Life In Lumber: Y5, W14

 Day 60:  $5802

Arrived to discover ASM K has taken a leave of absence:) I wish her b/f/hubby/whatever a speedy recovery.  Things were slightly chaotic the first several hours, so much that after Colt left, Kate came down to help out.  She left at 6, and Mack sent me to lunch at 6:15. Had a customer ask me for wire, so opened the cage and pulled out the 2 bundles, only to discover I couldn't carry them!  Customer carried them back to the Pro counter. Did my LU and AP4Me, rhen clocked out for lunch. Returned at 7:15 and discovered #1 had no $1s, 5, or 10s. Hopped over to #2, where I stayed the rest of the shift.  Got the floor swept, the mats mucked, registers sanitized, the soda put away, and the cull carts brought in. After I locked the doors, went over to the Hardi board and swept up all the concrete dust.  Let Charlie in; he brought in the concrete, then I closed the door behind him. When HC C cleaned me out, I took the trash and cardboard down. Zoned aisle 3, then clocked out at 10:45.

Outfit:  Gray flag tee, cut off capris, blue sapphire hoops

Josef Newgarden won the 500!!!  Marcus Ericksson was 2nd; Alexander Rossi was 5th.  Race was okay until Lap 100, then a few crashes occured...then things really got going at Lap 185....3 crashes, 3 red flags!

Day 61:  $16,110

Day began in a frustrating way, since D found an injured skunk in our vacant lot.  I called the Pet Port, who couldn't get a hold of our wildlife guy; the DNR, who referred me to the Sheriff's office, who told me to shoot it; Gator's Critters, who didn't answer their phone or call me back. Finally made contact with a skunk rescue out of North Salem who told me it was okay to feed and water it.  Then W came home and after letting it drink some water (it didn't seem to want the egg), we humanely euthanized it with a pellet gun.  Yes, I cried. 

Before leaving for work, something spooky happened.  I felt something grab the back of my shirt....but D was in his chair, W was in his room, and I hadn't snagged it on any furniture.  Went to work and due to construction, was late.  Shift went well, just extremely busy until I came back from lunch at 8.  Did my LU, and swept the place. Brought in the cull carts, and did a credit app, but apparently forgot to give the customer back his ID. It's at CS.  Put up my vest and clocked out....then discovered ASM SC is a HUGE Superman fan, and is jealous of my trip next week.  Told him I'd try to get him a golf ball for his collection.

ASM K's partner has 3rd degree burns all over his calves.  They have to travel to Louisville 3 times a week for treatment.

Outfit:  Yoda tee, cut off capris, lg diamonds.

Day 62:  $1160

Made a mad dash up to Lafayette to take Mom to hair appt, and since there is construction at 231 and 800 S, decided to take 26 across.  Uh-oh, detour.  Took me all the way up to Fowler, half an hour north. Arrived at 1pm. THEN, discovered friend GF-SWL was across the street at Meijer, so she and I went to Subway and chatted while Mom was getting beautified! Said goodbyem then Mom and I went to Popeye's and Culvers (hot fudge sundae) before returning her. Left at 5 and took 25 to 74.  All fine, but needed a nap in Terre Haute for a few. Arrived at 8; clocked in at 8:15, then took over for Mack. Did all the closing duties, sans a thorough sweeping and sanitize, but I was tired and can do it on Saturday. Clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  LV Indian Motorcycle tee, cut off capris, lg diamonds

Day 63:  Rare Saturday  $7033

Arrived to discover the afternoon shift had been packed. Thankfully, things slowed down after 5:30, and was able to get the prelim duties accomplished.  Customer A's temporary pass wouldn't load, and multiple attempts to look him up failed.  Finally, I took a closer look at the email and realized whomever had set him up had his name BACKWARDS (last name first). Was able to ring him up...then had to have HC J give him his 20% off.  Meanwhile, Loader E hopped on #2 and dealt with the back up!

