I have done it before and I will do it again with no shame. And that is to play the old lady card. Since my eyelash batting days are long over, I now rely on my white hair, ton of wrinkles and slight limp. No one ever wants to see my ID for senior discount anymore.
I had allowed my property to become over grown thanks to a bad shoulder for about 3 years. The shoulder is cured now but the over growth remained and was over whelming.
Last year, I had a phone line problem and the poor service man had to push through the jungle to the pole to change a fuse in a small box on the pole. I was really embarrassed and really felt like I should have at least offered to be his gun bearer as he braved the tangle of foliage.
Below is a picture of what the poor fellow battled through. What a guy.
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| Before. |
So I called the power company who are responsible for the light. They sent a bucket truck out to make the light usable once more by trimming the brush around the light. They succeeded in exposing the light once more and piled up the cut off branches. They were ready to drive off leaving the pile for me to dispose of so I took off my sun hat, bared my white hair and limped over to the main guy.
Ok, I do have a slight limp from the sciatica but I kind of hammed it up a bit for affect.
"Last time you guys sent over a chipper truck to clean up the limbs. Do you suppose you could do it for me this time also?" I pleaded in my squeaky old lady voice.
He looked at me with a sweet smile and said, "I'll see if we have one in the area and maybe they can clean up the brush around the base of the pole also."
I gave him my best grin and thanked him profusely.
Yep, the regular tree trimmers came, cleaned up the mess and then attacked the jungle. It was amazing what a couple of chain saws can do.
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| After |
Am I ashamed for using my old lady white hair and slightly exaggerated limp for extras? Absolutely not.
Have you ever resorted to wiles to get above and beyond normal service or in some cases just normal service? If you haven't, give it a try. It works and you get to make some one really feel good about themselves at the same time.
I can't recall. But, whatever works is okay by me!
ReplyDeleteHootin'Anni,
DeleteI totally agree as long as it isn't dishonest or mean.
Use whatever works for you! I'm sure there are many young women that use their assets to get a little extra help, just as there are many young men that will flex a few muscles to help them get what they want too ;)
ReplyDeleteJoey,
DeleteBoth sexes have their wiles that make goals easier to get. I'm all for it.
I use the old lady card all the time. It gets me a seat on the bus. I could probably go sometimes without my cane, but without it, everyone just sits there while you stand on the bus. I don't feel bad about it. I earned my seat. 50 years of working and I always got up to let someone older than me sit.
ReplyDeletemxtodis,
DeleteI think those of us who have helped others in the past don't feel a bit badly about accepting help. Hey keep that cane handy.
I have this stubborn independent streak so when someone says let me do that for you, making me feel like the little old lady that I obviously am, I get like a stubborn three old--"I do ti myself!!" I'm working on it. The notion that allowing someone to help is often a gift to them helps me let go a little.
ReplyDeleteOlga,
DeleteOnce I realized that I was making someone's day by letting them help me, I relaxed and just enjoyed the kindness. You will get there.
You are a master at using your feminine wiles, even when you are not using them for advantage in the traditional sense. I sit at your feet, oh wise one! Learning from you every day. :-)
ReplyDeleteDjan,
DeleteAww, you are just too sweet and I only wish I were wise. Now if I can just get my swollen head through the door:))
I think some young men like helping a grandmother type and I'm appreciative of that when it happens to me. Both my dad and my husband went out of the way to help their elders.
ReplyDeleteJean,
DeleteI think it is in most men's nature to be kind to little old ladies. For that I am grateful. They get satisfaction and pleasure by helping.
I often use the Old Man card when trying to figure out computer or phone stuff, or getting help from a service person. It does work and I am not ashamed.
ReplyDeletejoeh,
DeleteIt is a valuable card isn't it? So glad you put it to good use.
A friend of mine decided she was DONE dying her hair and went to all-grey (and very flattering it is, too). She was amazed at all the doors that opened (literally) and chairs offered.
ReplyDeleteMarty,
DeleteGrey or white hair is a huge plus unless you are looking for a younger man and even then it could help:)
All power to you. You have given those men an opportunity to go home feeling really good about their day's work.
ReplyDeleteFun 60,
DeleteI know when I help someone the feeling lasts all day. Those guys I'm sure feel the same.
Absolutely play that old lady card. It's how community works in the best way.
ReplyDeleterobin,
DeleteOh yes, I plan to. It is a double edge gift. I benefit and the guys also do. Everyone felt good that day.
Well done! To have someone come and do that work would have cost a pretty penny. I'm 60 and just learning...I do like the senior discounts. :)
ReplyDeleteEileen,
DeleteI know, I have priced that type of work and it is really dear. I take advantage also of the senior discounts. They are there for a reason.
It looks just great and guys who do hard work are generally very helpful. The electric guys around here help save cats that climb poles and helped me with a phone line that went down in a storm. I didn't know what kind of line it was and the guy said, "I better do it, ATT will take forever." No exaggeration of my old age was needed.
ReplyDeleteInger,
DeleteHa ha. See you are still of the age when they do it to impress. Seriously, most men are eager to help us women. I love them for it.
