BB2021: Weeks 5 and 6

 HOH Comp:  The Wall!

Derek F falls off 1st, followed by Claire, Sarah Beth, Hannah, Kyland, Britini, Azah, Tiffany, Alyssa, and Xavier.  Derek X wins!!

Tiffany, Tiff, Tiff, Tiff.....you asked D if he was ready to 'royal flush' someone WHILE HANNAH WAS RIGHT THERE!!!  Oops....

He nominates Sarah Beth and Britini.

Brit immediately starts to cry. SB knows she's a pawn, so Christian can be back-doored.

SB, now YOU get your hair out of your face.  What is WITH these girls?

POV Comp: Derek X, SB, Brit, Claire, Kyland, and Alyssa

Derek X:  4th out.  Prize:  Lord of the Latrine:) Gets to unlock the toilet and announces whomever needs to use it!  "Lord/Lady has arrived to use the Porceline Throne!"  The Power of the Potty:)

SB: 2nd out.  Prize: $5K, which raised some eyebrows.  She didn't take the veto away from C, rationing that Brit needed it more, but others saw it as being greedy.  Esp when Derek floated the idea of giving her the Jackass punishment; she whined it was her birthday week, so please don't.  This didn't sit well with people.

Brit: Wins!!!!!  Picks Veto:)

Claire:  Eliminated 1st.  Prize:  Duke of the Deck

Kyland:  3rd out. Prize:  Jackass of Clubs

Alyssa: 5th out.  Prize:  Count of Communication (new smart phone, laptop, and video chat from home)

SB, what is up with that dress?  You've got 2 clashing patterns!

Derek, Derek, DEREK!  WHY did you tell Alyssa about your plan?  You just blew everything up!

Nomination Ceremony:

Whoa....before it even takes place, Christian (who got wind of the plan!) corners D in the storage room and lays it out:  If he puts C up, then people will come for him and mess up the Jury management.  What happens when Brit takes herself off?  Now D's thinking of Derek F.  Stay tuned...

Eviction Night:

Brit takes herself off; Derek X puts up Christian.

Cookout Alliance has an issue with Tiff, trying to boss Derek F around.  Tiff wanted to talk to Brit; both Derek F and Azah showed up, which pissed off Tiff.  Xavier:  "We had one job....stay together.  But now they're yelling at each other."

Love Christian's hair, btw....and whoa....Britt's wearing makeup!?!?!

Is Alyssa wearing a bandana as a shirt???

Azah, what is it with showing off your cleavage?? 

Tiff, wth are you wearing?

Christian is evicted, 7-2, and plants a HUGE liplock on Alyssa before leaving!

New Twist:  High Rollers Room!  Gamble for powers!

Get an extra Veto vote

Replace a nominee

Overthrow the HOH

Week 6:

HOH Comp:  Kyland tried to throw it to Tiff, but she got the wrong answer.  Azah also wanted it, but Kyland was too fast on the trigger.

Noms:  Claire and Derek F

High Roller Room Opens!

SB:  $50 Plays Veto Derby, scores 4

Hannah:  $75 ; banks her $$

Xavier:  $75; banks it

Brit:  $100; saves it

Azah:  $50; banks it

Alyssa:  $50; banks it

Kyland:  $50; plays Veto Derby; scores 9

Tiff:  $75; plays Veto Derby; scores 0

Derek X:  $100; banks it

Derek F:  $100; plays Veto Derby; scores 5

Claire:  $50; plays Veto Derby; scores 4

Kyland, Claire, Derek F, and Sara Beth get to bet on a houseguest to win the veto.

POV Comp:  OTEV is back! (sounds like Arnold Swartzenegger???)

Kyland (Alyssa) Out 5th, after throwing it to Alyssa, and wins 2nd POV

Claire (Kyland) Out 4th

Derek F (Britini) Out 1st

Alyssa Won POV!

Azah (SB bet on her) Out 2nd, after throwing it to Brit

Britini Out 3rd

At the Veto Meeting, Kyland saves Claire and puts up Brit.  Alyssa chooses not to use hers.

Brit throws a major tantrum about being on the block 4/6 weeks.

Eviction Night:

Life In Lumber: Y6, W9

 Day 35: High 60s

Thankfully, after the weekend stress, today was much slower.  Arrived and took over for Alice, and was busy for maybe an hour before doing the prelim duties, my LU and AP4Me. Started sweeping, and by 7, was all caught up.  Worked on my schedule and requested some forgotten May dates and June dates. HC Kay sent me to break at 8:15. Returned, pulled trash, and sanitized the registers, counters, and coffee bar.. Didn't have any customers until 9:45, then had 3 in a row. Final customer left at 10. I locked the doors; ASM Ian brought in the concrete; Loader Joey took my trash to the hopper; I put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:30.  Discovered tomorrow's CS Robert's last day.

Earlier in the day, I scanned 4 casters, and the $800 total never phased me, until the customer showed me the receipt.  It had scanned a PACKAGE, meaning 94 casters, instead of FOUR, so I sent her up to CS for a refund.  Clearly my brain wasn't awake yet!  Robert and I laughed about it as we were walking out.

Outfit:  Blue hooded Cabela's sweatshirt, dark jeggings, large gold skinny hoops

Day 36: Rain, high 60s

It wasn't raining when I arrived, but by the time I got to the register, it was pouring. Did the prelim duties, then got busy. Things quieted down; at 7:30 I tuned into Brian's podcast and continued ringing up customers. Had one elderly gentleman want a water cooler, plus an extra water. Finally got it sent up to Lumber, and he checked out. Austin sent me to break at 8:30, and when I returned, had another elderly gentleman with an item I'd never seen before, plus he didn't know his rebar dimensions.  So while he was taking pictures, I hopped to #2 and rang up the others.  Rang up the 1st guy, then the place died again.  Did my LU and swept the hot spots. Sanitized the registers and counters, and fronted the soda (we'd filled it earlier). Brighton brought in the concrete and took the trash.  I locked the doors at 10 and returned an item to Tools.  Clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Black/white poncho, red l/s v-neck tee, dark jeggings, thick white 'grandma' hoops

Am off the next two days!  Mom has an appointment on Wed, and choir practice on Thurs.

Day 37:  Low 70s

Arrived and took over for Alice. Discovered we had ZERO trash bags....so after doing part of the prelim duties, was slammed with a difficult customer, and the line backed up.  Asked him to wait, and called ASM Scott, who came down as I was checking out the VERY long line, and told him what was going on.  He told me how to fix it, so after the line grew shorter (and Brighton happened to come down to help!), I took care of the customer.  Got his order pulled (110 sheets of 12' drywall, 5 sheets of 8', and 45 sheets of 5/8ths), then the place DIED! Did my LU and checked my schedule, pulled all the trash, filled the bags.  Amy sent me to break at 9, and when I returned, swept the place and sanitized the coffee bar. Locked the doors at 9:55.  Conrad brought in the concrete, and HC Shel cleaned me out. Loader Joey took my trash to the hopper; put up my vest and returned an item to ISLG.  Clocked out around 10:40 and put gas in my car for tomorrow.

Outfit:  Palm tree sweatshirt, new faded jeggings, large thin white hoops

Off tomorrow for SI Comic Con in Benton, Il!

Day 38:  Rare Sun

BB2021: Weeks 3 and 4

 Xander is HOH:)

Wildcard Comp:

Tiffany:  Wins!  Declines the offer, so Brent and Whitney don't get a chance to be safe.

Britini:  Gets knocked out 1st

Derek X Is knocked out 2nd

Nominations:  Brent and Britini

Why is she crying so much?  It's a GAME!  And you're supposed to be a karate master?  Control your emotions, woman!

Maybe I'm being too harsh, but I have never seen anyone CRY so much about being nominated!  Cry, yes, then get your head back in the game.

Brent, NOBODY is "pawn material".  Get over yourself.

Personally, I think he should have nominated Whitney instead of Britini.

And what is it with a couple of women with strands of hair hanging in their faces?  Makes me want to jump in and brush it back!

And whoot....LIPLOCK between Christian and Alyssa!!!

POV Comp:

Xavier, Brent, Britini, Christian, Derek F, and Whitney:)

Brit vs Brent:  Brent wins

Xavier vs Brent: Xavier wins!

Derek F vs Whitney:  Derek wins

Christian vs Derek F:  Christian wins!

Xavier vs Christian:  Christian wins POV!!!   Doesn't use it; keeps noms the same:)

Brent thinks he has the numbers to stay.....ummm, no, you don't.  You've annoyed EVERYONE!