Pulled trash early, due to wrong bag in my large container, and it was ripped. Got entire floor swept; mats mucked; registers and counters sanitized; even dusted and rearranged the water display. HC J sent me to break at 8:30. Final customer was at 9:45, so brought in the last of the carts and locked the doors at 10. Loader N brought in the concrete and took the trash to the hopper.  After HC J cleaned me out, returned items to Plumbing, Tools, and Seasonal. Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Tribble tee, cut off capris, lg diamonds

Day 64:  Rare Sunday  $8593

Arrived and spent the 1st hour filling the soda cooler and arranging for Colt to take my Thursday the 15th, so I can go to choir practice.  Still need to find someone for the 17th.

Really didn't feel good all day; woke up with scratchy throat and consumed cough drops. After Marilyn left at 6, did the closing duties; swept the floor at 7, mucked the mats, and sanitized the registers.  Loader N took the trash and brought in the concrete. After HC C cleaned me out, I returned items to Tools and Hardware.  Clocked out at 8:30.

Outfit:  Blessed G'ma tee, cut off capris, sapphire hoops

Life In Lumber: Y5, W13

 Day 57:  $10,984

Arrived at 3, only to discover my shift wasn't scheduled until 3:30.  Clocked in, then filled the Pepsi cooler. Decided to go ahead and get a mop and some Lysol wipes, and had Loader A bill them out later in the evening. Bill pay company called; we got the loan; now to see what the payment schedule is like, AND we're out of litigation with Cap 1!  Whoot! Then, after I logged on to my register and checked out 2 customers, Kyle called.  After B left, things were steady until 6, and I could get the prelim duties finished. Ran out of $1s on #1, so hopped to #2 for an hour. HC C brought me $$, then sent me to lunch at 8.  Only took 30 mins, and when I returned, started the closing duties, including a THOROUGH sweep of my area! Did my AP4Me and LU. Mucked out the mats, sanitized the registers, brought in the cull carts, and final customer left at 9:50.  Locked the doors five mins later, lol! HC C cleaned me out; Loader A had left the hopper out front, so I took out the trash and waited for him to dump it, then bring in the concrete.  Clocked out at 10:30.

ASM K had called in sick:)

Had a humorous moment before lunch:  A father/son were checking out.  Dad swipes his card, then says to the son, "Maybe I should have used YOUR card."  The look on the kid's face was PRICELESS, as he tried to comprehend what his dad was saying!  The father looked at me and said, "I'm glad you saw his face!"

Outfit:  JHS Marching Band tee, cut off capris, small textured hoops.

Day 58:  $10,073

Day began with sad news; Sandy K passed yesterday.  Memorial service is Thurs. Began shift by taking over for B, then doing the prelim duties.  Shift was steady for an hour, then slowed way down. Got a compliment:  Customer told me his wife questioned why he was parking in Pro, and was it because he was closer to the trim? 

"That, and my favorite cashier is usually down here."

Awwwwww.....

Found out ASM K's partner is in the burn unit in E'ville.  He went to pour gas on a fire; it wasn't diluted; the flames traveled UP the stream of liquid and burned his legs.

Mack sent me to break at 8:15, and when I returned, she was having an issue with #1, so after trying again, I told her to go try #2, and rang up the rest of the customers in line. That time it worked, and she left.  I started the closing duties, swept the floor again, sanitized the registers, did my LU.  Brought in the drink station and locked the doors at 10.  When HC C cleaned me out, I took the trash to the hopper, then returned items to Plumbing, Hardware, Aisle 30, and LG.

Outfit:  Blue/white stripe tee, cut off capris, small gold textured.

Off the next 2 days!

Day 59:  $10,634

Shift began with Adrianne and I complaining about ASM K and how many associates she's made cry the past year. All of a sudden, we hear a cell phone ring.  Both of us dropped our voices to a whisper and hoped it wasn't her!  Then we heard SM J's voice, and relaxed, then got the hell out of the training room!

