Day 108: Rare Sunday
Shift began on a dramatic note, when Tiff came to the break room to say J was driving her nuts, cleaning the floor while she (T) waited on all the customers. HC MK said she'd take care of it. When I clocked in, MK told me to tell J to go up front. J protested, and I jokingly said, "I'll just stand here and watch y'all work!"
MK laughed. "That's MY job!"
Customer A arrived in a bad mood, swore when he accidentally cancelled his transaction, and got angry at the credit card machine. I remained calm and said, "I hope your day gets better."
Rest of the shift went well. It was nice and steady, and the family took me to LJS for dinner. When I returned, Tiff handled the customers while I emptied the trash and put the soda away. Reg #2 chip reader malfunctioned, so I shut down at 5:30 and took over T's spot. T did all the returns, then clocked out at 6. Had a rush at 8:40, and locked the doors at 9:05.
Outfit: Black/tan shirt, black capris, Larimar oval earrings
Here's hoping tomorrow goes nice and smooth!
Day 109:
Had insomnia last night, and didn't get to sleep until after 5:30am. Shift began well, albeit rainy, then about 5pm, I had a customer try to buy a combination Fire alarm that wasn't in our system. HC MK was at lunch, so Karlie came down and showed me how to add it to the system.
Right before I went to lunch, both Darren and Kyle were assisting customers when Customer B needed drywall and Customer C needed help at the corrugated tin. K finished first, so sent him to CB, but it turned out he needed D's help. Told D to go by CC and let him know he'd be with them shortly. Not sure what happened, but CC arrived at my counter, upset because of 'no help'. K was nearly finished by then, so I looked up the item he wanted, and K went to pull it down.
After lunch, we were slow. My sleepless night caught up with me around 7:30, and all my energy went south. Only did the bare minimum cleaning, and got the doors locked on time. HC MK arrived to empty my register and mentioned she was having 'female issues', so we were getting out of there asap!
Outfit: Blue Vancouver Aquarium Tee, faded denim capris, small zirconian stud earrings.
Here's hoping I get some sleep tonight, and tomorrow goes well!
Day 110:
I actually showed up early for my shift, since I finished reading the book I'd brought. Took back Kem's returns, then clocked in and took over. 1st half of shift went well; had a 'rush' at 4:30. After lunch, I discovered Rachel with a customer arguing over payment. He didn't have enough $$ in his LAR, and wanted to add more. I took him over to Reg #2 and added it, but it turned out he still needed more. While she was dealing with him, I rang up the others in line, and when she was finished, took over again.
Five minutes later, HC T came down for a 'discussion over lunch breaks', wanting to know why R had been sent down at 5:55, but didn't return until nearly an hour later. I explained that when she'd arrived, I'd been with a customer, and the issue when I returned. She pulled up my time sheet and saw I'd clocked out at 6, then back in at 6:33. Problem solved.
Was steady all the way until 8:45, and finished most of my closing duties. Had a customer with a large lumber order, so while J and K were loading him up, I locked the other doors and gathered the rest of the carts outside. Took my returns back, then headed for the trash with my own and the break room's.
Outfit: Smart Women tee, patterned leggings, no earrings.
Here's hoping tomorrow goes well!
Day 111: Long Day
Arrived at 2; things steady. Kathy shadowed me and Pro-Kim, until Kim had to leave at 3:30 for dental appt. Had no lumber associate from 4-5, and of course that's when everyone wanted drywall, boards cut, or help putting things in their vehicles!
Jill relieved me at 5, and had a relaxing hour in the break room. Returned and had to hop on Reg #2 for a few minutes in order to help her out. Things slowed down a bit, but from 7:30-8:15 it was non-stop. Had one customer with a list to set up for delivery; in between ringing up customers, I was searching for his item numbers. Finally got his delivery scheduled, then rang up his purchases to take with him. At 8:50, my final customer left, so locked the doors at 9, then opened the large door and began collecting carts until Aggie arrived to empty my register. Did the break room trash, then went up front and clocked out.
Discovered my hours have been cut Sept 16th, down to 5-close M-F. Are they cutting everyone's hours, due to a slow down?
Outfit: White spatter-shirt, black/white vest, dark denim capris, silver cross earrings.
I sincerely hope tomorrow goes well!
Day 112:
Shift began with me running late, since Nancy dropped me off from Writer's Guild. Discovered Ben had called in yet again, meaning we would have no lumber associate from 4-5 again. Kathy and I told Zach we'd hog-tie him to the shelves in order to keep him another hour, ha ha! Kim decided to stick around.
1st half of shift was steady, but after lunch, all hell broke loose. I came back and Taylor needed an override, so I hopped on #2 to help out. Rang up two customers successfully, but the 3rd paid by check, and first the printer locked up, and when I called HC Aggie for help, she came down and discovered the entire register had frozen up. She transferred everything to #1, then had to send the receipt to the CS desk. Had one customer try to help me out with finding the code and ended up knocking all his undersill things on the floor. Set up a delivery over the phone and thought I'd screwed up by taking her payment, but Mgr T said it was fine, and to next time, simply put 'CNP' (customer not present) on the receipt.
Didn't have to empty the break room trash; all I had to do was take my own to the compactor and hang up my vest. We were clocked out by 9:15. Overall, a rather frustrating shift, esp since I thought I was in trouble over that delivery order!
Outfit: Black lace tee, patterned leggings, large zirconian stud earrings.
One. More. Day. Till the weekend! Please let Friday be stress-free?
Day 113: Is This Crazy Week Over Yet?
My 3rd customer of the day paid by credit card and all of a sudden, we noticed an issue. His display read 'please remove card' while mine said 'cash back?' He reinserted the card and my display changed to 'approve purchase', while his stayed the same. Called HC Aggie, who told me to call the MOD, who told me to call IT. So I spent 30 mins on the phone with IT, while they fixed the issue. Meanwhile, Tasha came down and managed to transfer the customer's info to Reg #3 and get him paid, while Kathy took care of everyone else on #2.
Once we got my register back up and running, the font was small, and neither Tasha nor Brandon knew how to make it larger. So spent the next two hours w/o my glasses, so I could read the screen! Things calmed down a it, was still steady. Rachel came down at 6 and showed me how to increase the font; I nearly kissed her!
