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August 17, 2005
Green is nice!
We haven't had internet for a few weeks, so I haven't had the chance to post this "once in a lifetime" entry about Walmart. Here goes:
I went to Walmart on Friday, July 23rd right after we bought our house to buy more paint for the next day. There were several people coming to help paint, so I thought I would stock up for the living room because it was looking like we would need two coats. Mistake #1, don't ask the night shift at Walmart to match a paint sample for you. I didn't have the specific code for the color, but I had a sample that they can put in a machine and it will automatically read the code. Ok. So it is around 7 and I head off to Wally World to get the paint. I go to the department and there is no one around. I wait for a few minutes, but it is obvious that no one is working specifically in this department. I wander back to the tire department and they page someone to come over to help me. I head back and wait, and wait, and wait. 10 minutes later (that is a long time to stare at paint samples on the wall) I go back to the tire department and they try the intercom again. Still no answer. I am about ready to leave, when this guy come wandering down the aisle and says, "Do you need help?" I bite my tongue in an effort not to say something sarcastic and decide to just be nice and hopefully get home shortly. I ask him, "Do you know how to mix paint?" "Yeah, he replies." "Oh good, here is a sample of the color I need and I need TWO gallons." He takes the paper and puts it in the machine to read the color. He looks over to me "It is going to be a few minutes, I accidentally pushed the off button, it is going to take a bit to get it ready to use again." Mistake #2, I should have ran right out the door there, never looking back. But I didn't, I decided to give this guy a fair try. I mean, who really wants to be at Walmart on a Friday night chillin with a prego lady and trying to mix paint. Not my idea of a 'good time'. Anyway, he gets the reading and asks me twice what type of paint I wanted. "Satin" I replied for the second time. He goes over, grabs the paint and sets it down to add the colors. This is a very intricate process that takes several minutes to get the right color. (By this time I have made myself comfortable by sitting on the counter at the pant department, they really should have a couch there for times such as these.) I remember hearing "Uh oh." I glance over and the can of paint is overflowing. He says, "I think I put the amount in wrong, I told the machine to make 2 gallons instead of 1 at a time, I think I am going to try this again, it might take a bit thought." I sigh and again start zoning out. A little while later I hear the machine turn off and he is pounding the lid back onto the can. "Now I have to mix it," he says as he puts it into the mixer machine. He closes the lid, presses the button and KABOOM!!!!!! There is paint everywhere. All over the machine, all over the floor and all over this man! I am sitting there trying to figure out if I should laugh or cry. He looks at me and says, "It has never done that before!" Just then another Walmart associate walks by and exclaims, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? I am taking over from here!" Walmart boy #1 looks relieved and leaves to clean himself up. The other guy looks at me and says, "Do you have any more shopping to do? I have to clean this all up and then remix the paint." "No," I reply. "I just ran to Walmart for a quick errand to get two gallons of paint, that is all" (It has been and 1 hour and 15 minutes by now.) "I am going to go to the bathroom, I will be back in while," I state. As I am heading to the bathroom, I am doubled over laughing at what just happened. I make myself comfortable by sitting on a rack in the craft department and proceed to call several of my closest friends to fill them in on this experience. About 20 minutes later I saunter on over to the paint department and he has 1 can of paint waiting for me and he is working on someone else's order. "Thanks," I say, "But I needed 2 gallons." He looks at me exasperated, but goes to finish the order. 10 minutes later, I am in line at the check out and ready to pay for my paint. The lady is scanning the 2 gallons and I realized that she had been talking to me. (I was so tired at this point, I was zoning again!) "What did you say?" I asked. As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I realized what she had said. This kind, wonderful Walmart checker had said, "Wow, what are you painting that UGLY color?" She then realizes her foot should be in her mouth and then quickly comes up with, "I mean... what are you ... painting that not so nice looking color.... a bedroom?" I look at her with complete disbelief, "My living room actually, it is a nice green once it is on the walls, quite nice." "Oh green!, Green is nice!" She says as I am walking out the door.
Geesh!
Ever since that day in late July I have been hoping to get this story posted, it is so weird to read it again, I just can't believe all that happened. And yes, I still shop there. I have been sticking with the "day shift" though. :)
Peace.
Posted by Leah at August 17, 2005 10:21 AM
Comments
You got to love Walmart....The Ashley's love to go there and observe "parenting" at it's best.(sarcasm). For some reason parents in Walmart tend to speak very rudely to their kids....you may continue to shop there, but never buy into the "walmart parenting style"
Posted by: Terri at August 18, 2005 01:13 PM
I heard this was a funny story so I had to read it. I don't know, Leah, if it is funny or if I just feel bad for you! Did you fill out a comment card or something? It sounds ridiculous! Like Willy Wonka's Chocolate factory or something, only it's Wally World's House of Chaos or something like that :) Love ya
Posted by: Jackie at August 20, 2005 11:54 PM