Went down and took over for Colt, and attempted to do the prelim duties, but was slammed.  Things finally settled around 8, and was able to get the Coke coolers filled. Marilyn sent me to break at 8:10; returned items to Electrical, then took my break. When I returned, I started the closing duties and pulled all the trash except for outside, and fronted the soda. Didn't get a chance to sweep or sanitize. Final customer left at 9:50; brought in the drink station and locked the doors. When HC J cleaned me out, I took the trash to the hopper and the cardboard to the square basket. Returned an electrical outlet, then put up my vest. Loader N had already brought in the concrete, so J locked the door before we took off to the front. Clocked out at 10:20, and ASM S gave me my $25 Texas Rdhouse GC:)

Outfit:  Dk gray Indiana tee, cut off capris, Equadorian beads.

I'm off the weekend and Monday!!!!

Life In Lumber: Y5, W12

 Day 51:  $11,829

Arrived and had to help a customer figure out what he wanted to pay for plywood.  Took over for B, who was doing a complicated order, and rang up customers for an hour. At 6, did the prelim duties and started sweeping, even mucking out the mats. Dawson sent me to lunch at 8:15, so I took back the returns to Plumbing, Tools, and Hardware, then took my break.  When I returned, I rang up several more customers and sanitized the registers and counters. Locked the doors at 10.  ASM K cleaned me out, and even had a semi-civil conversation about her vacation.  Walked her up front, then returned while Loader A brought in the concrete and took the trash. Shut the large door and clocked out at 10:28.

Outfit:  Maroon Classy tee, cut off capris, antique silver and pearl danglies

Day 52:  $10,242

Arrived and was told by ASM S he needed my picture. Clocked in and thanked him for Memorial Weekend off, then took over for B, who worked Kem's shift. Things were steady, and at 5, did the prelim duties. Marilyn sent me to break, and did my LU back in the training room.  ASM S took my picture, then informed me I was Cashier of the Month!  Finally; I EARNED it! (Last year, got it by default, since Lee, who should have had it, transferred to night shift). At 6, Marilyn sent me to lunch, so first I did my AP4Me back in the training room (took me 10 mins), then clocked out for lunch. Went back at 7 and helped her out.  Needed two o/r; first for a price match, then on the cull wire.  Mucked out the mats and spot-swept until 8:30, then pulled the trash and sanitized the registers and counters. Final customer was at 9:45, then brought in the cull cart. Locked the doors at 10, and when HC K cleaned me out, took the trash to the hopper, then waited for Loader A to bring in the concrete.  Clocked out at 10:30.

ASM K was actually semi-civil to me again:)

Outfit:  Black v-neck tunic, new dark jeggings (it was only high 60s outside), diagonal silver danglies

Day 53:  $4975 (not an accurate account....I was on Mack's ID for 2 hours!)

Shift began with a hi-five from the SM; clocked in, did my LU, then went down to lumber. Things were slow at first; took over for B and did the prelim duties, then Mgr G asked me to sweep the horseshoe when I had time. Which I did at 6, after closing the large door.  Took me an hour; I also swept the hardi board area, the entire perimeter of my area, and in front of Pro. Mack sent me to break at 7:45, and when I returned, started the closing duties. Final customer was at 9:45. Locked the doors, brought in the cull carts. HC J cleaned me out and after I ran the trash to the hopper, I discovered Corporate is coming tomorrow; that explains why Mgr G and Loaders E and N were stocking everything. Returned items to Electrical, Tools, Paint, Hardware, ISLG, and Fashion Bath.  It was when I logged out of my register when I realized I'd been on Mack's account for 2 hours....I forgot to log her out!

ASM K barely spoke to me.

Outfit:  Rebel tee, cut off capris, thin silver hoops

Day 54:  $8928

Arrived and put away my lunchables, then took over for B.  Did the prelim duties, spot-swept, and brought in carts, then got busy around 6, Ran out of $1s, so hopped to #2 until HC K could bring me some. At 8:30, realized I'd not had my break, and HC K said she didn't have anyone to cover for me, so asked Loader E to watch the register while I took a pit stop. Returned and pulled trash, sanitized the registers and counters. Brought in the cull carts and locked the doors at 10. While HC K was cleaning me out, took the trash to the hopper, then returned items to Tools and Paint. Took a cart back to receiving, then clocked out at 10:20.

