From the Stupid Files: Y7, W17

Day 60: Rain, low 80s; 72 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Isaac

Loaders:  Kaleb, Joey

1) Had ZERO coverage!  Just Izzy and Sage at the back, and Kaleb and Joe in the front, with Isaac and Emma.

2) Joe and Kaleb were trying to down stock/stock while also answering Code 50s and cover Tools!

3) Kaleb ended up covering my lunch, but then ASM Shan asked Sage to take over.

4) Had Haitians who could hardly speak English.

5) A Customer who'd left two plumbing items at the desk, came back and REBOUGHT them.  I refunded them.

6) I'm fairly certain Pro Kath pissed off Neil G, because he wanted to buy a clearance item, then return later with his truck to pick it up!  She refused; he did return again and got two more clearance items.

Outfit:  Gray Plank LU tee, faded capris. Forgot my earrings.

Day 61: Hunid, mid 80s; rain showers; 52 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Sonia

1) Was in Garden from 3-8.  

2) Sonia sent me to break at 5:30 and when I returned, realized I had to go #2, but held it, thinking I'd be sent to lunch at 7.  She sent me at 8, and it was nearly too late.  I keep a spare change of undies in my locker for a reason....

3) It rained WHILE I was in the breakroom.

4) After lunch, was on ASCO, and realized my QR code was faded. My sign in didn't work either, so Theresa loaned me hers.

5) HC Sonia was rude to a customer and ASM Shan found out.  

6) HC Sonia treated me as if I knew how to close Garden AND ASCO, but I did NOT! Things have changed in 6 years!

Outfit:  Blue USA tee, faded capris, small gold hoops

Day 62: Rain, humid, 80s; 80 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Sonia

Loader:  Kaleb (Joe call in)

1) Rain hit around 3:30; bles carts all around the parking lot.

2) Had a large order ($2400)  before lunch. First was going to do next day delivery, but it was giving me fits, so set it up as a Pick Up Later. While I was doing this, HC Sonia arrived to give me my break, but instead of hopping on a register, she stood there until ASM Alex asked her to hop on. *eye roll*

3) When I returned from lunch, the ^^^ customer was picking up their own order; a friend had offered their trailer.

4) Had 2 large orders ($1900) at close.

5) My dustmop was MIA.  Will ask Marilyn on Sunday if she knows what happened to it.

Outfit:  Las Vegas Indian Motorcycle tee, faded capris, thin gold hoops

Off the next three days!  Taking Mom to an appt tomorrow, then Summer On Main and Pride Fest.

Day 63:  Rare Sun

From The Stupid Files: Y7, W16

Day 54:  Warm, 80s; 104 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Kayla

Loader:  Peyton

1) We were BUSY!  Also discovered Diana, our new Pro CSA, is my former customer, D Hercules:)

2) Needed Code 50, but P was busy loading a pallet of concrete. No one else showed up (Brent, where are you?????); finally a customer did it!

3) Needed an o/r; hopped to #1 (out of $1s, but could do CCs) until DS Keri arrived; she helped bust the line.

4) Was being lazy with the MLR status, until a customer whose ph # revealed the OLD ML, asked me about her points. I 'fessed up at that point, explained the difference, then sent the link to her phone.  She was appreciative, but also pissed....apparently NO ONE ELSE had ever explained it!

Outfit: Black dog tee, dark capris, gold squares

Off tomorrow to take Mom to an appt!

Day 55: Sunny, hot, low 80s; 103 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Austin

Loaders:  Joe, Jax

1) Ran out of $1s on #1

2) Was told to refund the insulation machine deposit, even though they'd had it since the 8th.

3) Conrad was fired due to family emergency; he'd not told them???

4) LOUD customer recognized me as 'the romance author', and as he left, told me he loved me....*eye roll*

5) Customer used LAME jokes on me at 9:30.....geez.

6) Little girl pretended some drywall cardboard strip was a snake; I played along and she was entertained:)

Outfit:  Gray America tee, dark capris, white danglies

Day 56: Sunny, low 80s; 95 t/a

HC:  Alex

HC:  Austin

Loader:  Jax

1) Had to call for Jax 4 times in 90 mins to help with loading or plywood, or to the saw!

2) Customer wanted trex delivered.

    -They had called earlier and was told if their order was over $2K, delivery fee was only $29.  Oops, that's just for PRO customers; they have no such account. Delivery is $79. That's fine....

    -Card declined, then the register 'lost' the order. Had to re-input it again.  Card declined a 2nd time; woman simply wrote a check, all the while muttering about changing banks.

3) HC A pulled #2 and found an EMPTY CHECK made out to LU. Time was 7:42; I was on break. HC A knew who it belonged to.

4) Shift began with ASM Shannon telling everyone to check their schedules. At first, I thought they'd scheduled me for this weekend, but then realized it was for NEXT weekend, which I cannot do. Sent her an email, and volunteered to work this weekend. ASM Alex said I could work Fri and Sun; he had Sat covered.

Day 57:  Rain, low 80s; humid; 83 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Austin

Loaders:  Jax, Joey

1) It was a fairly decent shift for being Friday the 13th!

2) Rained; Lumber was humid!  HC A said he liked my fan!

3) Forgot to mention earlier, a woman saw our Ice item # note and thought it was ICE! "Yes, we have ICE on speed-dial...."

4) I get to be on CS desk tomorrow!  Told them I'd be happy to handle the returns, if someone else answered the phone.  Alex said he'd rotate me and Kate if we got too stressed!

Outfit:  New blue floral tee, dark capris, pearl necklace and danglies

Day 58:  Rare Sat, Flag Day, humid, low 80s; 99 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Austin

Loaders:  Jax, Bayden

1) As I was clocking in, a woman asked me to call for help in Flooring.

2) When I arrived at the CS desk, was told to go to Lumber and give Emma her break.

3)  SM Matt hijacked me and told me to take over for Seti..."MST should NOT be on a register!" Finished his t/a, logged him out, logged in, rang up 1 customer, and logged off.

4) Arrived at lumber and took over for Emma, then a woman showed up. Finished Cust #1, then asked the woman if she needed help. Turned out she wanted to order a drop ceiling, but we didn't have anyone in Pro (Tate was scheduled, but he'd quit). I looked it up, but it looked complicated. Called ASM Maria, but no answer. Called SM Matt and explained the issue; he sent Maria to help.

5) Turned out SM Matt had Matty T and Emma clean the pro area thoroughly...."anything you think doesn't belong, toss it".

6) Did a PU later order, but when they came in an hour later, they changed their minds about the boards, and couldn't refund it. Tried everything I could think of, then called Emma. Turned out she had to 'Pick' the order before a refund could be given!

7) Things didn't slow down until 6:30.

8) From 5-6:30, was calling Jax every 15 mins or so. He copped an attitude on the last one, when I needed a forklift driver..."I need people!" and went back to doing what he was doing. I called for a forklift driver; Steve Y came down, looking puzzled...."Alex said Jax is here...."

