Life In Lumber: Y5, W31

 Day 134:  $1435

Knew I wasn't feeling very well, but thought I could tough it out. Took over for Kem, and let HC B know I was dealing with a finicky digestive system. She left Cindy with me, and sure enough, at 4:30, I had to make an emergency pit stop.  Knowing C was leaving at 5, I called ASM SC and told him I needed to go home.  Clocked out at 4:50.

ASM K left at 3:)

Outfit:  Gray LU Plank tee, faded capris, small flower diamonds

Day 135:  $6404

Felt 100% better today!  Hopped on #2 to help with the line, then took over for Kem. Rain hit for 45 mins, and things slowed down. Did the prelim duties at 4, and Marilyn sent me to lunch at 5. Came back and swapped out the batteries from 1 and 3, since I don't particularly like #2. Swept the area at 6, mucked out the mats at 7 and did my LU. Pulled trash at 8:30, brought in the cull cart at 9, and locked the side doors at 9:45 so Loader D could bring in the concrete. Shut the large door at 10, and after HC Cam cleaned me out, went to Receiving and got more large trash bags. Clocked out at 10:30.

ASM K left at 3:)

Outfit:  Gold tee, faded capris, small flower diamonds.

Tomorrow:  Off to Lafayette:)

Day 136:  $14,352

ASM K QUIT!!!!  OH HAPPY DAY!

Apparently on Wed, she came in, said "F*ck this" and went home.  The entire store cheered! (not really, but at least most of Pro did!)

Anyway, clocked in at 2:10 and took over for Kem. Did the prelim duties and LU. Was fairly steady, and didn't get my 1st break. Austin sent me to lunch around 5:40, and when I returned, things had slowed down. Swept, rang up customers, pulled trash at 8:30. HC B sent me to my break at 8:45, then had me do soda count. Didn't have time to muck the mats or sanitize. Locked the doors at 10, and returned items to Hardware.  Clocked out at 10:20.

Outfit: Blue Vancouver Aquarium tee, dark capris, sea horses

Day 137:  Rare Sat $6214

Arrived and discovered I wasn't due to be on the clock until 5:30.  Oh well....clocked in and went down, chatted with Merideth, did my LU, fronted the soda, and returned items to Paint, Tools, and Aisle 10.  Took over for her at 6, and my 1st customer decided they didn't need the faucet or the duct work. Grrr... anyway, shift was good. Did the prelim duties, swept the entire place, and at 7, HC Cam sent me to break. Returned the faucet and duct work, and when I came back, continued sweeping, mucked out the mats, and sanitized the registers. Pulled trash at 8:30, and at 9:30, ASM SC handed me a service star, for coming in extra hours and on my days off.  Then had an issue with an order and joked he was going to take it back!  LOL...but the issue was soon resolved. Steve, who was working in Tools, brought in the concrete at 10 after I locked the doors.  ASM SC cleaned me out, and clocked out at 10:30.

Heard a rumor that ASM K was about to be fired, and that's why she quit.  Not sure how true it is.

Outfit:  Rob Strong tee, dark capris, small textured hoops

Day 138:  Rare Sun  $9815

Arrived and did my LU, then went down and helped Austin with the line.  Took a LG cart back; tried to help another customer in drywall. Austin left at 4, and we were steady all the way til 6. Took my break, and came back and swept the floor, did the prelim duties, pulled trash at 7, and mucked out the mats. Sanitized the registers and counters, plus pulled everything off the Pepsi cooler and wiped down the top. ASM SC cleaned me out; I returned an item to Plumbing, then took carts to LG, brought back a regular cart, and cleaned up Aisle 15. Clocked out at 9:05.

Outfit:  Marvin Harrison jersey, dark capris, small gold hoops

Life In Lumber: Y5, W 30

 Day 130:  $7371

Arrived at 3 and Brenda was already in K;s place, but she was happy to see me.  Hopped on #2 and helped with the line, fronted the soda, did my AP4Me and LU. Took a quick pit stop at 4:45, and when B left at 5, hopped on #1 and the pinpad froze until I rang up everyone in line.  Used Jeremy's register for cards.  Finally unplugged the pinpad and rebooted it, and it worked fine from then on. Did the prelim duties. Had to do a refund/rebill, when a customer didn't have enough on his card.  ASM S came down and did it.  Austin sent me to break at 8, and then I did the soda count and began sweeping.  A returned and put the soda away, I pulled the trash, mucked out the mats, and sanitized the registers and counters. Loader D brought in the concrete at 9:30 (he leaves at 10) and Loader J took the trash down.  ASM Jess cleaned me out at 10, and returned items to Plumbing and Electrical.  Clocked out at 10:30.

