Life In Lumber Y4, W27

 Day 116:  $6,576 (and 97 cents)

Arrived and took over for B.  Things were busy until 7, but still managed to get the soda count finished...ALL of it.  Em sent me to break at 7:45 and when I returned, swept, pulled trash, and put the soda away.  Mucked out all the mats and did my LU and AP4Me.  Had to jump to #2 when a customer paid me $1700 in cash.

Got into hot water with Loader AM....he went to break and a trucker came in.  I told him to wait until A returned....turns out I should have called ASM J.  A later apologized for bitching at me. Took the trash to the hopper and returned items to Electrical and Tools after HC C cleaned me out.

Saw former co-worker Bre in the break room; congratulated her on getting the night supervisor position. Clocked out at 10:20.

Outfit:  Indian Motorcycle tee, cut off capris, blue studs

Day 117:  $5,846 (and 91 cents)

Arrived and took over for B.  Did prelim duties and soda count, but learned later we weren't pulling it, due to only having 3 closers. Did my LU and went to break at 7:30 when Noah relieved me.  When I returned, he was ringing up the LARGE order (6-7 carts!), so hopped on #2 to help two other customers.  Discovered my dustpan was AWOL, so swept, and shoved the debris either out the door or under the lumber. Sanitized the counters and brought in the cull carts.  Loader E took the returns and trash for me. Clocked out at 10:20.

Outfit: Def Leopard tee, cut off capris, blue studs

Day 118:  $14,187 (and 91 cents)

Arrived and took over for B.  Was busy ALL night until 9pm!  Had soda count finished by 7:30, but wasn't able to start the closing duties until after I came back from break at 8:30. Fortunately, the floor wasn't too bad; was able to sweep it in a few minutes, then mucked out the mats.  Tried to do my LU, but was distracted by HC J bringing in the cull carts and shutting me down early.  Will re-take it tomorrow.  Locked the doors, took the rest of my trash (I'd forgotten to pull #1s) to the hopper and returned items to Electrical and Aisle 10. Clocked out at 10:15.

Mon, pissed off Loader A (hailed him when he was still off the clock); Tues, pissed off ASM M, when we played phone tag; and today, pissed of HC J when I called for an o/r, but Juan got to me 1st. Customer tried to stick up for me, but it was okay.  For the record, I've 'kissed and made up' will all 3.

J and I had a long chat in the parking lot and I found out a few things:  ASM K doesn't report to SM S; she went over his head to the S's boss for her position.  A LOT of people are leaving due to her, and there's not a damn thing anyone can do.

Outfit:  Rob Strong tee, original capris, sapphire hoops

Day 119:  $7,362 (and 81 cents)

Arrived and was sent to LG to cover Marilyn's break, then to Lumber to cover Bill's.  Stayed in Lumber til 5, then was sent back up front until 6:30. Did soda count up front and filled it, then clocked out at 7:30 and joined the family at Fazolli's.

Outfit:  Mom tee, original capris, sapphire hoops.

Day 120:  $11,145 (and 62 cents)

Arrived and was busy until my break at 8. Did soda count and prelim duties, then after break, pulled trash and swept.  Put away the soda. Clocked out at 10:30.

Finally passed the LU quiz;

Outfit:  PU tee, original capris, sapphire hoops.

Day 121:  Rare Sat  $5,856 (and 16 cents)

Arrived; Em did soda count, then helped her put it away.  Swept the place, including the mats, and sanitized the registers and counters. Took the trash down when HC C pulled me, then took items back to Paint and the front end.  Clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  LU tee, cut off capris, sapphire hoops

Life In Lumber Y4, W26

 Day 113:  $8,128 (and 61 cents)

Arrived and took over for B.  Rang up customers and began soda count and prelim duties.  Had a few customers get on my last nerve with 'stupid' questions....I'm not a Pro!  Come back when they're here!!!  Grrrrrr.......

