The Logistics of Cross Country Skiing

I don't carry my ski pass with me religiously when I go cross country skiing at Hiawatha.  I have had a pass for four years and have never been checked once.  On Sunday, I decided to dress in an ample amount of layers and brave the -30 weather and go out for a ski in order to enjoy the sunshine. While skiing back to the vehicle after I finished the trail, I came upon four young men on skis, all of them adorned in bright orange reflective vests blocking my way on the trail.  Low and behold, the buggers were checking for trail passes!

I kindly explained that I did not have it with me.  The "spokesperson" of the group said they would "really appreciate" if I wore my pass from now on.  I agreed and said that I usually hang it from my rear-view mirror instead of wearing it but- alas, had driven a different vehicle that day (of course).  He also said that they would like it if I stopped by the office on my way out and let them know that I had a trail pass.  I inquired if they would be letting the office know that I would be coming.  He said no.  I asked if they could check later on the computer to verify that I had a trail pass.  He said that he didn't have any way to do so... I thought... "Well, that's odd.  You'd think they could carry a pen and paper and write down some names, and check on it later."  I asked "Why am I stopping at the office if they don't know I am coming and you aren't stopping there afterward?"  He repeated himself "We would really appreciate it if you stopped at the office on your way out."  Has Hiawatha been programming robot trail pass enforcers?  He didn't seem to understand what I was getting at so.... like I always do with robots  stupid people those less gifted in the logic department, I just decided to let it go, smile and nod... and ski away.

"...the buggers were checking for trail passes!"

Contemplating whether or not I should actually go out of my way to stop at the office, I decided it could only add to the entertainment value of the story - so why not?

Approaching the office, I found there were no free parking spaces except for the handicap spot.  Breaking the third law of the day (I had been skiing the wrong direction when the trail police stopped me) - I parked there and zipped inside.  I found no one behind the desk, for the employee was having a leisurely chat with someone in the common area.  He came over to the desk and I informed him that I had been checked for a pass out on the trail and that I didn't have it with me.  I had been told to check in with him and let him know that I had a pass. He looked at me strangely and said, okay I believe you.  I asked him if he could just look it up in the computer.  He verified the information and said "Well, I guess I could give you a day pass in case they check you again".  I said, no I'm done for the day thank-you-very-much.  He asked if the trail police had known that and I said yes - they asked me to stop on my way out.  He shook his head and we both looked at each other - equally as confuzzled.  We both smiled and nodded, and I was on my way.

Wine Whisperer: February

You know I love my wine!  Having worked for several wine stores, my husband calls me a professional wine-slinger.  Mind you, he also thinks I am a "wine-snob" - though I beg to differ.  Though I am educated about wine, I am not one of those people who won't buy a bottle unless it is over $20.  Maybe I should refer to myself as a bargain wine enthusiast?  Sometimes I will try a a wine just because I like the label, but we are probably all guilty of that!  I once met a customer who would only buy wine if it had an animal on the label. Animals seem to be a great way to sell product (think Telus!), but maybe that is another post altogether.  But I digress! 

How about every month, I focus on a specific "genre" of wine.  This month - lets explore Ontario! 

Top 5 February Wines - VQA Ontario Wines

1.  Lake and River Cabernet Sauvignon $10.95 - LCBO, Colio Estates inside Pino's

2.  Girls Night Out Chardonnay $12.95 (must be 2011, 2012 is not as good) - LCBO, Colio Estates

3.  Bricklayers Predicament Cabernet Merlot $14.95 (must be decanted or aerated) - exclusive to Colio Estates

4.  Vineland Estates Cabernet Franc $13.95 -GNR LCBO

5.  Jackson Triggs Black Series Rich and Robust Red $13.95 - exclusive to Wine Rack

All of the above wines are dry.  All of the reds are very rich and full-bodied, with the exception of the Vineland Estates cab franc, which is medium bodied.

If you have any wines you have been curious about, let me know and I would love to try tasting them and give you my report!  

(too bad she's drinking a martini!)

Why Men Are My Favourite Customers

Men listen.  Not just pretend listening either.  How refreshing it is when a gentleman walks into my store, flashes me a smile and then actually listens to what I am saying.  He takes my tips and suggestions into account, acknowledging that I actually know what I'm talking about.  

Women, on the other hand, can sometimes be what I call "pretend listeners".  Rather than genuinely listening- they often seem to be simply waiting for their turn to talk.  Women may act interested in what you have to say, but after you are done offering your expertise- they often decide that they know better.  Of course- the customer is always right- but we salesgirls DO get a little annoyed with this.  Often times the customer will say they want one thing, and then pick out something completely different.

I'm talking the-customer-asks-for-a-neutral-colour-and-then-decides-she-wants-hot-pink different.

Men also seem to not be as cheap as women.  Let's think about why they are shopping.  More often than not - when they come into my current place of employment - they are looking for something their partner will like.  Men will go above and beyond to please their women - taking whatever suggestions you throw at them.

Of course, there is the exception to every rule on either side of the debate.  Sometimes a man will leave my store, leaving me shaking my head wondering what the heck he was talking about.

C'est la vie!

When Customers Use You as a Garbage Disposal

     How often have you been minding your business behind the counter, when someone ambles in to the store, picks out what they want, and makes it over to the cash register in a somewhat timely manner.  The entire time, you may have been eyeing a suspicious piece of crumpled paper they are clutching in their little greedy hand.  While you are processing their transaction, they take this time not only to give you whatever they have been needlessly hanging on to, but to empty out their pockets onto the counter.  I am talking snotty Kleenex's, crumpled up receipts, gum wrappers... use your imagination.  Once they have put these on display for you, they look you right in the eye with a smile on their face and a glint in their eye and say "Here's some garbage for you!".  Some may even be ignorant enough to say "Here's your tip!".  Why, thank you sir or kind lady!  My job, earning minimum wage, was not demeaning enough until you did me the good graces of letting me assist you in cleaning out the recesses of your jacket pockets which apparently only see the light of day several times a year.  Not only am I here to welcome you into our store, serve you with a smile, go above and beyond - but now am expected to dispose of your snot rags for you...  all with a positive demeanor and, of course, not fogetting to invite you back!  

     Do all of us retail workers a favour and don't leave us your garbage.  I don't care if it's the crumpled up receipt you JUST got from the grocery store right before you came into my shop, or the Kleenex that (you swear) hasn't been used.  If you simply must find a garbage can at that exact millisecond in time, simply ask and I will gladly lift it up for you to dispose your own garbage in.... yourself.