Am worried about HC C; she never returned from lunch.  Also found out someone else quit after their 1st break.

ASM K left at 3.

Outfit:  Red LU tee, new capris, small textured hoops

Day 131:  $9628

Arrived and had a chat with ASM Shan about my schedule.  Took over for Kem, and got hit with an intestinal issue 30 mins later.  Pro S watched the register for me. Things settled down, and Olivia sent me to lunch at 5:30. Returned and did the prelim duties, and swept the floor. O returned again at 8:30 for my break, and afterward, pulled trash, mucked the mats, did my LU, and sanitized the registers, Loader D brought in the concrete; I locked the side doors. He took the trash and left at 10; my final customer left at the same time; I closed the large door. ASM Sc cleaned me out, and I returned items to Tools and Electrical, then put up my vest. Clocked out at 10:30.

ASM K left at 3.

Outfit:  Black Alaskan tee, new capris, small gold hoops.

Day 132:  $9980

Arrived and took over for K.  Did the prelim duties at 4, and after a small rush at 5, Meredith sent me to break. When I returned, fronted the soda, printed out my paystub, did my LU, and began sweeping. Olivia sent me lunch at 8, and when I returned, pulled trash and sanitized.  Loader D brought in the concrete; I locked the doors and brought in the cull cart. Final customer left at 10; HC B cleaned me out; went out in the parking lot and retrieved 2 carts, then closed the large door. Took the trash to the hopper and returned an item to Plumbing, then put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:20.

ASM K was off:)

Outfit:  LJHS band tee, faded capris, treble clefs

Day 133:  $9917

Arrived and took over for K. Did my LU, then the prelim duties at 4. Rob sent me to lunch at 5, and when I returned, worked on my short story and rang up customers. Did the soda count at 7:30, and put them away at 8:30. Pulled trash at 9 and spot-swept, then sanitized the coffee bar. Locked the side doors at 9:30 so Loader D could bring in the concrete, and after HC B cleaned me out, shut the large door and returned items to Plumbing and Electrical. Clocked out at 10:20.

ASM K was off:)

Outfit:  Vegas Indian Motorcycle tee, faded capris, silver and sapphire hoops.

Off to Gas City for the weekend!

Life in Lumbert: Y5, W 29

 Day 127:  $11,260

Arrived and took over for Kem; was instantly busy.  Did the prelim duties at 4, and HC C sent me to lunch at 5:30, and requested I only take 30 mins.  Returned, and had to do one phone order, plus figure out what the customer was talking about!  Finally figured out she was talking about the LCA. Didn't have anyone from 7:30-close, so swept, did AP4Me and LU, pulled trash, and sanitized the registers.  Locked the doors and returned items to Electrical, then straightened the carts in #19 and 20, and waited for Mgr Ian to bring in the concrete.

ASM K called in again.

Outfit:  Blue LU, new capris, sea horses

Day 128:  $9577 (even!)

Day began on a somber note, as I went to Bill's funeral. Arrived and took over for K, and was fairly busy for the 1st hour.  Did the prelim duties, and the soda count. Steph sent me to break at 5, and then to lunch at 7.  Swept and pulled trash, then sanitized the registers.  T surprised me be showing up; I wasn't busy, so we chatted for a few mins. Did my LU; locked the doors at 10.  Mgr Charlie brought in the concrete, and I took the trash to the hopper and returned items to Aisle 52 and Millwork.  Clocked out at 10:25.

ASM K has CV!

