Be on the Lookout

I have been spending quite a bit of time these days trying to locate a thingamajig.  I'll know what it is when I find it, but I'm running out of hope because I've been to all the usual big box stores and I can't find one anywhere.  I know that they made them once upon a time, because I used to have one, and it was exactly what I needed.  But for whatever reason, they've stopped making them and I'm getting frustrated.  I've been spending most of my time in male-dominated departments, and I'm getting a little tired of the condescending smiles.  Once I describe my thingamajig, they stop smiling and consult their mental stock records.  Then they shake their heads and I leave, sighing. I've come close to finding exactly what I want twice, purchased it and brought it home, but it doesn't quite fit.  I need about 2 more inches in length in order to have the proper size.

I'm not sure why they've stopped manufacturing my thingamajig.  It's not like I'm the only person in the world who could use one.  Obviously if I had one several years ago, they were making them at one time.  Most of the men I've consulted have nodded wisely and said they had something similar several years ago.  One man pointed out that if the manufacturers had made money on the item, they would have continued to make it.  I'm not so sure about that, because certainly in the grocery store there are items that we used to eat, or favourite brands of things we liked, that aren't available any more.  I may be mistaken but most big box stores these days have all kinds of stuff, but only in limited sizes or colours.  Whatever is in style at the moment is overstocked, but there are lots of basic things that aren't available.

I've started to think outside the box.  If my thingamajig isn't available, maybe I'll have to resort to looking for a doohickey.  I've seen a lot of interesting looking doohickeys, just not quite what I wanted.  Probably I would be better off pursuing the doohickey because at least I can find them.  I can be very determined, so I'll consult the product listing on the right, and continue to search for my perfect item until I find it.