athletic gear, made my elevator stop on the second floor.
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Why do I have to show my receipt at Costco? The sign at the exit says it is to ensure that I received all my items, and that I wasn’t overcharged. Really? Does the person who is glancing at my receipt really know all the prices in the store? Can they really check the prices printed on my receipt with the prices lodged in their brains that fast?
I do like the smile-faces they draw on the back for the kiddos. Erica at the Parker, CO store draws the BEST smiles ever!!!
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Stop buying my kids things. Seriously, they have more clothes than any 50 girls need, and more toys than Toys R Us. They do NOT need another box of crayons.
If you are going to buy them something anyway, for GOD’S SAKE buy two of it, so they don’t have to “share”. They are 6 and 3. Sharing is NOT caring.
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In Colorado, people are obsessed with their dogs and bring them everywhere. I see dogs at the hardware store, at bars, and even at the farmer’s market. Why do people bring their dogs to these places? The hardware store? Seriously? How do you know your dog won’t bite someone? You cannot predict animal behavior.
What I don’t understand, is why the hardware store allows these animals inside. I am not a dog lover, thanks to an unfortunate incident with the neighbor’s doberman when I was 6. If your dog harms me or my child while we are at that store, you can bet I will sue the pants off you, and Home Depot, I will sue you for allowing these animals inside the store.
As for the farmer’s market, this is even worse, as the markets are held during the summer, a time when animals typically shed their thick fur coat. I do not want to eat dog hair, so I won’t purchase anything from the bakeries at the market. But I hear those dogs barking, sometimes furiously, at other dogs. What if your large dog attacked a smaller dog? You cannot predict animal behavior. You should leave them at home, not in the car, at home. If you cannot live without them for even an hour, then don’t leave the house.
Great rant, I agree with them all. And most of these would be solved if people merely lived by the Scout law.
LOL, we may be twins separated at birth, Mrs. 1500. As the mother of 3 girls and a boy, my little guy gets his tail kicked (by me and his father) when he doesn’t do gentlemanly things for myself and his three sisters and any other girl or woman he encounters. And someone in my family (this is still a mystery) has been putting the TP roll on upside-down lately – THE NERVE! I assure you, mystery person: you will be caught and prosecuted to the full extent of mommy’s law. 🙂 Great rant – thanks for sharing!
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Costco marks your receipts when you leave so that you don’t walk back into the store and walk out with the same item you just purchased to steal another. Because of the height of their warehouses and cost savings, I assume they preferred not to spend a boatload on huge theft deterrent departments with major cameras and a large staff so they instead mark your receipt every time so you can’t try to walk out with the same receipt with the same item you bought earlier as the receipt is marked to indicate you already walked out the store.
As far as dogs and all animals, yes, animals can act aggressive. But I always suggest trying to hang around super friendly dogs, like dachshunds or yorkies which love being around people and being petted. I understand fears of dogs from negative past experiences but all dogs aren’t the same when it comes to aggression. Also, as far as bringing them everywhere, I think a major reason people do that is because they know they’ll be gone a while and it’s not a good idea to leave a dog by itself inside a house all day. My sister does with this with her English Lab when she has to run errands (In Georgia though) although she never brings a dog inside a food place for health code reasons.
So hilarious! Recently I offered my Costco basket to a middle-aged couple in the parking lot heading into the store. They looked at me suspiciously at first so I said “it’s a great cart…doesn’t wobble or pull!” That disarmed them and they gladly took the cart.
Too bad you have to sell your cart to get it back to the store!
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Am I missing something? Are farmer’s markets not outdoor events in Colorado? In NJ they are in public parks, where I can’t imagine not bringing your dog, it being a publicly funded space and all….
I was very excited about the concept of this blog when I discovered it, and I get that the point of these Thursday posts is to rant about things, but in general, I find a lot of complaining in the posts here and I think it’s just not for me.
Having lots of people and animals in very close confines is a recipe for bad things. Last summer, we saw two large dogs go after each other in the middle of a crowd at our local market. We also had a dog snatch a cookie out of our older child’s hand, biting her fingers in the process. She wasn’t injured, but wasn’t happy either. Neither were we.
I understand your point. The farmer’s markets are held outdoors. Our local market is a very tight space, and there are almost as many dogs as people. Every week, I hear dogs barking furiously at each other. You can’t predict dog behavior, and if your dog attacks a person or another animal, you will be held liable. It just doesn’t make sense to bring a dog to a place such as a farmer’s market.
