One of the several occupations I have (I'm a great believer in multiple streams of income) is doing product demos at Costco and Sam's Club. I have a lot of people ask me why I do this. Well, there are a couple of reasons. I do truly like, use and believe in the product (Eco Drink). This is the main requirement to do what I do; I could not promote just any product. I enjoy educating people and, on occasion, perhaps leading them to healthier choices. It offers me the ability to travel around and pretty much write off the majority of my expenses. I've met some very nice folks along the way and it does provide me a front row seat to the greatest show on Earth!

Working in warehouse stores you pretty much see it all. The best of humanity and, sadly, some of the worst. I have to say, over all, it makes me happy I am single. Between couples treating each other badly, requiring “permission” to purchase or being told “no” on something they want, I usually end the day happy to retire to my sweet little Marky kitty (who loves me no matter what and would never tell me I can't buy something!).

I do like the couples who actually seem to enjoy each other, especially the sweet ones who have been married for eons! Working by the flowers I love to see the guys picking out bouquets; laboring over which one would be best. I always hope the recipients of said flowers appreciate them (hint, hint, gentlemen?). I once helped a older gentlemen pick out flowers for his dinner date who, I'm thinking, was new in his life. In the end we went with multiple stems of orchids as they each had a little water vial and would stay fresh all night. Plus I think orchids make a good impression; different from the usual floral choices. I hope his dinner went well and his date was duly impressed.

On the downside, there are mean spirited people, those who seem to have nothing better to do then argue, belittle or otherwise be nasty to their significant others and the demo folks alike. Everyone wants to try all the free stuff but no one wants to listen to the pitch. Well folks, it's our job. Companies pay a lot for you to get free eats and samples so please, if you do sample, be courteous to your host/ess. Stop and listen if only for a moment. If you don't like it, say “thank you” and leave (remember what Mom said?). No need to make a scene; remember everyone's palate is different and just because YOU don't care for it, doesn't mean the person next to you won't.

Also, please control your children. It's up to YOU not US to limit their sampling to ONE not TEN! I have had my table swarmed by kids who wiped out enough samples for 6 adults while their parents stood and chatted. I have often thought of writing SuperNanny and suggesting she set up a kiosk at Costco; she would probably go off the deep end with all that goes on here!

And speaking of kids, think about what you're giving them and the age appropriateness of the samples. What might be a bite for us can be like eating an entire cake for a small child. And I'm pretty sure 14-month-olds don't need multiple brownie bites, nor do they need to be sucking down sodas (yes, I have seen both more than once).

All in all, it's a great show. I have seen an elderly woman in Groucho glasses, outfits I can't even begin to describe (I'm sorry, do you OWN a mirror??), folks engaged in serious “I hate you” arguments, child (and adult) meltdowns, and so many cart (aka “buggies” in the south) near misses you wouldn't believe! It is a never ending parade of entertainment and best of all, it's free!!