Life In Lumber: Y 4, W44

 Day 184:  $6,297 (and 46 cents)

Arrived; sent all the return items, except for Tools, down to CS.  Did the prelim duties after catching up the line, and fronted the soda, then began sweeping.  ASM K left at 7, so did my LU and AP4Me. Seb relieved me at 7:30 for break; I was in the middle of setting up a delivery order. After finishing, I checked out 2 more, then escaped.  After returning, S said he only had maybe 2 customers while I was gone.  Mucked out the mats and sanitized the counters. Pulled trash, and final customer left at 9.  Locked the doors; while Loader E was bringing in the fork lifts, I returned the items to Tools and two to Plumbing.  Waited for E to take out the trash, then lowered the door and put up my vest.  Clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  Most Wonderfult time...tee, black LS tee, faded jeggings, LJs, red/green danglies

Day 185:  $7,510 (and 19 cents)

Arrived; took over for Adriane. Gathered the paperwork, then was fairly busy, plus a customer who decided to tell me to take off an item AFTER giving me a partial payment!!!  Ended up calling HC K down to deal with it while I hopped on 2 and rang everyone else up.  She finally got it refunded and rebilled. Started prelim duties at 5; went to lunch at 6:30.  Took back Lightbulbs and grabbed a roll of trash can liners, then clocked out.

Afterward, swept and rang up the random customer,  ASM K left at 3, so did my LU. Mucked out the mats, fronted soda, pulled trash, and tried to stay warm until I locked the doors at 8:55.  Loader E brought in the concrete, then took the trash around.  Clocked out at 9:20.

Outfit:  Red 'snowflake' sweater, faded jeggings, LJs, blue fingerless gloves, red hooded sweatshirt, snowflakes.

Day 186:  $12,912 (and 72 cents)

The GREAT news:  Found out I got a raise!!!  Up to $14.52 instead of $13.33:)

The good news:  Was up front at first, then was puzzled as to why no one but Jax was with me (he was on self-checkout).  I was about to shanghai Ian to watch my register while I took a much-needed pit stop, but before I could get his attention, Jess paged me and told me I was needed in Lumber.  Told her I was the only one up front; she said to let Jax handle it. So did that, and told B about my urgent matter.  After I was finished, I returned and let him go, and things went smoothly until 8.

Then the sh*t show began.

The bad news:  Customer A had 3 doors, but couldn't find the code for the 3rd.  He said he'd be happy to go take a picture.  I saved everything under my phone #.  He returns several minutes later, then tried to pay in cash.  I apologized and said I was only taking cards.  He said to forget it all and stormed out. Customer B asks me where to find a certain OSB; I looked it up and it should have been right in front of him.  I can't check it, b/c a customer is waiting.  I asked one of the OSLG guys to help him; he got huffy and asked WTH was my loader?  E was in the process of checking in. I helped my customer; I saw ASM J pass it off to E. 

Jay came down and sent me to lunch, which was fine.  But when I returned, Customer C decided what she'd tried to buy was too much for her card, and needed to pay cash.  I saved it under my # and sent her up front.  I then get a phone call from an irate cashier about how the invoice had other stuff on it; I explained the situation; she said never mind, she was just rescanning it all. After locked the doors and logged out of the system, Customer D arrives, but wants to pay with his phone.  He has no cash and no card....but his buddy does.  I ring it up; his buddy's card doesn't work.  He taps on his phone and tries again....goes through!  They left; E took the trash and brought in the concrete.  I shut the large door and returned items to Electrical, Tools, Aisle 10, and Paint.  Trinity took the rest.  Put up my vest and clocked out at 9:30.

Oh, and earlier, when I tried to print out my pay stub, the printer had a paper jam, which I DID get fixed.  I also did manage to do most of the closing duties.

Outfit:  Black/white poncho, white tunic, faded jeggings, LJs, blue fingerless gloves, good gold hoops.

Oh, and ASM K was leaving as I arrived up front at 3:)

Day 187:  $10,872 (and 28 cents)

Was called into work early, so arrived shortly before 4 and hopped on Reg 9.  Was up front for an hour before being sent to Lumber.  Good shift, but busy!  Managed to get the closing duties done after my break at 7:30.  Clocked out at 9:15.

Outfit:  Black tunic, gold plaid vest, faded jeggings, LJs, silver chain links

Day 188 Rare Sunday $4764 (and 47 cents)

Happy New Year's Day!

Arrived at 3 and helped Em with the line. She went off to fill the soda coolers; I rang up customers and began a credit app.  Em finished the main part while I was ringing up customers, then I took over again.  Ran into a snag when I couldn't pull up his info after he was approved, but his email arrived and I was able to check him out.  Problem was, he wasn't done shopping.  I humbly apologized.  An hour later, he was back with his 50 2x4s. and thankfully Maria was there to help him get his 20%, Em had a customer who tried to pay with a GC, but the system malfunctioned, taking the funds with it.  She was able to get it fixed while I hopped on #2 and rang up the others.  Lex gave me my break at 5:15, and when I returned, pulled the trash, spot-swept, and locked the doors at 6.  Had to turn away 2 customers who arrived shortly after, while Loader E was taking the trash and bringing in the concrete.  E brought in the cull cart; I helped with the other carts, then returned items to Tools, Lights, Aisle 10, and Paint.  Clocked out at 6:30.

Outfit:  White tunic, Black Millenium tee, faded jeggings, LJs, small textured hoops.

Life In Lumber: Y4, W43

 Day 180:  $4,644 (and 35 cents)

Arrived; immediately Loader AM and I began teasing each other, and it continued until 8pm, lol!  Took over for B, and was fairly steady until 7.  Did the prelim duties, fronted soda, pulled trash.  Went to break at 7:30, and when I returned, found my green broom and took the dustmop from Loader AM.  Completely swept the area, mucked out the mats, and finished the trash pulling.  Sanitized the registers and counter, then pulled the outside trash while AM was bringing in the concrete.  Locked the doors at 9, brought in the cull carts, and went up front after returning a paint brush to Paint.  Clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  Red snowflake shirt, LS black tee, black jeggings, LJs, green bells.

Day 181:  $6,303 (and 12 cents)

Arrived and was on Self-Checkout for 2 hours, before moving me back to Lumber.  Did prelim duties, and was busy for an hour.  Kel sent me to lunch at 6, and when I returned, was able to sweep and muck out the mats. Fronted the soda, pulled the trash, and locked the doors at 9, but then had to wait for final customer to load all 4 of his carts.  Returned items to Tools and Hardware, then put up my vest.  Clocked out at 9:30, then drove to Lawrenceville for a book signing, but arrived too late.

Outfit:  Naughty List tee, LS black tee, faded jeggings, LJs, stockings

Day 182:  $1,309 (and 36 cents)

Arrived and spent 2.5 hours in the self checkout, then took my break and was on #9 until 7.  Jax went to break, so I stayed around until he returned.  Nice, relaxing shift!  Clocked out at 7:20.

Outfit:  Red Santa shirt with ruffled sleeves; LS black tee, black jegggings, LJs, Merry and Bright.

Day 183:  $4,935 (and 95 cents)

Was asked to come in at 4; clocked in at 4:15, due to shower pipes frozen.  Was up front until 5, then in Lumber.  Wasn't that busy; it was hit and miss.  Managed to get my LU AND my training vids caught up.  Em sent me to break at 7:30; when I came back, did all the closing duties....trash, sweep, mucked the mats, and fronted the soda.  Even drank a cup of coffee trying to stay warm (2 degrees with wind chill of -18!).  The wind was BRUTAL!  Clocked out at 9:15,

Outfit:  Red/black Santa shirt; LS black tee, black jeggings, LJs, blue fingerless gloves, red hooded sweatshirt, Santa hats

Have a Merry Christmas!!!

Life In Lumber: Y4, W42

 Day 176:  $4,870 (and 94 cents)

Took 3 doz cookies into work, and dropped them at Lumber so the pre-5 pros could have some.  Clocked in and took over for B, and register malfunctioned 3 times before it settled down! Did LU and AP4Me, swept, and fronted soda.  After my break at 7:30, finished sweeping, mucked out the mats, sanitized the registers and counters. Locked the doors at 9 and brought in the 3 cull carts, plus helped Loader AM bring in the final carts. Took the trash down, then returned items to Plumbing and Millwork.  Clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  Brown gauzy blouse, black vest, new faded jeggings, LJs, blue fingerless gloves, thin gold hoops.

Day 177:  $3,978 (and 91 cents)

Dropped off another 3 doz cookies for the day shift at 12:30, then returned again at 5 for my shift.  Took over for B, did the prelim duties and my LU, then began sweeping.  Dawson sent me to break at 6:30, and when I returned, snagged my dustbroom from the far end and swept the entire area. Pulled trash and checked out a few customers, but final one left at 8:45.  Locked the doors at 9 and had to wait for ASM A to clean me out (they've decided having me cashless after 6 isn't working for the customers). Took the trash down, then put up my vest.  Clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  Bless This Mess sweatshirt, new dark jeggings, LJs, small gold hoops.

