NFGGO DIARY ENTRIES FOR AUGUST 2009

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FILIA

Featured One Liner for 08/24/09

"Count Your Blessings!"

NFGGO Comment:
May they be so plentiful that it takes a lifetime to count them all!

Featured Story for 08/24/09/

"A Bird in the..."

I was in one of the popular coffee houses and was appalled at what happened.

As I stood in line waiting for my turn to order my overpriced drink, two women in front of me were talking non-stop.  I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but they were both oblivious to the fact that the one had a bird, a big bird, on her shoulder.

At first I was looking down and did not see the bird.  When I did, I was shocked.  First of all, who goes around with their pet bird on their shoulder and then takes it into a restaurant type place.  I mean the bird was beautiful and all, but seriously, you couldn’t leave it at home?

I did not say anything, but waited for my turn as if it wasn’t in the place.  I thought, “I can do this, so long as it doesn’t start flying around.”

Well, it didn’t fly, but it did start pooping on the woman’s shoulder so much it was going down her back.  I stood there transfixed as the other woman noticed that her friend had poop on her.  Casually, and in no particular hurry, the one woman went to get some napkins to clean the mess.

They started talking to the bird like it was a baby.  Things like, “Oh, what did you do?”  and “That’s ok, we’ll clean it up,” the one even spoke in a baby voice. 

I looked around to see if anyone else was seeing it.  Was it a figment of my imagination?  I wish I was with someone so I could confirm the spectacle.  It was like the Twilight Zone.  People saw it, but nobody said or did anything. I was as guilty as everyone else.  Maybe we were all in some sort of state. 

The line moved forward.  The women both stayed in line and the one held onto the napkins with the poop.  I thought surely one of the employees, a manager or someone, would ask her to leave.  But no!  The counter person took their order without skipping a beat. 

Well, that was more than I could handle and I left. I still wish I would have said something.  I may go back and bring it up, but it seems the moment is lost forever.

Suffice to say, I will never patron that place again.

NFGGO Comments:
Let’s face it, in the moment, many people would not know how to say, “Excuse me but unless your bird is a seeing eye bird, it really should not be in the coffee house,” or “Excuse me but your bird’s poop is very unappetizing to the other patrons, not to mention unsanitary.” But, bet you are not alone in your thoughts.

People should love their pets, but some (not all) forget that they are after all animals and people’s comfort and consideration should take precedence.

Often, people who treat their pets as equal to humans do not take kindly to any comment or discomfort others may have concerning them.

In this case, had the women been aware that the bird may be disturbing to the other customers, the woman without the bird could have ordered for the two of them as the bird lady waited outside.  If it did not occur to them at the onset, one would hope at least when the bird started pooping they would have realized that the situation was not acceptable to others; even without anyone vocalizing it.

Many of us are shy about saying anything to people about their pets. Perhaps this is because we were chastised in the past, or are trying to be sensitive to the pet owners’ feelings; though they apparently have no regard to the feelings of others. It is unfortunate that people feel badly or ashamed to voice their feelings on such matters.

Do you have a similar story or want to comment on this one? We want to hear from you — Click Filia and reference “A Bird.”

Featured One Liner for 08/11/09

"Buyer Beware!"

NFGGO Comment:
If we all treated each other fairly and with integrity, sellers and buyers alike, nobody would have to “beware.” Unfortunately, that is not the way of the world, so we all have to be aware.

Featured Story for 08/11/09

"Red in the Face"

My warning to those just getting into the beautiful world of facials: don’t be shy.  Before I tell my story, let me say, I now have a fantastic facialist so don’t let my tale scare you off, just be smart and speak up.

Many first time “facialees” let the facialists do whatever they like. They are after all the “professionals.”

My first facial went swimmingly. I loved it and was hooked immediately. The place closed up shortly thereafter. One day at work, we were talking about such things, waxing, facials, etc. I mentioned that I was looking for a new place. One of the women told me of this unbelievable facialist.  I took her number and eagerly made an appointment. 

Well, what a shock I was in for! It started out fine. I had some blemishes and she said she would be able to help them.  She put some concoction on the affected area, followed by a mask and then LEFT the room. Within the first few minutes the affected area started tingling. Strange, I thought, but maybe it means it is working.  The tingle turned into an uncomfortable sensation that just intensified by the minute.

There I was with soaked pads on my eyes, a quickly drying mask on my face, “potholders” on my hands and alone.  I tried to call out, but to no avail.  She was no where near.  I should have flicked off the potholders, disregarded the eye treatment and set out to find the “magician” lady (now you see her, now you don’t). But, I didn’t.  I laid there suffering, until she finally returned. I told her immediately what was happening.  She quickly removed the mask. 

Unfortunately, it was too late; my face was swollen, itchy and red. She scoffed off the fact that she burned me as nothing,  said it would be better in a day or two (ha, try a week) and I shouldn’t worry. 

To add insult to injury, she charged me full price.  I don’t know why, maybe because she was recommended, maybe I thought somehow it must be my fault or maybe I was in some sort of stupor, who knows, but I actually paid AND tipped her!

Naturally, I never went back, told my co-worker and learned my lesson.  It took me awhile to get another facial, but eventually, I did.  I warned each one that I had very “sensitive skin” and also asked them to not leave the room.  Seriously, where do they need to be?  Some were annoyed, some still were not too good, but all did as requested.

As I said at the onset, I then found a facialist who is wonderful and wouldn’t trade for anyone. Why?  She listens and cares about her clients.  No more burns just one happy customer.

NFGGO Comments:
Bet we've all had similar stories and wish someone had told us theirs so that may be we could avoid the same pitfalls. Facialists can be like doctors.  You have to search for good ones and when you find them, see if they have a bed side matter you like. 

Most of all don’t be intimidated!  You have to ask questions, express your concerns. tell them your history (or lack thereof if it’s your first time). Remember, not all facialists are created equal and the price point is no indication of what you are getting. And yes, really when they leave the room, where are they going? You should be there first and only priority during the session. Glad you hung in there, found your voice, and in the process someone you can trust. 

Anyone else want to share their comments?