Just an observation:  Why does JCM always reiterate they're evicting LIVE?  After 21 seasons, I think everyone knows this....

Eviction Night:  Brent is evicted UNANIMOUSLY!

Hoh Comp:  Christian wins!

Finally!  Someone agrees with me about Whitney's weird hoodie/sports bra look!

Week 4:

Wildcard Comp: Claire wins!  

Decision time:  Keep herself AND her team safe OR only keep herself safe until Jury?

Claire chooses safety for just herself:)

Whitney's smile is beginning to be annoying.....all those teeth!

Nominations:  Whitney and Hannah

Aaaarrrrgggghhhh......I just want to push Hannah's hair off her damn face!!!!!

Thank you Tiffany for fixing it so all her hair is UP!

POV Comp:  Christian, Whitney, Hannah, Claire, Derek X, and Azah

BB Volleyball! 

Christian wins!  Derek X was a close 2nd.

Whit's outfits....wth?  A white bustier with overalls?  Orange jumpsuit with the top tied above her ribs?  A yellow crop top that shows off a lot of cleavage?  Be ready for a lot of male attention when this show is over.

Ohhhhh Derek X.....you just accidentally let Whit know she is the target and you plan to vote her out!

Noms stay the same.

Eviction Night:  

Julie...wth did you do to your hair?  Change it back!!!!

At this point, I'm fine with either of them going.  Whit and her teeth, Hannah and her hair.

Azah, is one of your straps in the wrong place????

By a unanimous vote, Whit is ejected:) 

HOH Endurance Comp:  The Wall!

BB2021: Week 1 and 2

 Week 1:

Divided Into Groups:

Jokers             Aces           Kings                Queens

Team Captains:

Frenchie       Whitney        Christian        Claire

Azah               Brent             Alyssa            Kyland

Britini            Derek X        Xavier            Tiffany

Derek F        Hannah            Travis            Sara Beth

HOH:  Frenchie, plus decides to decline the 'double or nothing' offer, yet makes it after the fact.

Have-Nots:  Kings, who finished last.

Wildcard Comp:

Kyland  4:86

Hannah  4:14

Christian  1:25  Wins and keeps himself safe:)  Spins the wheel and keeps Xavier safe

Noms:  

Kyland and Alyssa

Frenchie has lost his mind.  He nominated Alyssa, thinking she was in a showmance with Christian.  His 'observational skills' are obviously on the wrong track; now he's targeting Derek X!

The Cookout Alliance is formed! 

Tiffany, Derek F, Xavier, Azah, and Kyland

POV:

Frenchie, Tiffany, Kyland, Travis, Hannah, and Derek X (which totally messes up Frenchie's back door plan.....unless either Trav or DX don't win.)

Derek X wins!  Uses it on Kyland; Frenchie puts up Travis.

Eviction Night:  

Travis is evicted, 11-2

HOH Comp:  Pool Sharks

Kyland wins, on his 30th birthday:)

Week 2:

Wildcard Comp:

Frenchie wins 3rd round:)

Sarah Beth wins 1st round:) And 4th round:) and 5th!  She wins and opts to stay with her team, instead of switching places with either Claire or Tiffany.

Brent wins 2nd round:)

Frenchie....dude, after only one conversation that apparently didn't go your way, you're ready to throw in the towel?  Chill out!  You're beginning to piss off your fellow houseguests and make them WANT to vote you off!

Kyland nominates Frenchie and Britini

POV:

Players:

Kyland, Frenchie, Britini, Alyssa, Claire, and Derek X:)

Kyland:  4:54

Frenchie:  5;06

Britini:  5:08

Alyssa:  6:57

Claire:  5:33

Derek X:  4:41  Wins!!!  Doesn't use it; noms stay the same.

Eviction Night:

What is it with Azah and her low-cut outfits?  Same with Hannah....both were seen tugging their tops into place.....and when Azah stood up, I thought she was going to 'fall out'.

And yes, Tiff...we know you have cleavage.  Cover it up. 

Same with Xavier....button your shirt....I think that look went out in the 70s....and you have NHOC!

Frenchie is evicted, 11-1

HOH:

Xavier wins!

Life In Lumber: Y6, W8

 Day 29:  Mid-80s

Arrived and took over for Alice, who informed me #2 was refusing to print.  Did the prelim duties, then was busy until 7. Swept the floor and fronted soda, then was busy again. HC Shel sent me the break at 8:15, and when I returned, pulled trash and finished sweeping, did my LU and AP4Me.

Had a customer pay me $300 in $5s and $1s....really ruined my night.

Loader Charles brought in the concrete; I locked the doors and shut the garage door.  HC Shel cleaned me out; I took the trash to the hopper and put up my vest. Clocked out at 10:35.

Outfit:  Pink LU Safety tee, faded jeggings, Ecuador beads.

Day 30: Low 80s

Was called in to work; both Alice and Dawson called off.  Arrived at 3 with my MK fundraiser, and was immediately busy. Around 4, did the prelim duties; was sweeping by 5.  Things picked up again at 5:30 and was busy until 7:30.  Swept half the center area, then ASM Alex was able to give me a pit stop, and I cleaned out the coffee carafe. HC Kay sent me to lunch at 8:15, and went first to Subway, but they were closed, so ended up at McA's. After returning, I pulled the trash and finished sweeping, then mucked the mats and sanitized the registers.  After Cam brought in the concrete, I locked the doors and closed the garage door at 10.  HC Kay cleaned me out; I took the trash to the hopper and put up my vest. Returned an item to Fashion Bath, then went up front.  Clocked out at 10:35.

Outfit:  Yellow Fla tee, faded jeggings, double pearls

Day 31: High 70s

Arrived and took over for Alice; did the prelim duties and was slightly busy, but things died down after 7. Did my LU and swept the area. Was sent to break at 8:30, and when I returned, pulled the trash, wiped down the coffee bar and the tops of the Pepsi cooler as well as the Monster and Red Bull ones. After Jace brought in the concrete and took the hopper, and HC Kay cleaned me out, I locked the doors and returned an item to Electrical. Put up my vest and returned an item to Paint and ISLG. Clocked out at 10:50.

Off tomorrow for choir practice!

Outfit:  Brown 3/4 length sleeve blouse, faded jeggings, gold hoops with Grandma's diamonds

Day 32:  Mid 60s

Arrived to find Alice at #1; said #2 wasn't printing. Took over and was busy for an hour, then did the prelim duties, plus soda count. Was fairly steady all night; got the floor swept all but the 'horseshoe' and the concrete dust. Did my LU around 9. Pulled trash at 9:30 and sanitized the registers and coffee bar. Had to marvel at one customer who apparently decided 9pm was 'the perfect time' to buy countertops and a door.  Locked the doors at 10; Loader Charles brought in the concrete and took my trash to the hopper. I'd wrangled Brighten around 8:30 to watch the register while I took a pit stop, so after HC Britt cleaned me out, I took the coffee carafe back to the break room.  Returned it, then took items back to Electrical and Paint.  Clocked out at 10:35.

Outfit:  Blue/white striped sweater, faded jeggings, gold/silver 'fireworks' danglies

Day 33:  Rare Sat Low 60s

Was asked to come in at 4, for coverage; Austin showed me the Monsters and Red Bulls he'd yet put away.  Was busy for an hour, then did the prelim duties and did my LU. Started sweeping. Was busy from 6-8, when I finally closed the garage door (temps were falling) and put away the energy drinks. Finished sweeping, then pulled trash.  Was finally sent to lunch at 9. Returned and sanitized the coffee bar and my counter. Fronted all the soda. Locked the doors at 10. ASM Charlie brought in the concrete, and after HC Shel cleaned me out, took the trash to the hopper. 

Had a stupid customer tonight. Brought in 4 shower/bathtub parts to return, then took them off the cart!  I looked over, saw what he was doing, and politely asked if they would please put them back on the cart?  He gave me an incredulous look, then did as I requested, all but the shower wall, b/c the code was on the bottom, and he didn't want to shove it back into place.  I had AJ haul it back to Fashion Bath, all the time thinking, "How the hell did you think WE were going to haul it back?"

Also had an entitled customer, who wanted 75 2x4s pulled for him.  He also thankfully took our 50% off drywall.

Clocked out at 10:35.