Off til Friday!  Tomorrow, Lafayette and take Mom to dental appt Thurs morning.

Day 178:  $10,295 (and 46 cents)

Arrived; found out ASM K had called in!  Whoo hoo!  Printed off my pay stub and did my LU. Took over for B, and after ringing up a few customers, the place died.  HC K cleaned me out at 5:30, rendering me cashless. Did the prelim duties and swept; was sent to break at 6:30. Returned and helped ring up Brandon V's order (needed an o/r for his sink), then attempted to help Neil G find a fridge.  Needed an o/r for his paint and fridge.  Sanitized the registers and fronted the soda; pulled all trash.  At 9, locked the doors and took the trash down; discovered new SM and ASM K aren't getting along; good.  Now she knows how I feel at times.  J thinks she's lazy.  Loader A is on his last nerve with the leadership.  Returned items to tools and electrical, then put up my vest and took the leftover Monsters to the front, along with the Loading tickets and t/es.  Clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  Red NRA polo, gray sweater, new dark jeggings, LJ's, Treble Clefs

Off tomorrow!

Day 179:  Rare Sunday  $12,172 (and 52 cents)

Was up front from 2-close, which was a nice change of pace.  Was very busy, and was in a good mood, even when my register malfunctioned (had to shut it down for a few minutes), or even shut itself off.  All in all, everyone was in a good mood.  Went to lunch at 6:30, and at the end, pulled the trash and put up my vest.  Clocked out at 8:20.

Outfit:  Black sweater, red NRA polo, new dark jeggings, LIs. red/clear beads

Life In Lumber: Y4, W41

 Day 173:  $8,658 (and 9 cents)

Shift began on a high note; everyone was in good spirits, and the 1st hour passed quickly. At 4, I took some returns back to Plumbing, Tools, and Fashion Bath, then took a pit stop. B left at 5 and things slowed down a little.  Did the prelim duties and swept the entire area, then mucked out the mats, did my LU and AP4Me.  Lex sent me to lunch at 7:30, and when I returned, began sanitizing amd pulling trash.  My final 2 customers had issues.  A had several different types of plywood; after paying and looking at his receipt, discovered he had loaded the wrong ones, and it took several minutes to get it straightened out. Then B objected to the price of a smoke alarm; sent him to CS.  After everyone left, locked the doors and returned an item to Millwork and an item to Tools. Clocked out at 9:30,

Outfit:  Maroon 3/4 length blouse, black vest, dark jeggings, ljs, silver diamond-shaped earrings, blue fingerless gloves.

Day 174:  $2,566 (and 57 cents)

Tonight was quiet.  It rained, so the store was fairly empty by 6.  Did the closing duties and swept, did my LU, and mucked out the mats.  Ate a .ag of Chex mix; I was hungry.  At 8, realized I was not getting my break, so ended up checking out the late-stragglers, even gently throwing out a hint to three guys we were closing.  Loader AM brought in the concrete and the cull cart; I locked the doors, took the trash down, then returned items to Tools and Paint, then took the loading tickets and tax exempts up front.  Took a pit stop, then went to Receiving to take care of the trash Sebass had just shoved down there.  Clocked out at 9:30.  

Outfit:  Palm tree sweatshirt, new faded jeggings, sea horses, blue fingerless gloves.

Day 175:  $5,855 (and 86 cents)

Arrived and jumped on #3 to help with the line, but first the register malfunctioned, and had to exit out and relog in.  Rang up two customers before hopping over to 2 while B was on break....then Kem finally left and I was able to get on #1!  At 6, things calmed down and did the prelim duties, and swept.  ASM K was hovering, so didn't do my LU. Thankfully, she didn't hover for long!  Went to lunch at 7, and when I returned, found ASM K dealing with two customers and a third came over to set up a delivery of drywall.  Had two customers try to write a check; the 1st one whipped out her credit card and told her friend to make the check out to her; the 2nd one I invoiced and sent them up front, since they had a bunch of lumber.  Mucked out the mats, brought in the cull carts, sanitized the registers, pulled the trash.  Locked the doors at 9 and took the trash down, then put up my vest.  Clocked out at 9:20, then helped HC A, Lex, and ASM K bring in the final carts.

Outfit:  Blue Whitehorse sweatshirt, new faded jeggings, Yukon danglies, blue fingerless gloves

Off til next Monday!

December Goals

 How is it December already?  November flew by!

-Lose 5 lbs (Starting 225)

-Buy copies of Beach Check!

-Do well at Craft Fair (Nov 5th) Sold 1; it wasn't well attended due to rain.

-Have a successful ICGAHS Sold 16:

                                              Wed:  1

                                             Thurs (all day!):  4

                                             Fri:  1

                                             Sat (all day!):  10

                                             Total:  16

-Finish paying for ^^^^^^Check!

-Put a hefty down payment on ^^^^^^Not this year; only made enough for gas $$ and the ornaments for the kids, plus my replacement tee shirt.

-Pay for 2023 Imaginarium Made special arrangements with Stephen

-Learn my part in 7 Noels cantata Getting there....

-Pay for final 5 keychains Nope....

-Order promo Check!

-Order inventory Beach, check.

-Enjoy a relaxing Thanksgiving Check!  Had the flu, so only fixed the basics.

-Start buying Christmas presents Bought three....

-Start baking cookies Nope

-NaNo??? Managed maybe 500 words???

Books Read:  1

2023 Events:

April 1st:  SI Comic Con, Benton, Il Pd 4/2022

22nd:  Daviess Co Wine and Brew/fest, Downtown Washington, In

May 5-7:  Indianapolis Comic Con, Indiana Convention Center $300

June:  IABE, Peoria, Il

June:  Superman Celebration

July 9-11:  Imaginarium Convention, Louisville, Ky $165 for table 12/2:  Pd $120 

July :  Heroes For Kids, Perryville, Mo Hoping the $$ I paid last year 'rolls over'....

Aug:  State Fair??

Aug:  Hanna House

Sept:   15-16th:  Cil-Con, Effingham, Il

Oct:  TBD

Nov 8-12:  Indianapolis Christmas Gift and Hobby Show $350

I'm really hoping this year is a better financial year.  No 'side' trips are planned

December Goals:

-Lose 5 lbs

-Order copies of Whispers

-Mail on WA to customer

-Bake cookies Check!

                12/9:  Choc Chip:  12 doz

                12/10:  Oatmeal/Raisin: 6 doz

                            M&M:  2 doz

              12/12:  M&M:  9 doz

             12/17:  Choc Chip:  12 doz 

             12/23:  M&M:  9 doz

-Decorate Check....

-Take Mom to dental appt Postponed until Jan 5th.  She has bronchitis

-Learn my part of Cantata Check!  

-Have a GOOD performance Check!  Even performed The Star at the worship service on 12/18!

-Enjoy birthday karaoke 12/15:  Postponed due to my not getting home from Lafayette until 9; 12/23:  Postponed due to weather; 12/29: Had a WONDERFUL time!  Got to sing 7 songs!!!

-Have an enjoyable birthday Check!  Watched Eureka and Pitbulls and Parolees, ate dinner at El Corral, followed by a trip to see the X-mas lights around town.

Have a relaxing Christmas Check!  12/23:  Postponed til 26th, due to weather; 12/26 postponed til 1/2 due to Sara being sick.

Have a relaxing NYE

December Reading Schedule:

Forever Odd-Dean Koontz Good story!

Outlander-Diana Gabaldon Slightly wordy in places, but am enjoyed it and am looking forward to #2!  Thank GOD I live in modern times!!!

E-book:

Red Carpet Romance-Jean Joachim DRR!  Enjoyed this re-read:)

Life In Lumber: Y4, W40

 Day 169:  Cyber Monday  $6,638 (and 93 cents)

Arrived and took over for B, and did the prelim duties. Was fairly busy until 6, then began sweeping.  Had another 'rush', then Lex sent me to break at 7.  Returned and pulled trash and sanitized the registers and counters.  At 9, locked the doors and handed the loading tickets to new ASM S, and went to put up my vest.  Clocked out at 9:15.  Corporate's due tomorrow; I was surprised we didn't have to do more 'beautifying'.

Outfit:  Green "Naughty List' tee, black l/s tee, dark jeggings, Santa hat.

Day 170:  $3,685 (and 65 cents)

Arrived and took over for B.  Did the prelim duties, checked out a few customers....and things died down.  Began sweeping, then at 6, HC C cleaned out all the registers.  Checked out a few people, then things died down again until 8:45, when I had a small 'rush'. Even needed and o/r for discounted paint.  And tonight was 'sharing' night:  Loaders A and H decided to discuss their g/f.....OMG....the things you learn when college kids are talking!

Met the potential new SM Jeff.  He seems personable, knowledgeable, and nice.  After the final customer left, and was able to lock the doors, returned an item to Tools, gloves to Hardware, the trash to the Receiving bay, picked up some large trash bags, 3 rolls of small ones, returned HC C's vest to her locker, took a pit stop, then took one small and one large trash bags to Lumber, then the remaining 2 small ones to CS.  Clocked out at 9:20.

