Ben and Jenelle DOT COM

My manager has a feature on his personal web site called “Customer Service Doofus“, which describes a funny conversation between him and a cashier. Here’s one from me:

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Jenelle and I visited Toys R Us this evening, shopping for gifts for our nephew Lucas and our cousin Hunter, both of whom have birthdays coming up.

We approached the checkout aisle with our merchandise. After a quick greeting, the cashier asked, “Can I have your phone number?”

This is a growing phenomenon in the retail industry. After having been asked for my zip code at the Gap earlier this evening, I was somewhat wary of granting this request. So, in hopes of understanding more about this need for information, I responded to the question with another question.

“What do you need it for?”

The cashier quickly responded, “It’s for our mailing list.”

My desires for clarity stifled by this cryptic reply, I had no choice but to make another query.

“You need my phone number for a MAILING list?”

“Yeah, if you’re listed.”

I could tell by the sound of the cashier’s voice that I had reached the limit of her understanding of the process. Seeing that customers were beginning to line up behind me, I ended the conversation with the safest way out.

“I’d rather not divulge that information.”

The cashier entered “999-9999” or something like that, and the rest of the transaction proceeded normally.

On the way home, Jenelle and I thought of some funny replies that you can use when a cashier asks for your zip code, phone number, or some other bit of personal information:

“Sure, but only if I can have yours.”

“But I just met you.”

“Sorry, I’m taken.” (Raise left hand and show off ring)

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I know that this story isn’t all that funny. However, I hope that regular weblog readers (i.e. Mom) will enjoy reading it for a change of pace.

Have a good night, all!

The CROP Walk in Mukwonago went very well. I have several pictures, and I’ll be putting up a photo album very soon. I’ll be sure to write more about it as well when I get the chance.

In other news, congratulations are in order for our friend Susan and her husband Mike, who got married on Saturday. Here’s a picture of the bride and groom, and here’s one of Jenelle and Susan. After learning about Mike at the wedding and the reception, we think Susan made a great choice, and we wish them all the best in their new life together.

Check out this movie of Ella. She is apparently a Vikings fan. More on this story as it develops.

I should have said this two days ago: Happy Birthday, Aunt Gail!

I did okay on the tennis court today. I’ve noticed that my backhand isn’t nearly as good as it was back in high school. Maybe my playing buddies will read this and purposely hit to that side. That’s okay. I need the practice.

On Saturday, Jenelle and I watched NU lose to Miami (OH), went shopping at Banana Republic, J Crew, The Gap Outlet, The Gourmet Chef, Steinhafel’s, Woodman’s Market, and Target. Can you tell that we both have full time jobs? 🙂 Actually, we didn’t spend as much as you might think. We’re both fairly frugal. Jenelle is a great clothes shopper in that she only buys stuff that looks really cute on her.

Only six days until the first of four walks. Let’s get fired up!

Andrew and Holly’s web site (link at right) has 300 more hits than ours. It probably has something to do with the fact that they keep putting up more pictures of their oh-so-adorable daughter.

Of course, Jenelle and I haven’t done much with our site lately. I think we’re still adjusting to Jenelle’s new job. We appreciate the extra income and benefits, and we also are thankful for older people who can help us figure out what benefit plans to sign up for (thanks, Dad!).

We watched a lot of football over the weekend. We attended the Northwestern game on Saturday — Air Force barely won, 22-21. Then there’s all the NFL action on Sunday. I am in two football pools this year, but I don’t seem to be making much effort researching the winners. I’m not even sure how I did this week. Maybe I should check that out.

So, as you might have noticed, I’m having trouble keeping this weblog exciting. Hmmm. Send your suggestions my way.

LESS THAN TWO WEEKS UNTIL THE FIRST OF FOUR WALKS! Yeah!

Okay, it’s time to share more details about the weekend.

On Saturday morning, I made breakfast for the four of us (Me, Jenelle, Dave, & Amanda). Actually, Jenelle made the batter for the waffles, so she made a major contribution. We also had “maple honey” bacon, which was a nice change of pace from regular bacon. 🙂

Jenelle unfortunately had to work in the afternoon/evening, but we took advantage of the situation. Jenelle gave us all a tour of Fox 6. We saw the weather deck and the newsroom. I stood in front of the green screen and pretended to be Phil Connors from Groundhog Day. I also met Ted Perry!

On the way home, Amanda, Dave, and I came back over the Hoan Bridge and saw a lot of the activity going on by the lakefront. After a stop at Culver’s, we went to the Mars Cheese Castle. We finished up the night playing a game of Trivial Pursuit. I won. 🙂

We had lots more fun on Sunday. We went to my cousin Ed’s engagement party in the afternoon, and watched How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days in the evening. Our final weekend activity was a game of Euchre. Dave and I lost a close match to the ladies. Jenelle and I really enjoyed playing cards because we hadn’t played since our college days. Little known fact — Jenelle and I got to know each other A LOT by playing cards together. I really liked to admire her from across the table. 🙂

After giving Dave and Amanda plenty of SCJ products to keep their homes clean, they headed back to Kansas on Monday afternoon. I am glad that they came to visit. If you’re reading this, thanks so much! One of the reasons their visit was so nice is that their recent engagement reminded Jenelle and me of our early courting days.

I think that’s enough rambling for now. Since you’re reading this, don’t be afraid to send me or Jenelle a note and let us know how you’re doing!