Kim and I agreed that the issue stemmed from the peanuts in my Snickers at lunch on Thurs, then the peanut butter in the Reecee cups we'd split before shift! Damn peanuts....it certainly wasn't the chocolate, ha ha!
After dinner, it was still steady, and my final customer of the evening had 3 carts. Finally got them rang up by 9:10, and locked all doors. Took my trash down to the other end, then disposed of the Break Room trash. Found out we'd had TWELVE people call in, most likely due to the holiday weekend. I told Aggie not to call me in unless it was absolutely necessary; around 7:30, I began to feel like death warmed over. Am going to bed and get plenty of sleep after this long, 6 day stretch! I NEED two days off!
Outfit: Lowe's Tee, faded denim capris, no earrings.
Here's hoping next week is a little slower???
Sunday, August 25, 2019
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
Life In Lumber, Week #21
Day 104:
Returned to work after a 5 day hiatus (Minneapolis trip), and about an hour in, discovered customers no longer had to swipe for debit! HC Mel said they changed the system on Monday. We also have new blue signage for the departments, and they're switching the displays. Can't hire a new janitorial staff, but we have new signs!
Over all, shift went well. Only had one hiccup....guy had $16 in change; I forgot to grab the $10 bill, and had to have McKrenda open the register.
At the end, I had a delivery order, but it was being sent to a new address, so had to call HC Mel down to walk me through it. There was another customer in line, so she had me hop over to #2 while she took care of the deliver order.
Makayla and I cleaned the men's room and the family bathroom, then emptied the break room trash.
Also discovered I'd requested the wrong day off: I've got Thursday Sept 5th off instead of Friday the 6th. Think Makayla and I are going to switch, unless I talk to Tasha about it.
Here's hoping tomorrow goes as smoothly!
Outfit: Blue paint-spatter 'wings' shirt, faded denim capris
Day 105:
Shift began on a weird note....I was slightly late (2 mins), b/c I was talking to Kyle in the parking lot. An hour in, a guy had roofing materials knocked down to $1, but Krissy had arrived for my break, and called me out on the fact one was different. Had to redo it. Took my break, and returned a few items. Between 4 and 5, things were okay; the owner of Raki Corp arrived and laughed when I rang him up and looked him up under the name, rather than the phone #! Was relieved for dinner at 5, and met the family at McAllister's, and between 6 and 7:30, I did closing duties and restocked the cooler. Had an urgent need for the facilities at 7:30, but didn't get a chance until after 8, in which Scott told me he'd had a complaint I'd used my personal phone while in the middle of a transaction. Ummmm, no....phone was on SILENT, and it was nearly dead! Whomever it was, it was NOT me! After a last minute 'rush', Aliscia took my trash and loading tix while I walked with HC Cindy, then headed for the break room to empty that trash. Put my vest away, then walked the trash down to the compactor, and met everyone at the front, and clocked out.
I did NOT ask about the problem up front when I needed an uncharacteristic potty break; I did NOT ask about why the front end was out of hours; I DID ask Scott if the complaint was against me, or Lumber Cashier, or in general; he said 'in general', which confused me all over again, but at least I know it wasn't me.
Here's hoping Thursday is nice and quiet, and very smooth? I still need to talk to someone about my Sept 5th issue, though I think maybe Makayla will work for me on the 6th, and me work for her on the 5th.
Outfit: Classy Not Sassy shirt, patterned leggings.
Day 106:
Shift began well; HC MK reported that Reg #1 wasn't working, and Tiff hadn't had her break yet, so she wanted me to clock in early. So I did, and spent an hour on #2, only to observe both Todd and Ian using #1. So at 4pm. I switched over, in order to take advantage of the air flow! Was relieved at 5:15 for lunch, and afterward, began my closing duties. Discovered I was out of trash bags, and Sacred brought some down, along with the soda and register tape. At 7:30, I discovered my paper towels were missing, so HC Cindy brought some down about an hour later.
Was rather slow all evening, but at 8:50, a customer came in wanting a contractor's pack of drywall. Took several minutes to locate the forklift and a spotter, but finally got him rang up and loaded by 9:10. Took my trash down and emptied the break room trash, then had Sacred empty it while I took a restroom break. Clocked out at 9:30.
Outfit: Brown shirt, faded denim Capris.
Day 107: Influx of Crazies!
Day began on a weird note; as I was walking toward Lumber, Tiff passed me on her way to the break room, then showed up as Marci was signing out and me taking over. Shift was busy; didn't get the soda count started until well after 4:30. Makayla came down to help at one point, but just as she arrived, I finished the large order and began ringing up the only other customer. Mrs. Smith from Clark had arrived with a large order to be delivered, and had thankfully written down all the item numbers:)
Sacred relieved me for lunch at 6:15, and I took the returns to their respective departments, then ate my lunch. After clocking back in, I finished gathering the trash (S had forgotten the Pro desk ones) and began sweeping up. At 8:30, had one nutty customer after another. Customer A mumbled and was hard to understand....turned out he was high on Oxycontin. He complained no one wanted to help him; I tried and Darren did a lot of it. Turned out he'd tried to haggle Robert in Tools down to a discount on everything, so R refused to help him. I finally got him rung up, then D got the air compressor for him. We both sighed with relief when he drove away!
Right before close, Customer B had a cabinet with a busted drawer. Could NOT get manager to answer phone or page! Customer C went to the CS desk and demanded a manager; no one answered THAT one either, but Taylor came running down and rang up Customers C and D. I finally paged for an MOD, and THEN Brandon called and told me to knock it down to $75. Had to call HC Cindy down for an override, which took more time. Literally locked the doors behind them.
Had to change out the trash outside, and forgot....earlier, a woman needed a door loaded into her car. Couldn't get my lumber guys to answer the phone. Fave customer Robert G happened to walk in; I asked if he'd do me a favor and load it for her. He said sure, so I knocked his one board down 50%.
Didn't get out of there until 9:30.
Outfit: Yellow Florida tee, faded denim capris.
Have tomorrow off, then 6 days in a row. Here's hoping Sunday goes smoothly!
