Tonight I hung out with Ruth. We watched some bad tv together, making fun of the shows.
When I first got there, Claire and her were talking about crepes, and she asked me if Americans had them. I told her yes, but I pronounced the word differently, and then she made fun of me.
We had a good series of giggles, and I laughed so loudly and long that I think I frightened other people away. Ruth has no tolerance for American television, which means she made a lot of faces of horror and disgust. I turned on a crappy sci-fi show and we began making fun of how racist and xenophobic it is. Afterwards, I turned on a show with a hot guy, and things calmed down.
Ruth was doing some research, and she told me that the Eisenhower Library charges seventy-five cents per page to print information for you. We talked about how steep and crazy that was. (It really is.) The library is in Missouri, and Ruth's not really interested in going all the way out there, "Even if it's in Kansas City, which is big," she said.
"Oh, there's Tennesse," she said, looking on Google maps.
"It's not that close to Tennesse," I told her.
Then Ruth went off about the middle of the country having absolutely nothing.
"Have you ever been to North Dakota?" she asked. Then she started planning her trip there.
Two minutes later: "Did you know that there are two Hicksville's in the U.S.? Do you want to go?"
I don't want to go, Ruth.
"Why not? What more do you want in life?"
She is very cross with me for not going.
"It has a mall," she said, trying to get me to come. And then she started talking about how malls are awful.
"It has a vitamin shop," she said, trying, again, to get me to come.
"I saw an advert for IHOP; I don't remember what it is."
"I might have to go to Hicksville. It's probably just as shit as the rest of New York."
Then she started using Google's Streetview to look at the city.
"There's nothing here! I'm going to check out the mall."
Then she found a store that sold shoes for "problem feet." Which led into a fight over how to pronounce "podatrist."
She explained to me that England only has dentists. And then looked up a list of the famous people from North Dakota.
"Sam Anderson's from North Dakota?" I asked.
"Apparently."
North Dakota has some famous people, who I hadn't heard of.
We both knew who Leonard Peltier was, so I guess we weren't completely out of our league.
"We can go to a rodeo and a powwow. It's part of their culture."
Okay, okay.
"I think they are faking this 14 days of fun. It won't load!"
Then she started researching weird deaths. In between, the North Dakota page loaded. "Look, they have peacocks and snow! People jog there!"
"People jog here," I say.
"That's because you've never been there," she said.
They also have the world's largest catfish, which she told me all about.
"North Dakota has a special place in my heart," she said.
She got excited for their manufacturing plants and their tax rise. "They must be crazy," she said, about the latter. "And they extended it for 2016, because they're crazy."
I told her I was tired, and she gave me the chance to go to bed.
Showing posts with label malls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label malls. Show all posts
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Monday, June 28, 2010
Mauled
My Dad has this thing were he likes to go and walk around the Mall. As someone who likes walks, this appeals to me. As someone who doesn't like shopping, it's location does not. But I decided I needed to get out today, so I went.
It's been a really long time since I've been to the Mall. I've been living elsewhere and when I am around, I'm usually too busy to even think about something like this. The place hasn't changed much, honestly, but in the bad economy, a lot of stores have closed down. It was kind of sad. There were whole blocks of nothing.
While we were walking about, my Dad noticed a sign advertising new aluminum-free deodorant at the Body Shop. I've mentioned before that I'm on the hunt for aluminum-free products, the first one being deodorant. Jennifer already pointed me to a place that sells some, and I like it so far. It's good to know there are other options out there. The guy was really shocked to see me so enthusiastic about the stuff. Once you've read the research, you will be too, trust me.
I also hit up my favorite store at the Mall: Hot Topic.
I know that a lot of people like to hate on Hot Topic. I can understand that, on the outside, it might look like a terrible thing. But when I was a young girl and discovering my Goth-i-ness, Hot Topic was the only store I could go to for the things that were close to what I wanted for self-expression. When you're only going to be able to buy stuff you save your allowance for and don't have your own car, a place like Hot Topic, which is accessible and relatively cheap, is a Godsend. And really, most of the stores in Malls across America sell the same basic looks, and they always change based on "what's in" in mainstream fashion. If you want something different, Hot Topic is one of the few distinctly differently places.
I also went in to check on one of my friends, who I haven't seen in four years. He's changed so much. He has a beard that reminds me of Daniel's. He's still super hot. (Why did I not date him when I had the chance? He's clearly perfect for me.)
He was giving me the scoop on some mutual friends. Emily graduated. Jack is awesome and amazing, as I already knew since I saw him six weeks ago.
What surprised me was what he said about Ben and Shannon. Ben is my ex-boyfriend who I haven't seen in years either. Not because we had a fight or anything, we just grew apart, and, strangely, not even over our breakup. (We were really good friends in the two years after the breakup.) I knew that Ben and Shannon got married this past December.
What I didn't know was that they had packed up and moved last week for South Carolina. They both got teaching jobs. Ben once told me that I would probably end of teaching at the college level and he would probably teach high school. Now, at the very least, the last part has become completely true. And of course, I would be happy to teach at a college, but I don't know if that's ever going to work out. There are no guarantees in life.