Outfit:  Ash gray IN sweatshirt, dark jeggings, tiny sapphire hoops

Day 34:  Rare Sun high 50s

Arrived and discovered Austin was there until 6. Was immediately busy, and around 5, discovered a couple had asked for 'an estimate' about our cull cart.  Loader Charles told them we'd have to ring it up first. Then they approached me; Austin was on his break, and I told them I wasn't allowed that far from the register. The woman gave me a look ala 'and you claim you work here?'  Then later, came back.  Austin helped the hubby push the cull cart up; I then went over and scanned all the bar codes I could find, then adjusted the price.  He said he'd take it, so Loader Joe grabbed a cart and helped me load it all up.  Then more bar codes were revealed; we did the same.  I also rang up the shingles and the two plywood panels, then had to wait for an o/r.  By then, I was done with people. I'd whacked my bad knee; my left ankle was complaining.  After I got them rung up and out the door, I took my 15, then Austin left. The place settled down; did the prelim duties and my LU. At 7, pulled the trash and swept, plus swept up all the concrete dust. Had 2 customers walk in the door at 7:55, and final one left at 8:05, slightly ticked off he couldn't get any help in plumbing.  Told him to come back the next day DURING the day when we were fully staffed!  Returned a Zebra to the back and put up my vest.  Clocked out at 8:35.

Outfit:  Black/white l/s tee, black vest, dark jeggings, black hoops

April Goals

 How did I do in March?

-Lose 5lbs (starting 238)

-Make final decision on cover art for CYBL Check!

-Add words to existing WIPS Check!

-Do well at GSH Vendor Fair Sold 4

-Have an enjoyable time at Jeff Dunham show (March 21st) Check!  Laughed so much I nearly had an asthma attack!  GREAT dinner before at Outback!

-Cut carpet out of S's old room Not yet

-Pay next installment for NYC trip ($600) Pd $350

-Work enough hours to pay^^^^^ Thank you discretionary bonus!

-Upload digital copies to Patreon Not yet

-/Begin short story due in June Not yet

-Finish short story for BKM  Not yet

-Finish SE5 of 2.5 Men Check!  Now onto SE6...

-Convert 2 VHS to DVD ($44) Nope

-Read more in evenings Check!  Reading e-books in evenings

Health Update:  My left ankle has its good days and bad.

Books Read:  6

            Print:  4

        E-book:  2

2024 Events:

April 5-8th:  Eclipse Weekend

                4/5 (FF):  Sold 1

                4/6(Eclipse Washington):  Sold 12!

                4/7 (Eclipse Washington):  Sold 4, bartered 1:)

                4/8 (Eclipse Home):  Sold 1, paid $40 for parking cars

                            Grand Total:  18 sold, 1 bartered:)

April 27th:  SI-Con, Benton, Il (pd April 1st, 2023)

May 3rd:  Pop Up Event, FF

May 18th:  Magic of Books, Seymore, In ($40)

May 25-29th:  NYC Trip, Performing at CARNEGIE HALL!!!!!

June 2nd:  Spring On Main???

June 7-9th:  Superman Celebration, Metropolis, Il ($100)

July:  Imaginarium, Louisville, KY Pd 11/2023

August:  IABE, Terre Haute, IN ($85) Pd 12/1

September:  TBD

October:  All Shook Up at Graceland, Oct 21st (full table, $225??)

November:  Indpls Christmas Gift And Hobby Show

December:  Kringle Market

April Goals:

-Lose 5 lbs (start 238)

-Finalize Defending Destiny and order copies Check!  Now to fix the minor errors....

-Add words to existing WIPS 

-Cut carpet out of S's old room 

-Pay next installment for NYC trip ($1100)  Am down to $600....whenever my CC gets here ($500) and BIL sends me $100.

-Work enough hours to pay^^^^^

-Upload digital copies to Patreon

-/Begin short story due in June 

-Finish short story for BKM 

-Finish SE8 of 2.5 Men

-Finish Amazing Race 2021 Check!  Derek and Claire (team BB) won!

-Watch BB 2021.

-Convert 2 VHS to DVD ($44) 

-Read more in evenings Check!  Reading e-books in evenings

March Reading Schedule:

Lessons Learned-Katie Cawood

The Courtship of Camelia-Michele Shriver

Never Will I Leave Thee-Heather Wilbur

Porter The Importer-Ariella Talix

Bullies, Bovines, and A Bookmobile-MK Wyatt

Veiled Intentions-George Kramer

Abandon Hope-Michael De Camp

No Greater Love-Mildred Tengbom

Our Journey-Cassie Abel

Splinters-Bernie Niehaus

It Happened One Summer-Tessa Bailey Birthday Present from W:)

Hook, Line, and Sinker-Tessa Bailey Birthday Present from W:)

Illegal Use of Hands-Desiree Holt

Protecting Kate-DH

Defending Sophie-DH

Save The Date-Mary Kay Andrews

There's A Boy In The Girls' Bathroom-Louis Sachar

Watership Down-Richard Adams

Advika and The Hollywood Wives-Kirthana Ramisetti

Life Lessons-Katie Cawood

An Elephant in the Garden-Michae Morpurgo

The Queen-Andrew Morton

A Journey of Faith-Edward Grinnan

Louise Penney book

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

-30

E-book:

Broken Trust-Nana Malone Gah....399 pages???? finished 4/3 Good story

The Truth About Lies-Aly Martinez Long, drawn out story, but good.

Love in Lingerie-Alessandra Torre Long, drawn out story, but good

Soulless Nights-Virginia Johnson Why did I get this?  Oh yeah, it was free.

Cutting Through The Lies-Virginia Johnson DNF....just not invested in the characters

She's Got A Duke To Keep Her Warm-Sandra Sookoo

An Affair At Christmastide-Sandra Sookoo

Much Ado About A Storme-Sandra Sookoo

The Most Wonderful Earl-Sandra Sookoo

Loving The Duke-Jessie Clever

Mean Girls-Lucy Felthouse

Help Me Remember-Corinne Michaels (Want to get)

Life In Lumber: Y6, W7

 Day 24: High 60s, rain

My battery died on Sunday, so D drove me in. Took over for Alice, who informed me she was off on Wed. Rang up a few customers, then the place died. Did the prelim duties, only to discover there were no trash bags. Read my email and learned Corporate is coming tomorrow, fun, fun. Hope they're gone by the time I arrive at 3!  Did my LU and AP4Me; helped a customer figure out how to get a live person when he called the credit card company, then took his payment. Swept the area behind the pro desk, the area between the registers, and the area from the pro desk to the 7/16 OSB. The rain arrived, and so did a flood of customers! Deja sent me to break at 8:10, and before taking my break, retrieved the trash bags. When I returned, pulled the trash, sanitized the registers and coffee bar, and replaced all the trash bags. Did the soda count, and after HC Kay and ASM Shan cleaned me out, I filled the soda coolers.  Loader Charles brought in the concrete and took my trash to the hopper. I had already returned the two items earlier to Plumbing and Hardware, so put up my vest and went up front. Clocked out at 10:30; D picked me up in my van; he'd gotten a new battery for it:)

Outfit:  I Blacked Out tee, black l/s tee, new dark jeggings, eclipse danglies

Day 25:  Low 60s, rain

Arrived and took over for Kem. Was steady for an hour, then things trickled down. Corporate was in, but by 4, everyone had left, and SM J wouldn't give any hints as to how it had gone. At 5, did the prelim duties; HC Britt sent me to lunch at 6:45. Emptied the coffee and returned an hour later. Things were dead; I'd already swept the Pro area, front and back; did my LU; checked my schedule. Pulled trash at 8:30; sanitized the coffee bar at 9:30, fronted all the soda, and locked the doors at 10.  Loader Charles brought in the concrete and took my trash to the hopper.  I walked HC Britt up front after she cleaned me out, then put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:45.

Off to Lafayette tomorrow:)

Outfit:  Gray hooded sweatshirt, new dark jeggings, green danglies

Day 26: Mid 50s, sunny

Day began on a sour note, when we learned we would have to pay $2700 to Fed tax and $400 to state.  Ugh.  D blamed me.

Arrived and took over for Alice, then did the prelim duties and LU. Ran off copies of my excerpts. Did the soda count. Was so busy, I didn't have time to hardly do any closing duties, but did pull trash at 8:30. Conrad sent me on my break at 9. When I returned, I finished pulling the trash and sanitized the coffee bar. Spot-swept. Locked the doors at 10. ASM Charlie brought in the concrete; after HC Britt cleaned me out, took my trash to the hopper and put up my vest. Clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Brown striped cowl-neck; faded jeggings; small marquis diamond studs.