Returned to work after a 5 day hiatus (Minneapolis trip), and about an hour in, discovered customers no longer had to swipe for debit! HC Mel said they changed the system on Monday. We also have new blue signage for the departments, and they're switching the displays. Can't hire a new janitorial staff, but we have new signs!
Over all, shift went well. Only had one hiccup....guy had $16 in change; I forgot to grab the $10 bill, and had to have McKrenda open the register.
At the end, I had a delivery order, but it was being sent to a new address, so had to call HC Mel down to walk me through it. There was another customer in line, so she had me hop over to #2 while she took care of the deliver order.
Makayla and I cleaned the men's room and the family bathroom, then emptied the break room trash.
Also discovered I'd requested the wrong day off: I've got Thursday Sept 5th off instead of Friday the 6th. Think Makayla and I are going to switch, unless I talk to Tasha about it.
Here's hoping tomorrow goes as smoothly!
Outfit: Blue paint-spatter 'wings' shirt, faded denim capris
Day 105:
Shift began on a weird note....I was slightly late (2 mins), b/c I was talking to Kyle in the parking lot. An hour in, a guy had roofing materials knocked down to $1, but Krissy had arrived for my break, and called me out on the fact one was different. Had to redo it. Took my break, and returned a few items. Between 4 and 5, things were okay; the owner of Raki Corp arrived and laughed when I rang him up and looked him up under the name, rather than the phone #! Was relieved for dinner at 5, and met the family at McAllister's, and between 6 and 7:30, I did closing duties and restocked the cooler. Had an urgent need for the facilities at 7:30, but didn't get a chance until after 8, in which Scott told me he'd had a complaint I'd used my personal phone while in the middle of a transaction. Ummmm, no....phone was on SILENT, and it was nearly dead! Whomever it was, it was NOT me! After a last minute 'rush', Aliscia took my trash and loading tix while I walked with HC Cindy, then headed for the break room to empty that trash. Put my vest away, then walked the trash down to the compactor, and met everyone at the front, and clocked out.
I did NOT ask about the problem up front when I needed an uncharacteristic potty break; I did NOT ask about why the front end was out of hours; I DID ask Scott if the complaint was against me, or Lumber Cashier, or in general; he said 'in general', which confused me all over again, but at least I know it wasn't me.
Here's hoping Thursday is nice and quiet, and very smooth? I still need to talk to someone about my Sept 5th issue, though I think maybe Makayla will work for me on the 6th, and me work for her on the 5th.
Outfit: Classy Not Sassy shirt, patterned leggings.
Day 106:
Shift began well; HC MK reported that Reg #1 wasn't working, and Tiff hadn't had her break yet, so she wanted me to clock in early. So I did, and spent an hour on #2, only to observe both Todd and Ian using #1. So at 4pm. I switched over, in order to take advantage of the air flow! Was relieved at 5:15 for lunch, and afterward, began my closing duties. Discovered I was out of trash bags, and Sacred brought some down, along with the soda and register tape. At 7:30, I discovered my paper towels were missing, so HC Cindy brought some down about an hour later.
Was rather slow all evening, but at 8:50, a customer came in wanting a contractor's pack of drywall. Took several minutes to locate the forklift and a spotter, but finally got him rang up and loaded by 9:10. Took my trash down and emptied the break room trash, then had Sacred empty it while I took a restroom break. Clocked out at 9:30.
Outfit: Brown shirt, faded denim Capris.
Day 107: Influx of Crazies!
Day began on a weird note; as I was walking toward Lumber, Tiff passed me on her way to the break room, then showed up as Marci was signing out and me taking over. Shift was busy; didn't get the soda count started until well after 4:30. Makayla came down to help at one point, but just as she arrived, I finished the large order and began ringing up the only other customer. Mrs. Smith from Clark had arrived with a large order to be delivered, and had thankfully written down all the item numbers:)
Sacred relieved me for lunch at 6:15, and I took the returns to their respective departments, then ate my lunch. After clocking back in, I finished gathering the trash (S had forgotten the Pro desk ones) and began sweeping up. At 8:30, had one nutty customer after another. Customer A mumbled and was hard to understand....turned out he was high on Oxycontin. He complained no one wanted to help him; I tried and Darren did a lot of it. Turned out he'd tried to haggle Robert in Tools down to a discount on everything, so R refused to help him. I finally got him rung up, then D got the air compressor for him. We both sighed with relief when he drove away!
Right before close, Customer B had a cabinet with a busted drawer. Could NOT get manager to answer phone or page! Customer C went to the CS desk and demanded a manager; no one answered THAT one either, but Taylor came running down and rang up Customers C and D. I finally paged for an MOD, and THEN Brandon called and told me to knock it down to $75. Had to call HC Cindy down for an override, which took more time. Literally locked the doors behind them.
Had to change out the trash outside, and forgot....earlier, a woman needed a door loaded into her car. Couldn't get my lumber guys to answer the phone. Fave customer Robert G happened to walk in; I asked if he'd do me a favor and load it for her. He said sure, so I knocked his one board down 50%.
Didn't get out of there until 9:30.
Outfit: Yellow Florida tee, faded denim capris.
Have tomorrow off, then 6 days in a row. Here's hoping Sunday goes smoothly!
Friday, August 16, 2019
Flashback Friday: New Job and New Boyfriend!
Aug 1989:
BM and I were seeing less and less of each other; JL surprised me at work and we spent the evening together, and he even drove to Lafayette just to watch the Cubs baseball game with me. I'd never had a guy go that far out of his way to be with me, and was impressed. We went to see the movie Parenthood, and he was happy to discover I wasn't a female who picked at her food in front of the opposite sex, when we shared a pizza afterward. Discovered JL was a virgin, so agreed no 'relations'.
The next week, Crossroads Rehab offered me an interview as a driver, and when asked how well I knew the city, I know Divine Intervention stepped in, because I started naming the areas I was familiar with when all of a sudden I stopped and said, "No matter where I am, I find a familiar landmark, so I've never been totally lost." After turning in my background check and taking the Chauffeur's License exam three times before passing, I was hired. It was decided I was to go live with Bob and Ann Mead until I could save up for my 1st apt, and I moved the following week.
JL and I had a few arguments during that time, but nothing I took seriously. If he upset me too much, I yelled back, which would diffuse his anger, and he'd laugh, and everything would be okay. Little did I know this was just the beginning.
