A Rocky Start and A Smooth Finish

Good Monday, My Blogland Friends~~~~

Yesterday was an unusual day to say the least. I drove out to the Big Flea, leaving home a bit earlier than usual, because I wanted to stop off at a grocery store that I like but it is too out of the way for me to visit regularly. It was morning and I needed my Diet Coke fix. They have fountain sodas there, so I bought a cup and went to the self-serve soda fountain only to learn no Diet Coke--only soda water spilled out! Now, first of all I don't drink Diet Coke because it's sugar free. I drink it because I like the taste far better than regular Coke. That aside, I caught the eye of a woman who works at this store and asked her about their lack of Diet Coke. The following exchange occurred, and it's unbelievable:

Me: Are you all out of Diet Coke?
Grocery Lady: Yes. We don't have any. There's a problem with our distributor.
Me: Oh...
Grocery Lady: Did you know that Diet Coke makes you FAT? It gives you a big appetite and is BAD for you. You don't want to drink Diet Coke. It is--
Me: (cutting her off) Thanks, thanks...Is there any Diet Coke anywhere here?
Grocery Lady: Oh there's some diet stuff over there (pointing to a wall with bottles of soda, even though I had paid for a cup of soda with ice).
Me: Oh...
Grocery Lady walks away.

Can you believe this?????? I didn't go to a grocery store to be insulted (I am a curvy gal) or to have unsubstantiated medical advice. This woman's diatribe was completely unprovoked. I was so angry, not to mention thirsty for my Diet Coke, that I walked away and then remembered there was a soda fountain upstairs in the cafe area. I went up there, tripped on the stair, smashed my knee on the tile (got a big bruise), but guess what??? There was Diet Coke! It was nearly worth it. I was still pretty mad. I shopped, limped, and cooled off.

After getting my groceries, I finally walked over to the customer service, and calmly told them what happened. I even somewhat stood up for the Grocery Lady saying that perhaps her heart was in the right place but her advice was misplaced, but the customer service manager was not amused at her employee. I told her to that I just wanted to vent but didn't want the Grocery Lady fired, just that perhaps she should explain that such opinions and medical advice were best kept silent when dealing with customers. The manager took my grocery receipt and gave me my $55 worth of groceries for free. Not necessary, but it was nice of her to do so.

I left the store, still limping a little at the knot swelling on my knee, and drove off to the only thing that could make me forget the stupidity of dealing with Grocery Lady. I went to the Big Flea! I would have to have both legs broken not to go to the Big Flea! I was going on day 2 of the flea, because hubby and me had a special day before. I needed me some Diet Coke and some Flea!

So, I made my way there, and found this wonderful loot!

Sunday (day 2) of the "BF" is quiet and I took my time poking around. I also spent some "quality time" with my new lovely friend Sue of Vintage Rescue Squad. She is so fun to talk to. She knows everything about estate sales and selling wonderful vintage finds at the Big Flea. I bought the wonderfully shabby and chic vintage quilt from Sue, and that sweetie tossed in a bag of vintage buttons! Sue puts together the most wonderful ephemera packs and sold a whole bunch at the Big Flea--she'll be selling them soon on etsy. I'll let you know! I am delighted to know this wonderful lady!

I found lots of vintage buttons and small shiny Christmas ornaments! Fabrics too!

Cute Shawnee flower pot salt shakers--I love the cottage look of the flower pots!

Pink tinsel and pale pink ornaments! So many crafting possibilities!

An adorable ballerina hankie and cute as a button Vogart flower pot runner!

More vintage Christmas and fabric! Buckles too!

More buttons, and cute vintage jewelry!~~~The day began rocky but ended satisfyingly smooth! I am very happy with that! Have a "smooooooth" week!~~~XXOO, Beth