Dec 20, 2006

A Bad Call on My Part

I thought it might be fun to take each of my girls seperately to get their nails done before Christmas. I took Ashley this afternoon and everything was going great until about one-third of the way through my nail process, I happen to hear some very bad language coming from the huge big flat screen tv. The nail shop was showing "My Cousin Vinny" off a cable channel. Full "f" words were being used, and I immediately demanded to my person that they change the channel. My twelve yr. old was two rows behind me and I could only imagine what she was thinking. Did I mention she could read the closed caption as well as hear the words? It took about 5 more minutes of foul language before they finally changed the channel. Then about 10 minutes later I looked up and there are two naked people on the screen (Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet). I was almost done and Ashley was safely far away while her nails were drying. I was apalled at what I heard and saw. The most upsetting thing of all was that I was the only one (in the 15 plus people in the shop) who thought that was wrong. I left shaking and almost in tears at the whole ordeal. I should have left immediately or not paid, but instead I just left and told them that I did not appreciate them disrespecting me and my daughter by their distasteful choice of movies when children were present. Needless to say, I will not be frequenting Elite Nails ever again. Oh, the absolute worst thing is that I said I was never going back last year when they showed an R show and I forgot and went today anyway. I know that I do shelter my children a bit and one day they will have to face the world to be salt and light, but I felt like a total failure as a parent today. Ashley and I had quite a talk today on the way home and I am so proud of who she is in Christ. She hurts for those lost people and was as in shock as I was. Needless to say, I took Annie to a different shop which was much more family friendly and cheaper too.

11 comments:

Donnetta said...

GGRrrr... I hate it when something like that happens!

It never ceases to amaze me what people think is acceptable... not only for themselves but think nothing of it concerning others also.

At least you were able to use it for a learning experience for your dauther and that she wasn't there alone to attempt to explain and think through what had just occurred!!!

Shawna said...

Oh, Susie you couldn't have known - I mean a year ago?! I can't remember last week! You were not a failure at all. I think you were a shining example to your daughter on how to handle the situations she is sure to encounter in her life, AND you opened up some great dialogue which showed you that you are in fact doing a good job as a mother. I say CONGRATULATIONS! You both learned something.

Linda said...

I am so proud of you Susie. I'm afraid I would have just sat silently and then talked about it later and never go back. You were brave to take a stand in front of all those other people. I think perhaps your daughter learned more today than she would have if you had gone to the other salon. She saw her Mom take a stand for Christ. I don't think she'll ever forget that.

The Glow Girls said...

You did the right thing. I understand your concerns and you did great taking this moment and making it a teachable moment for both of you. The nail place you went to is a place that I used to go to as well and I stopped going due to the programing that was always on. You're a great Mom. I'm sorry that is turned out that way.

Susanne said...

I find it frustrating that they don't consider not everyone would be comfortable with shows like that. Especially when a mother and young girl are present. Good for you for turning it into a teaching tool even though you felt bad. There is no way you could think that they would be playing something like that with a 12 year old present.

Anonymous said...

Hey Susie
I'm so proud of you, but I would absolutely have expected nothing less. You're such a wonderful mom, I like that you turned this into a teachable moment. It's disgusting that any business would feel comfortable with those shows on. Wonder if they would worry about 'offending' people by airing a Christian program? Sad the way that works....

Barb said...

Good for you, Susie, because you know what? It's NOT acceptable but unless people like us stand up and say something about it, they'll assume it's OK with us.

So good for you and good for your little girl that she felt sorry for it happening.

You're doing something right. If nothing else, you're showing your children it's not OK and what they see you do will impact them a lot more than an encounter like this.

Disgusting. Honestly, my two daughters are grown and don't even live with me any more. I can watch anything on TV I want to and a lot of it makes me feel like it's not good for ME to watch.

Good for you!

And Merry Christmas to you and your sweet children and husband. It's been such a blessing to me to meet you and I look forward to a new year with you in my blogging world.

on the Rock said...

Wow! They should have honored the request of their client. That's weird business policy and ethics to ignore something so simple when it is being voiced and requested. But don't feel too badly about it - I grew up in a pretty bad neighborhood and still turned out okay. It's nice you had your talk with your daughters about it. And remember, as Christians we are outsiders in this world, bringing Christ's love to those who don't get it yet, or never even been told about it. So many stories in the Bible about Jesus reaching out to those whom religious people put down. It's our daily struggle too.

Merry Christmas to you and all your family! May you be lifted in the true spirit of God's love!
Blessings! Betty

Anonymous said...

Susie, I have enjoyed your blog from the beginning. I occasionly enjoy a manicure at Elite Nails. I had mixed feeling about going today. Upon arriving I ask to speak to the owner. I discussed what had happened to you and your daughters. I pointed out he needed to maintain a family friendly atmosphere or he would be losing more customers such as myself. He seemed sincerly sorry. He wanted to call and apologize to you but I declined to give your number. He then ask to "please offer her my most sincere apology". He said he would monitor what was on the TV better. I pointed out they had the Veggies Tales on the last time I was in and I really enjoyed it. As had my manicure the most beautiful Christmas music began to play through out the whole place. Every song glorified Jesus and his birth. Dicovery/E channel were on T V but no sound. As I was leaving he ask me again to offer his most sincere apology to you. I'm thinking this is a good excuse to have my nails done every week so I can be the unoffical Elite Nails monitor. LOL Love you and your family! Linda M.

Susie said...

Thank you all for the encouraging comments.
Linda- If you read this, thank you for doing what you did. I am so happy that the owner listened to your concerns, and you cared enough to voice your opinions. You are a true blessing to me! I miss seeing you at church.

Robin said...

Oh my word!!! I'm sitting here a bit stunned. I'm glad you went to another place.

Sometimes I worry that I shelter the girls a bit much, but I'm their mom and that's mom job. I pray frequently that God will supernaturally close their eyes and ears to things I cannot control when it's necessary. So far, so good.

Also, HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY! We've been out of pocket for a few and I just saw that on Skip's blog. Hope it was so fun for you.