Next Month: I'm A Brat, But He Still Pops The Question
**********
Present Day:
My sister and her kids are here! They arrived Monday, and D said he wants to hug G'ma, while R wants to sit on the couch with G'ma and watch Jewelry TV with her all week.
Today, I'm headed to the Mall of America in Minnesota, a place I've dreamed of visiting for at least 25 years or more! The Royal Touch Reader Event is on Saturday, and I plan to see as much of the mall as possible, since I have to leave on Sunday. Originally, I'd planned to leave Monday, and spend all day Sunday at the mall, but that was before I discovered W's plans! They're leaving Monday, and if I want to spend ANY time with them, then it meant readjusting my travel plans a bit. Wish me luck and safe travels!
BM and I were seeing less and less of each other; JL surprised me at work and we spent the evening together, and he even drove to Lafayette just to watch the Cubs baseball game with me. I'd never had a guy go that far out of his way to be with me, and was impressed. We went to see the movie Parenthood, and he was happy to discover I wasn't a female who picked at her food in front of the opposite sex, when we shared a pizza afterward. Discovered JL was a virgin, so agreed no 'relations'.
The next week, Crossroads Rehab offered me an interview as a driver, and when asked how well I knew the city, I know Divine Intervention stepped in, because I started naming the areas I was familiar with when all of a sudden I stopped and said, "No matter where I am, I find a familiar landmark, so I've never been totally lost." After turning in my background check and taking the Chauffeur's License exam three times before passing, I was hired. It was decided I was to go live with Bob and Ann Mead until I could save up for my 1st apt, and I moved the following week.
JL and I had a few arguments during that time, but nothing I took seriously. If he upset me too much, I yelled back, which would diffuse his anger, and he'd laugh, and everything would be okay. Little did I know this was just the beginning.
Next Month: I'm A Brat, But He Still Pops The Question
**********
Present Day:
My sister and her kids are here! They arrived Monday, and D said he wants to hug G'ma, while R wants to sit on the couch with G'ma and watch Jewelry TV with her all week.
Today, I'm headed to the Mall of America in Minnesota, a place I've dreamed of visiting for at least 25 years or more! The Royal Touch Reader Event is on Saturday, and I plan to see as much of the mall as possible, since I have to leave on Sunday. Originally, I'd planned to leave Monday, and spend all day Sunday at the mall, but that was before I discovered W's plans! They're leaving Monday, and if I want to spend ANY time with them, then it meant readjusting my travel plans a bit. Wish me luck and safe travels!
Monday, August 12, 2019
Life In Lumber Week #20
Day 101:
Shift was fairly steady all day; I managed to locate my broom after lunch and completely mucked out from under all the mats. One of my customers came in and said, "Every time I come in, you're cleaning!"
Lumber manager Ian borrowed my pen, and a few minutes later, I realized he'd kept it. So I paged him, and told him. When he returned it, I told him next time I'd loan him the one with purple ink! We had a laugh about it!
Still trying to take off Thursday, but the schedule won't let me see past the 17th. I want to switch with someone and have them work for me on Thurs, and I'll take their Sunday the 25th. I may simply have to have my 1st call in.
Outfit: White cross-neck shirt, green vest, dark denim capris. Hair pulled back in clip.
Here's hoping tomorrow goes well!
Day 102:
Today was nice and steady, albeit a little slow. Saw one customer 3 times; the third, I cracked, "We've got to stop meeting like this; people will talk!"
Wiped down all the counters and had everything done by 8pm.
Found someone to cover my shift on Thurs, so I can spend the afternoon with my sis and her family!!!! Course, this means working 6 days in a row next week....ugh...
Outfit: Rebel tee, patterned capri leggings. Hair pulled back in ponytail.
Day 103:
Was in a good mood all day! Had a moment of craziness happen about an hour in: Had a customer with 3 carts. As I'm totalling him up, the phone rings, and it's Mgr Tasha, asking if I need help. I say no, b/c we're nearly finished, and there's only one customer in line. She says okay and hangs up. Customer #1 then says, "I need to put funds on my LAR" just as another customer gets in line.
I call for a code 3, and hop over to #2, then have issues logging in. Aliscia arrives, and watches me load his LAR (via check!, grrrr), and of course the register malfunctions. I finally go back to #1 while Tasha and A figure out what's wrong with #2, and after I ring up customers 1 and 2, A rings up #3, then comes over and tells me NOT to use #2; something's wrong with it.
The rest of the shift went smoothly....until around 8pm. HC MK comes down to clean out my register, and agreed to watch it while I used the restroom. I'm halfway down aisle 20 when I hear 'Hey...Hey....HEY!" I turn around and there's a guy with his shirt over his shoulder, asking me for help. He's got a toilet seat and something I don't recognize, and looks bewildered when I tell him I've left my phone in Lumber. I tell him to come on; we'd find someone to help him. Bob in Building materials has 3 people; Ben tells me to wait a minute; guy in Lighting is busy. I spot Scott and flag him down. First thing he tells the guy is, "First of all, the head goes THROUGH the hole at the top of the shirt!" I escaped to the restroom.
Seconds after I return, the guy arrives with his new toilet seat, still shirtless!
Rest of the hour went well, and we were finished by 9:15:)
I'm off to Lafayette tomorrow, then Minnesota on Friday for the weekend! Whoot!
Shift was fairly steady all day; I managed to locate my broom after lunch and completely mucked out from under all the mats. One of my customers came in and said, "Every time I come in, you're cleaning!"
Lumber manager Ian borrowed my pen, and a few minutes later, I realized he'd kept it. So I paged him, and told him. When he returned it, I told him next time I'd loan him the one with purple ink! We had a laugh about it!
Still trying to take off Thursday, but the schedule won't let me see past the 17th. I want to switch with someone and have them work for me on Thurs, and I'll take their Sunday the 25th. I may simply have to have my 1st call in.
Outfit: White cross-neck shirt, green vest, dark denim capris. Hair pulled back in clip.
Here's hoping tomorrow goes well!
Day 102:
Today was nice and steady, albeit a little slow. Saw one customer 3 times; the third, I cracked, "We've got to stop meeting like this; people will talk!"
Wiped down all the counters and had everything done by 8pm.