"Yeah, I basically got an FU' from him."  

Steve called Alex, who came down and ran the forklift.

Outfit: Gray flower 'flag' tee, dark capris, gold teardrop danglies

Day 59: Rare Sun Hot, humid, mid 80s; 69 t/a

ASM: Alex

HC: Sonia

Loader: Jax

1) It was 'call-in day'....I walked in, expecting to have a nice afternoon, trading customers with Robin, and Sonia said, "Thank God you're here!" HC Kay had called in; Robin had called in.

2) Marilyn and I had been tripping over each other from 3-4:30; Sonia had told me there was no one to cover my break, so I decided to get a pit stop in before she left at 5. I left her alone for 10 mins and returned to find Mari with a large order and getting an o/r; Kaleb on #2 with a large order, and a 3rd customer behind him!

3) Had 3 people walk up just as we were closing. Sonia was copping an attitude about it.

4) After we closed, I saw a woman pull in and try to go to the front door.

5) Sonia was VERY grumpy as we clocked out!

Outfit:  Black blouse, dark capris, silver spirals

June Goals

 May just zoomed by! Alex Palou won the Indy 500, and it took me 2 days to watch it, plus one more day to watch the Victory Banquet.

-Lose 5 lbs (241)

-Do well at Creative Market Sold 3:)

-Enjoy anniversary Check!  Dinner at Yamoto

-Enjoy Tropicon Branson Check!  Surprised friend Ava and had a GREAT time!

-Finalize Playing With Time and set release date Still waiting....

-Pay Editor, Cover Art (funds in savings) and Seymore Check! event

-Start getting Sara's room cleaned up Took out the bed, so it's a start!

-Buy new soap dish for MBa Nope

-Finish trim, lights, medicine cabinet, and shower guard in MBa Nope

-Make appt with foot dr about my right leg Nope

-Finish Ch 11 of Heart Song Not yet

-Pay editor ($150) Pd $100

-Add words to new fairy story Check!  Finished it!!!

-Buy BP machine Not yet..

-Pay for Geek Con ($40) Scheduled for 6/13

-Pay down CC and start pecking away at med bills Sort of....

-Read 6 books Check!

-Finish current e-book Check!

Books Read:  9

            Print:  6

        E-book:  3

             DNF:  1

2025 Events:

June 6th: Seymore Comic Con, Seymore, IN Sold 1....

June 13-15th:  Superman Celebration, Metropolis, Il ($100) CANCELED

June 20th:  Summer On Main Sold 3:)

June 21st: Pride (donation) Sold 10:)

July 20-22nd:  Imaginarium, Louisville, Ky (Pd 9/12)

July 25th:  KCARC Craft Show ($25)

Aug:  Geek Con, Evansville Museum, Evansville, In ($40)

Sept 19-20th:  Cil-Con, Effingham, Il (Pd 12/29)

Sept 27th:  Book Nook Book Fair, Peoria, Il ($75 Pd 12/27)

Oct 11th:  Lafayette Comic Con, Tippi County Fairgrounds ($50-Pd 6/13)

Nov 12-16th:  ICGAHS ($700-making payments)

2026 Events:

April 11th:  Dreaming Dirty In Michigan (Pd $60; still owe $120)

Aug 8th:  Indy Author Event ($250) Pd $50 5/16

June Goals:

-Lose 5 lbs (241)

-Do well at First Friday Art Walk Rained out again

-Do well at Seymore event Sold 1, but met several new authors!

-Do well at Summer On Main Sold 3:)

-Do well at Pride Sold 10:)

-Finalize Playing With Time and set release date

-Pay Editor ($50), Cover Art (funds in savings), Geek Con event,(Check!) and Lafayette Comic Con event (Check!)

-Start getting Sara's room cleaned up Carpet removed; walls sanded and painted; carpet pad removed; Alex's bed moved in

-Buy new soap dish for MBa 

-Finish trim, lights, medicine cabinet, and shower guard in MBa 

-Make appt with foot dr about my right leg 

-Finish Ch 11 of Heart Song

-Buy BP machine 

-Pay down CC and start pecking away at med bills

-Read 6 books 

-Finish current e-book 

April Reading Schedule:  

The Chosen:  Come and See-Jerry B. Jenkins DRR!  Now I REALLY want to watch the series!  Had to laugh; I figured out he was preparing for the Sermon on the Mount waaaaay earlier than a note from mom when J starts reciting the Beattitudes, and her note reads 'Sermon on Mount'.

Inked-Rachel Rener Loved the humor! Interesting story:)

The Love Scribe-Amy Meyerson

Leota's Garden-Francine Rivers

The Matzah Ball-Jean Meltzer

Once Upon A Platypus 2-Ron Braun

The Shrieking Gun Cafe-YW Lumaris

The Bears of Blue River-Charles Major

Home To Holly Springs-Jan Karon

Cleaning Homes in Scottsdale, AZ-Rick Smith

Secret Stories of Disney World-Jim Korkis

The Scarlet Thread-Francine Rivers

And The Shofar Blew-Francine Rivers

Redeeming Love-Francine Rivers

Finding Home-Sutton Bishop

Becoming His-KI Lynn

Tangled In Lavandar-Sandra Sookoo

This Is Us-April Decton

The Lady's Mine-Francine Rivers

Texas Bombshell-Cynthia D'Alba

Innocence Taken-Victoria M. Patton

Fish Tank-Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra

The Trouble With Angels-Maggie Adams

Just One Summer-Lynn Stevens

She Who Frees The Selkie-K. Malady

Double D Ranch-Rochelle Bradley

The Restless Few-James Watjen

The Choice-Anne Greene (misplaced??)

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

-38

E-book:

Fooling Around With Cinderella-Stacy Juba DRR!  Good story!

A Game Of Gossip-Sandra Sookoo

Two-Bit Wizard-Keith Thompson

This Is Not The Story You Think It Is-Laura Munson

The Stanhope Challenge-Cerise Deland 

Dark Side of Disney-Leonard Kinsey

A Divided Heart-Alessandra Torra

Moonshot-Alessandra Torra

Trophy Wife-Alessandra Torra

Promised To The Worst Duke In England-Sandra Sookoo

Abigail's Journey-Jean Joachim

TBB (on wish list-was tired of not finding them!)

