The Rivet Removers? Something like that

Back in school, I remember reading a short story.  Well, I guess we read a lot of them.  But this one sticks out in my head.  I don't know why.  The name was "The Rivet Removers", or something like that.

In short, the story was about an airplane company that realized that removing just a rivet or two from an airplane had no effect on the structural soundness of the plane.  And they could save a few cents by removing that rivet.  Those few cents added up.  So they slowly started removing more and more rivets.  It was harmless afterall, just a couple of rivets.

Naturally, over time, it was no longer just a harmless rivet or two.  And the airplanes fell apart. 

What reminded me of this story I read nearly 30 years ago?  It's the damn toilet paper.  The toilet paper companies are doing it to us.  Slowly, one by one, removing rivets.  Or bits of paper.

You see, the toilet paper roll is made to fit the toilet paper roll dispenser.  It is an exact fit.  The toilet paper dispensers at work are the kind without a dowel/rod to hold the toilet paper.  It just fits within the dispenser.  (like this)

Now, I'm guessing in an effort to save money, the toilet paper company has shortened the rolls.  So they don't fit.  I know that the process of making rolls of toilet paper creates a big long strip that is cut into rolls.  I guess if you shorten each roll just a bit, you can end up with an extra roll.  And I'm rather sure they charge just as much for the slightly shorter roll.  Who would notice anyway, right? 

I do, because every time I try to remove toilet paper for use, the stupid roll falls off of the damn dispenser.  It's a rather bit of a pain.  Just annoying.  All to save a few cents. I feel like the airplane losing my rivets one by one.

At least it gives me something to gripe about.  Obviously I needed it given that I haven't posted to this blog in months.

Thankful - Day 16, books

As the daughter of a librarian and avid avid reader, I couldn't help but to grow up loving to read.  My mother kept a full library stocked with books for us.  And when I was sent to my room to clean (often messy due to the hundreds of books spread around the room and not on the many shelves she provided), you could usually find me hiding on the floor in the closet, reading a book instead of cleaning my room. 

I raise my kids the same way.  They both love to read (and have been known to get in trouble at school for reading instead of doing work).  They also have hundreds of books and are always on a quest for more.  Over the last few years, time has become very precious.  Even more so with the addition of Chloe to our family.  I haven't made time for myself, to read.  Which is sad given how much I really do love it.

A couple of months ago I picked up a book and haven't been able to put it down.  Well, not just that first one.  But books in general.  I devoured it in two days (it was a quick/easy read - the first Sookie Stackhouse book).  But I wanted more.  And more.  And more.  In less than two weeks I zipped through the rest of the published Sookie Stackhouse series.  And then I started searching for more.  I zipped through the Stephanie Plum books.  And looked to friends for recommendations. 

Now that first week, I neglected way too much.  Dishes?  Let 'em sit in the sink, I need to know what is going to happen next.  Dinner?  Let's order pizza, mom's reading.  Oh wait, use paper plates!  I don't want to have to wash plates ... mom's reading.  At least I've gotten past the neglect part.  But, I am determined to not let go of reading again.  I'm watching far less TV, and I believe that is a good thing.

My dad asked what I wanted for Christmas and I told him Barnes & Noble gift cards, for books.  I'd decided that my gift to myself would be a Nook, and I would need gift cards to load up on ebooks.  In true Dad fashion, he went much farther than that.  He asked me more details on the Nook (he'd never seen them), and ordered it for me that day.  And also in true Dad fashion, he could not wait until Christmas to give me my gift.

So, I now have my Nook, loaded with about 160 books - enough to keep me busy for quite some time!  And that makes me truely happy.

Today, I'm thankful for books, the ability to read them, the wonderful authors that provide the stories, and my Dad for giving me this great Christmas gift (and giving it to me early).