Outfit:  Black/gray/leopard stripe tee, black vest, dark jeggings, gold hoops

Off to Lafayette tomorrow and Thurs!

Day 171:  $4,730 (and 3 cents)

Arrived; checked out a customer or two; printed off my schedule and pay stubs.  At 4, I took the returns back and took a pit stop before B left at 5.  Em arrived, and sent me to lunch.  At 5:30, Em began doing soda count; I swept. At 6, was sent to Self Checkout, to cover until Dawson returned from HIS break. Then returned to Lumber for Em's break. Continued to sweep; Em had already sanitized the registers. Pulled trash, and did my LU.  Had a 'rush' at 8:30, then locked the doors as final customer approached.  Checked and let him out, then grabbed the tax exempt tickets and headed up front.  Clocked out at 9:20.

Outfit:  Black/red plaid, black vest, dark jeggings, heavy red sweatshirt, blue fingerless gloves, gold hoops.

Day 172:  Rare Saturday  $4,633 (and 38 cents)

Arrived and discovered I was half an hour early. So went on down and helped out, plus ate a Snickers bar. Em left at 5:30 and I did the prelim duties. Crowd left at 6, so began sweeping. HC C emptied my drawer at 7, and at 8:30, I had Loader E watch the register while I took a pit stop. At 9, sent my final customer up front (he was paying cash) and locked the doors.  E and another associate went out to bring in the concrete; I left them in charge of the door while I took the trash down, then returned items to Tools, Electrical, Paint, and Closets.  Clocked out at 9:20.

Outfit:  Gray Home in In sweatshirt, dark jeggings, small textured gold hoops.

Life in Lumber: Y4, W 39

 Day 166:  $8,139 (and 79 cents)

Arrived to discover SM S walked out, after an argument with our DM, who called him "a piss-poor excuse for a SM'.  Not sure what's gonna happen next.....also discovered confirmation ASM K got her position on her knees, so to speak.

Anyway, moving on....Did the prelim duties and my LU and AP4Me, and got hit with a 30 minute 'rush'. Kell sent me to break at 7:45, and when I returned, I pulled trash, swept, and checked out my final customer right at 9.  HC C cleaned me out; I took the trash to the hopper and rode one of the scooters to the front before putting up my vest.  Clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  Red turtleneck, black vest, faded jeggings, blue fingerless gloves, Yukon earrings

Day 167:  $5,917 (and 21 cents)

Today was one for the record books.  Arrived; there was plenty of coverage, so I stayed in Lumber.  We weren't busy, so returned items to Tools and Paint, then restocked some of the soda.  After returning the leftovers to the front, I took a quick pit stop and returned into chaos.  B tried to sort it out for me; I said we'd figure it out, and it settled down once everyone was taken care of.  I still have NO IDEA if one customer got his 48 concrete blocks.........

Was just very busy, off and on.  I was able to get the trash pulled, and the prelim duties done. Lex sent me to lunch at 7:30; I reminded her of my extra 15 mins, and returned at 8:15 to find her fighting the computer, trying to get Eric M's check to validated.  I tried it....even called for an approval code...nada.  Finally ended up running it through #2 and it worked!  Got him checked out...then I rebooted #1.  Had only a handful of customers after that; D and W stopped by to look at the 2x12x12s that I'd invoiced on Friday; D said no.  So I wrote Mgr G a note, telling him to put them in a cull pack; pulled the outside trash, and did a hasty sweep of the area.  Clocked out at 9:15.

Outfit:  Black/gray tee, black vest, faded jeggings, sea horses

I'm off until Saturday!!!!!!

Day 168:  Small Business Saturday  $7,079 (and 22 cents)

Was actually a quiet, busy shift.  Arrived to find Subway catered in, so took two slices of a ham and cheese sandwich down to lumber and ate them in between customers. Discovered a new policy:  After 6pm, the only cash register taking cash is up front, so I'm cash-free, which upset at least two customers. Was fairly steady until 7:30, when HC K relieved me. When I returned, was able to get the soda fronted, the entire area swept, and the mats mucked.  Pulled the trash, including the outside, and after locking the doors, took the trash to the overflowing hopper (compactor's down until Mon), and returned items to Plumbing, Electrical, Tools, Paint, and Flooring.  Clocked out at 9:20....just in time to see ASM K head down to Lumber, to close the back door.  Actually walked out the door (in the rain!) around 9:30. 

Outfit:  Santa shirt, black l/s tee, black jeggings, green 'jingle bells'

Off tomorrow!!!!

Life In Lumber Y4, W38

 Day 160:  $9,835 (and 32 cents)

I have a note on my phone calendar to request today off, to recupperate from the vacation.

I should have heeded it.

1) I left my phone in the bathroom.

2) My scanner quit, 15 minutes into my shift.  B's quit also, but he was able to reboot it.  So when he left, I took over #2.

3) I discovered no one put a trash bag in the outside trash can.

4) The Pro area was FILTHY; don't think the mats had been cleaned since I left last Tues.

5) Forgot to gather the paperwork until the end.

I DID get the soda fronted, and shuffled. I DID get the trash pulled.  Also had to return items to Plumbing, Electrical, Hardware, and a car to the rack.

I also bought a bath mat, 2 tee shirts, and a candy bar.

6) Forgot to check my sales for the day.

7) DID get my LU and AP4Me done.  Also requested off Dec 2nd, for my mom's dental appt, and emailed Mgr A about it.

Clocked out at 9:22

Outfit:  Black/white  l/s shirt, black vest, new dark jeggings, sapphire and diamond hoops.

Day 161:  $9,877 (and 30 cents)

Arrived to find ASM K leaving (for lunch, it turned out...) and B had called in; Ash was trying to help a woman, but she turned her over to me.  Turned out the woman wanted flooring; called Josh, but he was with a customer, so I sent her back to him.  After a small 'rush', I fronted the soda, then had to call for and o/r for discounted paint, and hopped on 2 to ring up other customers. HC C came down and ended up helping two more customers until everyone was taken care of,. I then did the prelim duties and began sweeping.  Mucked out the mats.  Lex sent me to break at 7:15, and said that HC Jas quit, b/c she didn't like the CS desk. After I returned, I began the closing duties.  At 9, I locked the doors....then learned we still had a family in 19. They checked out via me, so Mgt A logged into Genesis and I rang them up that way.  When they were finished loading, I put away the carts and closed the large door.  Clocked out at 9:20.

Heard ASM K say she was working 8:30-6 tomorrow...yay!

Outfit:  Blue hooded Cabela's sweatshirt, new dark jeggings, sapphire and diamond hoops.

Day 162:  $8,008 (and 24 cents)

Was snowing when I arrived; thankfully, it did NOT stick! Took over for B, and did the prelim duties, fronted the soda. Was fairly busy until 7, when I ran out of $1s, then switched to #2.  Swept the pro area and the mats, then Lex sent me to break at 7:30. When I returned, pulled the trash., did LU, and printed out my pay stub.  Checked my schedule and changed my PW.  Final customers were at 9, and I'd already locked the doors. Clocked out at 9:15

Outfit:  Brown sweater, new dark jeggings, sapphire and diamond hoops, blue fingerless gloves.

Off tomorrow!

Day 163:  $10,619 (and 8 cents)

Nancy dropped off copies of Beach within 5 mins of me arriving; was a busy shift!  Took over for B and did the prelim duties, and was thrilled to find my dustmop back! Fronted the soda, swept the entire Pro area (didn't get to the horseshoe), and mucked out the mats.  Had no less than 4 transactions around the $2K amount, all in cash. Had to have an o/r for discounted doors and carpet.  Sold HC K a copy of Beach, and ASM J wants one on Monday.

Was also a cold shift. Clocked out at 9:20 after returning items to Hardware, Lights, and Millwork.

Outfit:  Thick white sweater, faded jeggings, blue fingerless gloves, green dangly earrings.

Day 164:  Rare Saturday $6,264 (and 6 cents)

Arrived; HC K pulled me over to ask a question about a lady who bought plywood, had it cut to fit in her car, but decided to have someone else pick it up later.  Guy came to get it; someone told him to go to CS desk to have the loading ticket printed (wouldn't have been one if it was sold Carry With!), but who THEN told him to go get the receipt.  WTH?????  I told her I'd apologize to the customer if he returned while I was there.  When I got to my station, I discussed it with Ash, who told me she DID apologize profusely; it was just a lack of communication.

Shift was semi-busy.  At one point, I needed an o/r, then the line picked up.  Hopped to #2, and heard Josh call for a Code 99, but still no one arrived.  By the time I finished with the four customers, the 1st one was fed up and cancelled his order.  STILL no one showed up.  So did the prelim duties....fronted the soda and began sweeping. Mucked out the mats.  Kate sent me to break at 7:30.  Afterward, did the closing duties and sanitized the counters.  Since I'd gotten a credit app yesterday, I pulled off a cup from the board and opened it in ASM M's presence.  Won an extra 15 min break!  I'll take it on Tuesday. 

Realized after I'd arrived home that I'd forgotten to clock out.  Oops!