Outfit:  Teal Lularoe, new capris, small gold hoops

Day 129:  $ $7815

Arrived and watched HC K learn the register. Kem left at 3, and I hopped on #2. Was able to do my LU and check my email. At 5:30, HC K went up front, and Austin sent me to break.  Came back and did the prelim duties. Isabelle sent me to lunch at 6, and mildly drove me nuts with her 'I don't know how to page...' I don't know how to look up credit cards...' But when I returned an hour later, she had discovered she LOVES being in lumber!  So I showed her how to do the pop count, and she went to go get it. I swept the area, mucked out the mats, and sanitized the registers.  Belle returned and we put away the soda. Locked the doors at 10; Mgr G took the trash and brought in the concrete.  Returned items to drywall and hardware.  Clocked out at 10:25.

Felt as if I'm trying to catch something all afternoon.  Probably gonna call in tomorrow.

Outfit:  Blue Vegas tee, new capris, silver chains

Life In Lumber: Y5, W28

 Day 122:  Labor Day $11,030

Arrived at 3 and took over for HC C (Kem left at 2:30), and my 1st 2 customers were short with me.  A) Said they had half inch OSB, but it was marked 19/32.  Rang them up for the half inch, then told them to go get the correct ones.  "Your lumber guy put the wrong ones down."  B) Says he wants 10 80lb concrete, and 'You'll have to get a lift." Me, assuming he's looked in the aisle and not outside, asked if he knew we had some outside. "Yes, and I TOLD YOU you're gonna need a lift!"  Okay, okay...geez, buddy....is my head still attached to my body?  *eye roll* Fortunately, Loader W walked by and told him about it.  Was fairly busy from 3:30-5, even needed several o/r for the display tools marked down 75%, then was able to get the prelim duties done, and another 'wave' came.  Kel sent me for a half hour lunch at 5:30, and when I returned, was swamped again until 7, when things finally slowed down!  I needed another pit stop, and when I returned, found my dustmop in the far closet. Got the entire area swept and the soda count done (Corporate comes tomorrow). HC C brought the soda and I put it away.  Did my LU and AP4Me and mucked out the mats, then pulled trash, sanitized the registers and counters. Had one customer at 9:30. Loader AM took the trash, brought in the concrete and blocks.  I locked the door, then returned items to Plumbing and Fashion Bath.  Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:30.

ASM K left at 4.

They also catered lunch in for us; chicken and steak, tortillas, salsa, chives, queso, shredded cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, chips, and cookies.  I had 2 plates of chicken, cheese, and sour cream, and smuggled some tortilla chips down to gnosh on while I worked.

Outfit:  Black blouse, dark capris, red 'rock' danglies

Day 123:  $5638

Arrived slightly late, due to making the quinoa bites for Mom tomorrow. Took over for Pro S, and did the prelim duties, then was fairly busy.  Hurt my back at home before, but toughed it out, and was incredibly sleepy.  I blame the Benedryl I'd taken for itchy, swollen eyes. Josh sent me to lunch at 6:30, and took about a 15-20 min power nap, which helped.  Also discovered we had the large trash bags in stock again, so got a roll to take to Lumber. After clocking back in, I started sweeping, and we really weren't that busy. Filled the soda coolers, pulled trash, did my LU, and mucked out the mats. Sanitized the registers, and filled the bags. After HC K cleaned me out, Loader AM took the trash and brought int the concrete and blocks. Returned items to Aisle 21, Plumbing, Tools, and Hardware.  Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:20.

ASM K left at 3:)

Corporate walk-thru:  We scored an 81, which is good:)

Outfit:  Gray America tee, dark capris, circular 'Florida' danglies

Tomorrow:  Off to Lafayette!

Day 124:  $9105

This is a hard post to write.  Was driving back from Lafayette when HC K called.  Bill Temple passed away either last night or this morning.  I was in shock and had her keep talking to me until I could safely pull off the interstate.  Pulled into The Beef House parking lot and cried, prayed, and posted about losing a friend on FB.  After regaining my composure, I took off again.

Arrived at work and was all right until ASM J asked me how I was doing, and I teared up.  She hugged me for a few seconds until my composure returned. Nobody's sure of what happened, if it was a complication from the kidney stone surgery, or sepsis, or if he had another heart attack.  I'm hoping to find the obituary and go to the showing and/or funeral.  In fact, when I logged in and explained why I was clocking in at 3, I posted "RIP Bill Temple....really enjoyed working with you."