Think the corporate walk went well; everyone seemed to be in a good mood.

Outfit:  Keep It Up tee. cut off capris, sapphire hoops.

Tomorrow, Lafayette trip!

Day 55:  Rare Saturday $14,824

Day began with leaving Lafayette at 9, and arriving home at 12:30. Popped into Mack's grad party at 2, ate a cookie, brownie, and rice krispy, met her mom, signed her book and dropped a note of wisdom in the jar. Went to work and was thrilled to note ASM K was only on the schedule til 9:) Was in a good mood the entire shift; Kate sent me to break, but was on the phone with the credit center (customer had to update his address), then had another customer ask me to sign him up for a Pro account.  Instructed Kate on how to ring him up, then took my break.  Returned, and was still busy, but also was able to get the prelim duties done. ASM S sent me to lunch at 7:15; first I returned items to Plumbing, Tools, Electrical, Paint, Hardware, Pets, and ISLG. Did my LU, then clocked out for lunch. When I returned, hopped on #2 to help with the line, then moved back to #1. Was constantly busy, and only had time to spot-sweep, muck out the mats, and sanitize the counters. Brought in the cull carts and final customer was at closing. After ASM S cleaned me out, took the trash to the hopper, brought in the final customer's carts, and filled the Monster cooler.  Clocked out around 10:40.

Outfit:  Black Journey tee, new dark jeggings, sapphire hoops.

Day 56:  Rare Sunday $12,035 (even!)

Woke up at 11, and left for Belle's 2nd birthday party at 1. Bought a bag of ice at work, and greeted many regulars. Finally arrived at the party by 2; snapped pics, ate cucumber sandwiches, and DIL J fixed me a care package. Went to work and we were extremely busy. Took a quick pit stop before Marilyn left at 5, and returned items to Hardware. She left at 5:15, and I was able to get the prelim duties done. Got yelled at by a customer, b/c at one point, Loader E was on the register, and said the customer hadn't taken his change.  I went out to ask the customer, who misunderstood me, and thought I was accusing him of not paying.  Turned out the guy was on something....and it was actually funny....but I finally just put my hands up and said 'okay'. We still owed him $6....but what can you do?

Called ASM S at 7:30 to ask for another pit stop, and my final customer left at closing. I brought in the cull carts and locked the doors after the customer left. Put up my vest, then returned a shepherd's hook to LG.  Clocked out at 8:30.

Outfit:  Black lace tee, cut off capris, sapphire hoops

Life in Lumber, Y5, W11

 Day 47:  $9811

Arrived and took over for K, and rang up a few customers.  Brought in carts, and talked to B. When he left at 5, was busy for half an hour, then did the prelim duties and AP4Me, plus LU. HC C sent me to lunch at 7:30, and when I returned, began the closing duties.  Final customer was around 9:15, so spot-swept what I could (didn't have a dustpan, but had a small hand-held) and sanitized the registers.  At 9:45, brought all 3 cull carts in and locked the doors.  HC C cleaned me out; Returned items to Electrical, Tools, and Paint.  Clocked out at 10:30.

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

Day 48:   $9314

Arrived and took over for B.  Was busy at first, then things slowed way down.  Did the prelim duties and LU, then checked my schedule. Around 8, began sweeping.  Was sent to break at 8:30, and when I returned, did the closing duties, plus sanitized the registers and counters.  Saw several people whom I've not seen in a while (JM, SG, Zach B, and Ben), plus some crazies....the ones who called about the cull packs, then changed their minds....the ones who paid for their LCA, then didn't use it when they checked out....the guy who saved an estimate on the app, then discovered the Pros weren't there, but accepted my 10% offer instead of waiting until tomorrow. Oh well.....brought in the cull packs at 9:50 and locked the doors at 10.  HC K cleaned me out; Loader E took my trash and I walked her up front.  Returned items to Tools and Paint.  Clocked out at 10:30.

Not sure if I accidentally offended ASM M or if she was teasing.....I'd asked her if the hopper was at the end of Lumber, and she said no.

"Do you know where it is? (shakes head) And you call yourself a manager." I was teasing.