Outfit: Dark gray Home sweatshirt, faded jeggings, l/u, blue fingerless gloves, treble clef earrings.

Day 165:  Rare Sunday $4,820 (and 11 cents)

Was an interesting shift. Walked in and thought I was taking over for Lex, but she was on til 6. Things were slow, so decided to fill the soda coolers.  That took me until 5:30, in between filling in at the front (and freezing the Pin Pad!) and in Lumber.  At 5:30, they called a Code 3 to the front, and we were still managable, so I went.  Tried to leave 3 times, but people still kept coming.  Finally 'escaped' fifteen minutes later, and took a quick pit stop so Lex could leave. Started sweeping and doing the closing duties, swept the entire area, mucked out all the mats, and sanitized the registers.  After Loader E set the safety pallets and brought in the concrete, he took the trash.  HC K cleaned me out, and I returned an item to Plumbing, then clocked out at 8:20. 

Also sent an email to Kylie about my missed punch, and did my LU.

Outfit:  Lt gray IN sweatshirt, faded jeggings, l/u, blue fingerless gloves, treble clef earrings.

Life In Lumber: Y4, W37

 Day 158:  $7,065 (and 84 cents)

Arrived early, so did my LU and cleaned out my email, then clocked in and went down. Took over for B and Sonja drove me mildly nuts by trying to talk to me while I was ringing up customers. She left at 6, then I had to hop to #2, since #1 was out of 5s and 10s. Fronted the soda, spot-swept the area, mucked out the mats.  Will arrived and hung out with me.  Went to break at 7:30, then did the closing duties, plus my LU and AP4Me.  Had everything done by 8:55, so went ahead and locked the side doors. Rang up my final 2 customers at 9, then relocked the doors behind them. Clocked out at 9:22.

Outfit:  Crew neck Cabela's sweatshirt, fuzzy socks tee, faded jeggings, small textured hoops.

Day 159:  $5,202 (and one cent!)

Arrived to discover they were paving the street to our north; they were blocking the canopy access, so didn't figure we'd be too busy.  Fronted the soda and did the prelim duties, did my LU, checked my mail, and the schedule. Went to break at 7:30 and gave Lexi my phone # for the invoiced lumber a customer was bringing up cart by cart.  Tried to locate my missing broom and dustpan, but they were well hidden, so just did the closing duties.  Final customer was at 8:30.  After HC K cleaned me out, had to watch the door while Loader H set the safety pallets and brought in the concrete.  Clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  Blue/white striped sweater, faded jeggings, gold hoops.

I am on vacation until next week!  Headed to the Indpls Christmas Gift and Hobby Show!!!

November Goals

 Where did October go?  How did I do?

Spent most of the month bemoaning the loss of my transporation, and my hubby's health.  He 'decided' to take a slide down the basement stairs (he picked up our kitten, Tucker, to prevent him from darting out the door, lost his balance, and slid all the way to the bottom) and broke his right collarbone and tailbone. Spent a week in the hospital and is now doing physical therapy.

-Lose 5 pounds (220 start) Ugh, Halloween caused me to gain 5 pounds

-GET VAN REPAIRED!!!  New struts, check.  Now to get transmition checked out/repaired (won't shift past 3rd gear) UPDATE:  Wasn't the tranny; it was a wheel bearing!! 

-Do well at Lexington Legendary Book Bash Didn't go, due to transmition issues in van.

-Do well at Autumn on Main Sold 1...it was cold, and should have paid the $25 to be in the Creative Market at the Pantheon.

-Do well at Fez Con Didn't go; van issues

-Start clearing items from storage Brought home a lamp....

-Get a clean bill of health from Dr appt Had to cancel due to van issues

-Do well at Writer's Block in Toledo, Oh Had to pull out, due to spouse's fall down the basement stairs.

-Have an enjoyable Halloween Check!

-Buy copies of Rex, Hotel, Whispers, and Beach Nope...

Books Read:  4

           Print:  4

2022 Events:

0Craft and Vendor Fair Nov 5th, Camp Wildwood, Washington Ave, Vincennes, 9-2 ($20 Pd day of)

-Indpls Christmas Gift and Hobby Show (Nov) Indpls State Fairgrounds $100 Pd 11/26; $100 pd 8/31 (Bal:  $150); $100 pd 10/13 (Bal $50)

-Louisville Con, Dec 9-11??? No funds this year.

November Goals:

-Lose 5 lbs (Starting 225)

-Buy copies of Beach Check!

-Do well at Craft Fair (Nov 5th) Sold 1; it wasn't well attended due to rain.

-Have a successful ICGAHS Sold 16:

                                              Wed:  1

                                             Thurs (all day!):  4

                                             Fri:  1

                                             Sat (all day!):  10

-Finish paying for ^^^^^^Check!

-Put a hefty down payment on ^^^^^^Not this year; only made enough for gas $$ and the ornaments for the kids, plus my replacement tee shirt.

-Pay for 2023 Imaginarium Made special arrangements with Stephen

-Learn my part in 7 Noels cantata Getting there....

-Pay for final 5 keychains Nope....

-Order promo Check!

-Order inventory Beach, check.

-Enjoy a relaxing Thanksgiving Check!  Had the flu, so only fixed the basics,

-Start buying Christmas presents Bought three....

-Start baking cookies Nope....

-NaNo??? Think I managed 500 words....

November Reading Schedule:

Harry and Meghan:  Their Story DRR!  Basically confirmed everything I suspected about their relationship, and was slightly surprised at the few typos I found, INCLUDING TWO (2!) complete paragraphs in the same chapter that were exact duplicate of a few pages back.  Not to mention the same adjectives used over and over in several places, to describe Me Gain's behavior/attitude/ambition.

Life In Lumber Y4, W36

 Day 153:  $8,664 (and 53 cents)

Arrived and bought two bags of suckers and two bags of candy, since the keys to my brown house are MIA, and I couldn't get to my smarties. Wore my 'Molly Pitcher' outfit, with the spider headband, ala 'Miss Muffet', and put the candy in the 1 qt pitcher I'd taken with me.  Everyone loved it!  Didn't have any issues all night; things went smoothly. Got the prelim duties finished, took my break at 8, and spot-swept.  Loader H took my trash; ASM Brandon brought in the concrete and set the safety pallets; HC J cleaned me out.  Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:25,

Outfit:  Black l/s tee, Rendezvous outfit, black jeggings, silver and pearl earrings, Spider headband

Day 154:  $6,234 (and 85 cents)

Arrived and did the prelim duties; loaded an LAR; needed an o/r on a mis-marked toilet. Fronted all soda, and spot-swept until Loader Kole found the dustmop. Swept the entire area, including the horseshoe. Did my LU and discovered I'd been given my 1st official evaluation:)  All good, and I sent her a PM, thanking her for her kind words. Went to lunch at 8:30, and did the closing duties, then watched the door while Loader K did his final duties.  Clocked out at 10:27.

Outfit:  Gray hooded sweatshirt, new dark jeggings, large zirconian studs.

Day 155:  $4,823 (and 77 cents)

Arrived and took over for B, then was tickled when I discovered SM S was closing!!  Fronted the soda and did the other prelim duties. Spot-swept, did my LU after 6:30, and went to break at 8. Came back; mucked out the mats and sanitized.  Fairly certain my final customer of the night stole two boards from outside.  HC J cleaned me out, then I closed the large door after giving Loader AM my trash, and walked J up to the front. Clocked out at 10:15.

S came down to give me an o/r on a discounted roll of carpet 10 mins after I arrived,

Outfit: Brown 3/4 sleeve blouse, new dark jeggings, sea horses.

Off tomorrow!

Dat 156:  $7,889 (and 58 cents)

Good shift tonight!  Had to switch to #2 after giving someone a roll of quarters due to being out of $10s. The crowd came in after I fronted the soda and did the prelim duties; customer brought down two tools and 2 starter kits (free), but the starter kits didn't drop off.  Fortunately, another associate was on hand to go check it, the ASM M walked by. They handled it while I hopped back on #1 to handle the line (ASM A had brought me $$, but I just didn't have time to hop over yet.  She also had to o/r a discounted tool.) Then things slowed down; got the place spot-swept and the mats mucked; changed all the trash can liners; did my LU. At 9:15, Jacob relieved me; I took a pit stop, then went to Receiving and collected new trash bags.  When I returned, Charlie had returned the items to Aisle 21, Paint, Tools, and Electrical.  Did the closing duties and reminded everyone after 9 that starting Mon, we were closing at 9pm again.  After HC K cleaned me out, we walked up front (Charlie had already brought in the concrete and taken the trash).  Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:15.

Outfit:  Black/white plaid shirt, blue tank, new dark jeggings, small diamond flowers.

Day 157:  Rare Sunday  $12,093 (and 58 cents)

Arrived and took over for Em, who went to get the soda, then LEFT it for me.  Had several 'rushes', but finally got all the soda put away, the trash gathered, and the paperwork put together. Spot-swept when I could. Took my break at 7:15, and when I returned, began the closing duties.  My final customer had 4 electrical devices in plastic containers, so had to call HC C to ask how to open them.  Finally figured it out, then shut the large door behind them and locked the other doors.  Took my trash to the hopper and returned items to Lighting and Hardware.

