Saturday, November 21, 2009

Abject failure - or why I shall never be a motivational speaker.

Much like the law enforcement agencies like to have a focus , you know 'focus on speeding' or 'focus on seat belts'.......this month at Chez Ric-Rac has been 'Focus on Toilet Paper' month.....
and what a month it has been.
There has been huge cross media attention .... i.e I have been trying to spread my message across, in front of and in direct competition with Ipods, television , Internet and general ignorance!
There have been promotions - me printing stickers with little rolls of toilet paper on them and conveniently sticking them in amongst the children's clean washing, in their lunchboxes and anywhere else I could manage it. (Actually that bit was lots of fun)

Awareness raising - me (again) spending a lot of time enquiring after the toilet paper situation, checking how people are enjoying 'Focus on Toilet Paper' month and just how committed everyone is.

Why ?

because it is about bloody time someone in this house under the age of 40 learnt to change the toilet roll when it was empty ...and then...god forbid....put the empty roll in the bin.

(Maybe I should take to carrying my own personal supply on my person - that way no matter how teeny the sliver of paper left - I won't have to be the one to actually empty the roll - or maybe I'll just give up now and go completely bonkers.........either way ......)

77 comments:

  1. LOL I can see a roll of toilet paper handing around your neck. It might come in handy for other things, like note paper just when you need it.

    Oh photos please

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  2. Good luck with that. It will teach them to be good husbands/wives/partners/house-mates when they grow up.

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  3. I'm with Liam's mummy "good luck with that"!

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  4. I hope you aren't talking about your visitors? All the crafty girls have been good :) hahha

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  5. I had a suspicion it may not only happen at my house !

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  6. hahahahaha ... you know perhaps you are not lost to motivational speaking. This is an international issue you have raised it really does affects people across the age spectrum.

    I propose 'International Loo Roll Month'.

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  7. I don't think you are going to have any luck, I don't think they ever learn!

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  8. Sweetie, I thought it was only my household that did not know the meaning of putting an empty toilet roll in the bin and replacing it!

    THANK YOU for allowing me to feel normal!!!! Normal????? Hmmm..... that's a bit subjective aint it?!!!

    Hugs! Vikki xx
    ps. only YOU could make this topic interesting! You're a card!!!! x

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  9. Hi Jodie, Check your e-mail, i have posted a solution for you. All you need is a carpenter...

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  10. Jodie you make me laugh so hard...
    I too have the same problem at our house...Insane really...
    I though about it last night when it was too hot to sleep and went to the "loo" and of course the roll was empty...again...
    It it just a guy thing do you think?

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  11. Classic!!!

    I'm thinking....... lockable box on the wall with a full roll to which only you has a key, everyone else can use the communal roll.......till it runs out.

    Alternatively you could install a big industrial tyoe dispenser with really scratchy stuff until they get the message!!!!

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  12. I say let them all completely run out and then force them use newspaper.... then see if they change the toliet roll!
    But keep some in your pocket for yourself - just in case.

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  13. Oh, BOTTOM! Here I was working on the theory that sooner or later the message would stick. I am winning on one front. The middle kid, at last count, has 87 empty loo rolls decorating his bedhead. They are in case he wakes up in the middle of the night and needs to 'make stuff'.

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  14. Oh my gosh I'm dying here! I have 4 bathrooms, yes 4! When 4 people lived in the house it seemed I'm the only one who can change the roll. Apparently it causes too much exertion taking the old paper tube from the roller and putting it in the trash so they just set the new roll on top of it! Or they use the last and never replace it! I feel your pain, while giggling. I love the campaign...reminder stickers are a must. Perhaps you've started a new "movement!" :o)

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  15. We have the same thing in our house - a 15 yr old who actually does change it but leaves the empty one on the floor, and an 8 yr old who has gone to the trouble of taking the new roll out of the container, using some and putting the roll back in so she doesnt have to change the empty one on the holder! I told her that next time I would make sure I hid the rolls so that she would have to call out for a new one and then have to change it (I know it sounds mean but really). I think I may hide a roll in the bathroom cupboard where noone else knows and see if anyone bothers to change it as noone else does! Maybe the roll carried around the neck is a good idea Jodie!

