Monday, December 7, 2009

Christmas and Those Taking Advantage

That time of the year is upon us. It is time to give and not want to receive. I have a lot to say on this one and I might be all over the place, but you should expect that from me.

Lets start with an update on the situation with Courtney and Christina. I talked to Christina yesterday about me getting more time with Courtney and we think we can come to an agreement without mediation and court. Lets hope that is true. We talked about it a few times yesterday and it appears we are getting somewhere. We will find out when the attorneys talk. To add to that, it is strange how some one can walk out on you, Tessa, and tell you that they never want to see or hear from you again, but they are calling your first ex wife and telling them to read the blog. Tessa wanted to make sure that Christina saw the blog "Confession Time". Well, if I was worried about it being known, I would not have posted it. I posted it hoping to give courage to those out there that were/are like how I was. Plus, if you leave some one and don't want anything to do with them, why are you still reading their blog? That turned into a conversation with Christina about how my life has changed and how I am not the same person she married and knew a few years ago. I am sure she is not either. People change with time and the things that happen to them.

With all that said, on to my Christmas this year. I decided that other than Courtney, I am spending my money to help some one this year that needs it. I said some thing about this a while back and the responses are great. I never expected so many people to reply. I am glad and excited, now I need to make it happen soon. I think that mom has the right idea and the right person for me. I have already put some people in contact with those that need help and glad I could help some one this year. I hope the ideas of people that need help still come in. I can always pass them on to some one else that can help.

OK, now the part that is really kicking me in the butt. Christina and her mom informed me that Courtney is wanting the infamous Zhu Zhu pet for Christmas, along with every other kid in the world. Well, I can understand standing in line and getting ONE or TWO for your kids. I also respect people need to make money, but the hell are you cleaning off the shelves of these toys that are for KIDS just to jack the price up on Craigslist and eBay? $50 and $60 for an $8 toy is stupid and out of this world. I know that people want to make that buck to pay a bill, but remember, when you are doing that you are keeping toys out of kids hands that really want them. When a family is struggling to pay bills but want to give a kid a good Christmas, why are keeping them from affording a toy their kid wants. I looked on eBay for them and was shocked that people are charging $15-$30 for shipping after you pay $50 for the $8 toy. That shipping is stupid and insane seeing that you mail one in a flat rate box at the post office for less than $7. You say that you want to recoup some of your cost. Have you ever heard of the cost of doing business? You are making a $42 dollar profit just on the base price, before you include shipping. Why do you need to make a profit on shipping? Are you that greedy and heartless? The few times I have sold on eBay, I did free shipping. You need to realize what you are doing to our children. Some of work crazy hours and days were not able to go the craziest shopping day of the year. I fell victim to the price gauging on these toys because my daughter wants one. That means that will probably be the only thing she gets this year. If you are one of these people who are making such a profit, I am sorry you are like that. Oh, and I bet you feel good too knowing that you spent all that money and now there is a health concern with them. I hope the price bottoms out on them and lose money. I am not usually like this, but it really bothers me. I have several friends and family who have been looking high and low for them only to find out the only place to get them is eBay and Craigslist.

To everyone, Merry Christmas and God bless you and your family!!!

SGT John Strader

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh look a spam troll.

Anonymous said...

I agree with John and with the TOXIC effect these toys come with I hope that the price gougers get stuck with a DANGEROUS toy that children do not need and hopefully parents will not buy putting their children in jeopardy.
I am also proud that John chooses to help someone in need instead adding to the overspending, commercializing, unneccessary acts that December 25 brings. Do not loose the main reason of the Holiday and forget that it is Jesus birthday in celebration, not who can spend the most on material things.
love ya :o)