Outfit:  Blue sparkly shirt, faded  jeggings, small gold hoops.

Life in Lumber Y4, W35

 Day 148:  $8,638 (and 75 cents)

Discovered my new lunchbox will hold 12 lunchables! A Quiet Strength-Janette Okeut Arrived and took over for B and S, then fronted the soda and filled the gatorade section. Did the prelim duties, and started sweeping.  My dustmop showed up, which made it easier! Lex sent me to break at 7:30, and when I returned, began the closing duties. Nice, easy night. Even 'beat up' on Loader H....he helped me empty the outside trash, and I discovered someone had used the wrong liner.  As we tipped it over, H's finger got smashed....then I accidentally hit his head with a protruding board.  Thankfully, no blood, no serious damage! Also got my LU done.

At  10, Loader AM took the hopper; I brought in the lone cull cart and locked the doors. After HC C cleaned me out, ASM K stayed to watch the door while AM was bringing in the concrete and the safety pallets.  I put up my vest, then put six carts away.  Clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Black Mom tee, new faded jeggings, small silver hoops.

Day 149:  $5,028 (and 46 cents)

It rained all day.  Arrived and took over for B, fronted soda, did prelim duties, then swept the place. ASM K left at 6:50, after being screamed at by an irate customer over the phone. Did my LU and AP4Me, and at 8:30 began the closing duties.  Went to break at 9, then sanitized the counters and registers.

Had to have 2 o/r:  One for discounted paint, the other for a discounted toilet.  Checked my stats:  I'm back at #1!!!  Last two weeks, I've been #12 and 14.  The weird thing is, I only scored 50% friendliness.  WTH???

After HC K arrived, I took the trash to the hopper, then she and I went up front.  Returned an item to Paint and to aisle 10, then put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:20.

Outfit:  Bless This Mess sweatshirt, new faded jeggings, dangly hearts.

Day 150:  $/,391 (and 5 cents)

Arrived and saw only Sandy up front, so knew that's where they wanted me. Had a steady stream of customers, including one man who whined about the self-checkout not being open.  I smiled and told him he'd just have to talk to me:)  Went to Lumber at 5 and got to see BWG:)  Em arrived at  6:30 so she did the soda.  At 6:55, we swapped places and I took back the returns to Hardware, Lighting, Tools, and Plumbing. Did my LU, printed off my November schedule, and clocked out at 7:20.

Outfit:  Purple/white sweater-tunic, new faded jeggings, silver/blue/pink hoops.

Day 151:  $9,336 (and 15 cents)

ASM A texted me to see if I'd come in at 3; I said yes. Arrived and spent the 1st 2 hours up front, then went to Lumber to relieve B. Fronted soda and did prelim duties, and discovered both my mop and broom were MIA. George brought back my broom and Loader AM found my mop. Swept, and needed an o/r fir 3 plastic tubes. Got mildly ticked when HC K informed me I was only getting 30 mins, but hey....more $$ on my paycheck! 

Dogwood catered in lunch, and safety award swag was available.  Picked up a T-shirt and a pen.

After break, pulled trash and sanitized after finished mucking out the mats. After Loader E took the hopper and set the safety pallets, I returned items to Dywall, Plumbing, and Paint.  Clocked out at 10:20.  Got to pet Miss Cora, the Golden Doodle who was 'off duty':)  She followed me and K out to the parking lot, ignoring her owner Jax!

Outfit:  Maroon plaid, new faded jeggings.  No earrings; my right earlobe objected.

Day 152:  Rare Saturday  $5,331 (and 19 cents)

Arrived slightly late, and had to ask Em to give me 5 more mins so I could take a pit stop. Things were fairly steady for an hour, then fronted the soda, gathered the paperwork, and consolidated the trash. Spot-swept the floor; mucked out the mats; even cleaned off the top of the snack rack and the monster and Red Bull coolers.  HC Ju sent me to break at 8:15, and when I returned, think I only had maybe 6 customers. Sanitized the registers, gathered the trash, and watched the doors while Loader E took the hopper and set the safety pallets.  Returned items to Paint and Electrical, then put up my vest and took the loading tickets, which ASM K forgot when she cleaned me out, up front.  Clocked out at 10:20.

Outfit:  Orange pumpkin shirt, black l/s tee, black jeggings, straw hat headband, skeleton earrings.

Life In Lumber: Y4, W34

 Day 146:  $12,136 (and 88 cents)

Spent 2 hours with D before having to pick up the granddaughter at 1; then came home, ate lunch, and went to work.  Good shift; was busy between 3-5, then things slacked off.  Did prelim duties, had Pro S watch the register while I took a pit stop, and spot-swept. At 7, HC J asked me to do the soda count, so I did, and discovered I'd be going to lunch at 8. When Lexi relieved me, I clocked out, found a roll of outside trash bags at CS, then ate my lunch. Afterward, I got a little peeved at Kell, who was just standing behind the pro desk and not putting away any soda.  Lex had dome some of it; I finished it.  As a result, didn't have time to muck out the mats or sanitize the registers.  Pulled the trash, and after ASM K pulled my drawer, took the trash to the hopper and put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:15.

Outfit:  Brown/white turtleneck sweater, dark jeggings, small thin gold hoops.  It was only 52 degrees today, and Champagne/Urbana, IL had snow flurries by 8:30!

Day 147:  $15,457 (and 2 cents)

Arrived and took over for Adriane. Fronted soda and did the prelim duties, rang up customers until 5, then started spot-sweeping and mucking out all the mats.  Went to lunch at 7, and when I returned, did the closing duties.  Discovered I CAN sell the cull packs, just not set them up.  Set up a delivery of drywall and lumber, pulled trash, sanitized the registers, and returned items to Hardware.  Clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Hot cocoa tee, Mama Bear sweatshirt, dark jeggings, treble clef studs.

Got our front end appreciation gifts....a lunchbox and a water bottle, plus a card and LU stickers.

Off until Monday, unless called in over the weekend:)

Life In Lumber Y4, W33

Day 142:  $8,572 and 17 cents)

Arrived; fronted all the soda and gathered the paperwork.  Discovered my dustmop was missing, so only spot-swept. Things were fairly steady all night; pulled trash at 7:30, and mucked out all the mats.  Went to break at 9:15; returned an item to Lights, then went back to Receiving to find the large trash bags.  Found the ones for the mid-size can, and found a large bag in the janitor's closet.  Didn't take the whole roll; just the one for outside.  Loader AM announced he'd just dumped the hopper, and left. I bought a bag of Chex Mix and consumed it while I sanitized the registers and #1 counter.  Loader G brought in the cull carts, then pulled the outside trash for me (it was FULL!) Had one last minute customer, and after ASM K pulled my drawer, I returned items to Paint, Hardware, and ISLG, then took the trash to the hopper and put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:20.

Outfit:  Home in IN tee, dark jeggings, diamond studs

Day 143:  $6,024 (and 67 cents)

Began my shift with Kylie asking me to do my LU; chatted briefly for a moment.  Took over for B, and my dustmop was still MIA. Fronted the soda, did the other prelim duties and spot-swept the problem areas. Was sent to break at 7:45; came back and rang up customers, then pulled the trash and began the closing duties, plus my LU and AP4Me. Basically had no customers after 9; mucked out the mats, sanitized the registers.  Loader E had to leave at 10, since he had to be back at 5:30 am, so he took the hopper at 9:15 and brought in the concrete.  I locked the doors at 9:55 and after ASM K cleaned me out, put up my vest.  

Had two slight kerfuffles:  1) I needed and o/r for a discounted saw, and hopped to #2 to handle a hispanic family.  The box on their air compressor was damaged; I forgot about the 90 day return policy and was dealing with a slight communication issue (daughter was translating). ASM K took over  and got them a discounted air compressor.  2) I accidentally locked ASM K out of the building.

Clocked out at 10:20.

Outfit:  Tribbles tee, Home Grown sweatshirt, dark jeggings, diamond studs

Day 144:  $2,858 (and 89 cents)

Worked half an hour, then received word my hubby fell BACKWARDS down our basement stairs.  Clocked out around 3:40 and went to the ER.  He's got a broken collarbone and broken tailbone.  Since he couldn't stand up and walk, they admitted him overnight for observation.  No word on if I'll have to call in tomorrow or not.

Outfit:  Yoda tee, dark jeggings, gray sweatshirt, dark jeggings, diamond studs.

Day 145:  Rare Saturday $8,952 (and 52 cents)

Arrived, and discovered I was 30 mins early, so swapped out my vest for a new one, did my LU, then went down. Took over from Em, who was more than happy to leave early, fronted the soda, and helped Pro S with ringing up an order.  Took my break at 8, then came back and did the closing duties.  Nice, easy, busy night.  Brandon W took my returns for me, and after Loader K brought in the concrete, we closed the door.  I pushed carts to the front, then put the trash in the hopper and put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Indian Motorcycle tee, black v-neck, gray IN sweatshirt, dark jeggings, green Yoda sox, diamond studs.