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  16. I read somewhere that one of the nicest ways to show your love for your family is to make sure that there is always a roll of toilet paper on the holder. Would I be right in saying you don't agree with that?!! I love the idea of sticking the roll in their lunch boxes. I firmly believe that parents are here to embarass our kids. It's our job. Cherrie

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  17. Yep, same problem here! Hubby will start a new roll and leave it on the floor rather than changing the roll on the holder! This seems to be a global problem! Jess

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  18. Universal, I tell ya!
    Loving the kits, but it would drive me nutty! I am abig plan person, would have to make the kids do that! Tracey

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  19. I have threatened to get one of those JUMBO doodads that they have at work.. I'd only have to dispose of ONE roll per week and replace one roll per week then.. shame its "John Wayne Toilet Paper".. you know, tough, white and dont take crap off anyone!

    My pet peeve in the bathroom (apart from the bog roll) is the toilet lid! I mean, if we weren't supposed to CLOSE the toilet lid, why the heck did they put one on????? GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRr

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  20. My lot will change the loo roll but apparently I'm the only one capable of bringing the little cardboard tube out to the paper recycling tub in the kitchen.

    This week I decided to go on strike and wait for someone else to do it, and we currently have 5 rolls lined up against the bathroom wall.

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  21. Too funny, Jodie! I can see you now, with your roll around your neck, suspended from a bit of selvedge.

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  22. That is so dedicated! I've just given up on that particular battle...it's not even like the next roll is far away. oh well

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  23. I can so relate. My eldest would change the roll , but the tube stayed on the floor. Then she started building pyramids with them while she 'sat'! I drew the line when it reached the door handle and pointedly put a rubbish bag on the door handle instead!!

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  24. Hahahaha! Hey -- we need that solution that was posted to your e-mail LOL. I finally gave up and put a basket on the back of the toilet and all the extra rolls are stored in there. I just have to watch and be sure the basket doesn't get emptied!

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  25. Hilarious. I actually married a very rare man, who changes the toilet roll and puts the old one in the bin. But my kids? Forgeddaboudit!

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  26. OMG that is sooo funny. I have the same problem and manage to gather 6 - yes 6 empty rolls from around the house this morning. One of our 3 loos did have a replacement roll in the bathroom BUT perched on top of the loo roll holder INSTEAD of being put on it!

    Cant stand having to put the loo seat down either - but with 4 boys in the house ... I dont stand a chance of winning that one

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  27. 'Focus on toilet paper' month! Genius! I'm going to have to pass that one on. Keep at it! You have half a month to go. Although, you don't want it turning into 'focus on toilet paper' year...

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  28. You are too, too funny Jody!

    I'm the only one in my house so I don't have this problem, but I use to ...

    Yvette

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  29. Hahahaha, this is a world wide problem. Maybe we should take it to "Dragon's Den" here in the uk to see if someone can invent something that promts the culprits, or better still replaces the roll automatically so no one has to do it!!!

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  30. LOL Thanks for the giggle!
    Of course, in our small house where the paper supplies are kept in the linen closet out in the hallway, this is no laughing matter. ;)

    Kimberly

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  31. oh you're funny! yes it's a universal problem and I seem to have left my parents home only to encounter it with my husband! he is worst culprit in this house!

    what is worse is he always leaves it empty in the upstairs bathroom....um and there are usually no supplies in the cupboard so that is a long walk down the stairs!

    corrie:)

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  32. My boys are usually pretty good.... after I went operatic at them and explained in high decibels that they may not need the paper every time they go to the loo.... BUT I DO! Leaving the empty roll is a slap in the..... well, face.... for me and is totally selfish on their part.