The Marriage Bargain-Jennifer Probst (2013-$10)

The Marriage Trap-Jennifer Probst (2013-$15)

The Marriage Mistake-Jennifer Probst (2013-$10)

The Marriage Merger-Jennifer Probst (2013-$10)

Into Thin Air-Jon Krakauer (2013-$15)

The Cookbook Collection-Allegra Goodman (2013-$11)

The Girfriend-Abigail Barnett

The Summer Without Her (Men???)-Siri Hustvedt

Searching For Someday-Jennifer Probst (2014-$8)

Hard As You Can-Laura Kay (2014-$9)

The Year of Living Biblically-A.J. Jacobs (2014-$15)

Retaliation-Yasmin Shiraz (2014-$10)

Accused-Yasmin Shiraz (2014-$10) 

Romulus-Marilyn Campbell ($5)

Gaslight Chronicles-Cindy Spencer Pape ($8)

So Far Away-Dakota Madison, et al

Defending Devon-Shannon West

Love Realized-Melanie Codina

Love Resisted-Melanie Codina

Assumptions-Melanie Codina

One The Run-Jade C. Jamison

Decker-AD Ellis

Sawyer-AD Ellis

Twins-RG Miller

Saving Sarah-Nan Reinhart

Monster Among The Rose-Linda Kage

A Life Before-Julien Ayotta

Flower of Heaven-Julien Ayotta

Dangerous Bloodlines-Julien Ayotta

Dare To Love-Sandy Sullivan

If I Fall-Lydia Michaels ($5)

If You Want Me-Tara Mills

Tomorrow-Samantha Kane

Backdoor Billionaire's Bride-Roz Lee (2019-$5)

The Play-Tawdra Kandle

Party Planning Can Be Murder-Kerry Schafer

Hopeful In Yellow-Sandra Sookoo

Magic In Mayflowers-Sandra Sookoo

Zero Chance-Linda Kage (want entire series in print)

From The Stupid Files: Y7, W15

Day 50: Low 80s; sunny; 95 t/a

ASM:  Maria

HC: Austin

Loader:  Chris (borrowed from LG)

1) Was with new trainee Diana for 2 hours, and when things were slow, she slightly irritated me by flipping cash box and the magnet. Joe arrived, obviously NOT feeling well; I told him to go home.

2) After D left at 5, I was slammed, plus needed 2 Code 50s, 2 forklift drivers, and one guy wanted 2 pallets of concrete!

3) Kylee sent me to lunch at 8, and I forgot to take the coffee pot with me.

4) Somehow, I managed to charge a woman's family for 91 bags of concrete. After an hour, I did finally figure out how to return it w/o her being there, and thankfully the phone had a call log, so I could call her back and tell her!

Outfit:  Red LU tee, long capris, silver spirals

Off tomorrow!

Day 51: Hot, sunny, mid 80s; 95 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Kaitlyn

Loaders:  Peyton, Jax

1) Slammed at 5:05-5:35; no one came for my o/r; no one came for Code 50s; one of my customers heckled me. Told him there was perfectly good self-checkout at the other end; otherwise, cool his jets b/c I was going as fast as I could.

Diana came down and helped with a few customers, but didn't stick around. I wasn't sure if she was supposed to give me a break, or was there to help.  Kinda pissed me off when she left and I still had a damn line!

2) Slammed again an hour later, and another customer heckled me.  Told them the same thing!

3) Woman needed an a/c unit, but it was over her weight limit to carry. Fortunately, Peyton was able to go get it for her and take it to her car.

4) Learned Brea is leaving us for CVS.

5) Woman wanted a delivery, but pouted when she saw the $79 fee and the fact she couldn't get it until Sat.  Went home and did a PU later.

6) Having a walk-through tomorrow, so Peyton and Jax were busy stocking shelves.

Outfit:  Teal blue tee, long capris, teal danglies

Day 52: Muggy, rain, low 70s

ASM:  Maria

HC:  Kaitlyn

Loaders:  Jax, Kaleb

1) Easier night!

2) Guy was caught huffing compressed air in his car; undercover cop saw him and called fire, police, and ambulance.

3) Dawson's last day

4) Found out Brent made good on his threat to leave, due to them not wanting to work with his schedule.

Outfit:  I Blacked Out eclipse tee, long capris, eclipse danglies

Off tomorrow for FF Art Walk and Saturday Seymore event!

Day 53:  Rare Sun Sunny, low 80s; 108 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Austin

Loader:  Joe

1) Knew things were bad when I heard Marilyn page for '2nd cashier to lumber pleeeease!"

2) Hopped on #2 and stayed there for 30 mins, then hopped to #1.....and within 15 mins, the keyboard wouldn't respond.  So back to #2, until Matt and Austin fixed it (Matt blew on it???)

3) Was irritated at 7 when I discovered the coffee carafe FULL...I hadn't had time to check it before I'd taken my break.  We're NOT SUPPOSED TO MAKE COFFEE ON THE WEEKENDS!!!

4) Had 5 customers walk in after 7:30....and three after 7:50!

5) Final customer was checked out at 8:06/

6) It was leave-everything-in-lumber night.

7) Customer told me he needed help, but 'you're wearing a LU uniform, so probably no help either'.  Told him to try me....turns out he'd been given the wrong insulation machine.  I proved him I DID know what I was talking about!

Outfit:  Blessed G'ma tee, long capris, cross earrings 

From The Stupid Files: Y7, W 14

 Day 45: Memorial Day Cool, high 60s; 70 t/a

ASM: Alex

HC: Austin, Kaitlyn

Loaders:  DS Charlie, ASM Ian, Kaleb

1) Pro K was trying to sign a woman up for the MLR but her phone wasn't receiving the texts, and when she scanned the QR code, she didn't know her Apple PW. So then Kath sent it to her email successfully, but when creating a PW, she used one of the item # on the flyer 'so she'd remember it'.  This entire transaction (just to get a Blackstone grill at the member price!) took over an hour.  Some people (over a certain age, maybe???) should not be allowed to use mobile apps.

2) Customer bought a French door, then discovered they couldn't get it in their truck. ASM Ian decided to refund/rebill and set it up for delivery. BUT, the earliest delivery could get it to them was Wednesday, and they needed it today.  Plan C was to cut several boards and create a platform. Fine; but THEN they discovered the door was missing a part. By this time, they were 2 hours in. The guy decided to go CUT the part off another door, but was stopped in time.  DS Charlie simply swapped out the door, and the customer left....after nearly 3 hours.

3) Management ordered Domino's Pizza for us, and the fresh ones arrived as my 1st break was over. Opted to eat a fresh hot slice and extend my break by 5 mins.

4) Marilyn was with me until 6, and we weren't that busy, until she left. I wasn't exactly slammed, but was steady until 7. HC Austin sent me to lunch, then only had 12 t/a while I was gone.

5) Something happened at the Holiday Inn; after 10, several fire trucks and police arrived.  Hope I find out, and that no one was hurt.

Outfit:  White God Bless The USA tee, faded jeggings, thin gold hoops

Day 46: Cool, low 70s; 16 t/a

ASM:  Maria

HC: Kayla

Loader:  DS Charlie (Conrad called in)

1) Came in at 7pm b/c apparently no one else was willing to come in. Same is true for tomorrow; Schedule had nobody closing in LG or ASCO; just Kay and Dawson!  I have to take Ned to Washington tomorrow, then meet Sara in Princeton at Maurice's at 4.