October Goals

How well did I do in September?

-Lose 5 pounds (beginning:  220.  Mom's birthday put a pound on me.  Not too bad...)

-Do well at Cil-Con  Sold 4:)

-Order Rex (Check 9/8 and 9/26!) and other books for holiday season

-Work enough to pay for Lexington Had to pull out of Lexington, due to van not shifting gears and Toledo trips

-Add words to existing WIPS Check:)

-Build up savings account Check....thank you Indiana refund check!

Books Read:  3

          Print:  3

2022 Events:

-Lexington Legendary Book Signing (Oct 1st) $185 Pd $100 1/18/22 Had to pull out, due to transportation issues.

-Autumn On Main, Downtown Vincennes (Oct 7th) Only sold 1.  Think I would have done better if I'd paid the $25 to be in the Pantheon.

-"Fez Con" Fowler Library, (Oct 8th) Had to skip, due to transportation issues

-Writer's Block Author Fair Toledo, Oh Had to pull out, due to the spouse's fall down the basement stairs.

-Collector's Carnival and Crafts (Oct 29th) Princeton, In Skipping this year, due to reduced inventory

-Indpls Christmas Gift and Hobby Show (Nov) Indpls State Fairgrounds $100 Pd 11/26; $100 pd 8/31 (Bal:  $150); $100 pd 10/13 (Bal $50)

-Louisville Con, Dec 9-11???

October Goals:

-Lose 5 pounds (220 start)

-GET VAN REPAIRED!!!  New struts, check.  Now to get transmition checked out/repaired (won't shift past 3rd gear) UPDATE:  Wasn't the tranny; it was a wheel bearing!! 

-Do well at Lexington Legendary Book Bash Didn't go, due to transmition issues in van.

-Do well at Autumn on Main Sold 1...it was cold, and should have paid the $25 to be in the Creative Market at the Pantheon.

-Do well at Fez Con Didn't go; van issues

-Start clearing items from storage Brought home a lamp....

-Get a clean bill of health from Dr appt Had to cancel due to van issues

-Do well at Writer's Block in Toledo, Oh Had to pull out, due to spouse's fall down the basement stairs.

-Have an enjoyable Halloween Check!

-Buy copies of Rex, Hotel, Whispers, and Beach Nope...

October Reading Schedule:

 Sing You Home-Jodi Picoult Re-read, but still DRR!!!!  Loved this story!!

Mount Dragon-Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child Wonderful story!  Written in 1995, could pertain to today's pandemic issues.

A Literary Offense-Elizabeth Penney Good story, based on The Great Gatsby

My Love Story-Tina Turner DRR!!! Excellent bio, and learned things I didn't know....such as the Live Aid incident....it looked real!  And now her health issues....

Life In Lumber Y4, W32

 Day 139:  $7,777 (and 94 cents)

Shift began well.  Was up front for 30 mins, then down in LG until nearly 4. Got to see Jeanna and Baby O, then spent the rest of the evening in Lumber. Needed and o/r, and while waiting, hopped on #2.  ASM K arrived and took care of it, then did my LU on the sly. Went to lunch at McA's from 6:45-7:45, and discovered Kel was on #2...#1 was out of $$. Did my AP4Me and took care of customers, plus fronted the soda and pulled the trash.  At 9, did the sweeping, mucked out the mats, sanitized the registers and counters. Locked the doors at 9:55 and watched the big door while Loader AL set the safety pallets, brought in the concrete, and took the hopper.  Returned items to Millwork and took a pit stop before putting up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:35.

Outfit:  JHS tee, gray hooded sweatshirt, faded jeggings, diamond studs

Day 140:  $7,765 (and 58 cents)

Shift began with some fireworks.  CH told me he was 'never coming back' after ASM K refused to mark down his flooring more, and fired off some choice words her way.  Then had a customer begging to buy the unpriced cull cart.  I finally rang it all up and told him the cost before taxes; he said he still wanted it.  Called ASM K; she refused to sell it AND told me I was 'not authorized' to sell the cull carts.  SINCE WHEN???

Then later she came down and said, "Don't ever call me and ask to price something for that particular man. He's a wretched man."  I thought, "and you're a wretched bitch....what's the difference?"

Rest of shift went well.  Got the prelim duties done, the soda fronted, and trash pulled.  Took my break at 8:30, then swept and sanitized, then did my LU.  Had to take a bucked of sealant to RTM, so hauled the trash down to that hopper.  K pissed Loader AL off so bad, he was taking his anger out on the H carts.  Met new associate H.  Clocked out at 10:20.

Outfit:  Blue/white striped tee, gray sweatshirt, faded jeggings, diamond studs.

Day 141:  $9,223 (and 59 cents)

Shift began on a high note, then a customer tried to pay with two gift card (one partial and the other blank), so had to call IT for the 1st time.  Turnes out when HC Ju processed his return, he never received the gift card.  So we cashed it out and refunded it again.  Problem was, he got impartient and left, so now there's a merch card waiting for him at CS.  ASM J's attitude toward me and HC Ju's inability to understand drove me crazy, and was ready to just walk out. But texted CB who said he was fully staffed, and could only guarrantee me 10 hours per week.  I calmed down.

Rest of shift went well.  Did the prelim duties and put away the soda after Em brought it. Went to break at 7:30 and when I returned, started the closing duties.  Swept, pulled trash, sanitized, mucked mats. Clocked out at 10:35/

Also got a 19 cent raise.

Outfit:  Yellow Fla tee, gray sweatshirt, faded jeggings, diamond studs.

I'm off until next Tuesday, but my transmition in the van is bad, so unless a miracle happens, I'm staying in town.  Told ASM J I would be available if needed.

BB24 Winner: Competitor/Strategist or Resiliancy?

 Another BB season in the books.

Final 3:

Monte

Taylor

Turner

Final HOH Pt 1:

Hold onto Your Weenie

Taylor drops 1st, then Monte

Turner wins!

Pt 2:  HOH and POV Titles

Monte does it faster!!!!

Pt 3:  Know The Jury:

Turner and Monte tied for the first 5, then split on the last two, with Monte winning.

He stupidly chose his showmance over Turner.

Final Pleas:

Monte showcased his resume, but Taylor played to the emotions and 'who's the best representation of this season' crap.

And the winner is....

Resiliancy.

Damn it....

Jury votes 8-1 for Taylor (Turner voted for Monte)

America's Vote:

Top 3:

Michael

Kyle

Taylor

Miss Beauty Queen won, making history.

I may not watch this show ever again. But then again, who am I kidding?

Life In Lumber Y4, W31

 Day 135:  $7,453 (and 29 cents)

Arrived; fronted all soda, filled the gatorade. Did the prelim duties, rang up customers. Went to break at 8, and when I returned, did my AP4Me and LU, then swept and sanitized both the counters and registers.  Only needed one o/r, for flooring.

Returned items to Plumbing, Millwork, and Hardware after HC C cleaned me out. Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:25.

Outfit:  Rebel tee, gray hooded sweatshirt, faded jeggings, large zirconians

Day 136:  $$9,444 (and 65 cents)

Shift began; discovered #1 was out of 5s and 10s and called HC Ju, who said they'd be down.  90 minutes later, after my line slowed and I gave a customer $10 in quarters, hopped over to #2.  Went to break at 8:30, and when I came back, swept, put away the soda, and sanitized the registers, mucked out the mats, and wiped down the counters.

Had 3 incidents:

A) Customer wanted 30 1/2" OSB; rang him up, but AM and K were busy.  Several mins later, he decided to get a refund.  So I sent him down to CS....JUST as the guys came to get it.  So he changed his mind again, and left with everything.

B) Customer wanted 12 standard decking, but 8 Premium was pulled.  Loader K had to remove and reload.

C) Fight in the canopy.  #1 shoved a cart in front of #2's car; #2 got out of car to tell #1 not do it again.  #1 lost his temper and a 3rd car may or may not have been damaged.  Police were called; a report was filed.

Clocked out at 10:18 after returning items to Electrical and Lights.

Outfit: Strange Smell tee, blue sweatshirt, faded jeggings, thick gold hoops

Day 137:  $5,799 (and 49 cents)

Arrived and did the prelim duties, plus swept and fronted the soda. Customer bought a bag of the salsa chips; I mentioned I wanted to try them; she offered one to me.  Took one bite and regretted it!  Had to get a Bueno bar to get the spicy taste out of my mouth! (they laughed at me, ha ha!)

At 8, ASM K came down, so I decided to finish sweeping.  I got to the end of the candy and I hear, "10 feet!"  So I reswept between 1 and 2, fuming.  Went to break at 8:30, and when I returned, did my LU and sanitized the registers and counters, pulled the trash, and wrote more on Paige's story. Tossed Loader AM the trash, then moved the concrete signs for him so he could bring the pallets in.  Brought in all 3 cull carts, and checked out a last-minute customer with one box of flooring.  Returned items to Electrical, Paint, and Tools, then put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:25.

Outfit:  Black lace tee, Bless This Mess sweatshirt, faded jeggings, thick silver hoops.