Saw Randy Benjamin, and it was good to have a quick catch up.  Went to break at 8, and when I returned, began sweeping and pulling trash.  Did my AP4Me and LU.  Had to switch to #2 when a customer paid $1500 in cash. Filled soda coolers and mucked out the mats, then Loader AL took my trash.  Brought in the cull cart and filled the snacks.  Clocked out at 10:35.

Outfit:  IN tee, original capris, blue studs

Day 114:  $4,856 (and 21 cents)

Arrived; spent fifteen minutes covering Bill's break, then went up front for 90 minutes.  Took my break at 4:45, then went back to Lumber. Rang up customers; did the soda count and prelim duties.  When Em arrived at 6:30, we had a ten minute rush, then I logged out and went to fill the soda.  Got everything filled, then did my LU and clocked out at 7:30.

Outfit:  Yoda tee, original capris, blue studs

Day 115:  $5,060 (and 26 cents)

Shift began on a sad note, since I learned ASM N had left the company.  Arrived to find ASM K closing, and the first three customers were difficult, but powered through, and thanked God I'd written down how to print a temp card!  Things slowed down; had soda count finished by 6, and the soda filled by 7.  Em sent me to break at 7:30, and when I returned, began the closing duties. Completely mucked out the mats and sanitized the counters and registers, even took everything off the Monster and Red Bull coolers and wiped them down. Did my LU and printed my pay stub. Took trash to hopper after HC C cleaned me out.  Clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Tribbles tee, cut off capris, blue studs.

Going to have to call in Friday; Em wouldn't trade shifts with me, since I have to take Mom to the cardio dr.

Writing Advice From Brian K Morris

 Today, I have a treat for you!  Several years ago, I met a fascinating man wearing a fez to conventions, and it turns out he and I have not only a lot in common, but several mutual friends!  I'd like to introduce you to my friend Brian K Morris, who recently posted a few interesting blogs to his Patreon page.  With his permission, I'd like to share his insights with you.  Take it away BKM!

Thanks Molly!  I'm Brian K Morris and I look good on paper:)

The Neil Gaiman post put me in the mind of how we often receive complaints about what we create.

Why aren't we writing in the genre THEY like? Why aren't we trying to be more commercial? Why aren't we doing a sequel to (fill in the blank)? Why aren't we writing more like someone else?

It can grind your gears, that's for sure.

But just keep in mind that I'm sure you're getting far MORE compliments than complaints. And for the scarcity of reviews you and I receive, that's probably STILL more people saying nice things about you on Amazon than complaining to your face.

Keep that in mind. Granted, if you get the SAME concern from more than, say, three people, it might be something to keep in mind the next time you set down to create (or stand while you type or draw, I'm not here to judge). Or even if ONE person gives you a gem that improves your craft, take it to heart.

But if it's someone who just wants to get a reaction from you, ignore them. The late Richard Nixon used to talk about a "Silent Majority" who thought everything was going just fine,but didn't feel a need to express how they felt about a situation.

Don't feed the trolls. Instead, keep listening to the people who approve of your work and what you're doing.

Follow your muse and don't stop creating. To paraphrase another Neil Gaiman quote, YOU are not someone else's b*tch.

I messaged him with my own advice, and he included it with the next blog post:

Thank you for the virtual kick in the pants, since I've not written ANYTHING (except blog posts) since.....May? April? June?  I know I've not written since my laptop screen shattered. 

Anyhoo, my top 3 pieces of writing advice:  

A) Don't get it RIGHT, get it WRITTEN 

B) Write the story you want to read; don't write 'to the market or what you THINK people want to read.  Write what's on your heart  

C) If you get stuck, it's perfectly okay to write (insert scene/dialogue/description).  You can always add it in later. 

D) All else fails, reach out to other writers.  Join a group on FB (there are many!) and ask for advice on structure, blurb writing, and finding an editor/publisher/cover artist.  We are here to help you  

E). Yes, you NEED a good editor to polish your story; a good formatter; and a shiny cover to sell the package.