I have mixed feelings about them moving. On one hand, I'm sad there's no chance of me running into them, since I like them so much. On the other hand, Ben had this fatalist thing going on when I was younger about how he would never leave our hometown, and he would live here forever, just like countless generations of his family before him. I'm glad to hear he actually got out of here, even if it's before me.
It's been a really long time since I've been to the Mall. I've been living elsewhere and when I am around, I'm usually too busy to even think about something like this. The place hasn't changed much, honestly, but in the bad economy, a lot of stores have closed down. It was kind of sad. There were whole blocks of nothing.
While we were walking about, my Dad noticed a sign advertising new aluminum-free deodorant at the Body Shop. I've mentioned before that I'm on the hunt for aluminum-free products, the first one being deodorant. Jennifer already pointed me to a place that sells some, and I like it so far. It's good to know there are other options out there. The guy was really shocked to see me so enthusiastic about the stuff. Once you've read the research, you will be too, trust me.
I also hit up my favorite store at the Mall: Hot Topic.
I know that a lot of people like to hate on Hot Topic. I can understand that, on the outside, it might look like a terrible thing. But when I was a young girl and discovering my Goth-i-ness, Hot Topic was the only store I could go to for the things that were close to what I wanted for self-expression. When you're only going to be able to buy stuff you save your allowance for and don't have your own car, a place like Hot Topic, which is accessible and relatively cheap, is a Godsend. And really, most of the stores in Malls across America sell the same basic looks, and they always change based on "what's in" in mainstream fashion. If you want something different, Hot Topic is one of the few distinctly differently places.
I also went in to check on one of my friends, who I haven't seen in four years. He's changed so much. He has a beard that reminds me of Daniel's. He's still super hot. (Why did I not date him when I had the chance? He's clearly perfect for me.)
He was giving me the scoop on some mutual friends. Emily graduated. Jack is awesome and amazing, as I already knew since I saw him six weeks ago.
What surprised me was what he said about Ben and Shannon. Ben is my ex-boyfriend who I haven't seen in years either. Not because we had a fight or anything, we just grew apart, and, strangely, not even over our breakup. (We were really good friends in the two years after the breakup.) I knew that Ben and Shannon got married this past December.
What I didn't know was that they had packed up and moved last week for South Carolina. They both got teaching jobs. Ben once told me that I would probably end of teaching at the college level and he would probably teach high school. Now, at the very least, the last part has become completely true. And of course, I would be happy to teach at a college, but I don't know if that's ever going to work out. There are no guarantees in life.
I have mixed feelings about them moving. On one hand, I'm sad there's no chance of me running into them, since I like them so much. On the other hand, Ben had this fatalist thing going on when I was younger about how he would never leave our hometown, and he would live here forever, just like countless generations of his family before him. I'm glad to hear he actually got out of here, even if it's before me.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
The Steal
Truth: I don't really like malls. Or shopping. I still have issues with clothes. (Why don't they ever fit right? Why are they all made for the super skinny? Why do I have to dress the same way? Why do stores all sell so much of the same stuff?)
So going to the mall today with some of my friends was sort of a different thing for me. Obviously, I was going so I could chill with them. They're all much bigger shoppers than I am. I don't even remember the last time I was in a mall or out shopping. Last summer probably, but I can't even remember. Oh! Now I know: I went out in May 2009 to help my sister look for a graduation dress. I bought a dress for the Honors College Ball (one I looked amazing in) and bought two other dresses, and my sister didn't get anything, because if there's anything I've learned about shopping, it's the person who's not looking for something who finds exactly what they've been looking for.
First, we went into this store that sells accessories. I started looking through stuff. I found this great top hat decorated with red lace ribbon. Ever since my steampunk convention a few weeks back, I have been on the lookout for cool steampunk wear. I could totally use something like this, even though I already have an (artfully battered) steampunk hat with gray ribbon.
I try not to be an impulse buyer. I try to talk myself out of at least 75 percent of my purchases. I talked myself out of this one.
Meanwhile, Tori and Natasha were inspecting vampire stuff. "What's this?" Tori asked, holding up a journal with a design from the Vampire Diaries.
"The Vampire Diaries," I explained, thinking that was enough.
"True Blood?"
"No, that's a different show."
"Wait, in addition to Twilight and True Blood there's another vampire thing?"
I decided not to mention Buffy or Interview with a Vampire or Anita Blake. Might not go over well.
We walked down to a store that sold body lotions. We walked in. "I have a headache," I said thirty seconds later. Natasha heard me and laughed. It was actually not that bad, but my Mom cannot handle those places at all. She's very headache-sensitive.
We looked through things, and I smelled some of the testers. I kind of hate it when things are described as Midnight Rendezvous or April Showers, because I always think "What does that smell like?" With something like Strawberry Sorbet it's like, sure, it's meant to smell like strawberries. At least if it doesn't smell like whatever, you can still be like "Oh, well, at least they achieved a general fruity thing."
Madison picked up this massive brush and hit me with it and it hurt. I thought about Josie and pervertables. She'd love to hear about this.