Day 138:  $8,084 (and 20 cents)

Arrived; did prelim duties. If I was ready to walk out last night, tonight reminded me why I love my job:)  Had a rush at 7:30, went to lunch at 8:30. Mucked out the mats, did my LU, printed out the October schedule and pulled trash, then helped bring in the sidewalk carts.  When HC K cleaned me out, returned items to paint and Hardware, then put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:20.

Only needed one o/r for discounted tools.

Outfit:  Journey tee, SC hoodie, faded jeggings, thin silver hoops.

I'm off to Lexington, KY for the Reader Envy event!

Life In Lumber: Y4, W30

 Day 131:  $5,964 (and 90 cents)

Shift began with me going in early to scope out a new dryer. Then soured after I clocked in, and Pro S complaining about W writing her up.  Began to get emotional, but had to supress it when ASM J arrived for a phone order, then shook her head when I didn't know how to put someone on hold, or even dial out!

Was busy until 7, then began the closing duties. Fronted all soda and filled the gatorade cooler, then began sweeping. Went to break at 8:30, and picked up some large trash can liners. After sending Marilyn back, finished sweeping the horseshoe, then mucked out the mats and sanitized the registers. Pulled the trash, and supervised the guys bringing in the cull carts.  Returned items to Electrical and Paint after ASM K cleaned me out.

Outfit:  Gold tee, cut off capris, Lt blue studs

Day 132:  $10, 139 (and 85 cents)

Slow shift.  Fronted the soda, did the prelim duties, and twiddled my thumbs. Had a small 'rush' at 7, then began sweeping.  Shortly before 9, friend Randy B walked in, and rang he and his friends up before I went to my break at 9:30.  Afterward, pulled the trash and locked the doors at 10.  Monitored the door while Loader E did the safety pallets and brought in the concrete.  Loader K took my trash; met new Loader G.

Clocked out at 10:20.

Outfit:  Brown tee, cut off capris, Lt blue studs

Off tomorrow; heading up to take Mom to her eye appointment!

Day 133:  $8,165 (and 41 cents)

Day began with a text from Mgr A, asking if I'd work til close; Em has CV.  So began my shift with learning none of the Pros were there, and my loader was at lunch.  OF COURSE that's when everyone needed a Pro or help!

Finally both AM and AL showed up, and needed 3 o/rs for paint, flooring, and two plants. Went to lunch at 7:30 and when I returned, did the closing duties and mucked out the mats. Sanitized the registers and tried to empty the outside trash, but had the wrong size trash bags.  Oops...

Returned an item to Fashion Bath and put up my vest.  Got to see BWG, and even got a peck on the cheek from him:)

Clocked out at 10:40.

Outfit:  Blue floral tee, SC hoodie, cut off capris, Lt blue studs.

Day 134:  $9,705 (and 95 cents)

Shift began with me up front until 4:30, then went down to Lumber.  Was fairly dead (it was Homecoming) until 6, when it picked up slightly.  Did the prelim duties and fronted all the soda. Kelly relieved me at 7:30, and went on my hour lunch (McA's). Came back a few mins early to find some LARGE trash bags, and found them at the CS. After lunch, swept and sanitized.  Clocked out at 10:20.

Outfit:  Blue whitehorse sweatshirt, faded jeggings, Lt blue studs

Passive-Aggression In Action???

 Finally got around to watching this week's POV and Live eviction episodes, and I'm pissed.

The Final 5:

Monte (HOH)

Turner

Taylor

Brittany (chopping block)

Alyssa (chopping block)

Why am I pissed?

1) The first part of the POV episode was all about how Monte did NOT want to be in a position where he would be forced to put up Taylor or Turner as a replacement nom, and face a potential tie, or watch him be the last man standing with 3 women.  He and Turner wanted Brittany gone.

BUT.....

They were rudely awakened in the wee hours of the morning, and told to get to the backyard in 2 minutes, or be disqualified.  Monte, up in the HOH room, pulled himself out of bed, went to the bathroom, washed his face, did his business, and THEN grabbed his clothes and booked it downstairs.

The buzzer went off just as he reached the door.  He's not allowed to play.

So now he's forced to watch from the sidelines as Turner and Brittany go head-to-head on the cuckoo clock puzzle, with Brit winning seconds ahead of Turner.  She, of course, takes herself off the block.

Instead of putting up TURNER, fearing Tay and Britt would vote him out, he puts up Tay, and hopes he doesn't have to break a tie.

But in the MEANTIME, Monte ends up smooching Tay, since she's been sleeping in his bed, and as he says, Britt's married; Alyssa is not in his alliance, and it's been 70 days since he's been alone with an attractive female.

Britt is torn between breaking up a showmance or sending Alyssa out the door. But Alyssa makes some strong points to stay, so Britt votes out Tay.

Turner, on the other hand, wants to keep Alyssa, but she gets on his nerves with her crying, so he ends up voting HER out.

Tie vote.

Monte evicts Britt.

2) HOH comp:

All about fashion.  Monte can't compete, and Turner takes an early lead, but blows it on the 5th question. The ladies catch up, then have to go to a tie-breaker.  Tay wins it with a low ball amount, and FINALLY wins a damn competition.  (She pulled out of the last POV or HOH comp, because she couldn't handle the scary dark room.)

My guess is, she nominates Monte and Turner, and does everything in her power to evict Turner, taking herself, Brittany, and Monte to final 3, with a goal of her and Brittany (both women) or herself and Monte (showmance) to the final 2.  We'll find out next week how it all plays out.

I'll bet Daniel, Nicole, Ameera, Pooch, and the others not in jury are watching in shock as Tayler, the self-centered beauty queen, is holding the power right now.  They tried to get her evicted from the 1st.

Oh, and this "I want to be the 1st black woman to win BB..."?  Wasn't Kaycee (BB20) black, when she won against Tyler??????? 

(blows raspberry)

Oh, if only we could play an alternate-reality version of this game.....

***********

UPDATE:

9/19:

Tay decided to put up Turner and Britt.  In the POV comp, Britt nearly won the thing; she just had one competition numbered a day early.

Monte finally won, and made out with his showmance.

I predict he'll keep noms the same, and send Britt packing....UNLESS Tay persuades him to vote out Turner.

Find out Friday!

Life In Lumber Y4, W29

 Day 125:  $5,562 (and 50 cents)

Arrived; B informed me the new system was working and to use Genesis. Had to refresh my memory about how to look up items and do the tax exempts, but the rest came back to me:)  Did the soda count, but realized we weren't going to pull it with only 3 closers.  Learned Juan and Loader AL got into a near-fist-fight Sat, and J quit.  AL had called in, so AM was all by himself.

Went to break at 6:30, and Marilyn said the new system was fine, so used it the rest of the night.  Not sure what B's issue was earlier.  Did my AP4Me and LU, plus some other training.  Swept the floor at 9 and mucked out the mats, then sanitized the registers. Returned items to Plumbing and Tools, then took HC C's vest back with me.  Clocked out at 10:25.

Both C and ASM M are on vacation the rest of the week.

Outfit:  Red LU tee, cut off capris, sapphire hoops.

Day 126:  $7,248 (and 7 cents)

Arrived and was sent to LG to give Pat a break. Went to Lumber, but B had already taken his, so was up front until 5:20, when they sent me back to Lumber. Did the prelim duties, and LU, then got to hold $4K in my hand for a brief moment. Swept and gathered trash, then was sent to lunch at 8:30.  Had to show Kerrie how to find the LU, and when I returned, mucked out the mats, sanitized the registers, and brought in the cull carts.  After HC J cleaned me out, took the trash to the hopper and put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:20.

Outfit:  I Like...tee, cut off capris, copper and larimar pendants.

Day 127:  $8,462 (and 23 cents)

Shift began on a rushed note; was busy as soon as I checked in, and had to set up a delivery.  Got everything invoiced so customer could go get the hardware she needed, then moved on to Customer 2, who had discoumted paint.  Charlie did my o/r, but while I was waiting, #1 arrived, and I brought her up on #2.  Charlie finished her out while I went back to Reg #1 and customer #2.  Got around to the prelim duties around 6, then went to break at 7:45.  Came back and swept, then loaded the gatorade cooler and fronted the rest of the soda.  Mucked out the mats and sanitized the registers, then the final customers arrived.  They showed up at closing, then after I'd loaded the LAR and rung everything up, it was discovered they'd grabbed the wrong items.  I had to call for an approval code, and ended up closing out his account and refunding the $$ we'd just loaded onto it.  Took the trash to the hopper as HC J was cleaning me out, then returned a box of screws and put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:30.

Final customer also helped me bring in the heavy cull cart while we were waiting for the shoppers to show up.  Then Daw complained b/c J had let Kel and Lex go at 10, w/o ASKING if he'd stay.  Jeez...4 years ago, NONE of us were allowed to leave early!