Found someone to cover my shift on Thurs, so I can spend the afternoon with my sis and her family!!!! Course, this means working 6 days in a row next week....ugh...
Outfit: Rebel tee, patterned capri leggings. Hair pulled back in ponytail.
Day 103:
Was in a good mood all day! Had a moment of craziness happen about an hour in: Had a customer with 3 carts. As I'm totalling him up, the phone rings, and it's Mgr Tasha, asking if I need help. I say no, b/c we're nearly finished, and there's only one customer in line. She says okay and hangs up. Customer #1 then says, "I need to put funds on my LAR" just as another customer gets in line.
I call for a code 3, and hop over to #2, then have issues logging in. Aliscia arrives, and watches me load his LAR (via check!, grrrr), and of course the register malfunctions. I finally go back to #1 while Tasha and A figure out what's wrong with #2, and after I ring up customers 1 and 2, A rings up #3, then comes over and tells me NOT to use #2; something's wrong with it.
The rest of the shift went smoothly....until around 8pm. HC MK comes down to clean out my register, and agreed to watch it while I used the restroom. I'm halfway down aisle 20 when I hear 'Hey...Hey....HEY!" I turn around and there's a guy with his shirt over his shoulder, asking me for help. He's got a toilet seat and something I don't recognize, and looks bewildered when I tell him I've left my phone in Lumber. I tell him to come on; we'd find someone to help him. Bob in Building materials has 3 people; Ben tells me to wait a minute; guy in Lighting is busy. I spot Scott and flag him down. First thing he tells the guy is, "First of all, the head goes THROUGH the hole at the top of the shirt!" I escaped to the restroom.
Seconds after I return, the guy arrives with his new toilet seat, still shirtless!
Rest of the hour went well, and we were finished by 9:15:)
I'm off to Lafayette tomorrow, then Minnesota on Friday for the weekend! Whoot!
Friday, August 9, 2019
Flashback Friday: Bad Decision....
Aug 1979:
We took our annual trip to the State Fair with friends, and Mom let us each select three rides to ride before walking around the exhibits. I think this was the year we decided to try the fun houses...the Hall of Mirrors was uneventful, since we followed someone who knew how to do it, and the 2nd one had one of those awful 'drum' obstacles at the end. I could not do it, and fell down, scraping some skin from my shoulder. Think I actually rolled out of it. Went on the Flying Bobs, then regretfully left the Midway and went to enjoy the rest of the fair.
My 8th grade year did not start well. Principal divvied us up according to last names, and I misunderstood where my name fell when he got to the 'M's. Thankfully, I wasn't the only one, and was redirected to my new home room. Then, I discovered I'd been placed in Select Choir, which was the mixed choir, and since I didn't feel ready to sing with the boys, and hadn't even tried out for it, I went to the guidance office the first chance I got and asked to be placed in Girl's Choir instead. Hindsight, stupid, stupid, STUPID!
I immediately 'clicked' with my Health class teacher and my Social Studies teacher. I had a mild dislike for my new English teacher, and was very dismayed at my Science partner for the first semester. Rick was one of the 'loser' guys, and I sensed this semester was going to be a challenge.
Next Month: Disaster in Science
*************
Present Day:
I am off to the Collector's Carnival in Princeton tomorrow! Had a very relaxing weekend last week, walking around the Watermelon Festival as an ordinary spectator. Also spent 3 days at the State Fair, and sold 18 books, met Al Unser Jr, ate a lamburger, deep-fried cookie dough, and cotton candy, rode the Re-Mix, and had a blast!
We took our annual trip to the State Fair with friends, and Mom let us each select three rides to ride before walking around the exhibits. I think this was the year we decided to try the fun houses...the Hall of Mirrors was uneventful, since we followed someone who knew how to do it, and the 2nd one had one of those awful 'drum' obstacles at the end. I could not do it, and fell down, scraping some skin from my shoulder. Think I actually rolled out of it. Went on the Flying Bobs, then regretfully left the Midway and went to enjoy the rest of the fair.
My 8th grade year did not start well. Principal divvied us up according to last names, and I misunderstood where my name fell when he got to the 'M's. Thankfully, I wasn't the only one, and was redirected to my new home room. Then, I discovered I'd been placed in Select Choir, which was the mixed choir, and since I didn't feel ready to sing with the boys, and hadn't even tried out for it, I went to the guidance office the first chance I got and asked to be placed in Girl's Choir instead. Hindsight, stupid, stupid, STUPID!
I immediately 'clicked' with my Health class teacher and my Social Studies teacher. I had a mild dislike for my new English teacher, and was very dismayed at my Science partner for the first semester. Rick was one of the 'loser' guys, and I sensed this semester was going to be a challenge.
Next Month: Disaster in Science
*************
Present Day:
I am off to the Collector's Carnival in Princeton tomorrow! Had a very relaxing weekend last week, walking around the Watermelon Festival as an ordinary spectator. Also spent 3 days at the State Fair, and sold 18 books, met Al Unser Jr, ate a lamburger, deep-fried cookie dough, and cotton candy, rode the Re-Mix, and had a blast!
Monday, August 5, 2019
Life In Lumber Week #19
Day 97: Fill-In For Cassie
Was asked to come in Saturday at 5 to cover for a call-in, so said yes. Ended working the front end, and the first two hours had its ups and downs. Had a customer complain when I scanned one end table twice, so I zeroed it out and scanned the other, then adjusted the price. She complained AGAIN, and then I looked at the actual price vs the price tag and it didn't add up....so changed it back to the original price. Makayla came over and helped smooth things over, then agreed with me after they'd left that if she'd kept her mouth shut and let me do my job, there would have been no confusion. M: "She didn't have to be such a dick about it though."
After a brief 15 minute break, I was told to go down to lumber. Enjoyed my 'freedom' (up front, we're not allowed 10 feet past our register, and that doesn't exactly apply to lumber!), joking with the guys and doing the rest of the closing details. At 8pm, however, just as I began to wipe down the counters, the floodgates opened and I was busy for an hour. Had a customer arrive, wanting to pay for his drywall in advance, so that took time looking up the numbers. Had another customer come down at closing time with three carts, and I didn't even have time to lock the doors or even close the overhead door. McKrenda came down and filled the soda for me while I was ringing them up, and a woman even walked in and asked if we were still open. MK: "No, we closed ten minutes ago."