Shift passed by in a blur. Went to lunch at 5, and when I returned, did the prelim duties. Swept the place at 7. Pulled trash at 8:30 and mucked out the mats. Sanitized the registers and counters at 9. Locked the doors at 9:55 (didn't have any customers past 9:15). Loader E took the trash and brought in the concrete; I shut the large door and returned a wall plate.  Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:20.

ASM K left me alone for the most part.  Heard her say she's off tomorrow!  Whoot!

Outfit:  Purdue tee, dark capris, small diamond hoops

Day 125:  $9987

Arrived to discover Loader E had quit, due to being written up by ASM K and Mgr G for 'not making more of an effort'.  BS....he's one of the hardest working associate I've had in 5 years!  Wish I could lodge a formal protest...

Was very busy, but did manage to get the prelim duties done, the soda count finished, and only made one MAJOR rookie mistake:  Customer got 8' deck boards; I forgot to scan the 20% off coupon before running his card, then as he and Dale were going out the door, he informed me I'd charged him for the 10 Ft ones!  I apologized profusely and told him to take the survey and complain about the ditzy cashier!  I then called HC C and asked when I was getting my break; I was clearly in need of one.  Amy came down about 5 mins later!  Afterward, I swept, put away the soda at 7, pulled trash between 8:30-9, and sanitized the registers.  Locked the doors at 10, and new Mgr Charlie brought in the concrete and took the trash.  Clocked out at 10:25.

ASM K was off!

Outfit:  Brown blouse, dark capris, brown dream-catchers

Tomorrow, off to Fowler, then to Teays River for MHS get-together!

Day 126:  Rare Sunday $8187

Arrived and hopped on #2 to help with the line. We were busy!  Marilyn left at 4:30; Katy took over. She went to lunch at 5, and at 6:30 (when people stopped arriving!), I did the prelim duties, then realized K should have returned. Called HC C; K came down to give me my break. When I returned, started sweeping, then was slammed again. Finally at 7:15, I was able to pull trash.  Final customer left at 8; I locked the doors. HC C cleaned me out, and I took the trash down, then returned items to Plumbing. Mgr Ian asked if anyone was willing to stay to help clean up Lumber (Loader J had left at 5); me, Theresa, and Olivia went down. I straightened carts; swept aisles 18 and 19; retrieved 2 carts from outside; and helped T clean up the back aisle.  Clocked out at 9pm.

Discovered Bill's showing/funeral is Tuesday, beginning at 11am in Carlisle.  Personally, I think the entire Pro/Lumber area should be closed for the day.

ASMK called in sick:)

Outfit:  Manning Jersey, new capris, blue danglies.

September Goals

 I actually had a productive month!

-Lose 5 lbs (starting 239)  8/7:  237

-Finish Sage Check!  8/22 at 12:30 am!  14,883 words

-Finish new short story (BKM) Not yet...

-Finish short story #2 (singer)  Not yet....

-WRITE short story #3 (Tales) 8/22:  Started writing

-Find cover artist for DYL/AU Omnibuses Emailed Matt about the cover for DYL....

-Do well at Hannah House  Sold 2

-Do well at Geek Con Sold 3:)

-Have fun at Shia and Tristan's wedding Check:)

-Enjoy the trip to St. Louis with the granddaughter  Check!  Cards won 6-2, so game was exciting, and was able to ride the bus, so WHEW!

-Celebrate Mom's birthday  Check!

-Work enough hours for events, inventory, and build up savings Find out Sept 8th....

-Watch Mrs. Maisel (Check!) and 80 For Brady (Check!), plus whatever other movies are on Prime Check! Daisy Jones and The Six; Downton Abbey:  New Era;  Royal Red White and Blue

-Start evicting items from Brown House  Not yet...

-Convert two VHS tapes to DVD ($22 ea) Not yet....