Day 27:  Rare Sat Mid 70s, sunny

I knew we were going to be uber busy this weekend, and I was right.  Arrived and took over for Marilyn. Sent Dawson to lunch and was steady until he returned an hour later. I took my break around 4:15, then had to take an extra pit stop due to the unfortunate result of the one slice of Domino's pizza had on me.  D left at 5 and I was slammed for an hour.  Managed to get the prelim duties done, then was busy again.  A lady called ME on the phone, wanting to know if we had 8 ft cedar pickets; she'd paid for them, but had gotten pine instead.  15 minutes later (with Loader Ethyn trying to run the register, then ASM Shan taking over), I finally got her to understand we didn't have any 8' cedar, only the 6'.  She said she'd make it work, and I was finally able to give E back his Zebra!  HC Britt sent me to lunch at 7:30; I treated myself to MCA's, where the person behind the counter saw the book I was reading, Katie C's Lessons Learned, and commented, "Good book!"

Returned an hour later and had to immediately clock in and sign in, so HC Britt could do an o/r. Was busy for the next hour, then was able to pull the trash and sweep the entire area.  Realized around 9:50 I'd never put my vest back on.  Oh well.... Locked the doors at 10 and Brighton brought in the concrete.  Closed the garage door, and when HC Britt cleaned me out, I took the trash to the hopper.  Returned 5 doorknobs to Hardware and a saw blade to Tools, then took Robert's trash to the hopper and picked up a roll of trash bags for Lumber.  Took a pit stop, then put up my vest and found MORE Domino's pizza!  Ate a slice of sausage, and clocked out at 10:30.

Oh, and my 'work husband' Brent will be returning to work in Milwork next week!  YAY!!!

Outfit:  Black Washington Eclipse tee, faded jeggings, gold stars

Day 28:  Rare Sun Low 80s, sunny

Arrived to discover 3 of us in Lumber. Did the soda count, then retrieved it. Arrived back in Lumber just as it was time for Marilyn to leave, and Amy had been called up front. Was busy, but able to do the prelim duties. Filled the soda coolers whenever I had a chance, which took 2 hours. Sent AJ to Paint, Tools, and Fashion Bath with the returns. Got frustrated with Loader Jax when he couldn't locate the mold resistant drywall and sent Loader Joey to help him.  ASM Chris asked me if I needed anything; I told him, "A lumber associate with a brain." HC Shel sent me to break at 6:30; I took an extra 5 mins. Came back and at 7:15, it finally calmed down.  Was able to pull trash and sweep, and muck out the mats. AJ brought in the concrete at 7:30, so I locked the doors. Closed the garage door at 8, and when HC Shel cleaned me out, tried to take the trash to the hopper, but someone had already taken off with it. Returned an item to Millwork, then hauled the trash to Receiving.  Put up my vest, then went up front and volunteered to wait for HC. Hauled the extra carts to the front area, then clocked out around 9:25. HC Shel and I hauled the 13 extra carts outside to the waiting area.

Outfit:  Blue sparkle tee, faded jeggings, pearl danglies

Life In Lumber: Y6, W6

 Day 21:  Mid 70s

Arrived just as it started pouring.  Sent Alice to break, and rang up a few customers, then we traded off until she left at 5. I took my break at 4:40 and cleaned out the coffee pot. Started the prelim duties, did my LU and AP4Me. Had a trainee with me most of the night. Talked D into buying me Thai when I went to dinner at 6:30. Afterward, started sweeping, pulled trash, mucked the mats, sanitized the registers and counters. Locked the doors at 9:55; Deja and Loader Jax left at 9; had zero customers after 9pm. HC Shel R cleaned me out; ASM Charlie brought in the concrete; I closed the garage door and took my trash to the hopper, then caught up with Josh to give him the area rug. Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:35.

Outfit:  Gray v-neck tee, new faded jeggings, blue with white stripes buttons

Day 22: Falling Temps, 70-49

Arrived again just as it began pouring. Sent Alice to break and rang up a few customers.  When A returned, realized there weren't enough customers between us, so took a quick soda inventory and went to fill it. Two ladies shanghaied me in Tools, and helped 'em the best I could before moving on. After collecting the soda, was able to fill most of it, before A needed to reboot her register.  Rang up several customers before getting the rest of the soda filled.  A took another pit stop; at 4:40 I turned off my light and put lemonade and water in the cart, then took a pit stop before returning to Lumber.  A left; I did the prelim duties. At 6, a customer's card declined, so he pulled out a mutilated check.  Ran it through manually, but it got stuck in the printer.  Couldn't get the register to behave, so got the number for IT from ASM Shan, then hopped on #2 to take care of the line. Went back to #1; it was behaving. Managed to save the transaction, then hopped back to #2.  Ran the check again manually, but it printed on the wrong side of the check.  Ooops....#1's printer malfunctioned, so shut the whole system down for a few.  Rebooted; same thing.  Ended up staying on #2 the rest of the evening. 

Was sent to lunch at 6:30 and when I returned, my trainee was there. She was doing well on the register, so I swept and pulled trash.  At 9:30, we had another 'Transaction From Hell'....rang up the customer's 4 carts; card declined, even the store card.  Saved invoice; hopped to #3.  Same thing.  Former HC Kate walked by; she was able to get a partial payment, but everything else declined, even the hubby's cards!  At this point, the store was closing, so Kate said she'd refund everything. I stepped away to lock the doors when lo and behold.....everything worked again!  HC Kay cleaned me out; I sent Deja to Tools, Hardware, and Pets to return items.  I took the trash to the hopper and returned items to Aisle 21, Millwork, and Aisle 19. After ASM Charlie brought in the concrete, I closed the garage door and put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:45.

Outfit:  Lavander sweater, new faded jeggings, white danglies

Day 23: Mid 40s

Arrived in the rain and took over for Alice. Wasn't too busy.  When A left at 5, I did the prelim duties and LU.  I got a 24 cent raise!!!  Was sent to lunch at 6:10 and when I returned, Deja was with me again. I swept, mucked out the mats, and pulled trash; she left at 9; I filled the soda and sanitized the registers and counters. Brighton took the hopper out while HC Britt cleaned me out. After B came back, I closed the garage door and returned an item to Aisle 1 after putting up my vest.  Good shift!

Before I went on the clock, ASM Chris asked me if we were going to have another transaction like yesterday's!  I said I really hoped NOT!  LOL....

Outfit:  Teal l/s tee, black vest, new faded jeggings, Grandma's white danglie.

Am off until next Tues for Eclipse events!!  Here's hoping the weather stays nice.....

BB2020: Weeks 11, 12, and Finale

Week 11: 

Final 4: 

Nicole

Cody

Christmas

Enzo

HOH Comp: 

Kaysar returns to host! It's the ultimate chess game:)

Enzo decides NOT to help either Cody or Christmas box the other in.

Christmas boxes in Cody and boxes in herself.

Enzo becomes HOH for the 1st time:)  Cody and Nicole aren't happy with him.

He nominates Nicole and Christmas.

Luxury Comp:  Clash of the Comics:

Bayleigh's Comet vs the Podmaster:  Podmaster!

Dirk Spacemaster vs Mrs. Claws:  Mrs. Claws!

Birthday Girl vs David and Goliath:  David and Goliath!

Mem-Fist vs Cereal Killer:  Mem-Fist!

Da Dream vs Bombshell:  Da Dream!

Regulater vs Meow-Meow:  Meow-Meow!

Cali-Fury vs Bandanimal:  Cali-Fury!

King Kaysar vs Abra-Curl-Dabra:  Abra-Curl-Dabra!

Podmaster vs Mrs. Claws:  Podmaster and Team Christmas is OUT.

ACD vs DD:  Da Dream!

CF vs DAG: Cali-Fury!

MM vs MF:  Mem-Fist and Team Enzo is OUT!

Pod vs MF:  Mem-Fist!

CF vs DD:  Da Dream and Team Cody is OUT!

DD vs MF:  Mem-Fist and Team Nicole wins $10K!!

POV Comp:

Round 1:  X-mas gets a strike

Round 2: Enzo gets a strike

Round 3: Enzo gets 2nd strike

Round 4: Enzo is eliminated

Round 5: X-mas gets 2nd strike

Round 6: Nicole gets a strike

Round 7: X-mas is eliminated

Round 8: Cody gets a strike

Round 9: Nicole gets 2nd strike

Round 10: Nicole is eliminated; Cody wins Veto, which means nominations will stay the same.

Week 12:

Cody chooses to evict Christmas...whaaat???

Final 3: Enzo, Nicole, Cody

Finale:

HOH Comp Pt 1:  Hanging onto the rope while standing on disks, as it spins, and contestants hit the moon and the building.

