Drought, Draught, Women Shoppers And My New Bosch Bit Kit

I headed off with a long-time friend to do some shopping out of town. It was an interesting trip, and offered me a chance to take note of some things.

Drought And Coke Zero

Firstly, I noted that the drought that hit Oklahoma so hard has had far reaching effects outside the state as well. Secondly, I noted that I like Coke Zero better than Coca-Cola Classic, Diet Coke or any of the other variants. Still, I prefer Dr. Pepper, RC, and Pepsi.

Anyway, our first stop was the Home Depot. Once again, I was unable to leave a Home Depot without buying something. It just isn’t possible. It’s like a visit to a holy temple or something, and I don’t want to offend the tool gods. My friend needed to pick up some building materials and I intended to just browse and wish. Fat chance of that.

Bosch Scores With Bit Kit

What I came away with was something small—considering my normal predispostion to leave any tool-carrying store with something that chops, cuts, drills, sands or is meant to have one of those things done to it. I found a neat little driver bit kit made by Bosch that I of course needed for my cordless drill. No, really, I did need this–this time!

It has one of the sturdiest cases I’ve come across and that was what initially attracted me to it. Or perhaps it was that the red and black coloring matches my cordless drill holster so perfectly and would look cool in the pouch? Well, in either case, the case is great. And what it had in it was great too.

All the bits I have worn out over time seemed to be inside. Someone at Bosch has been paying attention. Many bit kits seem to have some random assortment, half of which will never be used. This kit has just what I need. And I love the CC60491 Clic Change Compact Magnetic Driver Guide that was included. I’m already thinking what a brilliant shopper I am. I mean, it was just hanging there by the checkout counters, and there were only three left! Can you imagine?

Women And Mystery Shopping

I never cease to wonder at how women shop. They seem so random in their whole procedure, and sometimes it seems like they just don’t know how to throw together a game plan. I am amazed they can leave a store with so much stuff, though. How they do it remains a mystery better left to social scientists at the universities.

Myself? I research online or read reviews in magazines, head to the store or surf to the appropriate site and voila! So easy. Or, I walk down aisles and—like a gift from the tool gods (or sport gods, or food gods, or whatever gods)—bam! There’s just what I need, and at the time I happen to need it, right there in front of me. It’s like I have this gift for shopping or something.

Now, I have a marketing degree and I know well the dark magik that merchandisers practice. But I am lucky, my friends—my degree is like PromotionalEndPiecebane, and keeps my wallet safe. So I KNOW with absolute certainty that fate meant me to have one of those remaining three bit kits.

I wonder if any woman out there would have been so in tune with life and aware as to see the deeper meaning in such a seemingly small thing? Would she have fathomed out the omens, like the really huge red-tailed hawk on the side of the highway eating something that we saw? Would she have been in-tune to her surroundings enough to seize the moment and take advantage of the opportunity that had been presented in the form of a bit kit hiding—nondescriptly—near the checkout counter?

I have my doubts.

As I said, it’s like I have this gift for shopping…

Except when it comes to bookstores. Nobody’s perfect. After two hours in Hastings, I couldn’t find a single thing to buy. So I picked up a Coke Zero and some mints. Seriously, couldn’t even find any techie magazines or anything on kayaking. The political science section was really bare as well, and it will likely be a while before George R. R. Martin comes out with his next book.

That’s why, really, I’m a loyal Barnes & Noble customer and usually shop there. They’re very community friendly and I don’t like Borders’ associates. Plus, I can always find something interesting to read in a B&N.

Red Meat, Draught Beer, Babes

We stopped at Applebee’s and I really enjoyed my bacon cheeseburger, which I washed down with a couple of Guinness draughts. Now, I wish they had a stout on tap, as I don’t care for the draught in can or bottle and the little widget inside rattling about. But at least I didn’t have to drink a lite beer, so luck was with me.

The food was great. And there were some real cute waitresses, including ours. She came away with a tip in the 33% range I think. I appreciate good customer service. And, what the heck, she was cute.

All said and done, it was a good day. And I have come to the conclusion that the particular bit kit I snagged is probably not being put out anymore, as I can’t seem to find it online anywhere, which is a shame. I’d highly recommend it to anyone.

Oh, and I saved my friend a few dollars by suggesting some OSB panels for the project instead of hardwood planking. Attic storage space for less. Damn, I’m a good friend.