    So far, it's been going well.

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  33. Same problemo here...glad to know I am not the only one who has the toilet roll responsibilty.

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  34. So funny and soooo true.
    I wish you the best of luck with it, but at least you still have your sense of humour.

    Hugs,
    Sharon

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  35. Thanks for brightening my Sunday morning. Perhaps we could add to that "emptying the bin in the 2nd bathroom" which is only used by 20 yr old son. I am on strike - currently there are 15 empty deodorant can spilling over the top.

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  36. You really know how to set the cat amongst the pigeons Jodie! Who would have thought the toilet roll could get people so jazzed???? With seven people in our house I am just rolling (!) with it and trying not to lose the plot. If I started thinking about all the little things that don't happen around here I think I would need to be locked up in a padded room. Actually..that doesn't sound so bad..! I wonder if the room comes with a nice hot cup of tea and the paper? xo

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  37. Is this a universal household problem or what!? I have even considered removing ALL the toilet paper and supplying a little tin of leaves in its place...that should actually arouse a response. ;-)

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  38. OMG do you live secretly in my house, it sounds like it!!! We have a stand to put the loo rolls on and they but the used one on the holder and just take it off the new one. Why go to the trouble of taking the old one off and not replacing it!!!!! Don't start me on the magazines in the loo.

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  39. As seen in my grandama's bathroom (it seems that people of all ages have this problem too)

    Surgens Generals Warning: Changing the toilet paper will not cause brain damage!!

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  40. I think you would have more luck trying to find out the meaning of life!
    I am the only one in our household with the tertiary qualifications required to change the toilet roll and take the empty roll out of the room.

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  41. same problems here last night...........I banned them all from that toilet.........they have to use the OTHER one they hate

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  42. Oh I am hearing what you are saying!! Frequently heard from our small room you will hear me , "Am I the only one who changes the toilet paper around here?" I have ommitted expletives as this is a family show!

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  43. Sounds like I am not the only one!! Problem is I am also the one that gets caught out on the toilet with no paper!!! The joy of kids... And whats with opening the bin and putting it straight in...

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  44. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNsqNR3lDHo

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  45. Whatalotofcomments. All about loo paper, the international commodity we all need.
    Solved the prob in our outside dunny by fixing a trowel to the wall with handle pointing up. Even a cretin can poke the roll on the top. Not that we have any cretins in our house this week.

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  46. How about buying that cheap nasty stuff like the non-absorbent, scratchy stuff you find in most public toilets and then after all the bottoms get sore they might get the hint!
    PS YOu'll have to carry your own stash for awhile!

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  47. I hear ya girl!! Same thing happens here. On the odd occasion that someone else does change the roll, the empty roll stays in the bathroom until usually me puts it in the bin!!
    Now to solve the next problem of why we use so much of the loo paper in this house!!

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  48. I wrote a massive note whilst living in a share house once and stuck it to the loo - and I did not buy any loo roll (I did the shopping) for two weeks...(except for my own stash)!
    It really is best to not make me 'cross'! Peta

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  49. Oh I have the solution for you girlfriend. I learned about toilet paper appreciation when I was young and my grandparents had an outside loo.

    Remove all toilet paper from house (except your own private stash) and replace with ripped up newspaper. I recon a month without any loo paper should teach them to appreciate it and change it when necessary!!

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  50. Ha ha - funny. Mine are still at the stage of using a whole roll at a time and then I have to unblock it and Evie is like a bloody labrador, undoing the roll around the house.

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  51. Te he, that was some good reading, and some brilliant comments! I am fortunate that my two always put the lid down, but yes are just the same with the loo roll... they'll get a new one out and put it in the little hutch we have (no holder here so small beach hut cupboard with 3 shelves in it is my solution, where the roll feeds out over the top of the door), but are unable to make the empty roll hit the bin! The novelty of getting the paper to feed out through the hutch seems to encourage putting it in at least!