About the complaining, I re-read this post and I agree with you. This post is a bit complain-y. I will watch that the next time I do a Thursday Rant. Thursdays are rant days, but Monday is Ask the Reader and Tuesday and Saturday are posts about finances and similar topics. I invite you to come back and read those other days.
LOL! 🙂
Laurie @thefrugalfarmer recently posted…How Debt Mimics Life
I only like puppies. Large dogs THAT I DON’T KNOW (basically everyone’s dogs) freak me out. As a Coloradan the dog thing drives me CRAZY because people in my neighborhood always have their dogs off leash. Because their dog would NEVER bite anyone! Well, I’ve been bitten before, minding my own business walking in the middle of the street 70 feet away from the dog. Luckily, it was a small dog. Still. I always help out people going into buildings because it’s a nice thing to do and it could be me one day.
I’m with ya, Michelle – I ONLY like puppies. It makes me nuts when people think that just because THEY love their dog(s), everyone else will! NOT! Neither do I care to have them in the vicinity of FOOD! (restaurants, etc.) And I’m with Mrs. 1500 – I, too, had a HUGE chunk taken out of my baby butt cheeks (oh my, what appropriate timing!) by a big German Shepard when I was about 12. The dog broke his leash and charged me. You don’t know what dogs are going to charge you should they break their leash, and which won’t. But let me just say, if I’m ever bitten by a dog out in public, I will sue you for stupidity! Take your dog to a DOG PARK! Everyone there LIKES DOGS! The dogs are FENCED IN! And nothing makes me bat-shit-crazier than stepping in dog crap when I’m mowing the lawn. I don’t make people come and clean up the poop in my kitty litter boxes, and I don’t expect to have to clean up their dog’s crap! It’s law in most cities that they must be on a leash. We just have some neighbors who think that law applies to everyone else BUT them.
Mr PoP hates the Costco receipt deal. When we used to belong he would try and walk past intentionally because it bothered him so much.
As for dogs, I mostly don’t mind them as long as they are outdoors and leashed. One of our favorite cafes has mostly outdoor seating, and a smattering of stray cats that have been adopted by the staff and regulars, and if the dogs are okay with all of that, they’re okay with me.
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I have absolutely no problem with working dogs. They are so well-behaved! I made a point to show my girls the “helper dogs” whenever we see them, and to tell them the helper dogs are doing a job, and we can look at them and wave at them, but we can’t bother them, because they are working.
I’ve never understood how people in gym clothes don’t take the stairs–just another quick workout you get to squeeze in! I share your frustration.
Lol, I LOVE the first rant! We have that happen all the time at our house with our 5, 3 & 1 year olds. I always get myself in trouble with Mrs. Frugal Rules for laughing too. In regards to the stroller issue that drives me nuts as well. What ticks me off even more is when we’re at a crowded place and someone gives me the annoyed look because I accidentally hit their foot. Oh, I am sorry…I am ONLY pushing a Subaru here, you go about your way just walking. I think you may have just inspired my own rant post Mrs. 1500. 😉
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Yes, I want to hear your rants! Or, you could guest rant here! Go for it. If you don’t, I’ll have to rant about your lack of ranting!
Ha ha! I was inspired yesterday after reading Mrs. 1500’s and wrote one of my own. 🙂 It’ll be up in a week.
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I have to sort of disagree with you on the TP roll. We have two cats. When you place the TP such that it completely rolls out when a cat bats at it, it is a problem in our house. I prefer the TP coming out over the roll, but I prefer to have TP in the first place more, so I hang it under. Then the cats can just bat at it and it stays on the roll.
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My mother said that children will do the same thing with the TP. I just never let them play in the bathroom. I kept the door closed so I could have the TP on the correct way. But I understand your deviance from correctness and you are given a pass. I will not change the roll should I come over for a visit.
Would a cup of water on top of the roll take care of the problem?
I meant to this: “I even said to them “Here, let ME hold the door for YOU.””
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He said “Thank you,” in a way that clearly conveyed to me he thought I was chastising him for not thanking me for holding the door! I don’t know why I was so mad about that, but I was really annoyed. I need to keep my temper in check.
Oh wow, the butt rock is kind of hilarious. I don’t know why people can’t just hold the door open for others. If someone is behind me, I always make sure to let them through. Sadly, I do think plain old social etiquette is kind of falling by the wayside in today’s youth. Just reminds me – we live on a main road, near a middle school, and kids think it’s fine to just randomly use our lawn (front and back) to play and run around on. We’ve had some cut through our backyard. Our fence had blown down in the storms and my family didn’t have the money to replace it, so I guess they think it’s an open invitation.