Books Read:  11

           Print:  6

        E-book:  5

            DNF:  1

2023 Events:

Sept 9th:  Library Con, Fowler, In  Only 4 people showed; did manage to sell 3:)

Sept 13/14th:  GSH (MCV)  11-2:30 (leave at 2?) Sold 1:)

Sept 15-16th:  Cil-Con, Effingham, Il $50 (bring own tables) Sold 4:)

23rd:   Hoosier Indie Author Book Fair, The Big Tent, 5502 South Evans Rd., Gas City, IN (bring own tables jic) Sold 4:)

Oct 6th:  First Friday Art Walk

Oct 7th:  GSH Pet Event, Gregg Park

Oct 14-15th:  VoltCon, Wyndham West, Indpls Subbed application and was approved:)  Need to pay $40 by Aug 25th, then another $40 soon after.  8/11:  Pd $40; 8/25:  Pd $40

Oct 18th:  GSH (St. Claire office)  11-3

Oct 21st:  Meet Me In Graceland, Memphis, TN (funds pending) $100

Nov 8-12:  Indianapolis Christmas Gift and Hobby Show $350 1/27:  Pd $60; 3/3: Pd $60; 4/7:  Pd $60; 4/21:  Pd $30 (Owe $140); 5/5 $30 (Owe 80 (missed a payment somewhere!)); Pd $30 6/16 (owe $50); Pd $30 8/11 (owe $20) PD OFF 8/25!!!

Nov 29-30th: GSH 7-5

2024 Events:

March 16th??  Magic of Books, Columbus, In ($40-50)

March:  GSH 7-5

May 3-4:  SI-Con, Benton, Il (pd April 1st, 2023)

June:  Superman Celebration, Metropolis, Il

July:  Heroes For Kids (pd 2022)

July:  Imaginarium, Louisville, KY

August:  IABE, Terre Haute, IN

September Goals:

-Lose 5 lbs (Start:)

-Send DYL to editor  9/22:  Paid $25

-Get cover art for DYL  9/15:  Was told it was pending

-Finish Tales story (Sept 15th) Check!  Finished 2am Friday the 22nd

-Finish BKM story

-Finish singer story

-Do well/Have fun at Library/Fez Con Check! Sold 3, then turned around and bought 1 of Donna's and 2 from Karl.

-Have fun at MHS get together Check! Adam Fleming (4th grade b/f), Jeano Hudgins, and Tim Freels made it!  Need to look up Don White,,,,he rode my bus and lived two doors down from Adam.  Geez....

-Do well at GSH event Sold 1; not very many 'wanderers'

-Do well at Cil-Con Sold 4; traveling companion pissed me off.

-Do well at Gas City event  Sold 4:)

-Log into Hulu and watch SE 21 and 22 of SVU Found it on Peacock....

-Work enough hours to pay for ^ events, inventory, and build up savings

-Start evicting items from Brown House

-Convert 2 VHS to DVD ($44)

September Reading Schedule:

The Glassmaker's Wife-Lee Martin  DRR!  Excellent story!  I've not read Rick Kelshimer's version, but I hope to one day, just to compare history-wise.

Evergreen-Sara Goodwin RR!  Very interesting stories:)

Piercing The Darkness-Frank Peretti

Propher-Frank Peretti

Let The Drum Speak-Linda Lay Shuler

Kalahari Typing School For Men-Alexander McCall Smith

Cupboard Full of Life-AMS

The Wedding Veil-Kristy Woodson Harvey

The Lost Five-K.L. Wilboorn

The Whispers From Beyond -KL Wilborn

That Certain Spark-Cathy Marie Hake

Stars of Fortune-Nora Roberts

The Other Queen-Philippa Gregory

The American Way-Helene Stapinski/Bonnie Siegler

Dino Horrors-Matt Schorr

The Faerie of Central Park-Bruce McGraw

The Fable of Wren-Rue Sparks

Marathonarium Anthology-Carma Hadley Shoemaker, et al

She's Not Broken-Kelsey Day (Sandy Lender)

The Women in Black-Madeleine St. John

Shattered Dreams-Jamie Armbrister

A Quiet Strength-Janette Oke

Valley of the Shaman-Arlen Andrews

Joyful Poems For Children-James Whitcomb Riley

I Heard God Laugh-Matthew Kelly

Life Is Messy-Matthew Kelly

Franklin and Eleanor

-32

E-book:

Too Late For Goodbye-Jean Joachim DRR!  Loved this story!

Texas Twist-Cynthia D'Alba

Behind Every Great Man-Roz Lee (computer download pdf)