A Pondering Yank…

Having been offered to post something here in the Third Province and with the added suggestion about American views I started thinking. Going into the weekend I had a number of things on my notepad of a political nature and a list of things to do out and about in the real world. Reflecting on all this I experienced a rush of thoughts. So here are those thoughts, questions and other evidence of random pondering.

” You don’t have to work as hard…”

I was at the big box home improvement (DIY) store looking for some lawn trimmer. Having grown up in the city I am more in tune with the virtues of asphalt than grass but I must try. I think it is some type of suburban by law. Anyway I passed no less than seven properly vested and on the clock employees of the store and was not so much as nodded at let alone offered help. As I was exiting three of them were doing a one person job and another person was talking to them. In context of some of the conversation I easily overheard due to it’s obvious broadcast -this other person seemed to be akin to their union steward even though I don’t think the store is unionized. They all laughed it up when he said “Well at least you don’t have to work as hard.” In fairness it could have been about how three were doing the work of one but it didn’t seem it. In fuller truth the fact they didn’t acknowledge me-a customer is more in line with the statement I think.

Also on that day…

So after a less than positive jaunt in the home improvement store I found myself at home with the family and desiring anything other than preparing dinner. I turned to the telephone and a coupon to a new pizza place in the neighborhood.

In a full disclosure way I sometimes speak as fast and sloppily as I type;however, I am usually understandable.

Anyway my attempts to order didn’t get past the identifying info all the take out places seem to require now. I say the eight that is in my phone number and the pizza man says “five ?? ” I say clearly and louder “EIGHT ! “ Pizza man says “You’ll have to speak up.” I hung up and made up the leftovers-Yuck

Other Suburban Bylaw Adherences…

The Lawn and shopping continued…

Well this being America we have two super big box home improvement stores. I went to the other one and found a trimmer at a price I liked and a brand with features that were awesome. See that’s the suburban thing working. I can’t stand yard work and am urban dictated inept at it ,yet the right tool at the right price gets me grunting.On a side note I was acknowledged by an employee other than the cashier although not necessarily helped in my search. Anyway off to the yard I went and since I only cut grass and brush as opposed to me I think I may have turned a corner. At least until the water ban kicks in and the summer sun burns my lawn to a non green state.

True Suburban Nirvana…

I went to my daughters soccer (football everywhere else) game today. Soccer has taken off in the States and I have always been a cynical opponent of it. The lure of it in my eyes has always been driven by people that wanted to be more like Europe and municipalities that couldn’t afford to field fully equipped football (American) or baseball teams.

Anyway the parking lot resembled a demolition derby and the fields were abounding in crazed running “under sevens” (year olds) My little one scored twice and paid attention throughout.There was even a defensive play that was stellar-either that or proof that if one stands in the right place you’re likely to get hit.

I went home proud of my little player and a little bit more positive about soccer.I also think I’ve gotten another suburban ritual punched on my Suburban Resident Card.