Cody's feet slip off, but he recovers; Enzo falls off 1st.   Cody then falls off; Nicole wins and advances to part 3:) 

HOH Comp Pt 2: Cody vs Enzo:  Timed Camera Hogs

Enzo:  37:38 (he had issues with the pigs, then the final clue)

Cody:  4:49

Cody wins Pt 2:)

Enzo has a meltdown about how he sucks at comps, and is twice the age of the other two.

HOH Comp Pt 3:  Nicole vs Cody

Cody gets all 8 questions correct; Nicole missed the 1st one.  Cody wins final HOH and chooses Enzo to sit next to him.

The Final Vote:  Cody wins!!!!  9-0

America's Favorite Houseguest:  Da'Vonne:)

Life In Lumber: Y6, W5

 Day 18: Mid 50s

Arrived and took over for Alice; did my LU, training, and AP4Me, and the prelim duties. Was sweeping by 7; sanitizing by 8; pulled trash at 9.  Took a pit stop at 8, since HC Shel R told me my break would be at 9:30 (Jared watched the register). When HC Shel came down, I first returned items to Electrical and Millwork, then went to get more trash liners.  Sat down for 5 mins, then went back to my register. Locked the doors at 9:55 and after HC Shel cleaned me out, took the trash to the hopper.  After Loader Charles brought in the concrete, I put up my vest and returned items to Hardware.  Clocked out at 10:35.

Outfit:  White V-neck tunic, new LU MVP tee, dark jeggings, white button studs

Day 19:  Good Friday Low 70s!

Arrived and took over for Kem; things were steady, but was able to print out my April schedule and do my LU. Had to have ASM Charlie watch my register while I took a pit stop, then HC Brit sent me to lunch at 7:45. Took an item back to Paint and an item to RTM, then clocked out for 30 mins. Returned and pulled trash and began sweeping. Around 9 I sanitized the registers and fronted all the soda. After we closed, I locked the doors; ASM Charlie brought in the concrete; HC Britt cleaned me out; I took the trash to the hopper and returned an item to Tools.  Clocked out at 10:40.

Outfit:  Black V-neck tunic, yellow plaid vest, dark jeggings, turquoise 'crinkle' posts.

Day 20:  Holy Saturday Mid 70s!

Arrived and took over for Austin. Did the prelim duties and LU, then began sweeping.  Had a 'rush' around 6, and had to call Matt in Millwork to hop on a forklift and get some deck boards down.  Mucked out the mats, and took my break at 8:30. Returned and pulled trash, finished sweeping. Final customer left at 9:45. Jeffrey brought in the concrete (Jax left at 9) after I locked the doors. HC Shel R cleaned me out; I closed the garage door and took the trash to the hopper.  Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:40.

Outfit:  Spare parts tee, new faded jeggings, peach studs

Off tomorrow for Easter!

BB2020: Weeks 9 and 10

Week 9:

 HOH:  Cody wins!!!  Christmas was eliminated first, followed by Nicole, Enzo, then Memphis.

Nominations:  Tyler and Christmas.

POV:  Putting pics in order

Nicole:  7:11

Memphis:  8:16

Tyler:  25 mins

Enzo:  25 mins (he couldn't figure it out and timed out)

Cody:  4:57  

Christmas:  12:04

Cody wins, and keeps noms the same.

Eviction:  Tyler is evicted, 3-0

HOH comp:  Giant teeter-totter and placing pumpkins on the paddle.

Week 10:

HOH:  Nicole wins!  She nominates Christmas and Memphis.

POV:  BB Comics!

Cody:  16:08

Christmas:  27:45

Enzo:  28:19

Memphis:  31:56

Nicole:  11:21

Nicole wins and keeps the noms the same.

Eviction:  Memphis is evicted, 2-0!

BB 2020: Week 7 and 8

 Week 7:

HOH Comp:  Memphis wins!  And nominates  Da'Vonne and Kevin, though he wants to backdoor David.

Have-Nots:  Cody and Christmas

VETO Comp:  Zingbot's back!!!

Tyler wins Tiger King in 2:55, beating Memphis' time of 3:29. Dani was close with 3:44. but Davonne was over 6 mins, and Nicole and Kevin were both over 5 mins.  Tyler doesn't use it.

EVICTION NIGHT:

Da'Vonne is voted out, 5-2.  Dani and Nicole voted to keep her.

Dr Will In Da House!!!

HOH and POV:  Power or Prizes?

Week 8:

HOH Comp:  Dani activates her Replay power, so Memphis can play in the game:) 

Tyler:  Pr:  3  Pow:  14

Nicole:  Pr:  0  Pow:  10

Memphis:  PR:  0   PO: 18

Kevin:  PR:  0  PO:  0

Dani:  PR:  3  PO:  0

David:  PR:  0  PO: 7

Christmas:  PR: 0  PO:  0

Enzo:  PR:  0  PO:  0

Cody:  PR:      PO:  2

Cody wins HOH; Tyler and Dani split the $10K!!

Cody nominates Kevin and David.

VETO:  OTEV is back!!!

Rnd 1:  David takes the $10K instead of the winning answer???

Rnd 2:  Tyler's out, b/c he couldn't find a T-shirt with the correct answer.

Rnd 3:  Kevin's out in a head-to-head race with Cody up the ramp

Rnd 4:  Nicole's out b/c she couldn't get up the ramp.

Rnd 5:  Enzo's out b/c he couldn't remember Bayleigh's name

Winner:  Cody!  Noms stay the same.

Several are upset by David's decision to take the $10K...

EVICTION NIGHT:

Triple Eviction Night!!!

Kevin is evicted 6-0!!!

HOH:  Memphis nominates David and Nicole

POV:  Christmas beats Nicole in a split second; keeps noms the same.

Eviction:  David is evicted, 3-2

HOH:  Tyler nominates Dani and Nicole

POV:  Dani and Nicole both fall off their balance beams; Tyler wins and keeps the noms the same.

Eviction:  Dani is evicted 4-0!!!

BB 2020 Weeks 5 and 6

Week 5:

HOH:  Christmas.  

BB Basement:  3 new powers are up for grabs:

                     Replay:  Dani.  Crap.

                     Disruption:  David:)

                     Blocker:  Christmas:)

Nominations:  Bayleigh and Da'Vonne

POV:  Christmas wins it:)

Tyler has a meltdown and up in his feels, and tries to orchestrate a scenario where he goes up as a replacement and goes home.  But X-mas isn't buying it, and keeps the noms the same.

EVICTION:

Cody gets a letter notifiying him of his grandfather's passing, and the house comes together to console him.

Feud between Da'Vonne and Christmas, with poor Ian stuck in the shower with no one listening to him to give him a towel!  3 women, all convinced they're right, and tempers running too hot to be rational.

I reeeeeaaaaaallllly want Bayleigh to go home!!!  

Bayleigh was voted out!!!!!  Whoo hoo!!!!  Unanimous vote!!!

Week 6:

HOH Comp:  Endurance.  1st 3 to fall are Have-Nots.

HN: Da'Vonne, David, and Ian

Dani wins...ugh.  Memphis, Cody, and Nicole threw it.  Bleh.

Noms:  Kevin and David....but David has the disrupter power!  He uses it and Dani puts up Tyler.

VETO:  Da'Vonne wins the stacking of the microbrews!  And pulls Kevin down, meaning Dani puts up Ian.

Evictions Night:

Ian is evicted, 5-3, and is the 1st member of the jury.

HOH comp:  Building a fire hydrant 3-D puzzle:)

                     

BB 2020 Week 3 and 4

 HOH:  Tyler 

During the Have-Nots selection, Nicole accidentally blurted 'someone who likes to talk about me' and nominated Janelle, which ignited a feud.

Safety Suite:  Enzo wins, and takes Christmas as his Plus 1. For her punishment, C ends up being the 'proud mommy' to 12 demanding baby stars:)  There's a running joke that Enzo is the father, and they need to go on Maury for DNA identification!

Nominations:  Janelle and Kaysar

POV:  Cody wins and keeps noms the same.

EVICTION NIGHT:

ROOKIE MISTAKE:

Oh David, David, David.  You opened your mouth and mentioned a bit of gossip about DaVonne, and now she pissed.  Don't piss off anyone! Now Ty's considering keeping Janelle!  NOOOOOO......

WTH???  Dani voted to KEEP Janelle????  Did someone get in her ear last minute????

With a vote of 9-2, Janelle is voted out!  Whoot!  Pull your boobs back into your dress....it's NOT attractive.  You're married; who are you trying to impress, anyway?  It's not like there's a live audience!  For god's sake, woman, you're 40 years old and NOT a celebrity!

