The Chit Chat Chit Chat Thread

[Songbird76]

I spend a lot of time in SC (3 weeks to a month per year), so I'm familiar with southern grocery stores. I don't get the big deal with Publix.

Kroger is the one I wish existed up here.

I'm really curious about Aldi in the US, because everyone seems to rave about how great it is and here it's terrible. The people who work there are rude and unhelpful, they have ZERO selection and it's a mess. And they are a terrible employer. I applied there and they were really positive during the interview and invited me for a sort of test shift to see if I liked it and they liked me....unpaid, mind you. I worked there for something like 3 hours and the guy said he didn't think it would work out because they expect a person to work really fast, but it's REALLY heavy work. People end up just killing their bodies trying to get everything done. So many people there are out with back injuries, because you have to practically throw all the heavy stuff into the shelves. They under-hire and then expect everyone to compensate by working faster, and it really takes a toll. I went in a few weeks ago because the store I normally go to didn't have an item, so I went in to Aldi, and the cashier was one who I had worked with in that test shift, and she said they have a completely new crew because there were 3 people out with back injuries, one had quit for the same reason, and a couple had gone somewhere else. Even the manager has back problems and he was really nice about it, but he told me that physically, it's probably too much for me and that they have a lot of young people who are really physically fit, and that it is really hard on your body. He said it was my choice, but that he really didn't think it was a good fit for me, and I decided it wasn't worth wrecking my health. But I don't know if that's JUST the Aldi here in my town, or if it's all over the Netherlands, and I don't know if it's different in the US.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I'm really curious about Aldi in the US, because everyone seems to rave about how great it is and here it's terrible. The people who work there are rude and unhelpful, they have ZERO selection and it's a mess. And they are a terrible employer. I applied there and they were really positive during the interview and invited me for a sort of test shift to see if I liked it and they liked me....unpaid, mind you. I worked there for something like 3 hours and the guy said he didn't think it would work out because they expect a person to work really fast, but it's REALLY heavy work. People end up just killing their bodies trying to get everything done. So many people there are out with back injuries, because you have to practically throw all the heavy stuff into the shelves. They under-hire and then expect everyone to compensate by working faster, and it really takes a toll. I went in a few weeks ago because the store I normally go to didn't have an item, so I went in to Aldi, and the cashier was one who I had worked with in that test shift, and she said they have a completely new crew because there were 3 people out with back injuries, one had quit for the same reason, and a couple had gone somewhere else. Even the manager has back problems and he was really nice about it, but he told me that physically, it's probably too much for me and that they have a lot of young people who are really physically fit, and that it is really hard on your body. He said it was my choice, but that he really didn't think it was a good fit for me, and I decided it wasn't worth wrecking my health. But I don't know if that's JUST the Aldi here in my town, or if it's all over the Netherlands, and I don't know if it's different in the US.

Aldi's is not all that impressive here in Raleigh either. Or maybe I am not easily impressed with something that reminds me of a Food Bank. Bare bones, no atmosphere, nothing looks like it wasn't processed during the Spanish American War. I'm probably not a good judge of any grocery emporium so don't take my word for it.

 

[FutureCEO]

Trader Joe's

ironically owned by Aldi

 

[Lilofan]

Honestly Disney stores aside I prefer Publix. Oh and Whole Foods that’s a good grocery store too.

If you are into Asian mega grocery stores with a delish food court the holy grail is H Mart. It’s located in a few cities generally with and near a big Asian population.

 

[93boomer]

@StarWarsGirl

 

[93boomer]

@StarWarsGirl

 

[Figgy1]

I'm really curious about Aldi in the US, because everyone seems to rave about how great it is and here it's terrible. The people who work there are rude and unhelpful, they have ZERO selection and it's a mess. And they are a terrible employer. I applied there and they were really positive during the interview and invited me for a sort of test shift to see if I liked it and they liked me....unpaid, mind you. I worked there for something like 3 hours and the guy said he didn't think it would work out because they expect a person to work really fast, but it's REALLY heavy work. People end up just killing their bodies trying to get everything done. So many people there are out with back injuries, because you have to practically throw all the heavy stuff into the shelves. They under-hire and then expect everyone to compensate by working faster, and it really takes a toll. I went in a few weeks ago because the store I normally go to didn't have an item, so I went in to Aldi, and the cashier was one who I had worked with in that test shift, and she said they have a completely new crew because there were 3 people out with back injuries, one had quit for the same reason, and a couple had gone somewhere else. Even the manager has back problems and he was really nice about it, but he told me that physically, it's probably too much for me and that they have a lot of young people who are really physically fit, and that it is really hard on your body. He said it was my choice, but that he really didn't think it was a good fit for me, and I decided it wasn't worth wrecking my health. But I don't know if that's JUST the Aldi here in my town, or if it's all over the Netherlands, and I don't know if it's different in the US.