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  52. LOL because yesterday I had a discussion with my boys on the same topic...so you are not alone! My 8 year old listened quietly and then turned to his 10 year old brother as they walked away to state "There are a lot of rules for the toilet!".

    He is of course referring to the flush, put the seat and lid down and wash your hands rule that were in affect prior to this new "rule". I do have to say that they follow the other three extremely well (which the only female occupant of the house appreciates) so I can only hope that I don't need to go the public service announcement route.

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  53. Hee hee hee!!!! I'd love to see the loo-roll stickers!

    Locket xx

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  54. UP THE REVOLUTION ... DOWN WITH TOILET PAPER

    EWW !!!

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  55. Yes, but did you ever have to change the toilet roll because a little boy had piddled on it? Nuff said......!!!!

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  56. oh yes - I love the awareness raising campaign. Is it working though?

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  57. *giggle* I know how you feel... Boy has a tendency to play with the toilet paper roll and I will find it rolled halfway accross the room... and M.. he won't change it.. he will get a new roll down and place it ontop of the old empty roll that has one sheet of paper left on it... and no matter how many times I tell him there is no freaking toilet paper fairy (well there used to be but I'm pretty sure she suffered a horrible and humiliating death)...he never ever hangs it... ok maybe once and that was backwards and my head may have exploded a bit....

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  58. Oh DON'T GET ME STARTED on the toilet...needless to say I live in a house with 1 male husband, 2 male teenagers, 1 male nearly teenager and 1 young girl who is just as frustrated as I.

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  59. Can I send this to my husband? At the rate I am going, my 1 year-old will learn this trick quicker...

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  60. We have a similar thing with our kitchen bin - apparently no-one else notices when it is overflowing...even when their attempt to put something in said bin results in it landing on the floor because the bin's too darned full!

    xxx

    p.s. thank you so much for my lovely parcel :)

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  61. I didn't have time to read all your comments - not sure anyone does, but here I go anyway... Hope this wasn't already said, but I think making a fake wool TP roll and putting it on the holder, and having your own stash (big sweatshirt pocket???) would have everyone noticing the importance of the real stuff pretty quickly. I'd buy one from you! LOVE the robots, BTW>

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  62. Yeah!!! I've trained the grandkids to refresh the toilet holder thingy..must have 3 rolls on it not counting the one on the wall. They visit at least twice a week and it's a game to them. Yeahh!!! Train some grandkids...or import a few already trained!! Rainbow smiles :} Gloria

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  63. Hahaha, lol! That totally cracks me up. I think you should go ahead and do some passive-aggressive carrying of your own stash so that someone else will have to break down and replace the toilet paper.

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  64. Perhaps it is a little perspective because I would happily change the roll if I didn't have to hear the bellow "Mum I've done a poo, come wipe my bottom". All about the glamour this mum gig

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  65. I trained my husband by wiping my bum on his clothes.
    Now he wants a medal every time he puts a new roll on the holder!

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  66. Oh dear! I'm sure an issue in every house at some stage! Our 4 year old is actually very good with replacing the roll when it's finished. Our 2 year old empties a whole roll into the toilet just so she can change it. But at least she changes it! ;)

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  67. Hey, Jodie, a simple way; remove the toilet door. All you need is a thingy in the bloke's shed and a hammer. Stand tall, neck up like an emu, with your hands high in the air, and bang the narrow buggers from their homes and voila! the hinges no longer can be together as their bolts have been removed. No privacy will get em to do what ya want.
    The Rickety Stitcher

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  68. Count your lucky stars that at least Mr Ric-Rac knows what to do with the dead loo rolls. (I do like the idea of carrying your own personal supply.) My sweet kids haven't the foggiest and His Honour once allowed a seedling to sprout from the drainhole of the upstairs shower (which only he used) rather than clean same. I have always regretted not taking a photo.

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Hellloooooo !!!!