2) Customer asked if I could add his electrical and countertops to his VSP; I said we'd try; I'd never added to an existing VSP before. But when he arrived, he only had the countertops, totalling less than $600. Asked him about the cabinets; he said he'd changed his mind and would pay for them later.

3) I arrived at 7, and Dawson hadn't pulled trash, collected the paperwork, or even swept yet.

Outfit:  White Valspar tee, faded jeggings, neutral danglies

Day 47: Cool, mid-70s; 17 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Kayla

Loaders:  Brighton (final day), Joe

1) Woman asked if we had any swings, and then asked where Aisle 25 was.  I told her the other end.  She then asked if we had them any other place; I looked it up and no, only in Aisle 25. Then she asked if it was on the left or the right!  Told her right, then after she walked away, I asked Kay if I was speaking English.  A customer happened to walk up at that time, overheard me, and laughed.

2) Watched ASCO while Kait was on a break, and 1st customer had a gift card to buy.  No problem. 2nd customer had the wire on the other register; I said I'd ring them up over there.  Things were fine until I notice a friend of mine needing help. I ran over to help; the machine ate their $20 and wouldn't take the 2nd.  Called HC Kay, then went back to customer #2, and finished them out. Kait arrived; customer #4 wanted a pallet of mulch.  Called OSLG to find out how many was on a pallet, and got him rung up.  Then Kay arrived, tore the machine apart, and discovered their $20 bill crumpled up like an accordian!  I rant them up on #6, then went to do soda count.

3) After gathering the soda, and putting #5 and 6 away, I pushed the cart to Lumber and asked Dawson if he wanted to do soda or clean. He chose to start gathering the trash and sweeping. After the soda was filled, I sanitized the registers, coffee bar, and counters.

4) I'd arrived at 7 again, and while Dawson had gathered the paperwork, he hadn't consolidated the trash yet.

Outfit:  Black eclipse tee, faded jeggings, eclipse earrings

Regular shift tomorrow!

Day 48: Cloudy; low 70s; 85 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Austin

Loaders:  Kaleb, Peyton

1) Hadn't even clocked in when Bob called my name and told me I'd be covering Millwork, Electrical, and Plumbing, including the Pro Desk!  HA!

2) Had a couple of entitled customers.

3) Learned we have a 'cashier' named Quanita, who apparently can't read or count, so she's been relegated to flower watering.  My question was, who filled out her app?  How did they hire her for this position?

Outfit:  Gold tee, faded jeggings, thin gold hoops

Day 49:  Cloudy, low 70s; 114 t/a

1) Had a shadow until 5:30; she used to work at Big Lots

2) Had an online return that wouldn't go through; had to send him to CS.

3) Didn't get sent to lunch until 8; then was sidelined by a customer needing help in Lights. Was supposed to go at 6:30, and was hoping for Thainamite.

4) Was uncommonly busy!  Didn't even get to do my LU.

Outfit: Yellow Fla tee, faded jeggings, sea horses

Off for the weekend!

From The Stupid Files: Y7, W13

Day 40:  Mostly sunny, low 80s, with late rain; 79 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Austin

Loader: Bright, Joe

1) Eric Moore was in, buying a LOT of clearance items; Kim J rang him up and it was after 5 before he left. Teased him about cleaning out the clearance aisle!

2) Bright thanked me for the GC and hugged me.

3) Saw TDS as I was going to lunch, and chatted for 5 mins.  Matt's getting married next month!  Still no mention of Gretchen's daughter....

4) Brayden knocked over my tumbler and BENT my straw.

5) Sold Brandon V the torn 10lb bag of concrete for $.50!

6) Discovered ASM Chris B is going to retire soon.

7) ASM Alex asked why I had a padlock on my lunchbox.....then was shocked when I told him WHY.

Outfit:  Blue MyLowesRewards tee, long capris, small gold textured hoops

Day 41: Chilly, 60s; 95 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Austin

Loader: DS Charlie

1) Customer wanted to swap out a battery, but we were out of that model, so when I went to refund/rebill, it for whatever reason didn't recognize his card, and when I offered store credit, he refused, then got angry and stormed to CS.

2) DS Charlie went to lunch; Joe was a no-show (found out later he's getting a heart monitor and will be out for a few days); everyone needed help.

    -Cust needed drywall.

    -Cust had 3 carts of lumber

    -Cust had an online order of lumber.

Ended up called Brayton down to help.

3) #1 was out of $1s, $5s, and $10s; HC said he'd get to it soon.  Never did; at 6, I gave up and stayed on #2.

4) Delivery driver wasn't sure where to go, even after I told him 3 times.

5) ASM Shan caught Brayton goofing off.

6) Sydney and I had to go bring in all the carts before we could leave. There was one LG cart; about 10 regular carts, and maybe 4 lumber ones.

Outfit:  Black/white shirt, dark jeggings, black danglies

Off tomorrow, to drive to Lafayette with DIL and granddaughters to see G'ma Sally and get the race tickets for Kyle and Dalton.

Day 42:  Sunny, low 70s; 94 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Austin

Loaders:  Brighton, DS Charlie, Kaleb

1) Customer who spoke little English ordered 75 boards.

2) At 6:30, had to call Bright up to help with the line; I had a customer who had a phone order.

3) Had a customer with an expired tax exempt account; sent them to CS to straighten it out.

4) Customer left 3 plants at #2 and never returned.

5) Card reader quit working; saved invoice and hopped to Pro Kath's register; everything worked. Returned to #1 for next customer; no issues with the card reader. Weird.

6) Customer returned a lot of wood, plus insulation. Three bundles were past the 90 day return policy; they had had it delivered to their house, and had a friend bring it back then leave. They had no way to get it back home. Sent them to CS to talk to ASM Shannon,

7) When the new HC-in-training, Isaac, arrived to send me to lunch, I was dealing with #6, then had a line. Stuck around until it cleared; hubby arrived with 3 lunchables, but I only kept two.  Put the other in fridge with 'free to good home' written on it.

Outfit: Blue/white tee, Crew neck Cabela's sweatshirt, dark jeggings, double heart danglies

Day 43:  Rare Sat; Rendezvous; partly cloudy, high 60s; 92 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Austin

Loaders:  DS Charlie, Bright, Conrad, Jax

1) Both Dawson and I were in Lumber.  He went to break at 4, and I was slammed.  I took my break at 5, he was busy, but not excessively.

2) Customer brought his cart back in, placing it right in the center of the aisle.

3) Customer returned plexiglass; pushed it behind the Pro desk.

4) Customer had black iron fittings; kept flipping them over with the bar code on the bottom, AND did this by the card reader. I finally had enough of it and picked it all up amd moved it closer.

5) I was only scheduled til 8:30, so while Dawson was covering a lunch at CS, I swept, mucked the mats, and pulled trash. At 8:30, I took the returns back and clocked out at 8:50.