Brian went on to add:

Good points all. I'd add...

A) I read recently where a writer advised writing five pages, for instance, even when your muse takes the day off. You might be able to salvage two or three after editing. And if you dump it all out as trash, you are left no farther behind than you were previously, and you've gotten some practice in.

Besides, you can't edit or sell what you haven't written.

B) Amen! If you are fired up by your story, the reader will be too. They can tell when you're whoring and when you're fired up.

C) I find myself adding a little bit of embellishment as a placeholder during the first draft. Then with the second, I add some flourish (or take some out, depending).

D) When I get bummed out, I know I can contact my peeps in The Rising Tide for advice and encouragement. They have NO idea how often they've talked me off the ledge.

E) Sure, you can learn how to do any of this. But YOUR TIME is worth quite a lot and that alone should be reason enough to hire out some or all of your production work. And nothing says you have to spend a king's ransom on it.

My last comment brought some hilarity to the blog:

F) Rules were meant to be bent or broken. Case in point: You asked for 3 tips; I gave you 6!  Lol...I'm such a rebel ...

Why you little...! 

I know....I love you too!

Brian's Bio:

Brian K. Morris is an independent, full-time freelance writer/editor/publisher, award-winning author, Facebook-famous YouTuber, and former mortician's assistant. He lives in Central Indiana with his wife, no children, no pets, and too many comic books. His exploits and books can be found at www.RisingTide.pub (and be sure to sign up for his FREE monthly newsletter).

Brian can be found at the following social media sites:

Facebook (Rising Tide)

Facebook (personal page)

YouTube

I'd also like to include he and I will be at the following conventions/reader events in the coming months:

Cil-Con (Matton, Il) Crosstown Mall, Sept 9-10

Lexingston Legendary Readers (Lexington, KY) Embassy Suites at Lexington Green,  Oct 1st

Fez Con (Fowler, In) Fowler Public Library Oct 8th

Writer's Block Author Fair (Toledo, OH) Franklin Park Mall, Oct 22nd

Life In Lumber Y4, W25

 Day 107:  $5,626 (and 79 cents)

Arrived and immediately began ringing up customers.  Did the soda count and had it finished by 7.  Had an 'oh shit' moment when I told a customer I'd discount the damaged balustreds....then discovered he had 150 of them!  Discovered I could discount them in groups of 10, all the while praying neither HC C nor ASM K would walk around the corner before I was done!  Thankfully, I got through it as fast as I could, then rang up the line as fast as possible.  Went to break at 7:30, and when I returned, was moved to #2, and was able to get the closing duties finished.  Things slowed way down at 9, so after sanitizing the registers and counters, did my AP4Me and LU.  Returned items to Plumbing, Electrical, Tools, and Hardware, and took the trash to the hopper.  Clocked out at 10:30.aned

One rather asinine thing happened as I was taking back the returns.  Loader Al was setting the safety pallets when HC C came to clean me out, and I asked her if I needed to stay, and she said no.  So after dropping the plumbing item, ASM K calls to me and asks if C cleaned out my register.  I said yes, then thought, No, I just left EVERYTHING to the mercy of an unlocked and open door.  Geez....

Outfit:  Black lace tee, cut off capris, small flower diamonds.

Day 108:  $5,703 (and 22 cents)

Arrived and noticed only Matt was up front.  Told ASM N I'd report there 1st.  Was busy from 3-4, and found out the credit app screen doesn't like me.  Had to enter everything in 3 times, and it still wouldn't work.  Apologized profusely, but they pushed their cart away and left.  When Brenda and Adriane arrived, I went to Lumber to do the soda count.  Got everything from up front 1st, then went to receiving.  Relieved Bill, and rang up customers and put away the soda. When Em arrived at 6:30, I pulled the trash and finished the Red Bull cooler.  Returned items to Plumbing, Tools, Hardware, and Bathrooms,then clocked out at 7:40.

