Frugalista is a Wi-Fi abuser!

August 17, 2009 by frugalista divider image

Ok, please don't tell anyone I did this. So, I have a hard time writing from home and I am working on a book. The beige walls in my abode can be sooo, hmm, beige. I need to switch up my environment. I find myself going to different restaurants/book stores/hotels for the free-ish Wi-Fi. Normally, when I'm at Starbucks or Panera Bread, I at least purchase a drink.

Well, last night, I went to a Starbucks where the free Wi-Fi didn't work. As I sipped my green tea latte, I became more and more frustrated as the world turned quickly. I spent at least 5 hours (OK, more like 20 minutes) trying to log on to that darn Wi-Fi at Starbucks. Fuming, I packed my laptop in my canvas tote and headed to Panera. When I hit Panera, there was a line. A long one. On a Sunday. I hate lines. I mean, really people. After 12 hours of waiting in line (Ok, I exaggerate), I did something I NEVER do. I logged on right there in Panera and didn't buy ANYTHING.

Every time a worker walked near my table, I started sweating. As I stealthily typed on my computer, I felt a little bit guilty for "sticking it to the man." But seriously, the line shouldn't have been long. Didn't they know I had a manuscript to write? What about MY deadlines? How dare they serve other customers! Writers need service, too!

*Whew*

Using up the free Wi-Fi at Panera without at least purchasing something from the establishment was not my shining moment. But, I did it. I am a Wi-Fi abuser. I pray Panera doesn't put my mug up on the wall next to the soup menu. Broccoli cheese soup and Frugalista ON A PLATTER!

Am I shady? Have you done anything like that before? Are we still friends?

11 Responses to Frugalista is a Wi-Fi abuser!

August 17, 2009 at 8:21 am
Brent

Wow. You feel guilty about that? Obviously you’ve never been to jail. Not that I have. Just sayin — people have done far worse in this life. Don’t sweat it.

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August 17, 2009 at 8:43 am
Steve

Forget about it. If the line was that long Panera made their money – it just wasn’t your money. And with that many people in there, you were smart to claim your table first while you wait for the line to go down. Not your fault you became consumed in your work and forgot to order something.

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August 17, 2009 at 9:03 am
Benhameen

I steal wi fi, cable, third base, anything that isnt nailed down.
but im gangster.

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August 17, 2009 at 9:10 am
Rasheeda

Yeah, it’s fine to skip every once in a while. Not to mention, they like the look of a full restuarant. It means their place is hoppin’. It’s where everyone wants to be. Can’t get better publicity than that—and you didn’t ask for money in return…just a little free wifi.

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August 17, 2009 at 10:55 am
NY Litchick

Yes, but did you get your pages written? I mean, was all that criminal activity worth it? Inquiring minds want to know!

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August 17, 2009 at 12:28 pm
TheTinyJEWELBox

As broke as I am, you should hope that they DON’T put your pic up with a reward offering. I just might have to turn you and Fergie in!

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August 17, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Katy Wolk-Stanley

You’re welcome to use my Wi-Fi anytime, there’s just that pesky issue of getting to Oregon . . . .
Katy

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August 17, 2009 at 4:49 pm
MH

LOL! It’s a good Frugie! I’m sure you have given them biz in the past:)

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August 18, 2009 at 8:20 am
The Frugalista Files

@Brent: No, I’ve never done a bid. Cages aren’t too fabulous, I hear.
@Steve: Will you be my PR agent?
@Benhameen: You’re the type of person Brent was talking about. Gangster on!
@Rasheeda: Free Wi-Fi means, Free! Right? No purchase minimum was posted!
@NyLitChick: *Le Sigh* We love pages. Just need more of them!
@TheTinyJewelBox: Readers revolt! I should have known! Tsk!
@Katy: What’s a few hundred dollars to save $5?
@MH: Thank you for understanding! So kind and gentle of you!

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August 18, 2009 at 10:05 am
Elizabeth Wellington

That’s a cute story Natalie. Very human. Very cute. Hope your manuscript is going well. Talk to you soon.

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August 18, 2009 at 11:37 am
Rippy

You might try the library – the wifi is free to all, but alas, no coffee.

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