There are 4 I go to sometimes. All well stocked sans when they run of things in the aisle of shame, mostly older workers, pay at or above average compared to other supermarkets, lower than Wegmans, closed for holidays other places are open, Wegmans also closed those days. While they don't have the biggest produce section what they have is generally cheaper and nice and fresh, meat hit or miss but take that with a grain of salt as the guys like to know the dearly departed on a first name basis. IMHO a good place for basics

 

[Lilofan]

Well next time you find yourself in Florida come check it out. They have a really good bakery especially and they DO give out free cookies.

Publix pales in comparison to the higher quality and selection items in Northern stores like Wegmans and even Shop Rite. Specifically FL it’s the better option compared to Winn Dixie Food Lion Piggly Wiggly Wal mart etc. When I lived in NC years ago Kroger was the place to go to. Food Lion and Winn Dixie only if I needed 1 or 2 items.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

I'm really curious about Aldi in the US, because everyone seems to rave about how great it is and here it's terrible. The people who work there are rude and unhelpful, they have ZERO selection and it's a mess. And they are a terrible employer. I applied there and they were really positive during the interview and invited me for a sort of test shift to see if I liked it and they liked me....unpaid, mind you. I worked there for something like 3 hours and the guy said he didn't think it would work out because they expect a person to work really fast, but it's REALLY heavy work. People end up just killing their bodies trying to get everything done. So many people there are out with back injuries, because you have to practically throw all the heavy stuff into the shelves. They under-hire and then expect everyone to compensate by working faster, and it really takes a toll. I went in a few weeks ago because the store I normally go to didn't have an item, so I went in to Aldi, and the cashier was one who I had worked with in that test shift, and she said they have a completely new crew because there were 3 people out with back injuries, one had quit for the same reason, and a couple had gone somewhere else. Even the manager has back problems and he was really nice about it, but he told me that physically, it's probably too much for me and that they have a lot of young people who are really physically fit, and that it is really hard on your body. He said it was my choice, but that he really didn't think it was a good fit for me, and I decided it wasn't worth wrecking my health. But I don't know if that's JUST the Aldi here in my town, or if it's all over the Netherlands, and I don't know if it's different in the US.

There's one that my aunt goes to when she has to run up near her daughter's house. That one is fine.

I have never seen anything worth making a trip to it. The location that's been around longer is in a shopping center where I will not go. That shopping center, for some reason, is a hotbed for crime like people's cars being broken into, wallets stolen, etc. I think there's not enough security in that one.

The newer one, which is closer, I've just never seen a reason to go to. My energy levels have been so terrible since my surgery that at this point, if they're not close or if they don't deliver or if they don't have curbside pickup, I don't want anything to do with it.

The whole thing you experienced, especially coming in for three hours unpaid (!) and then them going "oh, not the right fit" is a hella shady.

 

[rshell68]

I'm really curious about Aldi in the US, because everyone seems to rave about how great it is and here it's terrible. The people who work there are rude and unhelpful, they have ZERO selection and it's a mess. And they are a terrible employer. I applied there and they were really positive during the interview and invited me for a sort of test shift to see if I liked it and they liked me....unpaid, mind you. I worked there for something like 3 hours and the guy said he didn't think it would work out because they expect a person to work really fast, but it's REALLY heavy work. People end up just killing their bodies trying to get everything done. So many people there are out with back injuries, because you have to practically throw all the heavy stuff into the shelves. They under-hire and then expect everyone to compensate by working faster, and it really takes a toll. I went in a few weeks ago because the store I normally go to didn't have an item, so I went in to Aldi, and the cashier was one who I had worked with in that test shift, and she said they have a completely new crew because there were 3 people out with back injuries, one had quit for the same reason, and a couple had gone somewhere else. Even the manager has back problems and he was really nice about it, but he told me that physically, it's probably too much for me and that they have a lot of young people who are really physically fit, and that it is really hard on your body. He said it was my choice, but that he really didn't think it was a good fit for me, and I decided it wasn't worth wrecking my health. But I don't know if that's JUST the Aldi here in my town, or if it's all over the Netherlands, and I don't know if it's different in the US.

Not a fan of Aldi's either. Ours here in town sounds a lot like yours with the rude and unhelpful workers. We were fans of Winn Dixie just because we had one close to our house. That location has now been closed after Aldi's bought WD (another Aldi ding). Of course, living in FL, we do have about 3 Publix stores we can choose from, but I do not like their prices.

 

[Lilofan]

Not a fan of Aldi's either. Ours here in town sounds a lot like yours with the rude and unhelpful workers. We were fans of Winn Dixie just because we had one close to our house. That location has now been closed after Aldi's bought WD (another Aldi ding). Of course, living in FL, we do have about 3 Publix stores we can choose from, but I do not like their prices.

The one nice thing about Publix is the crew will bag your groceries put them in your shopping cart at check out then if you agree the crew member will push your groceries to your car and load them in your car ( no tipping allowed ). Some Southern states don’t have that Northern state policy that some states where you need to bring your own personal bags to the grocery store.

 

[Agent H]

Ooh traders joes! A great store that I constantly forget exists. Unfortunately there isn’t one close to me so it’s quite a trip for us but when we do go it is the best grocery store hands down! What I have to give up for a lifetime supply of cookie butter?