Outfit:  Gray IN tee, dark jeggings, small gold hoops

Went to Denny's with Derek and his crew.   I was starving!

Alex is now with us for the summer and we'll see what happens in October.

Day 44:  Rare Sun Indy 500 Day; 83 t/a

ASM: Alex

HC:  Austin

Loaders:  Kaleb, DS Charlie, Charles

1) Syd left at 5 and the crowd arrived

2) Customer blocked me with a cart

3) Customer blocked me with a cart of wood

4) Customer tried to get free batteries with a Craftsman, not Dewalt for free

5) Had an entitled customer

6) Saw TDS!!!!  Joked around with him and J.

7) Learned 'Tito's real name; Queny (Kenny) Issario

8) Saw Aaron, my loader from last year!!

9) Card reader quit; had to reboot

10) There were no Zebras; had to use Syd's

11) HC A took tax exempts; 5 mins later, had another t/e customer!

12) DS Charlie bought me a Bueno bar:)

13) Had 2 customers after we closed.....the day I wanted to be done on time!

Outfit:  Rendezvous outfit, double pearls

Day was also a huge frustration point, b/c all month long I'd heard I would be able to watch the race on the Fox app FOR FREE....was able to watch online until NOON, when it quit. Downloaded the Fox 59 app on the TV, but they were showing the 5-8am stuff.  Gave up and went over to Rendezvous.....where they were out of both Chix and Dumplings AND the stuffed mushrooms!  Ate 3 hot dogs.

Came home and was able to watch the pre-race traditions, the start, and the first 6 laps on YouTube, then the display said to watch the rest on the app.  Will try again tomorrow.

I DO know Alex Palou won:)

From The Stupid Files: Y7, W12

Day 35: Rainy, high 60s; 96 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Kayla

Loaders: Joe, Peyton, Kaleb, Conrad

1) Customer licked his chip to clean it!

2) Customer's card wouldn't work; he finally answered the fraud alert, and then it worked.

3) Register went blank on me twice

4) Ran out of $1s and $5s

6) After lunch, I discovered someone had TP'd the handicapped stalls.

Outfit:  Red 'Sarcasm' tee, faded jeggings, thin gold hoops

Day 36: Rain, low 70s; 78 t/a

ASM: Chris

HC: Austin

Loaders: DS Charlie, Conrad

1) Eric Moore; heckled me while I rang him up. At one point, Pro Kath said we sounded like an old married couple!

2) Zebra wouldn't log me in

3) Zebra wouldn't load the Driver's License app; had to log out and log in on another device.

4) Ran out of $1s; would be on #2 for cash sales.

5) Customer reeked of pot

6) Had to explain the 40% discount for this week.

Outfit:  Blue LU tee, faded jeggings, thin gold hoops

Day 37: Sunny, low 80s; 84 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC: Austin

Loaders: DS Charlie, Joe

1} Tate had a tax exempt that didn't take

2) Customer's card refused; I saved the invoice; he returned a few mins later and had taken some items off.

3) Associate (male) didn't turn on his light; I was sweeping the floor (light was on!); customer approached him instead.

4) Customer interrupted himself 5 times; 5 half-sentences.

5) Nearly asked a customer if I could 'introduce' him to the Scrub Daddy, instead of 'interest'.

6) Customer was looking for CLAY vinyl fence; noticed the GRAY was similar; I invented a new color....GLAY!

7) While I was at lunch, Bray had only 2 customers; when I returned, had 2 customers in 10 mins.

Outfit:  Spare parts tee, long capris, small gold textured hoops.

Off tomorrow, for a trip to Lafayette:)

Day 38: Hot, mid 80s; 73 t/a

ASM: Chris

HC: Austin, Katelyn

Loaders: Brighton, Kaleb

1) Due to an unforseen detour, I was half an hour late getting to work. The ramp to I-74 was closed, so had to turn around at the 1st Danville, IL exit.

2) Didn't get to go to lunch until 8:15.

3) Cesar logged me out of my Zebra right before I went to lunch.

Otherwise, the evening was pretty good. Never got any rain, though TH and Sullivan was hit with golfball-sized hail.

Outfit: Vancouver Aquarium tee, long capris, sea horses

Off tomorrow!

Day 39: Rare Sun, Sunny, 80s; 99 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Kayla

Loader:  Brighton

1) Customer told me he missed me; the other woman was sassy.  "I sass you all the time...."  "Yes, but you're sweet."  Awwwwweeeee....

2) Customer tried to look up her card, but the connection was bad.

3) Dawson never took his returns back last night; I returned everything.

4) Final customer left at 8:15.

From The Stupid Files: Y7, W11

Day 31:  Rain, high 50s; 100 t/a

ASM:  Maria

HC:  Austin

Loaders: Jax, Conrad, Joe

1) We were very short-staffed; all the CS called in, as did our Garden cashier.  Joked Shelby and I hadn't gotten the memo!

2) Customer wanted to do a phone sale, but couldn't get the person on the phone.  Ended up saving the invoice while he kept trying to make contact, and rang up the others. Finally the person answered the phone, and it was taken care of.

Outfit: Ash gray IN sweatshirt, fuzzy sweater tee, new dark jeggings, small gold hoops.

Day 32: Warmer, high 70s; 65 t/a

ASM:  Chris

HC: Austin

Loaders:  Jax, Bright, Joe, Conrad

1) Was called in to help cover breaks; Switched places with Dawson.

2) Had 4 loaders????  WOW!

3) Customer returned insulation, but the return tab showed a different screen. Finally, Emma figured it out.

4) D came in just as Dawson sent me to break.

5) Customer had over $2K in purchases; said he was a Pro, but no phone #. Couldn't run it through VSP.

Outfit: Blue sequined tee, new dark jeggings, crystal 'tear' danglies

Day 33: Warmer, sunny, mid-70s; 85 t/a

ASM: Chris

HC:  Austin

Loaders:  Jax, Joe

1) Plywood had no tag; customer brought me another tag.

2) Shingles: Barcode was faded; had to search for several mins for right color.

3) Customer kept insisting she had a 'business account', then I figured out it was tax exempt. She kept telling me to look under the business name; finally found it under advanced search; the phone # wasn't the correct one. Then she wanted a pick up later, and was able to use her own phone # for that.

4) Irate customer b/c we paged 5 times for someone to help him in plumbing, but no one came. Loader Joe went with him to help out, and he was happier. ASM Chris was covering 4 departments, plus helping Fulfillment.

Outfit: Gray 3/4 sleeve hooded sweatshirt, faded jeggings, diamond flowers,

Off tomorrow, for Creative Market:)

Day 34:  Warmer, high 60s

ASM:  Alex

HC: Kaitlyn

Worked at ASCO from 3-9

1) Little old lady wanted me to check her out AND put her $$ in for her.

