I’m joining the fun this week….
Sitting by the fireplace and answering random questions about everything under the sun….
Joyce asks the questions.
We answer the questions.
1. ASAP typically stands for 'as soon as possible'. What else could it stand for in your life right now?
Right now it stands for... "as secretive as possible"... I've taken a part time job as a secret shopper. I audit customer service and product knowledge at retail stores in my area. I go in as a 'secret' shopper and observe how the store associates respond to my scripted questions and handle out-of-stock situations. I also audit the overall appearance of the stores, the cash register experience and the cleanliness of the restrooms. I've become very talented at blending in with the crowd.
2. Are you the last person to speak up in a group or the first to have an idea? Why do you suppose that is? Is it a good thing or no?
When I was in the corporate world I was the first to speak-up as the leader of a project team. This was a learned skill; I'm typically a shy, quiet person outside of the workplace.
3. What do you remember best about being 12?
Summer camp at Camp Goodfellow in northern Indiana. I loved going to sleep-away camp for two weeks each summer. When I was 12 I had been going to camp for five years, so I knew the routine and was no longer homesick, anxious, or uncomfortable with new experiences. I just had a good time swimming, and doing crafts, and honing my archery skills. Life was good....
4. January 18th is National Winnie the Pooh Day. Which character do you relate to the most, and why? If you're stumped go here for inspiration.
Some days I feel like Eeyore, but the quiz said I'm really more like Kanga...caring and supportive, more adventurous than people might at first realize, and up for anything that's reasonably safe and somewhat sane. Yep, sounds like me....Kanga.
5. What's an app you use that helps simplify or make life easier for you in some way?
I use "My Fitness Pal" to help count carbs and calories; it makes it easy to figure out what amount of insulin is needed to control my sugar levels. I just type in the food/drink I'm eating and it does the calculation for me. I don't need to add it all up in my head. I just enter the number into my insulin pump and I'm good to go!
6. San Francisco (CA), San Diego (CA), San Juan (PR) San Antonio (TX) Sanibel (FL)...you have an all expenses paid long weekend to one of these destinations. Which one do you choose and why?
I've visited all of the cities listed and I'm having a hard time picking one...hmmm...I guess I'll go with San Diego and stay at the Del Coronado; it's an amazing hotel right on the beach. I'd like to stretch out on a lounge chair under an umbrella, with a frosty drink, and a good book. I just started reading "Katherine" by Anya Seton.
7. Share with us a song that makes you feel nostalgic? For what?
In 1970 the group Chicago released the song "Color My World". That summer the camp counselors at Camp Goodfellow would blast this song (and others) over the PA system after dinner and before lights out each night. I remember sitting with my cabin mates cross legged in the grass under the flickering outdoor light; we would sing and sway back and forth to "Color My World". Whenever I hear that song today it takes back to those wonderful summer nights in 1970.
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Cheers!
Lori in Blue Ridge, GA
Posts
How fun to be a secret shopper!
ReplyDeleteI'm just getting started, but so far it has been a great adventure! Thanks for stopping by my blog.
DeleteLori
Your new job sounds fun. I was Kanga too.
ReplyDeleteI was not very familiar with the Pooh characters, but after doing some research I agree that Kanga is a good match. Even thought I never had kids, my close friends always called me the "Mom" of the group. Thanks for stopping by my blog!
DeleteLori
My husband is a big Cowboys fan and he was heartbroken that they lost. Oh, well...better luck next time, right? Congrats to your Packers! I've thought about being a Secret Shopper, but didn't know if it was legit. Where did you sign up?
ReplyDeleteI'm truly sorry for your Cowboys loss, it was a great game by both teams. So many people asked about my secret shopping job that I'm going to write a blog post detailing how I got started and all the particulars, look for it sometime over the weekend. Thanks for stopping by my blog!
DeleteWow, your job sounds so interesting!! I've been out on Coronado and would love to go again. Sounds like you had some great summer camp experience, and that you were a well seasoned camper by the age of 12. I started at age 8, and everyone in my cabin got homesick. That didn't keep me from going back for the next 7 years. I watched only the last half hour of the game, but that Amazing Catch and Packer victory was nearly heart stopping!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog! I really enjoy reading your blog and your photos are wonderful. When I look back on my camp days I see that in many ways it did help shape the person I am today. I also went for 7 years, I loved it so much that I've been paying for our granddaughters go each summer. Have a good week!
DeleteLori
That was an awesome game! Go Packers!! I'm reading that a few of you like some fitness apps. I think I will check them out. I NEED motivation! lol
ReplyDeleteI started using "My Fitness Pal" out of necessity, but now I'm hooked and it has become a good habit. Thanks for stopping by my blog!
DeleteLori
Hi Lori! We were also excited with the ending of the Packers/Cowboys game!! Did some whooping and hollering those last few seconds! I enjoyed reading your HP today! How fun to be a secret shopper!! Seems almost like a dream job!
ReplyDeleteHi Terri! For a power shopper like me, it is a dream job. It's fun and gets me out of the house. I can be a little reclusive if I don't have something to do. Go Packers! We will be watching the game on Sunday at our favorite Tavern with some new friends we just met. See you next week on Hodgepodge!
DeleteLori
We were rooting for the Packers too. No ties to Green Bay but we love Randall Cobb. He's from the same tinytown as my hubs and his dad my hubs went to highschool together. I don't hate the Cowboys though : )
ReplyDeleteGo Packers! We will be watching the game on Sunday at our favorite Tavern with some new friends we just met. It's a strange setting because Trivia night is also going on at the same time...there's a lot of cheering and shhh...ing going on at the same time. See you next week on Hodgepodge!