Kaysar, I love you.  I've been a fan since you first entered the house the 1st time.  Do. NOT. Do anything stupid the next week to get you put on the block\?  Whomever wins, PLEASE put up Kevin/Bayleigh/Dani up?  Or even David???   Get some of these 'I don't wanna make waves' players out.

HOH Comp:  ENZO WINS!!  

Week 4:

Have-Nots: Tyler, Day, Dani.

Noms:  Kaysar and Kevin!  I don't think Kevin knows he's a pawn though.

POV:  Kevin wins an endurance comp!  Pulls himself off; Enzo puts up Christmas as another pawn.  I was hoping he'd put up Dani, to try to get her out (she slipped up in front of her alliance), but grrrrr....

EVICTION NIGHT:

Kaysar is unanimously, but not after exposing the alliances.

HOH Comp:  Christmas!  Da'Vonne almost had it.

Life In Lumber: Y6, W4

 Day 14: Mid-30s (brrrr!)

Arrived to learn #1 was down, so was on #2 most of the night (later, I learned #1 had been fixed...damn it!). Did my AP4Me and LU, plus the prelim duties. ASM Shan brought down 2 carts of snacks and asked me to fill in the gaps when I had time, so that's what I did until 8:  Ring up customers and figure out how to 'stuff' the shelves. At 8, ran out of $5s and low on $1s, and THAT'S when I learned I could use #1!  By now, the snacks were filled, so I filled the bags and emptied the trash. At 8:45, took my break. When I returned, I found my broom and dustpan and started sweeping. Mucked out the mats; fronted the soda. Final customer walked in at 9:30 and near close, I attempted to ring him up.  1st his check was stuck in the machine (it was slightly curled), so I hopped over to #2. Rang him up again, and had to discount the bucket to get the same final cost, lol....Machine refused to do his check; ended up doing it MANUALLY. He finally got his lumber pulled (8 2x12x16) and loaded at 10:20.  

HC Kay cleaned me out at 10; I returned items to Tools, and took my trash to the hopper. Jace closed the garage door; I put up my vest and clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Black l/s tee, B/W sweater poncho; faded jeggings, red 'crinkle' posts

Day 15: Low 50s

Arrived and took over for Alice. Did the prelim duties and fronted the soda, then brought in carts. Did my LU. We weren't that busy, but I was fairly steady from 6-7. Swept the entire place, and was sent to break at 8. Returned and pulled trash, mucked the mats. HC Shelby R pulled my drawer at 9:30; I hopped over to #2 for the final half hour.  No customers. Locked the doors at 9:55; HC Shel cleaned out #2. ASM Charlie brought in the concrete and took my trash. Closed the garage door and returned items to Electrical and Hardware. Clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Maroon 3/4 sleeve blouse, black vest, faded jeggings, r/w/b buttons.

Tomorrow, off to Lafayette with Sara and kids to spend the day with Grandma Sally and to see Reagan, then Thursday, off to see Jeff Dunham in E'ville with Kyle and Jeanna:)

Day 16:  Low 60s

Arrived and took over for Kem. Really wasn't too busy the 1st hour, but then it picked up.  Was able to do my LU and print out my check stub, and do the prelim duties. At 7, I had to call a Code 3 for someone to watch my register so I could take a pit stop. ASM Ian had bought pizza and I consumed several slices. HC Britt sent me to lunch at 7:30 and politely requested I only take 30 mins. Ate my JJ sandwich:) Afterward, swept the place, mucked the mats, and pulled the trash. After HC Britt cleaned me out, returned items to Plumbing and Electrical and Millwork. Clocked out at 10:40.

Outfit:  Black baby cable sweater, red NHRA polo, dark jeggings, red 'plate' posts....ones Erica bought for me in 1985.

Off to Washington Fundraiser for the NYC trip in May:)

Day 17:  Palm Sunday Low 60s

Walked into a mess today.  Lumber associate called in; with the wind, it was cold. When Marilyn left at 4, did the prelim duties. Took my break at 4:45. Came back and did my LU, fronted soda, and began sweeping around 6. Pulled trash and had to shoo people away at closing.  HC Shel R cleaned me out; took the trash to the hopper and returned items to Plumbing, Tools, Hardware, and Pets.  Clocked out at 8:55.

Outfit:  Brown gauze blouse, black vest, dark jeggings, silver crosses

BB Catch Up

 We decided to get rid of our DISH, and go with ROKU. I'm also paying for Peacock, and since I wanted to watch the Oscars last week, I began paying for Paramount.  I'm currently watching this season's Survivor and 2020's season of All Stars BB #2 on Paramount, and L&O SVU and Organized Crime, plus 2.5 Men on Peacock.

I just finished Week #2 in the BB house, and wow.  Just....wow.

Week 1 Recap: 

Here's the cast of characters:

Men:

Cody (the one who came in 2nd to Derek)

Memphis (didn't watch his season)

Tyler (surfer dude-YAY!  I loved him!)

Enzo (another YAY!)

Ian (former winner-YAY!)

Kevin (LGBTQ dude)

David, who was eliminated after the 1st challenge back in 2019.

Kaysar (Middle Eastern-YAY!)

Women:

Janelle (ugh)

Bayleigh (ugh)

Da'Vonne

Keesha (didn't watch her season)

Nicole F (former winner-YAY!)

Nicole A (YAY!)

Christmas (YAY!)

Dani (Evil Dick's daughter-bleh)

Cody wins 1st HOH, puts up Keesha and Kevin.  Enzo wins POV, and kept the noms the same; Keesha goes home unanimously.

I was fine with it; I don't particularly like Keesha, and Kevin was getting on my nerves for doing the EXACT opposite of what he said he was going to do....no more whining (he whined); no more passive-aggressive BS (he didn't know how to approach Cody, to build a relationship).

There's also a new twist for the next 3 weeks:  The Safety Suite.  Janelle and Kaysar got wind they might be put up, so they both competed. K won, and named J his 'plus 1'. J had to wear a sparkly yellow star outfit for her punishment, but they were both safe, hence the K and K noms.

Week 2:

Memphis wins HOH and nominated Nicole A and David.  He also won POV, so noms stay the same. Nicole is voted out, 10-2.

Safety Suite:  Several played, and Christmas won, with Ian as her Plus 1.  He ended up having to act out several scenes over and over from a BB space drama as his punishment.

Life In Lumber: Y6, W3

 Day 9:  Cool; mid 50s

Arrived and took over for Alice, who was in for Kem. Was busy for 2 hours, then did the prelim duties. One customer had two carts and argued with me over how many deck boards he had; I finally let it go and finished ringing him up. Swept the place thoroughly; HC Shel R sent me to lunch at 6:20. Returned and pulled trash, did my LU and AP4Me, mucked the mats, and sanitized the registers and coffee bar. Keith came in and bought me a candy bar. Locked the doors at 10 while Jace brought in the concrete and took the trash to the hopper. Closed the garage door, and after HC Kay cleaned me out, returned items to Hardware, Seasonal, and Shop Vacs. Bought D a KIND bar, myself a Bueno, three pairs of Eclipse glasses, and paid for the Dasani I swiped last week.

Outfit:  Bless This Mess sweatshirt, new dark jeggings, small blue/white buttons

Day 10: Mid-60s

Arrived and took over for Alice on #2; Pro Kath was ringing up a customer whose card wouldn't work. By the time I was finished with my line, the customer was MIA; Kath had left; the cart full of bagged items was still there.  I just left it alone and hopped back over to #1. Ran out of $1s around 5:30, but didtn't get them until after 8pm. Did my LU and the prelim duties, then Dawson sent me to break at 6:40. Returned and began sweeping, plus mucked the mats. Pulled trash around 8:30 and sanitized the registers, counters, and coffee bar. Tuned in to 'Between The Brians' for a bit. Locked the doors at 10 and after HC Kay cleaned me out, returned items to Fashion Bath, Hardware, and ISLG. Clocked out at 10:30.

Talked the hubby into taking me to Denny's!

Outfit:  B/gray leopard stripe, new dark jeggings, gold 'Celtic Knot'.

Tomorrow and Thurs:  GSH Vendor Fair!

Day 11: Mid-50s

Shift began on a rocky note. HC Hannah said #1 was acting up, so I showed her how to reboot the system. Went to ring up Customer #1 and was shocked to find the 7/16 OSB had shot up $2 more! Tried to lower it, and couldn't get the o/r to cancel. So hopped back over to #1 and rang 'em up again....and could only take 50% plus the change off w/o an o/r. Then had a customer with a bad leg come in; I arranged for ASM Charlie to get his boards while he went up front for a scooter and some hardware and stain.  He couldn't thank me enough! Next customer was a sour puss.  