2) Customer had wire, then moved their cart; turned out they had a LOT more!  HC Sonia helped out at ASCO, since Halle was in Garden.

3) At 9pm. I went out with Brayden to get carts.....and there was a lot of 'em. Made at least 3 trips with regular carts; made 2 trips with the Lumber carts, and one with a Garden cart.  Went to the training room and did my LU, then clocked out around 9:45.

Outfit:  Brown blouse, faded jeggings, neutral danglies

Came home and pissed off the spouse when I informed him Nan and I were off to Branson in the morning.  Threw everything in the past 30 years in my face, calling me a selfish, manipulative b**ch and forget about giving me any help toward my medical bill; if I could afford a $200 trip to Branson, then I could catch up the $300 payment myself. Fine. Nobody's complaining, and I ASKED HIM if he wanted to go FIRST!

Yes, I have ZERO guilt about this trip. It's something I've always wanted to do, and I've saved my $$ to do this.  I'm sorry if that makes me selfish.  I've NEVER talked HIM out of doing anything he wanted to do. But by all means, call me selfish for taking a 24-36 hour trip out of town.  It's Mother's Day weekend; be happy I'm not asking you to take me out to eat or get me flowers!

May Goals

 -Lose 5 lbs (241)

-Do well at GSH Vendor Fair Sold 6:) 3 each day:)

-Do well at Columbus Comic Con Sold 6:)

-Enjoy the Indy Author Event Check!  Had a blast!

-Buy toilet roll holder! for MBa Check!

-Finish Ch 10 of Heart Song Check:)  Now onto Ch 11...

-Pay editor ($150) Sent $50

-Read 6 books Check:) Read 8

-Finish current e-book Check:)  Now onto the next one!

Books Read:  8

            Print:  5

        E-book:  3

             DNF:  0

2025 Events:

May 8th:  Creative Market, KCARC 1972, 4-7pm ($10) Sold 3:)

June 6th: Seymore Comic Con, Seymore, IN ($60-pd 5/16)

June 13-15th:  Superman Celebration, Metropolis, Il ($100) CANCELED

June 21st:  Farmer's Market ($15) and Pride (donation)

July 20-22nd:  Imaginarium, Louisville, Ky (Pd 9/12)

Aug:  Watermelon Fest ($60 due by 7/18)

Aug:  CCC ($25 due 6/15)

Aug:  Geek Con, Evansville Museum, Evansville, In ($40)

Sept 19-20th:  Cil-Con, Effingham, Il (Pd 12/29)

Sept 27th:  Book Nook Book Fair, Peoria, Il ($75 Pd 12/27)

Nov 12-16th:  ICGAHS ($700-making payments)

2026 Events:

April 11th:  Dreaming Dirty In Michigan (Pd $60; still owe $120)

Aug 8th:  Indy Author Event ($250) Pd $50 5/16

May Goals:

-Lose 5 lbs (241)

-Do well at Creative Market Sold 3:)

-Enjoy anniversary Check!  Dinner at Yamoto

-Enjoy Tropicon Branson Check!  Surprised friend Ava and had a GREAT time!

-Finalize Playing With Time and set release date

-Pay Editor, Cover Art (funds in savings), Geek Con, and Seymore Check! event

-Start getting Sara's room cleaned up 

-Buy new soap dish for MBa 

-Finish trim, lights, medicine cabinet, and shower guard in MBa 

-Make appt with foot dr about my right leg 

-Finish Ch 11 of Heart Song

-Pay editor ($150) Pd $100

-Add words to new fairy story

-Buy BP machine 

-Pay for Geek Con ($40)

-Pay down CC and start pecking away at med bills

-Read 6 books 

-Finish current e-book Check!

April Reading Schedule:  

Women of the Bible Speak-Shannon Bream Very good! Had forgotten about a few in the Old Testament.

Someone Else's Shoes-Jojo Moyes DRR!  Really enjoyed this!!!

Yesterday's News-Katie Cawood DRR!  Really enjoyed this and am looking forward to Breaking News!!

Moonshine Review-Barbara Evers, et al Really enjoyed a lot of these stories, including Barbara's!

Pieces of Her-Barbara Evers DRR!  Loved all the stories, and even cried while reading 2 or 3.

The Chosen:  I Have Called You By Name-Jerry B. Jenkins DRR!  Now I'd like to watch the series!

E-book:

Isn't She Lovely-Lauren Layne RR!  REALLY enjoyed this 'Pretty Woman'-like story!

Logan's Lessons-Tonya Ramagos DNF....skimmed it. Not really interested

Enemies On Tap-Avery Flynn Good story:)

The Fake Holdiay Romance-Tawdra Kandle Good story:)

From The Stupid Files: Y7, W10

 Day 28: Rain, mid 60s; 3 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Austin

Worked in Self Check Out for 4 hours; very bored.

What is it with people who push their carts to the 2nd door and pull everything out to take it to the car? Why not just do it at the register and let me move it?

My three T/As:

1) Customer had paving stones

2) Woman wanted to write a check

3) Customer wanted a pallet of mulch.  Just realized I forgot to charge him for the pallet.  Oops!

Had to take out all the doubleshots out of the lumber cooler, b/c HC A didn't realize they were curdled.

Outfit:  New dark blue Safety tee; long capris, thin gold hoops

Off tomorrow to go to Lafayette:)

Day 29: Overcast; low 70s

ASM:  Alex

HC: Austin

Loaders: Bright, Tate, Peyton

1) I needed an o/r and SM Matt was in Pro, but he didn't have his card on him, so he found Alex to do it. If Matt hadn't been there, I would have used the cheat sheet for the 10% off.

2) Discovered customers can no longer turn around and pay off their purchases; they have to wait 24 hrs.

3) Final customer of the day created an online quote, and wanted to pay for it. Problem was, I couldn't find it, and since we don't price-match our own website, I had to call Alex to work his magic.

Outfit:  Indy Author tee, long capris, small textured gold hoops

Day 30:  Rare Sun; Rain, low 50s; 30+ t/a

ASM: Maria

HC: Austin

Loaders:  Brighton, Joe, Peyton

1) There were 3 of us until 5. I took back returns and swept Aisle 20; Marilyn cleaned the counters. Basically, we tripped over each other for 2 hours, then when Marilyn and Sydney left, I got slammed.

2) None of the trash had been gathered Sat night.

3) I forgot to log out Marilyn, and when the register froze in the middle of a transaction, had to rescan EVERYTHING. Then it froze up again, but since I was logged in, the cart was recovered.

Outfit:  Star Wars tee, black l/s tee, new dark jeggings, small gold hoops

From The Stupid Files: Y7, W9

 Day 24: Warm, 70s; 84 t/a

ASM: Alex

HC: Austin

Loaders:  Joe, Jax

1) We're forced to be on #2 again. Neither Kem nor I are happy.