Outfit:  JHS tee, original capris, copper hoops

Day 109:  $7,347 (and 60 cents)

Was late, due to Meet-the-Teacher Night at Vigo.  Made it in by 6:30 and relieved Marilyn. Did the soda count and rang up customers, and did the closing duties.  Started sweeping at 8, and broke my broom after mucking out the mats.  Sanitized the registers and counters.  Apparently dropped an earring somewhere between clocking out at 10:30 and home.

Outfit:  Journey tee, original capris, copper hoops

Day 110:  $6,495 (and 27 cents)

Began my shift by admiring a baby rat snake which Trin found....its neck was broken, so she was going to take care of it until it passed.  Was busy until 7, but did manage to get the soda count finished.  Went to break, and when I returned, began closing duties.  Juan brought me a new broom, so was able to sweep.  Clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Blue/white stripe tee, original capris, small gold hoops

Day 111:  $4,789 (and 17 cents)

Arrived and since everyone was busy and there were already 2 people up front, I decided to fill the front coolers.  Got 'em all done except the RB and #13 cooler before heading down to Lumber, to take over for Bill.  Rang up customers and did soda count, as well as gather the paperwork and consolidated the trash.  Helped one customer apply for and get approved for the LBA.  When Em arrived, I logged out and went to get our soda, even going back to Receiving for some of it.  Filled everything, then clocked out at 7:30.

Outfit:  Yellow Fla tee, original capris, sea horses.

Day 112:  Rare Sunday  $11,505 (and 43 cents)

Arrived and found Em with a long line, so hopped on.  Was busy all the way til she left at 4, then things slowed down.  Did soda count and prelim duties.  Was sent to break at 5:15, and when I returned, was able to delegate the returns (3 containers!) to Berin and Loader E. The floor wasn't too dirty, but still swept up a decent sized pile.  Final customer left at 8:02.  Took trash to hopper as HC C was cleaning out my drawer, and returned two items to Hardware.  Clocked out at 8:30 and chatted with my sis for a few minutes.

Outfit:  Blue dress shirt, original capris, antique Avon pearl danglys.

Life In LUmber: Y4, W24

 Day 103:  $1,427 (and 1 cent)

Had a fairly easy shift.  ASM N had called, asking if I'd be willing to come into today from 4-8, so I said yes.  Was up front for the 1st hour, and things went well.  Then got sent to LG and was paid to sit on my butt and play with my phone for 3 hours.  Had exactly 5 customers.  I'm surprised I sold as much as I did!  Took the trash to the hopper; helped Kellie with a customer; restocked the register tape, then did my LU, AP4Me, and my training, then clocked out at 9.

Outfit:  I Like tee; cut off capris, small gold hoops

Day 104:  $6,373 (and 15 cents)

Arrived; began doing soda count.  Had it done by 7, along with the prelim duties. Kellie sent me to break at 7:30; came back and put away the soda, then began sweeping and the rest of the closing duties.  Returned items to Lights, Electrical, and Plumbing, and put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:10.

Tried the guac chips.  They were too salty at first, but then grew on me.  The guys didn't like 'em, so gave 'em to me:)

Outfit:  Rebel tee, cut off capris, copper hoops

Day 105:  $7,017 (and 36 cents)

Arrived and was instantly busy.  So busy, I didn't get the soda count done until nearly 7.  Filled the chips, printed off 3 loading tickets, and tried to help HC J track down an order.  At 8, things slowed down and was able to get the closing duties done,  Ran out of receipt paper twice, before Jabari arrived to send me to break with 2 more rolls.  Told him one went in #3 and the other at Kim's register!  Came back at 8:45 and swept the floor, mucked out the mats, did my LU,  and sanitized the counters.  Took the trash to the hopper and clocked out at 10:15.

Was in a good mood and handed out Hershey kisses to everyone:)

Outfit:  Yellow tee, cut off capris, copper hoops.