We skipped the bathrooms and clocked out at 9:40!
Day 98: Switching Shifts With Brenda
During my shift on Sat, B asked if I'd work for her on Sun, and she'd work my Thurs. So said yes, and after breakfast at Denny's, I clocked in at 9am. Was on Reg 11 for two hours, then took my 1st 15. After which, they put me on $8, and after lunch at 1:45 at McAllisters, was on #13 until the scanner died! With 2 minutes to go in my shift, Cassie (#9) left to take her break and everyone got in MY line! Didn't clock out until nearly 5:15! No 'crazies', and enjoyed joking with Mary when she ordered me off my register (she needed to pull the till), and other than the 5pm 'rush', the day went fairly smoothly!
Here's hoping Monday is fairly quiet!
Day 99: Back In Lumber:)
As soon as I arrived for work, my hearing batteries needed changed, so told Aggie to let Kem know I would be a few minutes late. Things were fairly steady for the 1st 2 hours, with me forgetting to give a customer his $4.....Ian mocked me about it, ha ha, but forgot how to open the register, so MK had to do it! Marci came down to relieve me for lunch, and I promptly had to help a customer in Tools. After lunch, I returned to find Marci ringing up a large order, so I hopped on #2.....and discovered I needed to change my PW! So after I did that, I rang them up plus one more while Marci finished up.
The hours of 7-9 slightly dragged. #1 ran out of pennies, so had to be on #2 while I did my closing duties. MK said we were NOT doing the soda count or the bathrooms, so that relieved a little of the burden. At 8:30, MK came down and moved me back over to #1, because "a customer said you refused to give them back their $100"....which was bogus and proved not to be me! I even told MK that "I think I would remember something like that, and I KNOW it didn't happen!" Still, the till audit had to happen, and it proved me correct: It hadn't been me.
At the end of the shift, Scott said he'd walk with MK if I'd finish bringing in the carts. D arrived as I was retrieving the last one, so Alex got out and helped me. She then helped me turn off the fans and take the trash down, then got to see the break room. Scott got a jolt when she burst out of the aisle by CS, then realized I was right behind her! Clocked out and we left. I'll be at the State Fair Tues-Wed-Thurs, so my 100th day will be Friday:)
Also told MK I was available from 6-close Sat and all day Sunday if they needed me.
Here's hoping Friday goes well!
Day 100:
Shift began on a good note, and was fairly steady through 6pm. After I returned from lunch, Aliscia was ringing up a large order, so I got to hang out for a few moments. I rang up a few customers, then began my closing duties amid the straggling customers. Around 8, however, the floodgates opened, and I didn't have time to fill the soda coolers, wipe down the counters, or even sweep! No major incidents, thankfully, just BUSY!
Here's hoping things slow down again next week, and I can swap shifts with someone so I can have Thursday off.
Heading to Princeton tomorrow for the Collector's Carnival:) State Fair was AWESOME; sold 18 books, ate a lambburger, rode the Re-Mix, and brought home some deep-fried cookie dough for the kids!
Was asked to come in Saturday at 5 to cover for a call-in, so said yes. Ended working the front end, and the first two hours had its ups and downs. Had a customer complain when I scanned one end table twice, so I zeroed it out and scanned the other, then adjusted the price. She complained AGAIN, and then I looked at the actual price vs the price tag and it didn't add up....so changed it back to the original price. Makayla came over and helped smooth things over, then agreed with me after they'd left that if she'd kept her mouth shut and let me do my job, there would have been no confusion. M: "She didn't have to be such a dick about it though."
After a brief 15 minute break, I was told to go down to lumber. Enjoyed my 'freedom' (up front, we're not allowed 10 feet past our register, and that doesn't exactly apply to lumber!), joking with the guys and doing the rest of the closing details. At 8pm, however, just as I began to wipe down the counters, the floodgates opened and I was busy for an hour. Had a customer arrive, wanting to pay for his drywall in advance, so that took time looking up the numbers. Had another customer come down at closing time with three carts, and I didn't even have time to lock the doors or even close the overhead door. McKrenda came down and filled the soda for me while I was ringing them up, and a woman even walked in and asked if we were still open. MK: "No, we closed ten minutes ago."
We skipped the bathrooms and clocked out at 9:40!
Day 98: Switching Shifts With Brenda
During my shift on Sat, B asked if I'd work for her on Sun, and she'd work my Thurs. So said yes, and after breakfast at Denny's, I clocked in at 9am. Was on Reg 11 for two hours, then took my 1st 15. After which, they put me on $8, and after lunch at 1:45 at McAllisters, was on #13 until the scanner died! With 2 minutes to go in my shift, Cassie (#9) left to take her break and everyone got in MY line! Didn't clock out until nearly 5:15! No 'crazies', and enjoyed joking with Mary when she ordered me off my register (she needed to pull the till), and other than the 5pm 'rush', the day went fairly smoothly!
Here's hoping Monday is fairly quiet!
Day 99: Back In Lumber:)
As soon as I arrived for work, my hearing batteries needed changed, so told Aggie to let Kem know I would be a few minutes late. Things were fairly steady for the 1st 2 hours, with me forgetting to give a customer his $4.....Ian mocked me about it, ha ha, but forgot how to open the register, so MK had to do it! Marci came down to relieve me for lunch, and I promptly had to help a customer in Tools. After lunch, I returned to find Marci ringing up a large order, so I hopped on #2.....and discovered I needed to change my PW! So after I did that, I rang them up plus one more while Marci finished up.
The hours of 7-9 slightly dragged. #1 ran out of pennies, so had to be on #2 while I did my closing duties. MK said we were NOT doing the soda count or the bathrooms, so that relieved a little of the burden. At 8:30, MK came down and moved me back over to #1, because "a customer said you refused to give them back their $100"....which was bogus and proved not to be me! I even told MK that "I think I would remember something like that, and I KNOW it didn't happen!" Still, the till audit had to happen, and it proved me correct: It hadn't been me.