2) Beginning on the 24th (tomorrow), we have to enter our PIN to access Workday "for extra security"

3) At 5, I hopped back on #1, only to discover it was out of $5s and $10s.

4) Final customer left at 9:45.

Outfit:  Maroon blouse, dark jeggings, silver spirals

Day 25: Warm, high 70s; 87 t/a

ASM:  Maria

HC: Austin

Loaders:  ASM Charlie, Bright, Jax, Vince

1) Had to fill the soda cooler

2) Wasn't able to process a return; had to send them to CS

3) Rang up the wrong concrete; had to refund/rebill

4) Lunch was at 5, due to Ivree quitting (got another job) and Aven being fired (attitude or attendance, we don't know).

5) Customer did a return, then tried to buy more, but card declined. Ended up doing phone sale with his father.

6) Customer bought a nail gun, only to discover a USED one inside. Had him get another

7) Couldn't figure out how to print a loading ticket.

8) Final customer decided not to get 3-4 tools after all.

Outfit:  Black v-neck tunic, dark jeggings, thin gold hoops

Day 26:  Sunny, 80s; 81 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Austin

Loaders: Bright, Jax, Peyton

1) Was called in, so arrived at 4.

2) 1st customer:  2 boards wouldn't scan; one I could read, the other I couldn't. Meanwhile, former loader Tim heckled me, ha ha!

3) Thought a child belonged to another parent

4) Customer brought in roof tar; I thought it was paint. We laughed about it at check-out!

5) Had a trainee, so was able to clean and take back the returns before she left at 9:)

Outfit: Vegas tee, long capris, large gold hoops

Off the next two days, due to volunteering at the Indy Author Event in Carmel.

Day 27:  Rare Sun Sunny, high 60s; 90 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC: Sonia, Keri

Loader: Jax, Peyton, Joe

1) We were busy!

2) Discovered I can return several items at once on the same card, even if they're different transactions.

3) Alex has a 'super power'....since CV, he's had no sense of smell, but his nose recognized Jean's cologne, and he could find him, even though J was trying to hide!

4) Thought TDS was in line; 2nd look, wasn't him.

5) Joe brought up wrong battery for customer; found the correct one.

6) Customer thought he was going to have $2K for VSP, but the $1K vanity was out of stock, and so was the $500 ceiling fan.  Total was $491.

From The Stupid Files: Y7, W8

 Day 19:  Warm, sunny, low 70s; 94 t/a

ASM:  Maria

DS:  Kari

HC:  Austin

Loaders:  Charlie, Joe, Bright

1) Had trainee for the 1st hour:)

2) Ran out of $1s at 3:30; was on #2 until 9.

3) Military discount now working on Lumber???

4) Was short-staffed, so had to cut my lunch short by 10 mins.

5) Needed o/r, so hopped to 1 for 3 customers until ASM Shan arrived.

6) At 9pm, #2 was out of $10s,$5s, and $1s.  Went back to #1, where I stayed the rest of the night.

7) Final customer left at 9:10.

Outfit:  Palm tree sweatshirt, faded jeggings, sea horses

Off tomorrow for eye appointment, take Ned's SA box to him, and Behind The Brians at 7pm:)

Day 20:  Cold, windy, high 50s

ASM:  Maria

HC:  Austin

Loaders:  Joe, Bright, Vince

1) Was called in to work Garden 4-8, but ended up in Lumber til close

2) Was insanely busy for 1st hour!

3) Customer had 4 carts, but needed something else, so ended up on #2 until they found it.

4) Needed an o/r for discounted cabinets, so hopped to #2

5) Final customer wanted bulk gravel and sand; had issues finding it. Then found it, and did a refund/rebill.....but refunded the wrong item.  Oops!

6) Was putting away hangers, but couldn't find them. Dumped them in an almost empty box.

Outfit:  Mama Bear sweatshirt, faded jeggings, small diamond flowers

Day 21:  Sunny, mid-60s; 83 t/a

ASM:  Maria

HC:  Sonia

Loaders: Conrad, ASM Charlie

1) T showed up at 4, and I lost my mind; can't talk and make change at the same time.  Called me 'old friend'; he's lost 20 pounds and looks GREAT! Told me 'talk soon' and left.  Le sigh.....

2) Threw caulk, paintbrush, and $1 at people.

3) Did return, only the card was different than the one the customer used; consulted HC Sonia, who gave him cash, but the register never printed out a return slip.

4) Andrea was in a bad mood, b/c she'd been called in and "Adrianne took an hour and 10 min lunch'....I ended up getting back 5 minutes later.  She'd already logged off and left the minute she saw me.

5) I'd just locked the doors and opened the big door when a customer ran in, saying he only needed to get 2 boards.  He was in and out in 2 mins, before HC Sonia cleaned me out.

Outfit: Red hanky hem turtleneck, faded jeggings, tiny diamond and sapphire hoops

Day 22:  Warmer, low 70s; Floater duty 11-4; 36 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Kayla

Loaders:  Charles, Tate, Jax

1) Worked Lumber while Kem took her lunch break, and the new scanning the IDs for LCA have begun.  Had to do it twice.

2) Worked LG while Robin took her break, and BOY have things changed! Had issues finding the mulch and pavers.  Rain showed up for about 10 mins, which thankfully drove everyone out of LG!  Had to learn to use the Zebra to page, instead of the phone. Bleh.

3) Took my 15 min break, then worked Self-check out for 15 mins until Andrea returned.  Had issues helping a customer insert his $$; forgot to press 'cash' 1st.  Geez.....

4) Went to lunch, then an intestinal attack hit as I was clocking back in.  Had to clock out at 4 and go home after cleaning out the coffee pot and spotting Jax in aisle 20.

Outfit:  Blue Whitehorse sweatshirt, faded jeggings, tiny sapphire hoops

Day 23:  Sunny, mid-70s; 90 t/a

ASM:  Chris

HC:  Austin

Loader: Jax, Vince

1) Was called in around 12:30, to work 3-close; Halle called in.

2) My dustpan was MIA; found it as I was leaving at Fashion Bath desk.

3) Had to return SOS order; wasn't sure I'd done it correctly.

4) Thai truck was there, but didn't have any expendable $$.  THOUGHT about it though!

Outfit:  Brown gauze blouse, faded jeggings, sapphire hoops

Will I get called in again tomorrow????

From The Stupid Files: Y7, W7

 Day 15:  Cold, sunny, high 40s; 104 t/a

ASM:  Chris

HC:  Austin

Loaders:  Bright, Vince, Jax

1) Discovered someone pilfered FOUR MORE of my lunchables!  Questioned Matt, who denied it.  So either Kerri's lying or there's another thief in the store.

2) Needed an o/r for a countertop; no one came. Hopped over to Pro Kath's register and as soon as I logged on, the customer next in line turned and headed up front.  *shrug* Helped the next four until Dean told me 'never mind' and just paid the wrong price.

