Shoplifting for Dummies

Despite a foggy start to the morning, it turned out to be a beautiful day today. Here's my Saturday Sky picture for you--the same view I've shown you the last four weeks or so, now. Not too many leaves left up there!

Mom and I went out to the bookstore this morning--I haven't been able to find any books I want to read, lately. I've tried all sorts of different kinds of books--different genres, simple ones, complicated ones, new ones, old favorites . . . and yet, nothing has really been "clicking." So we started our morning at the bookstore . . . but, no luck. I couldn't find anything there I wanted, either. This is unusual for me, but not completely unheard of. I usually leave bookstores with an armful of books or nothing at all. Unfortunately, today was a "nothing" day at the bookstore.

Afterward, though, we went to Starbucks, where I had a really-very-tasty pumpkin spice doughnut and, at last, my first Peppermint Mocha of the year. I told you about that the other day, remember?

Here. Take a closer look. Yummmmm.....

After Starbucks, we walked over to Ann Taylor Loft, where I did remarkably well. I don't usually buy this many things at once, mind you, but not only were all of these except the jacket on sale, they were having a sale on the sale items.  And I've been wanting some decent autumn skirts to wear. I wore a lot of skirts this summer, but all my cooler-weather skirts seem to be straight, pencil skirts, and not nearly as much fun to wear. And when you find $80 skirts on sale for $20-25, well . . . is there really any choice? (grin) They'll all go great with the boots in my closet, too....

But, here's where we get into the reason for my post title . . .

When I got home with my stuff an took them all out of the bag . . . I couldn't find the little sweater/shell/tank top I'd bought to go under the jacket. Now, when I paid, I had asked to keep the hangers, and the sales girl had put the sweater--which didn't have a hanger--on the counter, while she hung all the other items to put in one of those full-length hanger-bags. Well, when I got home, I didn't see the sweater. I figured she'd missed that while hanging the other things and I'd missed it because when she mentioned that sale items were an additional 30% off, I ran back to get one of the skirts I'd originally decided against. So, I drove back to the store (luckily it's really close), and told the story, showed my receipt, and left with a sweater.

But, um, take a closer look at that jacket . . . It's really hard to tell, especially since the colors are so close, but . . . er . . . well . . . she put the sweater on the hanger UNDER the jacket. (Believe it or not, they're both actually green . . . not that you'd know that from the picture!) I didn't even see it until around 4:00 when I was cutting off the tags and thought, "Gee, I thought that jacket was more than that . . . hey . . . wait a minute!" and then there was this swooping, embarrassed feeling in the pit of my stomach....

So now I have two. One which I paid for, and one which I inadvertantly, well, stole. Oops! I think I'll be heading over to Ann Taylor Loft again tomorrow . . .

Uh-oh. My "D" key is sticking again. If there are any missing in this post, I apologize for the lack of proof-reading skills . . . it's really very frustrating!

And, I don't think my dinner agreed with me . . . I hope that ricotta cheese wasn't bad . . . I thought confession was supposed to make you feel better . . . !

Comments

[Carrie K]

Confession and restitution. I hope the ricotta cheese wasn't bad though! That "shoplifting" story is too funny. Looks like you made out like a bandit!

Yum, Starbucks. It was raining today (finally!) so I got my first Eggnog Latte of the season and Adrienne had the Pumpkin Latter.

[Cara]

I went to a reading once at an NYC bookstore. Great reading - hung out with friends, laughed, had my book signed. Packed up my stuff and headed home. When I was at Port Authority waiting for the bus home to New Jersey, I realized I had never paid for the book. Walked right through the security gates and said good night to the security guy.

As a writer, I thought this was particularly BAD karma so the next morning I called up the store, told them what happened, and asked them to charge my credit card. The manager told me I was the most honest person they had ever met. It was actually kind of sad

[Paula]

Ooooh, think I need to go back to visit my sister. Very nice haul. Oh yes, that reminds me, I have yet to wear my Ann Taylor Loft bargain denim jacket. I think of Adagio's Candy Cane tea and Stash Holiday Chai this time of year.

[Beth]

And so begins her life of crime... or did you start by Jaywalking? Just remember, you'd have to switch to crochet in prison. ;)

[Jessica]

Oooh I had my first Peppermint Mocha of the season on Friday. I decided it was a good treat for myself now that part of my next raise finally came through. :)

[Kat]

I too had successful trip to Ann Taylor Loft this week. Only one skirt though, I'll have to check the store in Joisey when I get there next week.

[Chris]

Whoops! Hope you're feeling better and you didn't get food poisoning. Hate that.

[Carole]

At least you're an honest criminal.

[Carol]

Sounds like a nice day & certainly a nice haul! Sounds like something I'd do;)

[sherry]

Have you read THE THIRTEENTH TALE?
Compelling, rich, meaty....
Worth a trip to the bookstore RIGHT NOW!!!

[Laura]

Great haul on the clothes! Including the, er, extra sweater. LOL Glad you'll make it right.

I love how trees look when they've thrown their leaves on the ground... and how the winter sun looks shining through on those special days... :-)

[Carol]

Great shopping haul. That's why the bookstore didn't have anything, cosmic karma was pointed at clothes! Sometimes you just have to go with the flow.

[Teyani]

nice shopping haul - and remember that it would only be stealing if you kept it! so, you're certainly off the hook. :-)
I'm having the same dilemma finding good books to read - zero, zippo, nada, nil. Perhaps something good is on the way soon tho.

[Deb]

The good angel on your shoulder must have louder than the bad one on the other shoulder saying "no one will ever no!!" Good for you!

[michelle]

I was just talking about peppermint mocha's this morning - I've yet to have one this season. Have to do a little driving to get to a Starbucks here :-) Ann Taylor Loft sales are the best! Looks like you did well.

Don't ever accidently steal from Wal-Mart, they just don't get it when you try to return to pay for it later. Hours of your life is wasted in trying to explain. Hours I tell you. :-)

[JessaLu]

They're making peppermint mochas? um...I gotta go...

[Christina]

If you're returning the second sweater, what's there to feel guilty about? I think you should only feel bad if you keep the second one!!

[Tammy]

That Peppermint Mocha looks so good!! I think I'll see if the local Starbucks have any of the Pumpkin Spice Lattes left. I think I've had one this season, then in December I'll try the peppermint one.

[Mintyfresh]

My mom and I did a long day of shopping and when we got home I found a necklace from Ann Taylor Loft in one of the bags. It must have fallen in while we were waiting in line. We took it back the next day (it was ugly, or maybe we would have had a moral dilemma) and returned it, and they were beyond amazed and thankful that we took it back. All you have to do is say "I accidentally got two of this, and I didn't pay for one of them! Here it is." If you're not asking for money for it, they're just going to be thrilled to find out how honest you are.

I had a peppermint hot chocolate from Starbucks yesterday. I am always worried places won't make them minty enough, but it was delightfully minty.

[Debby]

I had a peppermint hot chocolate tonight too! See what you started? :)

I love ATL but haven't found much lately, so I'm glad you had a successful trip! What Carol said is true...sometimes it's clothes, sometimes it's books...but I hope you find something fun to read soon. I'd go crazy if I didn't have anything to read.