At the end of the shift, Scott said he'd walk with MK if I'd finish bringing in the carts. D arrived as I was retrieving the last one, so Alex got out and helped me. She then helped me turn off the fans and take the trash down, then got to see the break room. Scott got a jolt when she burst out of the aisle by CS, then realized I was right behind her! Clocked out and we left. I'll be at the State Fair Tues-Wed-Thurs, so my 100th day will be Friday:)
Also told MK I was available from 6-close Sat and all day Sunday if they needed me.
Here's hoping Friday goes well!
Day 100:
Shift began on a good note, and was fairly steady through 6pm. After I returned from lunch, Aliscia was ringing up a large order, so I got to hang out for a few moments. I rang up a few customers, then began my closing duties amid the straggling customers. Around 8, however, the floodgates opened, and I didn't have time to fill the soda coolers, wipe down the counters, or even sweep! No major incidents, thankfully, just BUSY!
Here's hoping things slow down again next week, and I can swap shifts with someone so I can have Thursday off.
Heading to Princeton tomorrow for the Collector's Carnival:) State Fair was AWESOME; sold 18 books, ate a lambburger, rode the Re-Mix, and brought home some deep-fried cookie dough for the kids!
August Reading Schedule
Where did July go? It was a whirlwind of events; think I only had one weekend to myself, ha ha!
-Send pkgs to Wa, Indpls, and Tx 7/8: Put them together! 7/10: Mailed:)
-Work on Regrets #2 and New Story 7/8: Wrote nearly 5 handwritten pages:) 7/31: Began Ch 3!
-Do well at InConJunction Fri: Sold 2:) Sat: Sold 2:) Sun: Sold 6:) Total: 10 books!
-Enjoy my JHS Class Reunion Check! Sold 10 books Friday night:)
-Do well at Heroes For Kids Ugh...no sales, but 1st year Con, and did hand out a lot of cards, sooo....next year???
-Order copies of Dreamscape (not available yet) and Catered Romance (Check!)
-Organize more basement Not yet
-Do more work on Green and Brown Houses Ugh....added Mike Mendoza's stuff to the front room!
-Lose 5 pounds (beginning weight: 232) Scale is low on batteries; haven't been able to weigh myself.
Ortho Update:
I'm able to wear the new orthotics full time, with breaks in between. When I'm at work, I kick them off during my breaks, which helps. I also danced the Cupid Shuffle Aug 1st:)
Books Read: 4
Print: 2
E-book: 2
DNF: 2
Karaoke Songs Added: 7
August Goals:
-Enjoy trip to Indy for spouse's Dr. Appt Check!
-Mail pkg to HS friend
-Do well at 1st Friday Art Walk (am skipping Watermelon Festival as vendor this year) Sold 2:)
-Do well at State Fair the 6th (0), 7th (Sold 9!), and 8th (Sold 9! Total: 18!)
-Do well at Collectors Carnival Sold 4:)
-Do well at MOA (Sold 5!) as well as SAFE trip Check! 5 detours going, only 2 returning, lol!
-Enjoy visit with family Check! Even got to see Kristin, Steve, Megan, and Alec:)
-Add words to Regrets #2 and new WIP Check:)....and type it up
-Organize more basement
-Work on both Green and Brown houses
-Order Dreamscape, CR, and Whispers copies Check!
-Lose 5 pounds (starting weight: 232) Ugh...gained 2 pounds. Too much pizza during last week...
Payment Schedule:
July 13-19: 24
20-26: 24
Aug 2nd Payday hours: 48
-Projected income: $521
- $52 to church (Check!); pay Maurice's (Check!) pay medical bill (E'ville, $50 Check!; GSH $30 8/2: Cannot contact); $157 car rental (State Fair Check!) Bank as much as possible ($212) for Aug trip+ $20 1st Friday sales+$70 SF sales (after expenses)-$31 TP copies ordered-$31 CR copies ordered-$24 WHH copies ordered +$35 CCC sales-$25 bus cards ordered= $226 banked-$149 other expenses=$77 banked
July 27- Aug 2: 24
3-9: 24
Aug 16th Payday hours: 48
-Projected income: $438
-$43 to church; Bank all funds ($395) for Minneapolis trip. $395+$77=$472-$2 (candy bar)=$470-$200 (hotel)=$70+$380 donation-$228 (car rental)-$30 (dinner Benihanans)-$23 (dinner Bubba Gump's) +$45 sales)=$209 banked-$5 lunchables-$22 HLC copies ordered=$183 banked
10-16: 18
17-23: 24
Aug 30th Payday hours: 42
-Projected income: $452
-$45 to church; pay Maurices ($50 Check!), pay ortho co-pay ($60). Bank all funds ($302) for Cil-Con
Aug 24-30: 37
Payments/Expenses List:
-Indy State Fair (Aug 6th-7th $100) ($50 sent 4/26; $50 sent 6/7) Rental car: $257, gas $30, $15 admission; $24 parking fee; $20 food; $6 ride
-Minneapolis travel expenses ($200-hotel, $228 car rental, $120-food,$100- gas=$648 needed)
-Indy Author Fair expenses (Sept 13-15): $300 hotel? $252 rental car? Food/gas? (Aug)
-Cil-Con expenses-Sept ($340 car rental, $112 hotel, food, gas)
-Saluki Con expenses-Sept ($340 car rental, $203 ($25 refunded after stay) hotel, food, gas)
-Imaginarium (Oct): $120+ expenses (Sept)
-ICTAHS: $240+expenses (gas/rental car/food/lodging) (June-July-Oct) ($50 sent 5/10; $50 sent 6/21...now owe $140)
-Rivet Craft Fair: $45 (July 5th)
-Weekend With The Authors 2020 and 2021: 20 (reader ticket, hotel/gas/food/rental car); 21: $225-300 table fee; hotel/gas/food/rental car
List is shrinking! Nearly all booth fees are paid; all that's left are ICGAHS (Nov), Imaginarium (Oct), Rivet Craft Show (Nov), and WCC Christmas Craft Show (either Nov or Dec)!
Reading Schedule:
Print:
Needful Things-Stephen King Really enjoyed it! If you're a King fan, RR!
Calder Promise- Really enjoyed this, despite the slight head-hopping.
Karaoke Schedule:
Thurs:
Written In the Stars-Tinie Tempah
Union of the Snake-Duran Duran Slightly low, but not too bad!