An hour later, I needed an o/r on paint, and the line began to back up. Hopped over to Pro Jer's register to handle the CC transactions, then one needed to pay cash, so hopped over to #2 as I saw ASM Charlie arrive.  I ended up taking care of 3 customers; C took care of 2 more.  He logged off; I went back to #1. Did the prelim duties and my LU, then discovered my broom and dustpan were MIA. Fronted the soda, then at 8:15 when Amy arrived, we had another rush.  Took my break at 8:45, plus emptied the coffee and retrieved a roll of the large trash bags. Returned and pulled trash, found my broom and dustpan, and began sweeping. Locked the doors at 10, and after HC Shelby cleaned me out, took the trash to the hopper and returned items to Paint, Hardware, and Flooring. Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:35.

Outfit:  Red turtleneck, faded jeggings, gold 'knots'.

Day 12:  Rare Sat Mid 60s

First of all, let me say I got up waaaaay too early (8am), and didn't take a nap. Arrived and joined Austin, then my earring fell out of my ear. I'd lost the back, so out them in my pocket. Even swept the general area; no luck. Rang up Customer #1, no problem. Customer #2, the printer malfunctioned, and I was forced to jump to #2.  Then a customer arrived with $15 paint, which needed an o/r. I activated #3 to help a customer while HC Shelby finished up with the customer on #1.  Got snippy with Jared when he kept moving the carts.  I'd deliberately shoved them over so I could get in and out of #2 without tripping or hitting my butt on a cart. Was so darn busy that 8pm arrived before it slowed down. Did the prelim duties and fronted the soda, and swept. Realized HC Shel had forgotten my break by 9, so I asked Brighton to cover me while I took a pit stop and cleaned out the coffee dispenser (Loader E had called in). Returned and pulled trash; discovered HC Shelby had FIXED the printer issue on #1, so was happy to be back on it for the final hour, even though I only had two customers. Got the place swept; the registers, counters, and coffee bar sanitized, and wiped down the soda cooler. Locked the doors at 9:55, and after HC Shel cleaned me out and Brighton brought in the concrete, I closed the garage doors and took the trash to the hopper.  Returned items to Hardware and put up my vest. Clocked out at 10:35.

Royally got ASM SCH:  One of the night shift workers asked him if he'd ever told anyone he used to be a woman in Mississippi.  While we were laughing, I turned around and asked, "More specifically, does your WIFE know?" The others laughed and told me 'good one!"  Scott replied, "Don't encourage them!"  

Outfit:  Blue Whitehorse sweatshirt, faded jeggings, yellow posts.

Day 13:  Rare Sun Mid-40s

Arrived and found Marilyn ready to head home, ha ha....apparently it had been a zoo until 4. I hopped on #2 and rang up a few customers, and brought in carts, and checked the trash. Put the larger items that were behind the counter on a cart and pushed them into the Lumber aisle, so I could reach the trash can. M left at 5; I was fairly steady for an hour.  Had one weird thing happen:  Lady paid me in $20s; I gave her $18 back:  A $10, a $5, and three $1s. She walks out the door, turns around, and says I didn't give her a $10.  I was positive I had, but I called down to see if they wanted to audit my drawer, check the cameras, or what.  They ended up checking the cameras, while I rang up several more customers, and in the end, the camera clearly showed I'd given her a $10 bill. Where it went after that, who knows....I looked under the tool cart, behind the water....nada.  She went on her merry way, and things slowed down. Did the prelim duties and fronted the soda...then did the soda count.  Did my LU. At 8, locked the doors and checked out my final customer, then had to stop another from coming in. HC Kay cleaned me out; Loader Charlie brought in the concrete; Jace took my tiny amount of trash to the hopper. I put away the soda and put up my vest.  Clocked out at 8:35.

Outfit:  Pug Crawlin' St. P's Day tee, l/s black tee, faded jeggings, sparkly shamrocks.

Life In Lumber: Y6, W2

 Day 3: mid 70s

Arrived and took over for Kem. In between customers, worked on the closing duties. Had an irritating thing happen; customer arrived with paneling and announced ASM SW had authorized the price match. However, HC Shel refused to honor it, since S was in the manager's meeting, and by the time I made contact with him via Messenger, he'd already left. I even flagged down new ASM Shan, but she refused, saying it was SW's responsibility.  So now we had an irate customer, who even contacted the other store's manager, but HC Shel refused.  Customer paid for drinks and left. I finally got the prelim duties done by 5 and started on the soda count. Had it finished by 6:15, when Austin sent me to my break. Came back and things had slowed, so did my AP4Me and LU, then was busy again. Didn't have time to sweep or sanitize; Austin brought the soda down, so in between customers, I was stocking the coolers. Also pulled trash. Finished stocking the coolers at 8:30 and finished pulling the trash. Locked the doors at 9 when HC Shel cleaned me out, then waited for ASM Charlie to bring the hopper.  Tossed in the trash; ASM Ian brought in the concrete. Closed the door and returned items to Plumbing and Millwork, then put up my vest, cleaned out the carafe, took a pit stop, and returned items to Hardware. Took the paperwork to CS, then set my purse and water on the counter and returned the carafe to Lumber. Clocked out at 9:25.  District is due in the morning.

Outfit:  Beige sweatshirt, new faded jeggings, silver sea horses

Day 4: Rain, mid-60s

Arrived to find K discounting yesterday's paneling one at a time. Apologized to customer for not trying to do that yesterday. Took over for her and was busy for 2 hours, then did the prelim duties and fronted the soda. Was told my break would be at 7, but by 7:15 I needed a pit stop, so ASM Charlie watched the register,  I no sooner returned then HC Shel arrived. Afterward, I pulled trash and sanitized the registers and coffee bar.  Locked the doors at 9, and after ASM Charlie brought in the concrete, took the trash to the hopper and put up my vest.  Clocked out at 9:30.

District didn't show up.

Outfit:  Black/gray LS tee, new faded jeggings, silver and turquoise danglies

Off tomorrow to take Mom to pick up her glasses!

Day 5:  Cloudy; mid 50s

Arrived and spotted a dustpan!  Confiscated it and took over for K. Was busy for 2 hours, then did the prelim duties, then began sweeping.  At 7:30, Madi arrived to relieve me, then asked if I'd done the soda count. So I quickly did #2's coolers, then turned it over to her. Had an enjoyable lunch, then returned and did my LU, then began mucking the mats. HC Britt brought the soda; I put it away. Final customer left at 9. Locked the doors; Loader Charlie brought in the concrete and took my trash to the hopper as HC Britt cleaned me out. Returned an item to Aisle 10, then put up my vest and took the extra soda (Madi didn't realize the Coke cooler only held 4 per row, not 5) back, then took our busted Spider stool and a box of busted primer to RTM. 

K had told me before she left that she was scheduled to leave at 12:30 the next day; I wasn't scheduled until 5. Brought it to ASM SC's attention, and he okayed me to come in at 12:30 tomorrow.  Whoot!  More hours!  Clocked out at 9:40.

Outfit:  Black/white new sweater, new faded jeggings, black vest, silver stars

Day 6:  Rain, 50s

Arrived at 12:30 to a) discover my appearance was a shock and b) everyone was in a tizzy over the 75% clearance items!  Also heard several customers ask me, "what are you doing here so early?"  LOL...took my 1st break at 2:30, since Alice's was at 3. Ate a lunchable, since I was hungry, and D had dropped off 8 more. Returned and Alice mildly ticked me off by asking how long I'd been gone.  *eye roll*  She claimed she was bored....when she was gone, I fronted the soda, brought in the carts, and straightened the papers on the coolers.

She left at 5, so I started the prelim duties, only to be told by HC Shel to go take my lunch.  Spent the 1st 20 minutes shopping and taking the items to my car. When I returned an hour later, did the prelim duties and started sweeping. HC Britt sent me to my 2nd break at 7:15, and when I returned, sanitized the registers and coffee bar, and pulled trash.  Final customer left at 9; locked the doors. Loader Charlie brought in the concrete and the final carts; I closed the garage door.  After HC Britt cleaned me out, took the trash to the hopper, returned an item to Plumbing, and put up my vest.  Clocked out at 9:35.

HC Shel ticked me off after lunch:  1) she wasn't going to honor the 75% for everything, then I talked her into it; 2) she had refused to let one of my customers use his Pro card, b/c he didn't have his ID on him, therefore robbing him of his 5% off.

SM Jeff told me he approved my time off for the NYC trip!  Whoot!