"That offends me....I thought we were friends."

Really? So I gave her a Hershey's Kiss when I next saw her.  "Peace offering."  She took it and looked at me as if she'd think about it.  *rolls eyes*

Outfit:  Red LU tee, cut off capris, treble clefs

Day 49:  $10,145

Went in at 3, to make up for Wednesday's call in (got hit with intestinal flu).  Ended up being in Lumber to take care of customers while B was tied up with a call to the service center for a customer.  It was finally resolved at 4!  I filled the Pepsi cooler and some of the Gatorade, then after B left, did the prelim duties.  Jay sent me to break at 5;30, and when I returned, did my LU and rang up customers.  Got sent to lunch at 8, then started the closing duties. Locked the doors at 10.  After HC K cleaned me out, I took the trash to the hopper, then put up my vest. Clocked out at 10:20.

Outfit:  Black Alaskan Hwy tee, cut off capris, thin silver hoops

Day 50:  $9261

Offered to come in and it was accepted.  Took over for B, and things were busy for an hour.  Had to be on #2, since 1 was out of $1s. Got the prelim duties accomplished around 6, and the traffic came and went.  One customer needed 140 sheets of 1/2 inch OSB, and that kept Loader E fairly busy. Was sent on break at 7:30, and when I returned, did my LU, then began the closing duties. Pulled ALL the trash, and spot-swept (in fact, at the beginning, swept up styrofoam and it irritated my asthma). Mucked out the mats and sanitized the registers.  Locked the doors at 10, and ASM S cleaned me out. Loader E took the trash and brought in the concrete, then I walked with S up front, returning items to Electrical, Tools, and Fashion Bath.  Clocked out at 10:20.

Outfit:  I like coffee tee, cut off capris, small gold hoops.

ASM K returns from vacation tomorrow. Too bad she didn't extend another week....here's hoping she returns in a good mood!

May Goals

WOW was April a busy month! Euthanized a dog, said goodbye to a dear friend of nearly 40 years, and sold 24 books over 3 events.  Let's see how the goals stacked up: 

April Goals:

-Lose 5 lbs

-Finish Sage Not yet; been busy with short story

-Finish new short story Check! Now to add more to it....

-Find cover artist for DYL/AU Omnibuses

-Do well at SI Comic Con Sold 9!

-Have a relaxing Easter Check

-Do well at Kokomo Con Sold 10, plus a keychain:)

-Do well at Craft Fair Sold 5 and swapped 2:)

-Order inventory 4/7:  Ordered 5 HLC, 5 CR

-Take over files of FCB anthos?

-Learn QuickBooks at Pantheon Check:)

-File taxes Check:) 

-Work enough hours to pay for bills, events, and inventory

-Finish watching Charmed and Pit Bulls/Parolees Close....am on last season of Charmed, and currently checking all the other PB

-Start evicting/cleaning up Brown House Not yet

-Have a good performance at Robert Ray concert Check:)

Books Read:  10

            Print:  1

        E-book:  9

            DNF:  1

2023 Events:

First Friday 5/5 (free) Sold 7:)

10/11:  GSH Vendor Fair (GSH company picnic) 1st and Buntin Sold 4:)

May Goals:

-Lose 5 lbs

-Finish Sage 

-Finish new short story 

-Find cover artist for DYL/AU Omnibuses

-Do well at First Friday Art Walk Sold 7:)

-Have a good anniversary Sort of.....went to dinner 4/28; he took me to breakfast 5/3 and sent me off to Lafayette....had disappointing meal at Pepe's.

-Have a relaxing Mother's Day Check:)

-Do well at GSH Fair Sold 4:)  Then intestinal flu hit....

-Order inventory??? (need BD, Bridge, and Whispers)

-Take over files of FCB anthos?

-Set up Fed Tax payment

-Work enough hours to pay for bills, events, and inventory

-Finish watching Charmed (Check; now just watching 1st season again) and Pit Bulls/Parolees

-Watch Marvelous Mrs Maisel

-Start evicting/cleaning up Brown House 

-Finish cleaning out Green House for tear-down Check!  Was TORN DOWN:)  $6500

May Reading Schedule

Print:

Dragonfly In Amber-DG Good story, but OMG....soooo long!!!