Beautiful Goodbye-Amanda Marshall Nailed it, plus caught it on camera:)
8/8: Out of Town
8/15: Out of Town
Radioactive-Imagine Dragons Not too bad! Blew the bridge, but oh well...
Until The End of Time-Foreigner Need to re-sing next week; was practicing wrong version.
Being With You-Smokey Robinson Nailed it!
Bed Of Roses-Bon Jovi Think it sounded okay; there was also a fight before I sang, involving Elaine and three guys, who later called out Brower and not only sliced his tires, but broke his car window. I managed to get most of the fight on video.
-Send pkgs to Wa, Indpls, and Tx 7/8: Put them together! 7/10: Mailed:)
-Work on Regrets #2 and New Story 7/8: Wrote nearly 5 handwritten pages:) 7/31: Began Ch 3!
-Do well at InConJunction Fri: Sold 2:) Sat: Sold 2:) Sun: Sold 6:) Total: 10 books!
-Enjoy my JHS Class Reunion Check! Sold 10 books Friday night:)
-Do well at Heroes For Kids Ugh...no sales, but 1st year Con, and did hand out a lot of cards, sooo....next year???
-Order copies of Dreamscape (not available yet) and Catered Romance (Check!)
-Organize more basement Not yet
-Do more work on Green and Brown Houses Ugh....added Mike Mendoza's stuff to the front room!
-Lose 5 pounds (beginning weight: 232) Scale is low on batteries; haven't been able to weigh myself.
Ortho Update:
I'm able to wear the new orthotics full time, with breaks in between. When I'm at work, I kick them off during my breaks, which helps. I also danced the Cupid Shuffle Aug 1st:)
Books Read: 4
Print: 2
E-book: 2
DNF: 2
Karaoke Songs Added: 7
August Goals:
-Enjoy trip to Indy for spouse's Dr. Appt Check!
-Mail pkg to HS friend
-Do well at 1st Friday Art Walk (am skipping Watermelon Festival as vendor this year) Sold 2:)
-Do well at State Fair the 6th (0), 7th (Sold 9!), and 8th (Sold 9! Total: 18!)
-Do well at Collectors Carnival Sold 4:)
-Do well at MOA (Sold 5!) as well as SAFE trip Check! 5 detours going, only 2 returning, lol!
-Enjoy visit with family Check! Even got to see Kristin, Steve, Megan, and Alec:)
-Add words to Regrets #2 and new WIP Check:)....and type it up
-Organize more basement
-Work on both Green and Brown houses
-Order Dreamscape, CR, and Whispers copies Check!
-Lose 5 pounds (starting weight: 232) Ugh...gained 2 pounds. Too much pizza during last week...
Payment Schedule:
July 13-19: 24
20-26: 24
Aug 2nd Payday hours: 48
-Projected income: $521
- $52 to church (Check!); pay Maurice's (Check!) pay medical bill (E'ville, $50 Check!; GSH $30 8/2: Cannot contact); $157 car rental (State Fair Check!) Bank as much as possible ($212) for Aug trip+ $20 1st Friday sales+$70 SF sales (after expenses)-$31 TP copies ordered-$31 CR copies ordered-$24 WHH copies ordered +$35 CCC sales-$25 bus cards ordered= $226 banked-$149 other expenses=$77 banked
July 27- Aug 2: 24
3-9: 24
Aug 16th Payday hours: 48
-Projected income: $438
-$43 to church; Bank all funds ($395) for Minneapolis trip. $395+$77=$472-$2 (candy bar)=$470-$200 (hotel)=$70+$380 donation-$228 (car rental)-$30 (dinner Benihanans)-$23 (dinner Bubba Gump's) +$45 sales)=$209 banked-$5 lunchables-$22 HLC copies ordered=$183 banked
10-16: 18
17-23: 24
Aug 30th Payday hours: 42
-Projected income: $452
-$45 to church; pay Maurices ($50 Check!), pay ortho co-pay ($60). Bank all funds ($302) for Cil-Con
Aug 24-30: 37
Payments/Expenses List:
-Indy State Fair (Aug 6th-7th $100) ($50 sent 4/26; $50 sent 6/7) Rental car: $257, gas $30, $15 admission; $24 parking fee; $20 food; $6 ride
-Minneapolis travel expenses ($200-hotel, $228 car rental, $120-food,$100- gas=$648 needed)
-Indy Author Fair expenses (Sept 13-15): $300 hotel? $252 rental car? Food/gas? (Aug)
-Cil-Con expenses-Sept ($340 car rental, $112 hotel, food, gas)
-Saluki Con expenses-Sept ($340 car rental, $203 ($25 refunded after stay) hotel, food, gas)
-Imaginarium (Oct): $120+ expenses (Sept)
-ICTAHS: $240+expenses (gas/rental car/food/lodging) (June-July-Oct) ($50 sent 5/10; $50 sent 6/21...now owe $140)
-Rivet Craft Fair: $45 (July 5th)
-Weekend With The Authors 2020 and 2021: 20 (reader ticket, hotel/gas/food/rental car); 21: $225-300 table fee; hotel/gas/food/rental car
List is shrinking! Nearly all booth fees are paid; all that's left are ICGAHS (Nov), Imaginarium (Oct), Rivet Craft Show (Nov), and WCC Christmas Craft Show (either Nov or Dec)!
Reading Schedule:
Print:
Needful Things-Stephen King Really enjoyed it! If you're a King fan, RR!
Calder Promise- Really enjoyed this, despite the slight head-hopping.
Karaoke Schedule:
Thurs:
Written In the Stars-Tinie Tempah
Union of the Snake-Duran Duran Slightly low, but not too bad!
Beautiful Goodbye-Amanda Marshall Nailed it, plus caught it on camera:)
8/8: Out of Town
8/15: Out of Town
Radioactive-Imagine Dragons Not too bad! Blew the bridge, but oh well...
Until The End of Time-Foreigner Need to re-sing next week; was practicing wrong version.
Being With You-Smokey Robinson Nailed it!
Bed Of Roses-Bon Jovi Think it sounded okay; there was also a fight before I sang, involving Elaine and three guys, who later called out Brower and not only sliced his tires, but broke his car window. I managed to get most of the fight on video.
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