my everyday low tolerance

I don't shop at Walmart for numerous reasons. A handful are ethical, but the MAJORITY of my beef with Wally World is pure and simple annoyance. I hate the crowded aisles. Everything feels dirty and disorganized. I can never find what I need. I'm afraid of being dive-bombed by a ceiling-bird.

I never feel content after a trip to Walmart. Unlike Target which makes me feel good about my consumerism, Walmart gives me a headache and makes me cranky. [On second thought, maybe I SHOULD shop there. I'd spend way less money...]

AND, it happens as soon as I walk in the door.

Has anyone else noticed that the 'enter' and 'exit' doors are on the wrong sides? Take a look at it the next time you are about to enter a Walmart [which hopefully isn't anytime soon]. Usually, in the United States, you walk/drive on the right side of the road. Walmart completely disrupts this by having the door you want on the LEFT side. I have had many, many, near-collisions because of Walmart's unnatural door placement. [And my stubborn refusal to go in the left-hand door.]

If anyone can tell me why the doors are on the wrong side, I will be grateful. Until then, I will not be shopping at Walmart. So, there.

[with a little help from] my friends

There are days when I am overwhelmed by my friends. I am always proud of them for being the most talented and intelligent and hilarious and beautiful people on Planet Earth. I am always amazed that they put up with me despite my cranky-ness and inability to return phone calls. I always appreciate them.

But some days, I am so thankful I can barely stand it.

I felt this way on Thursday night after eating my weight in fondue, baked brie, bread, fruit, and homemade ice-cream with two of my closest [and oldest] friends. Time with these girls always results in renewed energy, sore cheeks [from laughing], full bellies, and inspiration to live and appreciate life fully.

My fondue-high was still strong at the post office the next morning when the postmaster handed me a heavy little package from Jerusalem...

The photo doesn't do the package justice. It almost put me over the edge when I opened it. There are almost TWENTY Kinder Bueno bars and the sandals are made of camel leather. I don't know how much it cost to ship, but this box was HEAVY! I don't think I can say 'thank you' enough for this ridiculous gift and this ridiculous friendship. Thank you. [I tried to say it in Swabian, but I think it would just be German... :)]