 

[StarWarsGirl]

 

[FutureCEO]

View attachment 854037

Speaking of IT issues, I couldn't login to my work computer this morning for like an hour. A lot of other people had the same issue.

IT is like we will email you when you can login and I'm like I don't have access to my work email so how will I be able to see it.

 

[Songbird76]

Not a fan of Aldi's either. Ours here in town sounds a lot like yours with the rude and unhelpful workers. We were fans of Winn Dixie just because we had one close to our house. That location has now been closed after Aldi's bought WD (another Aldi ding). Of course, living in FL, we do have about 3 Publix stores we can choose from, but I do not like their prices.

I usually just shop at Albert Heijn, which is considered kind of an elite store, I guess? It's just a standard grocery store, but they do tend to be on the expensive side. But the AH and the Aldi are right next door to each other and are about 2 blocks from my house, so I go to AH and if they don't have something, I go to the Aldi next door. If ALDI doesn't have it, then I either have to go to the Jumbo, or the bigger AH near the Centrum. I can walk to either, but only if I don't need anything frozen, because AH is about a mile away, and Jumbo just under that, so I generally ride my bike, or wait until my husband gets home with the car. I only go to the AH because it's the most convenient and better than the other convenient one, being Aldi. Aldi would be convenient, IF they had everything I need and they had nicer employees. I don't know what it is, but I walk in there and it just puts me in a bad mood....like...the atmosphere just isn't inviting and pleasant, and heaven forbid you need to ask where something is...they act like it's a major inconvenience to help you, and in general, it seems like they don't know where things are themselves. I don't remember what I needed, but I asked for something and the woman looked at me like I had three heads and said she didn't think they carried that. And I don't think it was anything particularly odd. Like maybe a kind of mushroom or something?

 

[Songbird76]

So last night was the high school Gala night for graduating seniors and one of E's friends is graduating this year. So we went to watch the parade of entries. It wasn't as spectacular as last years....last year there were a TON of really creative entries, like a shopping cart, an old 1930s style vehicle and the boys all dressed in 1930s style suits as well, lots of tractors, a bunch of really fancy cars like porsches and such....this year there weren't as many of the fun ones. And it rained the WHOLE time. The weather app said it was supposed to be dry, but it rained steadily the whole day. But here are some highlights.

This is E's friend, Mayte (pronounced My-tuh), and the guy in the fancy period clothing is an English teacher. His job was to help kids out of the vehicles and hold the umbrella over them. The teachers also serve dinner.


This one reminded me of Mater, except for the color, and I just thought it was so funny....beat up old pickup and a bunch of kids in formal clothing.

 

[Agent H]

So last night was the high school Gala night for graduating seniors and one of E's friends is graduating this year. So we went to watch the parade of entries. It wasn't as spectacular as last years....last year there were a TON of really creative entries, like a shopping cart, an old 1930s style vehicle and the boys all dressed in 1930s style suits as well, lots of tractors, a bunch of really fancy cars like porsches and such....this year there weren't as many of the fun ones. And it rained the WHOLE time. The weather app said it was supposed to be dry, but it rained steadily the whole day. But here are some highlights.

This is E's friend, Mayte (pronounced My-tuh), and the guy in the fancy period clothing is an English teacher. His job was to help kids out of the vehicles and hold the umbrella over them. The teachers also serve dinner.
View attachment 854072View attachment 854073View attachment 854074View attachment 854075View attachment 854076

This one reminded me of Mater, except for the color, and I just thought it was so funny....beat up old pickup and a bunch of kids in formal clothing.
View attachment 854077View attachment 854078View attachment 854079

That’s kinda the color mater used to be.

 

[Songbird76]

A few more.

This poor girl was towards the end of the lineup, and she was FREEZING. She must have been on that horse, in the rain, for about an hour and a half. I saw a guy go running toward the traffic guys and then ran back saying "They are letting her get up front now" and she came out from behind a few cars. So the dad must have gone and asked if she could cut because everyone else was in cars.



This one we saw on our way home. We thought at first that they had gotten lost and were really late, because everyone had already gone inside, but then we found out the other school in our area had their Gala last night, too, and it would make more sense for these kids to be going to that one. You can't see it, but there are 2 people in the cab, one of whom is wearing a floor length formal gown, so they were absolutely Gala-goers, just not sure which school.


So the kids line up in a sort of parade, they are directed by traffic "cops" and then they arrive at the front entrance to the school, where their names are announced, the English teacher helped them out of whatever mode of transportation they used, then they walk the red carpet, get their picture taken under the balloon arch, and then either go inside or stand outside and watch other kids arrive, get pictures taken by family and friends, etc... Here is the English teacher walking through the balloon arch after the last kids arrived and they were all going inside for their dinner. You can see the traffic "cops" in the background....those poor people....they had to stand out in the cold and the rain and explain to all the other traffic why they couldn't go through on this street and had to turn around. Not everyone wanted to listen.

 

[wdwfan4ver]

 

[StarWarsGirl]

@Cesar R M