E-book:

Love In Copper Mill-Deb Julienne, et al RR!  Enjoyed some of them a bit more than others:)

The Duke and the Lady-Jessie Clever Very good story!

Going Home Again-Carol Cassada I apparently read this one last month or so.....

Turn The Page-Sydney Logan DRR!  LOVED this story!

When The Lady Must Wed-Jessie Clever Interesting story....

To Love Or Not To Love-Jean Joachim Great story!

The Christmas Party-JJ Sweet novella!

The Dream Runner-Kerry King Interesting concept....

A Picture Out of Place-Kerry King Nice little story

A Cowboy's Seduction-Cynthia D'Alba RR!  Really enjoyed this story and a peek into an exotic resort:)

Rescue My Heart-Jean Joachim Great story!

Things I Wanted To Say-Monica Murphy Interesting story....

Taste-Melanie Harlow 5/29:  Am halfway through this, and so far it is EXCELLENT!  DRR!

Life In Lumber, Y5, W10

 Day 44:  $9702

Went in at 3 and took over for Kem, plus stood around for the next hour and 45 mins as the new trainee, Sel, worked the register. She left at 4:45 to finish her computer work, and I took over. Really wasn't that busy; I'd taken a pit stop before B left, and taken the returns back, so when ASM S came down, I shooed him away. Did the prelim duties and spot-swept, chatted with Nan and Al. Did my AP4Me and LU, plus requested all my June, July, and August dates. Marilyn came down and sent me to lunch at 8, and when I returned, did the closing duties, Final customer was at closing; HC C was in the process of cleaning out my drawer when they arrived.  Fortunately, they were paying with card, so checked 'em out on #2. Waited for ASM CB to  bring in the concrete after taking my trash to the hopper, then took the loading tickets up front and put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:30.

ASM K was in a good mood for once!  Heard her say she was headed to Disney Springs, so maybe she leaves tomorrow????????

Outfit:  Brown gauze, black vest, dark jeggings, LJs, blue marble danglies

Day 45:  $4209

Arrived and as I was clocking in, SM J complimented me on being the ONLY ASSOCIATE with two surveys taken! Then had a slight intestinal issue which resolved itself by 5:15, so B could leave.  He did $20K in sales!  I was busy for the first 90 mins, then things really slowed down.  Did the prelim duties, then did my LU and brought in carts. At 8, Jaylee sent me to break, and when I returned, began the closing duties.  Emptied the outside trash, spot-swept and mucked out the mats.  Brought in the cull cart at 10, then locked the doors.  Loader H broke a pallet of concrete as he was trying to bring it in, so Charlie and Brighton brought another pallet, then CHARLIE hopped on the forklift to bring it inside.  HC K cleaned me out, then I put up my vest and returned items to Paint and Hardware.  Clocked out at 10:35.

ASM was off!!

Outfit:  White tunic, black/white poncho, new faded jeggings, LJs, small diamond hoops

Off to Lafayette tomorrow and Happy 32nd Wedding Anniversary!  Today, Happy 20th Birthday to nephew David Cowx and a friend's daughter Grace; Happy 13th birthday to Grace's brother Ben:)

Day 46:  $6602

Arrived and took over for B. Was fairly busy, but managed to get the prelim duties done. Needed 3 o/r plus $1s in the first hour. HC J sent me to lunch at 8, and when I returned, did the closing duties. Brought in the cull carts; final customer left at 10. HC J cleaned me out; I took the trash to the hopper and walked her up front, then put up my vest. Clocked out at 10:30.  Only saw ASM K a few times.

Outfit:  Star Wars tee, red v-neck, new faded jeggings, LJs, Darth Vader studs.  It's 'May The Fourth' Be With You Day!

Off the weekend!  Will set up (weather permitting!) at First Friday, then go to Lafayette Sat to see Connie and Roger Hoffer, plus Steve, then relaxing on Sunday.