Wheeling & dealing; floods and lost goods, and self-talk

When I packed my worldly goods I was ruthless, asking myself what I couldn't leave behind - what I could not continue on in life without. All of what I packed has sentimental value. Er, perhaps the exception being the 6 rolls of toilet tissue (albeit embossed and 3 ply) Why?? I HAVE NO IDEA.  Perhaps I thought there would be a world-wide shortage of the stuff. WHO KNOWS!
It consists of 13 packing boxes, 7 suitcases, 2 antique items of furniture (of which I stuffed full of lightweight gear hoping they wouldn't notice), and some other (loose) sundry items.  (Bad mistake loose sundry items.)
Has it arrived here in the tropics yet? NO. Is it in transit? I SUPPOSE SO. Does the removal company keep me updated? NO. How long ago was it collected? A WEEK (more by the time I publish this post).  Has it (my worldly goods) and the truck floated away in the Queensland floods and they are not game to tell me because I harass them almost every day? PROBABLY.  Did I look up the reviews on this company before I engaged them. NOPE. What did I discover when I did? AAAAARGH.  Do I have any confidence  that my worldly goods will arrive undamaged or, at all? ABSOLUTELY.  Why??? Because nothing other than that "bowl full of humour" and that "spoonful of optimism" will DO.
So, you will need to stay tuned as to the outcome of all of the above.

WHEELING and DEALING - Now there's a skill I have acquired considerable expertise in over the past 10 years. Or so I thought. Those skills and charm and downright trickery and even begging, mean nothing, ZILCH to these hard-hearted Northern Retail operators.  When I arrived over a week ago, I needed to hit the retail sector with gusto. I needed the following 'starter' necessities to enable me to MOVE IN to my castle.  My 'worldly goods' would be handy too..........

At the Bed Shop I needed a Q bed for myself and guest bed.
Would they cut a discount for me? NO. How about a Seniors Discount NO. Waive the delivery fee? NO.
How about you chuck in a couple of pillows? NOPE. Aw come on.....NO.  If I'm not there to meet and greet your delivery fellas will you still hit me with the $50 naughty fee?  YESSSSS.  Ah. finally, a YES.

Let's head on over and reminisce on the experience at the GOOD GUYS Electrical Store. Stephen was his name........nice too.........my age group - baby boomer.  I thought this was looking most positive.
Can't you cut a little more off the refrigerator? NO. The online special was better! NO.  How about just the trailing $20? NO.  The Big TV - how about just the trailing $10? NO.  Washing machine.......I was wearing him down.......he took the trailing $9 off! A win!  The microwave........took the $7 off but turned it to a $5, the lousy %$#* son of a gun.  How about you waive the delivery charge? NO.  How about you chuck in one of those 5kg boxes of OMO washing powder you have stacked there? NO. Please? NO.  But, these GOOD GUYS will connect my washing machine up for me. WOO HOO.

(PS: I must be totally honest and fess up that everything I have bought to date was on advertised excellent specials and both of my girls were with me at these establishments which added to the hilarity of the purchases.)

Lots of photos next post.

HAPPY BLOGGING

I'll move in to the castle mid to late next week.