If you think gray hair and a limp works on the "old lady" part, try no hair, heavy use of cane and play the cancer card along with the old lady. When we switched chemo drugs and my hair started growing in my oncologist said, "That must feel great." I told him, "Yeah, but it makes it harder to play the cancer card." Fortunately he has the same weird sense of humor as I do.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn,
DeleteLove that positive spin you put on being bald. You are right, nothing gets you more help than a scarf on the head.
I have used that card and will continue to use it. I did a lot of favors for people over the years. Giving kids the extra quarter when they were short at the register. Talking to a baby so the distressed Mom could get something done. Paying for drinks for a family who did not realize Costco only took cash - I think they have changed that now. I've also feed and housed enough of my son's friends over the years that I would not hesitate to ask a favor if I really needed it. So, I think asking the light company for help is not to much to ask. Hahaha.
ReplyDeleteBarbara,
DeleteI think it is easier for you and I to solicit help since we have all ready given it all through life. We know how good it can make a person feel.
Good for you for getting the job done for you. I can't recall having used my "wiles" to get extra service, at least not yet. ;-)
ReplyDeleteLinda,
DeleteEnjoy your youngish years now but know you have that card available for later on. Of course, you have Tom to do most of the heavy lifting for you.
I haven't yet used the "old lady" card, but I will when I need to. So far my hair still has a lot of natural colour and I have very few wrinkles, so with wearing a sunhat and sunglasses it isn't immediately obvious that I am almost 67. I don't even make a fuss if there isn't a seat available on a bus, I just hang on tight to something and stand for the ride unless someone offers me a seat.
ReplyDeleteRiver,
DeleteLike Linda, you should enjoy the youth your have now. Yes 67 is still young to some of us:)) Just know that card is available if you ever need it. Kind of like a credit card you don't need yet.
Glad you made it back among the living. Yes, I have resorted on a few occasions to playing the age card. At some point in life I think it’s very much in order to do so, in fact, criminal to not do.
ReplyDeleteJoared,
Delete"Criminal not to." I love that and wish I had used it. Perfect.
Heaven's yes! I've gotten out of many a ticket that way! I got a date instead of ticket once. :-)But I have not used my old lady status just yet, but I'm certain I will and I will have no shame for it. Glad you got it done Patti!
ReplyDeletePeggy,
DeleteHa ha, me too on dating the cop that didn't give me a ticket. You are too young to need the old lady card, just know it will be available when you do.
As a man I'm kind of embarrassed to do something like that . . . so I get B to play the old lady card. Problem solved!
ReplyDeleteTom,
DeleteHa ha, you have found the perfect solution.
Well, it wasn't intentional, but our first train trip we got to the station and sat down to wait for the train and didn't realize we were in the handicap sitting area until it was too late. The man helping people had already asked us if we were all right and needed any help. Then I saw the sign. We got to go with the handicapped people to get on the train first. I pretended to limp because I was so embarrassed and since we are both old, I guess we got away with it, but I would have never done it on purpose! Next time we'll read the sign.
ReplyDeleteSnickelfritz,
DeleteHa ha, quick thinking. I would have done the same thing out of embarrassment.
Those power people did a great job and it is good that you have your light where it can do its job again. I have never had to play the old lady card. I have children and neighbors who offer help without me asking. I am very independent and accept help only if it is absolutely necessary. We little old ladies will do what it takes though and I am glad you got that job done sweet Patti. Hugs
ReplyDeleteMaggie, You know it is odd, I hate to accept help from friends and family but have no shame letting a stranger help me. Guess I ought to learn to let those close to me help. They have the right to feel good also.
DeleteThank you. I will remember this when I'm playing the old lady card to get a ride through the airport on Saturday. I hear that it will get me on the plane first so I don't have to fight for overhead bin space for my cpap and cane.
ReplyDeleteLisa,
DeleteI sure hope they give you a break. I hear airports can really try a person's soul. You deserve the express lane.
Yay for gentlemen guys! I don't think that card would work for me here because frankly, our town is sort of well known for having senior citizens. I'm one of many. Everyone is courteous, but no special favors. Sigh...
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad they cleaned that all out for you. I know what a truly kind and lovely lady you are so I think they would have done it for you if you were 30 years old.
Kay,
DeleteAh but you have that handy guy called Art. You don't need breaks.
Ha ha, I think they would have done it quicker when I was 30.
Really, I think they should have done this before. Well, no matter, it's a good thing to have it cleaned up before the hot days of summer really set in. Take care, and happy June!
ReplyDeleteChip Butter,
DeleteIn a way you are right. They have come out every year to clear the top by the light. This is the first time they took it to the ground. Now they won't have to come back next year.
That's really an excellent clearing job. Bravo to you for your wonderfully underhanded techniques. I too have all those tools plus a scooter and walker, and thanks to you, I shall try them when heavy work is needed.
ReplyDeleteMage,
DeleteYou have some powerful tools. Works like magic and we get to make them feel good as a bonus.
You played the old lady card just right, and got great results, I must say.
ReplyDelete