Day 106:  $6,887 (and 48 cents)

Arrived and was instantly busy again.  Managed to get the soda count done by 7; went to break at 7:15 and brought back several cases of drinks from Receiving.  Put them away and ended up hopping over to #2 when #1 ran out of dollar bills. At 9, did a quick sweep and finished the closing duties.  Brought in one cull cart, and Mgr G stood up for me when ASM K said all the cull carts needed to be brought in every night.

"She does....I've seen her!"

Thanks G:)

Clocked out at 10:20.

Outfit:  Strange smell tee, cut off capris, flower diamond studs.

Off til Monday!

Life In Lumber, Y4, W23

 Day 99:  $8,028 (and 43 cents)

Arrived and helped B with the line.  Discovered the power had was out on the left side of the store, and it also affected our lumber doors, the lights for registers 2 and 3, and those coolers.  Did soda count and prelim duties, but was mainly busy ringing up customers!  Jaboni sent me to break at 7:15 and when I came back, rang up customers, did the closing duties (all but sweeping and sanitizing....my dustmop was MIA), and returned items to Millwork, Electrical, Plumbing, Tools, Aisle 10, and Appliances.  Clocked out at 10:25.

Outfit:  Red LU, original capris, large Zirconians

Day 100:  $9,113 (and 86 cents)

Today was another unbelievably busy day!  Arrived; Pro J had a customer on #1, so was on #2 for a few mins.  Began soda count, but didn't get it finished until 8pm!  Didn't even pull trash until I came back from lunch at 8!  Did get the place swept; found my broom in the Loader's closet after my break.  Adriane brought me the soda and put it away....just as Mgr G dropped his McA's drink in the Pro area.  So none of the mats were swept or the registers sanitized.  Took the trash down to Receiving, and noticed plenty of large green and white Monsters on the shelf::)  HC C asked me to make a new spreadsheet.  I'll take pics tomorrow and get it dome Friday.

Clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Flamingo tee, original capris, gold and diamond hoops.

Day 101:  $4,791 (and 96 cents)

Went in early to do the Great Annual Survey, and when I clocked in, was surprised to find I was clocking in late.  Went to my station and checked my schedule; I was supposed to be there at 3!  Immediately called ASM A and apologized profusely.  B left, and I had the soda count finished by 7.  Went to break at 7:30 and when I returned, did the closing duties.  ASM K only spoke to me a few times, twice to ask if I'd done the survey.  Told her I'd also done my AP4Me. At the end, she told me they were still having issues with people not printing loading tickets.  I assurred her I knew how to print them!  Rang up Mgr G's grinder, then took the trash to Recieving, dropping off items to Plumbing, Tools, Paint, and Hardware.  Clocked out at 10:20.

Found out today was also one of my fave customer's birthday, so when he arrived at the register, I seranaded him with the Chi-Chi's version of Happy Birthday:)

Outfit:  Bon Jovi tee, original capris, gold and diamond hoops

I'm off until Sunday, due to the Watermelon Festival!

Day 102:  Rare Sunday  $14,239 (and 80 cents)

Today was actually an amazing shift!  Arrived at 9 and unlocked the doors, then began ringing up customers and emptying the should-have-been-emptied-the-night-before. Em arrived at 11:30 and sent me to break; took my lumch at 2. Em went to lunch at 3:30; I took my 2nd break at 5, then swept the floor, helped a customer in Tools, and took back top soil to LG and helped a customer find carpet.  Did my LU and clocked out at 6:15.  Had minimal contact with ASM K, who left at 4.  Discovered Juan is back on days, over HW and Tools!

Teased ASM N for the change of shift:  "Andre Dawson is at the brewing company, and y'all scheduled me in her at 9!  I can't even go meet him on my lunch break, because he's only there til 1, and I go to lunch at 2!  Begged Geoff to have someone bring him in for just 5 mins, but no...."

N looked at me.  "I don't even know who that is...."

"Children!  I'm working with CHILDREN!"

LMAO.....

Outfit:  Blue flowered blouse, cut off capris, gold textured hoops.