Found out Keri in Fulfillment is taking over ASM Shan's DS spot, while HC Shel is taking Keri's old Fulfillment Lead slot.  We also trained a new HC, Shelby R.

Outfit:  Palm tree sweatshirt, new faded jeggings, diamond studs

Day 7: Rare Sat Cloudy, 40s.

Arrived and took over for Austin; was fairly busy for 2 hours. Did my LU and the prelim duties, then began sweeping. One customer ticked me off:  Asked for some foam board; I told him aisle 49.  He asked if someone could get one for him; I stated they were fairly light, and in aisle 49.  He asked again if someone was available to help him; I told him Jax was on his lunch break, but I would try to find someone.  Fortunately, Jared walked in with carts, so I flagged him down and had HIM take the customer back to aisle 49.  A few moments later, the customer arrived, carrying his one board.  I refrained from making a snarky comment!  HC Britt sent me to break at 8:30, and I ate 3 slices of pizza, then took two more with me back to Lumber.  Things slowed waaaaay down; only had 2 customers between 9-10.  Did the soda count; mucked the mats; sanitized the registers, counters, and coffee bar; put away the soda. Jeffrey brought in the concrete and took my trash to the hopper; I locked the doors and returned items to Tools, Plumbing, Appliances, and Seasonal. Clocked out at 10:50.

Outfit:  Mama Bear sweatshirt, new dark jeggings, small gold hoops

Day 8:  Rare Sun Mid 40s

Arrived to discover I wasn't supposed to be there until 5, but clocked in anyway, which turned out to be a good thing, b/c Lunber was slammed.  Marilyn left at 5 and things calmed down a little.  Did my LU and the prelim duties, swept the area, and fronted all the soda. Learned our HC went home sick, so Matt was in her shoes. At 7, I asked one of the other associates to watch my register while I took a pit stop, then continued to ring up customers. Pulled trash at 7:30, and locked the doors at 8 after the last customer. While I waited for Conrad to come down, had to shoo away a customer who didn't know we closed at 8!  HC Shelby R cleaned me out, then Conrad brought in the concrete. Waited until Barry was finished bringing in all the carts, then closed the garage door and put up my vest. Clocked out at 8:30.

Outfit:  Hot cocoa sweater, new dark jeggings, gold studs

March Goals

Did everyone enjoy the extra day in February this year?  A friend of mine decided to have her baby at 7:45 am!  

And my Youngling is still moaning over the fact he wasn't born until 3:30 am March 1st.....he rather likes the idea of only being '5' years old instead of ordinary 20.....sorry babe...

Anyway, how did I do this month?  I'M NOT SICK!!!  Whoo hoo!

 -Lose 5 lbs (start:  236) Bleh....gained 2 lbs.

-Get cover art for CYBL Check!  Now to make a decision.....

-Add words to any existing wips:  PP, Singer, TT Added maybe 100....

-Get hair cut Check!

-Cut carpet out of S's old room Nope..weather didn't cooperate

-Pay next installment for NYC trip ($600) Managed $250, thank you BIL!

-Work enough hours to pay^^^^^ Nope

-Upload digital copies to Patreon Nope

-/Begin short story due in June Not yet

-Finish short story for BKM Not yet

-Finish SE3 of L&O: Organized Crime Check!  All caught up!

-Finish SE2 of 2.5 Men Check! Well into SE4...

-Convert 2 VHS to DVD ($44) Nope

-Read more in evenings Too stressful

Health:  Aside from being able to breathe and talk normally again, my left ankle has been giving me issues, ever since starting physical therapy.

Books Read:  5    

           Print:  3                   

       E-book:   2                  

         

2024 Events:

March 1st:  Arts and Drafts. Vincennes Brewing Co, 2nd and Main, 5-8pm 0 sales, but did hand out plenty of cards!

March 13-14:  GSH 7-5 Sold 4; 2 each day.

March Goals:

-Lose 5lbs (starting 238)

-Make final decision on cover art for CYBL Check!

-Add words to existing WIPS Check!

-Do well at GSH Vendor Fair Sold 4

-Have an enjoyable time at Jeff Dunham show (March 21st) Check!  Laughed so much I nearly had an asthma attack!  GREAT dinner before at Outback!

-Cut carpet out of S's old room Not yet

-Pay next installment for NYC trip ($600) Pd $350

-Work enough hours to pay^^^^^ Thank you discretionary bonus!

-Upload digital copies to Patreon Not yet

-/Begin short story due in June Not yet

-Finish short story for BKM  Not yet

-Finish SE5 of 2.5 Men Check!  Now onto SE6...

-Convert 2 VHS to DVD ($44) Nope

-Read more in evenings Check!  Reading e-books in evenings

March Reading Schedule:

The Mad Gasser Cheerleader of Calhoun County-Karl Witsman Enjoyable story!  Formatting was rather wonky....

The Mad Gasser Cheerleader Returns-KW Again, enjoyed the sequel!  Formatting was still wonky. Not sure if this was a Lulu issue or just the way he set it up.

Woodstock Dreams-Donna Carlene Finished 4/2  Great story!

A Veteran's Homecoming-Santiago Cirilo   Finished 4/3:  Good story!  Slightly confusing, and Ch 16 was on the same page as the end of 15, but for a first novel....not too bad!

E-book:

Crowne of Lies-CD Reiss Good story, just LONG!

Free Me-Laurelin Paige Good story, just LONG!

Broken Trust-Nana Malone Gah....399 pages???? finished 4/3 Good story

Life In Lumber: Y5, W53; Y6, W1

 Day 222: 70s!

Arrived and took over for Pro Kathy, and was busy for the first half hour.   Customer came in, then a few minutes later walked back up, with ASM SC, ASM Ian, and Pro Jeremy.  Turned out, he'd cut himself, not badly, on a sheet of plywood, and had called an ambulance (eye roll-the guy wasn't even BLEEDING profusely!) The paramedics bandaged him up, and he and his family commenced shopping.  At 5pm, things slowed, and I did the prelim duties. I had also asked Loader C to locate my mop, broom, and dustpan, which he did not do. Things ebbed and flowed, and at 6:30, HC Shelby sent me to lunch. Returned 30 mins later and did my LU and AP4Me, PLUS went down and found my dustpan and broom!  Spot-swept, mucked the mats, pulled trash, and locked the doors at 9. When HC Shel cleaned me out, took the trash down and returned items to Millwork, Electrical, Aisle 10, and Hardware.  Clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  B/W LS tee, black vest, dark jeggings, emerald set

Day 223: 70s!

Arrived and took over for Cindy, who informed me Kassidy was fired, due to getting caught vaping in the Fullfillment area. Was busy for the first 90 mins, then started the prelim duties and filled out the soda sheet. Around 5:30, did my LU.  Madi sent me to lunch at 7, and when I returned, pulled trash and started spot-sweeping. Filled the soda coolers and locked the doors at 9. HC Kay cleaned me out; I took the trash to the hopper and put up my vest. Clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  B/W poncho, red V-neck LS tee, dark jeggings, ruby studs

Beginning Year 6!

Day 1: 30s....ugh

Arrived and took over for Pro Kathy.  Saw a 2 y/o Norwegian Elkhound!  Forgot my hearing aids, and misunderstood a tax exempt account, and ended up sending him to CS. Alice left at 4, and the place died, so did the prelim duties and spot-swept.  Did my LU at 5 and brought in carts from the sidewalk. Met the new loader, Ethyn. Ran out of $1s and HC Hannah brought them at 6, then sent me to lunch. When I returned, had a 'rush'. Fronted the soda, pulled trash at 7:30, and dusted the top of the ice machine, the soda coolers, the coffee bar, and all counters. At 9, locked the doors. HC Kay cleaned me out; ASM Charlie brought in the concrete; I took the trash to the hopper, then returned items to Electrical. Put up my vest and clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  Blue crewneck Cabella's sweatshirt, dark jeggings, LJs, pink TAB cans

Am off the next 4 days, with the exception of the mandatory store meeting on Sunday:)

Day 2:  Store Meeting on Sunday

Arrived and clocked in, then went to Receiving and sat with Amy, Kerrie, and Marilyn. Ate a hamburger, chips, and honeydew, and drank water.  Learned ASM SC is taking over Gareth's spot over Pro!!  ASM Shan is taking SC's slot over the front end.  Whoot!  Not the toxic manager that was rumored!!!!

Won a hand gun case in the drawing and we were are given T-shirts, travel coffee cups, keychains, pins, and hats (I declined mine).

Was good to see people I don't get to see regularly....Adrianna, Pam, and some of the other day shift people.