We then went into an actual clothing store. While Madison was looking around, I went into the boy's section. I really love guy's clothing, and a year and a half ago, I promised myself I would start wearing stuff I liked, regardless of where it came from (unless it was from a store that sexually abuses its employees. I'm not supporting that.) I'm a big fan of plaid shirts (or plaid anything, really.) This isn't the right weather for it, but I looked through. And then I saw this bag on the ground.
When I went to that convention, I was really sorry I didn't have a better bag (I had just opted to take my handy-dandy goes anywhere black purse). I had wished I had a canvas bag and there one was. Like God had heard me thinking about it and asked my Dad if he had one, and then decided to send me to the mall and a store I about never go into.
I picked it up. It was a decent size, which was what I wanted. It was a messenger bag, like I wanted. It didn't have holes or tears. Good, good...and I looked at the price.
7.99.
It was cheap. A bag like this is a minimum 20, sometimes 30. How the heck...?
Well, obviously, I had to get it. And then, as the clerk was ringing me up, she was like "Oh, it's on sale, plus you get another 20 percent off. 5.49."
5.49? Sold!
I showed it to everyone and they were all impressed. 5.49 for a nice big bag like that?
I'm the kind of person who buys something and then instantly regrets it. I keep expecting it to happen with this bag. I keep opening it expecting a giant spider to come out and chew my arm off. To be fair, it's a little awkwardly designed. If I was making this bag, I'd order different clasps and shoulder strap, but it's really the right look.
Hilariously enough, of all my friends, I was the only person who bought something today. See what I mean? When you're not looking for something, it finds you.
So going to the mall today with some of my friends was sort of a different thing for me. Obviously, I was going so I could chill with them. They're all much bigger shoppers than I am. I don't even remember the last time I was in a mall or out shopping. Last summer probably, but I can't even remember. Oh! Now I know: I went out in May 2009 to help my sister look for a graduation dress. I bought a dress for the Honors College Ball (one I looked amazing in) and bought two other dresses, and my sister didn't get anything, because if there's anything I've learned about shopping, it's the person who's not looking for something who finds exactly what they've been looking for.
First, we went into this store that sells accessories. I started looking through stuff. I found this great top hat decorated with red lace ribbon. Ever since my steampunk convention a few weeks back, I have been on the lookout for cool steampunk wear. I could totally use something like this, even though I already have an (artfully battered) steampunk hat with gray ribbon.
I try not to be an impulse buyer. I try to talk myself out of at least 75 percent of my purchases. I talked myself out of this one.
"The Vampire Diaries," I explained, thinking that was enough.
"True Blood?"
"No, that's a different show."
"Wait, in addition to Twilight and True Blood there's another vampire thing?"
I decided not to mention Buffy or Interview with a Vampire or Anita Blake. Might not go over well.
We walked down to a store that sold body lotions. We walked in. "I have a headache," I said thirty seconds later. Natasha heard me and laughed. It was actually not that bad, but my Mom cannot handle those places at all. She's very headache-sensitive.
We looked through things, and I smelled some of the testers. I kind of hate it when things are described as Midnight Rendezvous or April Showers, because I always think "What does that smell like?" With something like Strawberry Sorbet it's like, sure, it's meant to smell like strawberries. At least if it doesn't smell like whatever, you can still be like "Oh, well, at least they achieved a general fruity thing."
Madison picked up this massive brush and hit me with it and it hurt. I thought about Josie and pervertables. She'd love to hear about this.
We then went into an actual clothing store. While Madison was looking around, I went into the boy's section. I really love guy's clothing, and a year and a half ago, I promised myself I would start wearing stuff I liked, regardless of where it came from (unless it was from a store that sexually abuses its employees. I'm not supporting that.) I'm a big fan of plaid shirts (or plaid anything, really.) This isn't the right weather for it, but I looked through. And then I saw this bag on the ground.
When I went to that convention, I was really sorry I didn't have a better bag (I had just opted to take my handy-dandy goes anywhere black purse). I had wished I had a canvas bag and there one was. Like God had heard me thinking about it and asked my Dad if he had one, and then decided to send me to the mall and a store I about never go into.
I picked it up. It was a decent size, which was what I wanted. It was a messenger bag, like I wanted. It didn't have holes or tears. Good, good...and I looked at the price.
7.99.
It was cheap. A bag like this is a minimum 20, sometimes 30. How the heck...?
Well, obviously, I had to get it. And then, as the clerk was ringing me up, she was like "Oh, it's on sale, plus you get another 20 percent off. 5.49."
5.49? Sold!
I showed it to everyone and they were all impressed. 5.49 for a nice big bag like that?
I'm the kind of person who buys something and then instantly regrets it. I keep expecting it to happen with this bag. I keep opening it expecting a giant spider to come out and chew my arm off. To be fair, it's a little awkwardly designed. If I was making this bag, I'd order different clasps and shoulder strap, but it's really the right look.
Hilariously enough, of all my friends, I was the only person who bought something today. See what I mean? When you're not looking for something, it finds you.
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