DeleteLori
Lori... you have my dream job! I would love to do that. If I may ask, did you go thru a local company or one that is national? Hope you have a wonderful week of shopping.
ReplyDeleteHi Katie, It is a dream job for a power shopper like me! So many people asked about my secret shopping job that I'm going to write a blog post detailing how I got started and all the particulars; look for it sometime over the weekend. See you next week on Hodgepodge and thanks for stopping by my blog!
DeleteLori
Now I am also curious about the secret shopper experience. How often you have to go shopping, are you shopping for a particular store or several? I can tell that I am older than many of the Hodgepodgers today because I don't recognize their nostalgia songs. We are Cowboys fans and were disappointed. They let us down. Good game, y'all!
ReplyDeleteHi Nonnie, I go shopping as much or as little as I like, so far it has been about 2 days a week. So many people asked about my secret shopping job that I'm going to write a blog post detailing how I got started and all the particulars; look for it sometime over the weekend. Thanks for stopping by my blog!
DeleteLori
Your camp experience sounds so fun! That is a great song. I used to track my food with My Fitness Pal. I like that you can customize it to the % carbs, fat and protein that you'd like to follow. Your part time job sounds fun :)
ReplyDeleteHi Theresa, Thanks for stopping by my blog! Yep, it's super fun and I get paid to shop! I also get other perks like free gas for the car and a shopping allowance...perfect!
DeleteWe used to conduct secret shopping/mystery shops. It was a lot of fun. The problem was we are in such a small town and there was such a high demand for the service that people were always calling. After a while, people begin to compare notes and can figure out the identity. Everything was fine as long as there was nothing negative to report.
ReplyDeleteOn the other side of things, when we worked in several small convenience stores, when the mystery shopper came in, we could always tell. Our town is so small that anyone new stood out. Then, they would ask for a cash receipt. That is not unusual, but they would always provide an explanation why. Most would say, "My accountant wants me to get it for tax purposes." It is not unusual for someone to ask for a receipt. When someone buys $1 worth of gas and gets the 2/$1 soft drinks and nothing else, they stand out.
I live in a small town and I'm sure the stores will catch on in the near future, but for now it's a lot of fun. I get a healthy gas allowance and I vary my purchases so not to draw attention to myself. One thing that I'm very critical of is a dirty bathroom...yuck! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
DeleteLori
Your 'secret shopper' job sounds interesting. I had no idea there was such a thing, but that's a great idea!
ReplyDeleteI loved your camp memories. Sounds like fun times.
Kathy (Reflections)
Thanks for stopping by my blog! I loved camp so much that I'm paying for my granddaughters to go each summer. Have a good week!
DeleteLori
We used to be mystery shoppers/auditors, too. It was definitely an interesting adventure. One day, we had a zillion banks and at least two restaurants per meal period. By the end of that day, we definitely didn't want to see another hamburger. haha
ReplyDeleteI relate more with Eeyore most of the time, too, but this quiz said Kanga. I can live with that. I am definitely very protective of my 'Roos. :)
Congrats on your team winning! Now I know why we're having such a rainy week here in Texas. haha
Have a blessed day. :)
I can set my own Secret shopper schedule so it's not too overwhelming at the moment, but I'm starting to get flooded with requests, I hate to say no. I'll need to be careful that I don't overbook myself. Thanks for stopping by my blog!
DeleteLori
Yes, what an exciting game that was! Being Louisiana natives, we naturally support our Saints and Cowboys. Dak, the Cowboy quarterback is a local boy so it has been so exciting to watch him take over the helm of that team year and do so well. But, the Packers played an awesome game and who doesn't like Aaron Rogers.
ReplyDeleteYour "secret" job sounds so interesting and one I really wasn't aware existed. But, you sound very well suited for it with your extensive leadership background.
Thanks for stopping by my blog this week.
Thanks for stopping by my blog! I really enjoy the secret shopping, it's fun and I'm learning a lot about being observant without being obvious. See you next Wednesday on Hodgepodge!
DeleteLori
Hi Lori! I really enjoyed your answers...your ASAP was great! That sounds like an interesting job, being a secret shopper. Color My World was a great song...thanks for reminding me of it. I am older than you and when this song was popular, and I was in my partying days. I remember slow dancing to it often...seems like a lifetime ago... "Nuff said :) Happy Thursday!
ReplyDeleteHi Debby, Thanks for stopping by my blog! I'm having such a good time getting to know other bloggers by way of Hodgepodge. Secret shopping has been a great way to get out of the house and be active. Have a great week.
DeleteLori
Oh, I bet being a secret shopper is lots of fun! I have a friend that did that at Disney World and she loved it. Great answers!
ReplyDeleteHi Lea, The new job has been a lot of fun and I'm learning a lot about being super observant without being obvious. Thanks for stopping by my blog!
DeleteLori
Your Packers provided us with a heart stopping exciting game. Of course, I will have to cheer against them if they face my beloved Patriots in the Super Bowl. The Any List App does not eliminate men failing to get everything on the list, but it does help. All the best and until next time...
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for visiting my blog! HaHa...my sweetie usually comes home with many extra impulse buys and some flowers too. He dose most of the shopping for us, so I can't complain.
DeleteLori
Hi Vicki, You should do it, secret shopping has been easy and enjoyable so far. I'm writing a blog post about how to get started, I'll post it in a day or two.
ReplyDeleteLori