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You fix people’s toilet paper rolls, and I will use people’s toilet brush to clean their dirty toilets if they’re nasty. I don’t know why. I just can’t stand it. If you have people over your house, make sure you go to the bathroom shortly after your guests arrive so you can try to fix your dirty toilet issues (and fix the toilet paper rolls).
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I find that if the toilet is dirty, there is nothing to clean it with. I did just get back from a 10-day car trip, and then had friends over for dinner. Only after they left, did I notice the gross toilet downstairs. Embarrassing!
Oh man, I’m the same way! I can’t stand a nasty toilet. It’s like 60 seconds of effort to keep them clean. Come on people!
You don’t even have to get your hands dirty! (or wet)
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You are very wrong about the toilet paper. Toilet paper should always come from under the roll and if I am at your home I will correct it for you.
Of course the directional flow of the toilet paper is a matter of personal opinion and you are entitled to your opinion as much as I am entitled to my opinion to tell you that you are very, very wrong.
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Oh, Jane. You and my sister are trying to steer me to the dark side. I will not be swayed!
I used to be of the top of roll persuasion until I had kids. Under roll makes it a slower porocess to unroll the entire spool to the bathroom floor and offers me time to intervene.
I’m with ya on the rants (particularly the door one!) except about dogs. The dogs aren’t the problem; the people are. A lot of people don’t know about dog behavior and are fine taking their dog somewhere while letting them roam in a 10-foot radius on a retractable leash. This is bad. Very bad. That’s why education about dog behavior is important.
I like taking my dog places, but I don’t take her *everywhere*. However, the farmer’s market and Home Depot are actually great places to take a dog when they’re being socialized (which is critical for their development when they’re a puppy). This helps them learn people manners in a relatively safe environment (the owners have to be vigilant of course). Also, I’m not having kids for a LONG time, so my dog is my child. I’d rather listen to a dog bark than a child scream because daddy wouldn’t buy her a lollipop (and yes, I agree that both are obnoxious).
I’m sorry you had a traumatizing experience as a child with a dog. Hopefully you know some good pups that can make you smile. After all, how can anyone not think this is adorable?! http://explore.org/#!/live-cams/player/great-dane-service-puppies-puppy-hill
I agree that the dogs are just being dogs, which is precisely why they should not be out in places specifically meant for people. You cannot predict their behavior. Take them to the dog parks, go for long walks around the neighborhood, spend time with the animal you chose. I agree with all that. And for God’s sake, don’t leave them in a hot car!!! Not even ‘just for a minute’. Would you leave a child in a car ‘just for a minute?’ NO!
We could be best friends………..I love you even though I don’t even know you! 😉 My kinda girl! I often have some of these same thoughts! Hope it felt good to get some of that off your butt cheeks……um, I mean chest! (seriously, I need to put some music to those words).
Holding a door is common courtesy and if someone is able bodied they should be aware of their surroundings. I also realize that there may be people who have a disability that is not visible in which they may struggle to hold a door or walk up stairs. I avoid the elevator at all costs. If there are stairs, I’m going to get in some good exercise. I’m not one to bring my dog anywhere and almost every shop I’ve been doesn’t allow pets unless they are seeing eye dogs or for other medical reasons. The TP doesn’t bother me at all, I try not to sweat the small stuff and that’s what that is to me but to you it may not be and I respect that. Just for the record I checked and ours is the right way. I also take shopping trolleys from those in the parking lot if I am going in and I’ve helped those in need to load groceries in their trunk if I see they need assistance. I’ve never had an issue and there are many people who appreciate the help. 🙂
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Toilet paper definitely need to go over the top not under 🙂
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These are a lot of rants. Lol But hey, you got to say it right? I understand about the gift thingie. Sharing is really not an option especially if they are only a year or two apart.
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Mrs. 1500, I am tickled by your rant and am wondering if anyone has ever wondered about their toilet paper roll. Johnny, did YOU turn that over? No, Mommy, I swear I didn’t! Don’t take away my iPad! Sally, how about you? No, Mommy, I swear I didn’t! Please don’t take away my Tonka truck. Oh, it must have been that Mrs. 1500. She isn’t invited over for coffee ever again!
Love your humor.
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My sister actually called me out on it. We were on the phone after a visit, and she asked me “Did you change the toilet paper roll in my bathroom?” I said yes, and she said “Game on. When I come visit, I am changing the rolls in your house. All of them.”
I am a great coffee guest, you should invite me over. I will only change the one in the guest bathroom.