Yeah, when going shopping is the headline of the post, you know you are in for a very large dose of unexcitement. Hmm, my spellchecker says unexcitement isn’t a word. How else do you describe an unexciting life? (For the record, I know it is not a word; I was taking creative liberty with the language. I have a license to do so.)
Anyway, I did change things up by making a rare journey out to Dau, a suburb of Angeles City, to do my weekly shopping at the S&R store, the local equivalent of Costco. Well, similar in style but not in quality. Still, after weeks of frustration with being unable to find desired items (like fresh milk) at Royal, I decided to splurge and take the expensive trip to fill my larder with those things I most desire. By expensive, I mean paying my driver 3500 pesos ($70) to take me there. I couldn’t remember the last time I had shopped at S&R, but it turns out it was over a year ago. I learned that fact when I was advised that my membership had expired and I needed to pay 700 pesos for a renewal.
Was it worth it? Not really. My disappointment in discovering that many of the things I wanted were also not available here, but also things I routinely purchase at Royal weren’t on the shelves at S&R, reminded me of why it had been over a year since my last visit. They did have fresh milk in stock, though–the same brand I used to purchase back when I shopped at the commissary:
I still somehow managed to spend almost $300. (my weekly budget is $200) buying too much of what I could find despite not finding other things I needed, like cookies for the kids and dog food. Seriously, who doesn’t stock canned dog food in a superstore? Oh well, rant over.
My Tuesday evening activities were nothing to write home blog about either. But that won’t stop me. My friend had asked me to visit her at Snackbar, and so I started out there. I needed to pick up something at the 7/11 next door, and as I approached, I saw the Dick was sitting in front of Snackbar. When I came out of 7/11, he was gone. I guess our feelings are mutual.
I had an errand to run (delivering some meds for my hungover friend at Outback, but I promised to return to Snackbar later in the evening. After Outback, I popped into Kamto for a bite to eat. It’s always nice to spend a little time with Lydell and Heidi.
By the time I made it back to Snackbar, my friend had gone home for the night. I had one more drink for the road and joined her. Well, not like that. I went home alone, not sure about her.
And that’s how I spent my Tuesday. Maybe I should write a book:
Interesting that “unexcitement” isn’t a word, but “unexciting” is.
Regarding hard-to-find grocery items: have you asked John the foodie where he gets his stuff from?
I haven’t asked John specifically. He actually has several shelves of hard-to-find items in his restaurant–sauces and stuff the Brits crave. I know he makes expeditions to Manila frequently to buy his meats, so he probably shops while he’s there. My issues are more of an “out of stock” than hard-to-find issue. My trip to S&R seems to confirm this is a supply chain problem.
OUCH: “I met Heidi’s mother (she took the picture), and we are now Facebook friends.”
Why? Are you really interested in what goes on in her life? You just met her.
So, when you get a message from her asking for money because of some “emergency”, you only have yourself to blame. LOL
Brian, it was all a little more innocent than you make it sound. I was at Kamto resto, and Heidi’s mom and sister came there to eat. They were sitting at the outdoor counter near me. Heidi introduced us, but that was the extent of the interaction. She took that photo later of Lydell and me. The only surprising part was getting the Facebook friend request. I’m pretty liberal in accepting those if we have mutual friends or have met in person–so the mom qualified on both points.
No, I have no interest in the mother’s life, but I did appreciate her sending me the photo. I’m not looking to get to know Heidi outside of work, either. Lydell is the one I’m crushing on a little.
As to potential money requests, anything from the mother would be easily denied, even by my low standards. She’d fall into the “sorry, no” and blocked after the first request. I honestly don’t expect that to happen, but you never know.
Given my history, I’m not surprised by your cynicism, but I’m learning. Ever so slowly, but learning.