The True Value of Certain Items
The other day I overheard someone say that you don’t realize the true value of a plunger until you need one at 3 a.m. I have never needed a plunger when one wasn’t available, but I can see how that situation would make you run out and buy one a soon as possible. Come to think of it, I don’t currently own a plunger. Maybe I should hit Canadian Tire on the way home tonight…
An item that I didn’t make a conscious effort to keep on hand until recently is matches. I don’t smoke, so I didn’t really miss them until I wanted to light some candles for atmosphere over the Christmas holidays. I searched high and low, but having moved in October, I couldn’t think of where I might have put a lighter or a book of matches. That situation isn’t quite as dire as the plunger predicament, I know, but it could be serious if we had a blackout.
Have you had a similar experience with an object? Something you took for granted until it wasn’t available? Please enlighten the rest of us, so we aren’t caught without it at a crucial moment. Just click on the No Comments/Comments link. Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is PLUNGER. It will do its duty to award you points until Feb. 21st.
February 19th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Here’s a bachelor question: where is an appropriate place to store a plunger in your bathroom? I have always kept it right next to the toilet bowl and some people think thats gross. I think it’s practical because it requires one less intervention to get to it (as opposed to keeping it under my bathroom sink).
Stupid question but important nonetheless. Help a brotha’ out, Carly!
Carly’s Note: Under the sink - you want it out of sight! You don’t want anyone to think that you clog your toilet on a regular basis. And if you do, you should get your “plumbing” checked out by a doctor whose specialty is intestines.
February 19th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
For a woman, the absolute WORST thing to not have is a tampon/maxipad when you’re wearing light coloured pants and there are people over!!!
Carly’s Note: Black pants are a girl’s best friend - don’t show dirt and make you look thinner.
February 19th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
When you’re out on a killer date, and things end up hot and heavy there’s ONE thing you have to make sure you have on hand -
Dental floss! Don’t want to kiss anyone with nasty bits of primo linguini stuck in your teeth!
What? What did you think I was going to say…? Oh… Yeesh, grow up!
Cheers!
-S.B.
PS: I hide my plunger in the bathroom closet. (But yes, make sure you run right out and get one!)
Carly’s Note: A toothpick would work as well, just as long as you’re not flossing or picking at the table or in front of the other person. Some gum or a breath mint wouldn’t hurt, either. As for what you didn’t say, well, I think Derek said it.
February 19th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Yup. Moved out on my own as a new mom when I was 15 years old. I spent the first two weeks sprinkling salt into my hand, then onto the food, as I had no salt and pepper shaker. Hung my coat on a doorknob…never thought about coat hangers. Now when I know someone young is moving out, I buy them a care package of coat hangers, condiments, a can opener, etc. When you’re young you just don’t think about ketchup until you need it and it’s not there!
Have a great day. Dee
Carly’s Note: So true! It’s like that Miracle Whip commercial where the dog makes a sandwich, but then doesn’t bother eating it because the household is out of Miracle Whip. Condiments can make or break a meal.
February 19th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Well it appears no one has hit on the most important item to have in the house “BEER”, I ran out once & I swear I think Hell froze over. I’ll be sure not to let that happen again, LOL
Carly’s Note: Beer withdrawal - not good.
February 19th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Hi Carly
How about getting a flat tire on the car,loosening the wheel nuts with the 4-way wrench then realize that you put the jack in your other vehicle lot of good that does on the side of the 401.Of course I’d never admit to doing
something that lame brained.
Bob
Carly’s Note: Thanks for the laugh, Bob!
February 19th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
I come from a long line of large men (in more ways then one). A ready plunger at hand in my house and that of my big boweled brethren is necessary.
Carly’s Note: Kind of hard to improvise without the real thing, isn’t it?
February 19th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
I’ll just say UNEXPIRED CONDEMS !!!
Carly’s Note: See Sean B.’s comment.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
In response to Donald, Carly you may not be correct. The newer toilets have small drain holes (don’t know the proper term) but I have heard even a ‘regular sized BM” with toilet paper will regularly clog those toilets. I researched this a few years ago while looking for a new toilet after our pink porcelin gave out. It was expensive but we went for “The Champion’ with the widest drain hole, not a clog since!
Carly’s Note: Good to know, but I still think you should conceal the plunger. You wouldn’t leave your Prep H cream on the counter, especially if you only use it once every three years. You would put it in the medicine cabinet.
February 20th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I hope tomorrow we can talk about pee.
Carly’s Note: I’ll make a note of that.
February 20th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
The absolute worst thing to not have handy is a wine bottle opener!! Floating cork in my drink just doesn’t add any flavour (but excellent for adding fibre to your diet!!)
Carly’s Note: Excellent example! Although most beverages are twist off these days, a bottle opener wouldn’t hurt, either - no more chipped counters (or teeth).