Outfit:  Flamingo tee, cut off capris, copper and larimar pendants

Day 128:  $4,873 (and 46 cents)

Arrived to find two carts full of soda waiting to be put in the coolers.  Spent the 1st two hours doing so, in between ringing up customers.  Began closing duties at 7, and went to break at 8:30.  Came back and swept, pulled trash, mucked out the mats, did my LU, and santized the registers.  Saw Melora right before my break and checked her out.

At 9:55, I brought in one of the cull carts, and after HC J cleaned me out, Loader AL showed up with the hopper, so tossed all the trash in. Returned items to Tools and Aisle 17, and put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:25/

Outfit:  Bon Jovi tee, cut off capris, copper and larimar pendants.

Day 129:  $12,111 (and 54 cents)

Arrived and nearly fell over in shock; ASM K was on a register!  My entrance was blocked, so waited patiently.  K told me to come on over; the customer moved the cart out of the way.  I stated I was being polite, instead of barging through; K said she just barges through. Next, I had to load an LAR using a check, and it took me a few mins to remember how to do it on the old system!  I was thinking, "Thank you for making me look like an incompetant a$$ in front of my boss..."

Then I discovered #1 was out of 5s and 10s, so hopped over to #2 until someone could come down and reload it, which didn't happen until my break at 7:45!  Got the prelim duties done and the soda fronted, then swept the entire area.  After my break, mucked out the mats and reswept the 'problem' areas.  Locked the doors at 9:59 and brought in one of the cull carts.  Tossed the trash to the hopper when Loader AL brought it, and walked newly-trained HC K to the front, and put up my vest.  Got the onlooker's version of the Juan/AL spat last weekend.  J just had had enough, and snapped.

Outfit:  Vancouver Aquarium tee, cut off capris, sea horses

I'm off until Sunday!!

Day 130:  Rare Sunday $12,328 (and 27 cents)

Arrived and took over for Em, and things were fairly slow the 1st hour.  Em left at 4, and the crowd came in.  Was slammed until 6, then discovered my broom was missing.  Couldn't sweep, so fronted all the soda and filled the gatorade cooler. Gathered the trash at 7, and final customer left at 8:05.  Returned items to Hardware and Halloween, then put up my vest.

Had two CFH....

-A wanted a discount on windows, so sent him back to Millwork. He told me he wanted the top bundle of 7/16 OSB, and ONLY the top one.  

-Woman came up 10 mins before closing to ask about wire.  Finally found Charlie, who took her back to Electrical.

Also had a guy who wanted the busted concrete, and said he'd return in a bit.  When he came back, Loader AL was swamped, and it took maybe 15 mins before AL could get to him.

Had another customer tell me he couldn't get all his lumber in his truck, and that he'd be back for it 'in a little bit; I'm only going cross town.'  When I locked the doors at 8, he still hadn't shown up for it.

Clocked out at 8:20.

Life In Lumber Y4, W28

 Day 122:  Labor Day  $10,090 (and 32 cents)

Arrived at 3 into chaos.  Customer was sent from CS with an online order staged 'somewhere'; Pro S 'whining' about how long she had to be there (6pm); ASM K left 90 mins early (thank god!); and just BUSY!  Things settled down after 5 and was able to finish the soda count and start the prelim duties. Kel sent me to break at 7:15, and before I went, returned items to Aisle 21 and Paint.  Returned half an hour later and started sweeping. /Did my LU and AP4Me.  Probably only had maybe 10 customers from 8-10, due to the rain. Mucked out all the mats and sanitized the registers. After HC C cleaned me out, returned items to Electrical, then put the trash in the hopper and put a damaged printer in Receiving.  Clocked out at 10:20.

Outfit:  White flag tee, cut off capris, small textured hoops.

Day 123:  $7,838 (and 84 cents)

Arrived to discover B had called in, so spent my entire 4 hour shift (3-7) in Lumber.  Things were slow when I arrived, but picked up, and we were slammed between 4:30 and 5:30.  Needed 3 o/r; one for doors, another for an SOS item; the third for discounted countertops.  When Em arrived at 6:30, I logged off and pulled and filled the soda.  Clocked out at 7:50 after doing my LY in the training room while eating a cupcake.

Outfit:  Classy tee, cut off capris, copper and laramite danglys.

Off tomorrow; taking Mom to the beauty shop!

Day 124:  $6,325 (and 64 cents)

Arrived; did the prelim duties. Things slowed down around 7, so took my time with the closing duties.  Went to break at 8.  Clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Alaska HWY tee, cut off capris.

Off to Mattoon, Il for Cil-Con!

WTH Did I Just Watch?

Before I begin this post, I want to be clear:  I am NOT a racist.  Yes, I admit I'm a White, Anglo-Saxon Protestant (WASP), but I have friends in all ethnic groups, and once you get to know me, I tend to forget about skin color.  

With that said, I was blown away by what I witnessed on a certain reality show the past two days.

In full disclosure, I did NOT watch the previous season, so when the Cookout Alliance was mentioned, I didn't know what it referenced, only that an alliance was formed based on race.  So what?  I've watched many seasons of this show, and others, and yes, people of a certain ethnic group will come together, based on race/things in common/other factors, such as competitive nature or winning streaks. It happens.

****Warming:  If you are triggered by anything I've already said, please stop reading*****

Two weeks ago, a naive, sheltered individual mentioned he'd heard about how three people seemed to be in an alliance, and two others of the same ethnicity possibly could become two more numbers for that alliance, and possibly be in control of the house at some point, because one member had already been HOH a couple of times.  In talking strategy with a member of his own alliance, he referenced the five people 'could possibly become' another cookout situation.

Then he had a similar conversation with another member, who was closely working with the 1st.  In all fairness, #2 DID carefully try to say that his thought process was traveling a dangerous path, but K didn't pick up on it.  The conversation/thought process never happened again, and K probably thought the matter was dropped.

Then a twist shook up the house, and the eight people were divided.  K was outside of his alliance members and spilled the beans to the HOH about what was going on, and managed to target another member of his now-former alliance. 

Inside the house, there were four members of the Leading Alliance, and they voted out the one member who was not in it.

Outside the house, there were three members of the Leading Alliance and two non-members....but one of the Nons was HOH.  K didn't want his showmance to go (she was not a part of the alliance), so he turned his back on one member of his alliance, who hadn't won anything, and persuaded the HOH (and his NEW alliance) to get out J, who was closely alligned with another member inside the house.

So sorry if this is confusing, but I'm getting to my point.

Anyway, Leading Alliance Plan worked, and an annoying person was sent to jury.  Non-Alliance Plan worked, and instead of K or his showmance A being voted out, it was the current target, who tried to save himself by spilling the already-spilled beans, making him look as if it was a last-ditch effort to shift the blame/

Once everyone was back together, the Leading Alliance was shocked to see Showmance A still there, and another member of the LA was in tears b/c her wannabe showmance was voted out.

It was at THIS POINT that the two members of the Leading Alliance decided to let everyone else know about the conversations which had taken place two weeks ago, and all hell broke loose.

Only ONE member questioned the TIMING of this disclosure, after his emotions died down, and he could think clearly again.

Yes, K was shocked to find his words coming back to haunt him, and didn't think he'd sounded racist at all; in his mind, he was making an OBSERVATION.  But with the conversation being related in a carefully spun way, it painted a bad picture, and no amount of explanation was going to change the minds of the three minorities left in the house.  Unfortunately for K, the person he'd initially had the conversation with had won the POV, and his close ally was on the block.  He took her down, and K went up.

Members of the Leading Alliance:                Member of the Non-Alliance:

Monte                                                             Allysa

Taylor  (nominee)                                           Terrance

Michael (POV winner)                                  Turner (HOH)

Brittany (nominee, taken down)                     Kyle (replacement nominee)

So what happened on Eviction Night?

5-0, Kyle voted out. 

All because two people decided to break up the showmance, save both members of their own alliance and take one down, and get this naive kid out of the house.

Kyle is now left with a broken heart (Allysa broke up with him), a confused, guilty conscience, and a little more wiser about talking strategy.

Yes, the timing of this blowup sucked. Yes, I think if the three minorities had thought it through a little more, and other people were on the chopping block and had someone ELSE won the POV, it never would have come to light, or K might even still be in the house.  Somewhere, in an alternate timeline, this happened.

But since we live in THIS timeline.....I still hope Alyssa wins HOH and puts up Brittany and Taylor, and either annoying T goes home, or is able to back door Michael.

But at this stage of the game, I see Terrance, Alyssa, and Turner being picked off, leaving Annoying Taylor, Hunk Monte, Strategic Brittany, and Comp Beast  Michael left to battle it out.  As long as Taylor doesn't win, I'm fine.  Come on Monte!

********

So why the title of this post?

I guess maybe it's just the evolved culture war of the past several years.  It's as if we're back in the 60s, having these same conversations about integration, only now minorities have decided to separate themselves.  I've heard of colleges having dorms were people of the same ethinc group, clubs of the same ethnic group, and I'm royally confused.  Because if a WASP like me decided to have a 'WASP-only' group/dorm/club, we'd be tarred and feathered.

So help me out here:  What the hell kind of existence are we living in today?  

Certainly not Dr. MLK's vision.....which is what I thought we were working toward....

********

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