At least I can surf eBay, while I’m on hold!

I’m sorry to have not posted for a while! What a way to not build a readership. My apologies, dear readers!

I have been busy but with lame-ass things like being on hold forever with our federal government’s EI hotline only to be told that the computers are down so they can’t help me. My big inquiry – do I have to let them know my return date to work (re: EI and maternity leave benefits)? She could not tell me without her computer. Shouldn’t this be pretty basic and standard stuff – either you want to know my return date or not! I was not too happy.

It took me 3 minutes just to get through their many menus of “to do this press this” only to end up hitting zero in frustration. I am also tired of hearing lengthy special messages for “residents of Quebec only” every time I call the feds. How about if you are a Quebecer, press a button so that no one else from the rest of Canada needs to know how special you are or, better yet, call one of the hundreds of French-only numbers that the feds have already created due to the special-ness of Quebec. And before you call me an asshole Albertan – I was born in Montreal, can remember growing up in Laval (my Catholic school experience took place in Quebec), I still have family living in the belle province (such as my dad), and I received a horrible spanking when I was seven for calling the neighbour kid and his friends “frogs” from my swing set. Therefore, I am allowed to hate Quebec. Rant done.

How else was I busy this week? I spent too much of my time yesterday trying to get a ticket to folk fest through the online ticket board to no avail (hence plea above).

My other very MAJOR time-consumer this week: I recently became addicted to eBay.

As many of you know, I am already addicted to any kind of second-hand shopping, especially when it comes to baby stuff. I know the second-hand scene isn’t for everyone (which I don’t totally get!), but when it comes to baby stuff I think everyone should be converted. First of all, maybe you don’t want to buy that shirt for yourself because the previous owner could have been icks, but how icks can a little sweet baby be?? Secondly, babies are in things for a few months max. before they outgrow them. Third, I have found a ton of stuff for Daniel that still had its tags, meaning the stuff had never even been worn (from gift bag to storage). Fourth, when it comes to non-clothing items (exersaucer, bassinette, toys), bleach, Lysol, a dishwasher or your washing machine is all you need to make things “like new” again!

So, my addiction to the second-hand scene is nothing new as I frequent consignment shops, Good-Will type establishments, yard/garage sales, and community hall/church sales on a regular basis. I had, however, never tried eBay . . . until earlier this week! I had resisted it because there was so much hassle with creating an account and I couldn’t imagine having to go through the money order process. But now that Pay Pal exists (best invention ever, by the way) it couldn’t be easier and slicker. I LOVE IT. In a few short days I am totally down with the EB. I now know that NWT (new with tags) has nothing to do with the Northwest Territories and EUC (excellent used condition) has nothing to do with Euros.

I have already bought something – an outfit for D Jr. to wear to his (controversial) baptism (and possibly a certain set of upcoming nuptials). It is cheesy little white suit/tuxedo thing (size 12 months) and it cost me 99 cents! The seller claims her kid wore it once. I’m paying 9 bucks in shipping ($#%# Canada Post!). Still, 10 bucks for an almost new suit that my kid is going to wear once or twice, compared to 30 to 50 bucks brand new . . . let’s just say I feel like I’m king of the world (those of us of Mediterranean descent love a deal. We can’t help it. It’s genetic. A deal almost trumps all; tax evasion and any kind of scamming of the feds is first). I’ve also bid on a snowsuit and I am about to bid on a Halloween costume. The Halloween costumes are the best as most have been lovingly hand-made by someone, which means that my kid gets to benefit from someone else’s handiwork and originality even though his own mother can hardly thread a needle.





The costume I’m eyeing is here. But thanks to eBay, I also know that I can buy a Yoda or Darth Vader costume in minute child-size.

So to sum up, eBay is the best thing ever and if I end up quitting my job later this year and joining the ranks of stay-at-home moms (see future posts), I think I will slowly start selling the contents of my house on eBay in order to feel like I still have a job.

In other news: I am putting out a bag of clothes for the homeless guy. Hopefully, he gets it as opposed to one of the many middle-class garbage scavengers in my neighbourhood (#$%$# thrift shoppers)!

Images source: you can find pictures of these Star Wars costumes all over eBay and the Internet in general. I'm not sure of the original source.