So I walk into my neighborhood Sports Store and see the perfect jacket. Problem is, it's not the size my boyfriend can wear so what to do? Ask the front counter if there are more in stock in my size or what other stores might have one.
The front counter checked her computer and found one about 30 miles away and they were willing to put it on hold for me. At least three times I asked is it the same color and make just in a larger size. "Yes, of course yes.. same skew number, same color, just a larger size and they will hold it for 24 hours for you." So I reply, "Yes please!!!" Now, it's pouring down rain as I ponder what to do as far as venturing out in rain slick streets tonight, Friday in rush hour traffic or wait until Saturday morning where we are expecting a larger storm. I opted for going now and making sure I have the jacket to complete my surprise present.
The normal 45 minute drive turned into an hour and a half as I fight my way across flooded surface streets and hundreds of cars. Looking for signs and addresses in the dark, Awwwww there it is. But where do you park as Wilshire Boulevard doesn't sport many street parking spaces and high rises want a minimum of $5.00 to park. But after a few circles around the block, waaa laaa.. a space opens up. I'm exciting approach the front counter and explain who I am and how my local store has called to hold my jacket. The woman goes into her secret stash in the back and pulls out my jacket very politely. But wait, what's this???? Yes it is the same similar jacket but in a gawd awful color. So I explained how I was reassured that they had the one I wanted in stock and this is NOT it. They really were not all that helpful as my disappointment grew.
WHAT HAPPENED TO COMMUNICATION??
So I decide on my own to do a tedious search through every jacket there thinking maybe they missed it. Holy shit, I almost shouted as I find the one I want but now it's twice I big as I needed. Hmmmmmm, my visualization goes into effect to try and imagine if this will fit my boyfriend so what to do. I start scanning the store for any man who looks as tall and same build but doesn't speak English so I felt like I was on an episode of "I survived a Japanese Game Show," as I try to ask a non English speaking Korean man to take off his jacket and put this one on. His face was skeptical and non friendly but after my award winning smile visually convinced him, he undressed and tried my jacket on. So trying to visualize your man in another man's body, I think it will work and after all I drove all this way to not come home with something would be self defeating so I made my purchase and fought another over an hours worth of traffic. Now if it doesn't fit him, there's no where else to buy one in the Los Angeles area. My question is, should I have bought it since if it doesn't fit he can't exchange it anywhere for one that does as no one has one, and how disappointed will I be if his reaction doesn't meet or exceed the trouble it took me to get it?
But it IS WHAT IT IS.....
And I am grateful I had a friend to tag along with me on the ride, I didn't get into one of the many weather related accidents recorded last night, I had the money and gas to spend as many don't have that luxury and it's the first time in 7 years I actually have a man to buy something for anyway. :-)
So, I'm standing in the check out line with my shopping cart of goodies along with a 20 pound container of cat liter. When I approach the counter, I ask the checker if I need to put it on the counter or can she scan it in my basket. "No, leave it as I can scan it there," I am assured. After everything is rung up, I never saw her come to the cart and again asked her if that included my cat liter. "Opps no it does not" and I tell her, "Cause there is no way I want free cat liter as I will pay for it later in some other form." She smiles and proceeds back to her register hits enter and tells me to swipe my card. But the price is exactly what she told me 15 seconds ago, so I politely keep my mouth shut and agree to my purchase.
