In Which I Try to Figure Out What Wal-Mart is Up to …
Getting your oil changed with two kids under the age of three can be pretty stressful. Lately, I have been going the Wal-Mart route where you drop your car off in the back, and they change your oil while you walk around and shop. This is an excellent option, you would think, because it’s easier to blow time with two small kids in Wal-mart than in an oily waiting room at a Jiffy Lube and similar alternatives.
Now, at Jiffy Lube and friends, you generally only have to wait about 20 minutes or so. And every time I’ve been to Wal-Mart for an oil change, it’s been 1h45m to 2 hours.
Okay.
Here’s the thing. You know that Wal-Mart finetunes their business model for maximum dollar, and I just can’t believe that making people wait for two hours is the optimum amount of time. I would guess 45-60 minutes would be ideal. Long enough that you can get hit the whole store and get all your shopping done, but, say, not so long that you end up becoming a downright destructive customer, letting your kids play with all the toys, read all the books on the shelf and just finding any way at all to blow the time.
The saddest part is that even at 2 hours, it’s still easier than 20 or 30 minutes in a Jiffy Lube waiting room.
Harm said,
November 6, 2006 @ 12:45 am
I’m trying to remember how much of a terror I was as a preschooler.
I remember visits to grocery stores, where I was kept under control by
the seat in the cart….I remember visits to toy stores (Heaven. I grew up
before Wal-Mart). I can’t remember Dad (or Mom) ever getting the car
worked on, which probably means I was at home…..
Joan said,
December 17, 2006 @ 9:18 am
I have had to wait in Wal Mart for as long as 3 hours before. I know what you mean. I have seriously been considering going somewhere else for my oil changes and tire work. (unless I need to grocery shop anyway I guess
)
Great blog, btw… following your chronicle about living with your parents as I have done that myself before. Thank God for someplace to go when the hard times hit, huh?
I always feel badly for those who have no where to go. I hope you guys can get your own place soon. No matter how amicable a situation is, nothing beats having your own crib. 
Kirby said,
January 4, 2007 @ 2:29 pm
Hey there Terri and Andrew! I loved your blog and I hope you two start posting again soon!
Marilyn said,
January 10, 2007 @ 11:38 am
Terri, I hope everything is okay. You haven’t posted in over two months and those of us who enjoyed your blog are a little concerned and hope there aren’t any problem…