3) When I went to lunch at 8, Theresa bought me a lock for my lunchbox.  Pretty bad when I have to have a lock on my PERSONAL lunchbox in the fridge.

4) HC Austin said he'd never seen me mad.  "Oh, I am LIVID!  One I can forgive; 2 raises my eyebrows, but 4?  PISSED OFF!"

Outfit:  Crew neck Cabela's sweatshirt, white mock turtleneck, new dark jeggings, small textured hoops

Day 16: Windy, high 50s, rain; 82 t/a

ASM: Chris

HC: Austin

Loaders:  Bright, Jax

1) Ran out of $1s and quarters; had to be on #2 until 6:30.

2) Window wouldn't ring up; 'not found'.  Called Bright; he tried to fix it and needed an o/r. ASM Chris said we're no longer using the old Genesis code, but overrode it and had him send an email to Crystal, due to 5 more being on the shelf. Chris also authorized 10% off, but the military code wouldn't take it off, so he had to o/r it again.

3) Bill locked his keys in his car, so while he was waiting for his wife to bring the spare set, I had him take back a few returns and my trash to the hopper:)  Then told his wife to tell him to take her to Denny's, lol....

Outfit:  Gray leopard stripe, black vest, white mock turtle, new dark jeggings, small gold hoops

Off tomorrow to go to Lafayette!

Also talked to Holly about my hours; she said they should pick up next month. Projections aren't predicting heavy sales until maybe next week or so.

HC Austin's birthday is this weekend; told him I'd bring him cupcakes on Mon!

Day 17: Warmer, high 50s; 48 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Austin

Loaders:  Joe, Bright

1) Came home from Lafayette, and stopped in to drop off my Hershey kisses and to use the facilities.  HC A was in the breakroom and asked if I wanted to work.  I said sure, so parked my car, called the SU and told him I was at work. Sent Dawson to Garden after we busted the line.

2) Only worked a 4 hour shift, but still got a 15 min break.

3) At 9:45, Dawson had nothing to do, so I let him take over the register while I returned items to Plumbing, Hardware, and OSLG. Clocked out at 10, then picked up the SU and went to Denny's.  I was starving!

Outfit:  Cozy blanket sweatshirt, white mock turtle, new dark jeggings, thin gold hoops.

Off tomorrow for Marci's wedding!

Day 18:  Palm Sunday Warmer, high 60s/low 70; 80 t/a

ASM: Shannon

DS:  Keri

HC:  Kayla

Loader:  Joe, Conrad (new guy)

1) Accidentally told my cousin about his mom's mild stroke, when Uncle B wasn't telling him, b/c he's in Italy.  Oops....Uncle B called me; I apologized, then apologized to my cousin W, then later MOM scolded me via text.

2) Halle left at 5, and suddenly everyone descended on me, PLUS needed a forklift for 20 mins:

    -Deck boards needed brought down

    -Needed 34 sheets of drywall

    -Pallet of concrete

    -Order needed loaded (Lady was upset she had to load her own 8 bags of concrete, plus find the stakes!)

3) Needed an o/r; hopped to #2 until HC Kay arrived

4) Ran out of $1s at 6:30; fortunately had enough quarters to cover it

5) Customer DROOLED while paying....ugh!

Outfit:  Bless This Mess sweatshirt, new dark jeggings, silver crosses

Quiet Reminder.....

 "Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" (Matthew 6:26 RSV)

"For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgement." (2 Timothy 1:7 RSV)

"....he saved us, not because of righteous things we have done, but because of his mercy." (Titus 3:5 NIV)

Why did I quote those three verses?  They popped up in my Daily Devotions this weekend.

The 1st one was about having FAITH in our Lord, and what is happening in our lives.  Since joining social media in 2009, I've accidently alienated dear friends with my conservative stance, and over the years learned to skip over posts I didn't agree with.  

This is becoming harder and harder.

I clung to my faith during the Obama years, praying nonstop that no one would be seriously injured, due to the fact we'd lost our Union insurance and didn't qualify for HIP (medicaid-we made $200 too much). It was either buy short-term insurance that was around $2-300/month, but didn't pay ANYTHING, or cough up $650/mo for the 'Obamacare', and change doctors. In other words, did we want pain in the wallet up front, or make payments to the medical team?

We opted to make payments to the hospital. Thankfully, it came with zero interest, and payments were only around $50/mo. When you're on unemployment and waiting to be approved for disability, this was doable.  When disability and his early retirement arrived, things got WAY better.

Then 2016 happened, and I saw half my friends on social media start to get really ugly with posts. Five years later, I watched in shock as 'common sense' policies went out the window, and I clung to my faith.  I decided that maybe God was letting it happen, in order to show our country what happens when you take this route and PRAYED that 1) that's what was happening and things would swing back to 'normal' and 2) the horrific Elder Abuse we were watching would finally be over.

#2 is now coming to light, but in no way, shape, or form are things back to 'normal'.

I guess this is the new 'normal', where half the country has lost their minds and the other half is getting their opinions drowned out.

It's become an 'us-against-them' mentality, with people so afraid of what they're seeing in the news they're reverting to childhood tactics....hiding in basements while the storm passes or becoming bullies.

I feel like I'm a child of divorce.....Mom wants this, but Dad wants that, and if I pick a side, I'll lose out on a great relationship.

Can we just STOP?  Half the country is acting on pure EMOTION, while others are fact-checking, deciding for themselves and praying for guidance.

Where is the faith in our leaders? Where is YOUR faith?

When I say 'faith', I don't mean to hole up and do nothing BUT pray.  Faith is also an ACTION; if you feel compelled to protest, campaign for your leader of choice, then by all means go for it. Just stop with the attacks on those who disagree with you.

WE CAN AGREE TO DISAGREE AND STILL BE FRIENDS!!!!!

I can still love and support you as a friend while silently disagreeing with your choices.

Just because I don't jump on your bandwagon doesn't mean I don't respect your right to your point of view.  Is it too much that I ask you respect mine in return?

I love social media. I love the fact that I can stay in touch with friends who have moved away without depending on letters or phone calls. I miss reading blogs, but yeah, people have shorter attention spans, and I myself don't have the time to write a daily blog anymore.  I barely have enough time to do the three per month on Patreon! Did you notice I didn't post my monthly goals until FRIDAY the FOURTH? Yeah, I was a little busy. Between the Evening Job, the trying to get my 38th book written, promotion events, watching my shows on Peacock, Paramount, and YouTube, and trying to keep my stress level under control.....that doesn't leave a lot of time left in the day.  Even now, I should be working on Ch 10 of Heart Song but felt compelled to write this instead.

I don't know what the future holds.  I don't know if I'm the right side of history. All I can do is continue to have faith, much like my grandparents did during the Great Depression.

Which brings up another point.....Mark Levin said a great deal of our 'wrong policies' began under FDR....I always admired the way he presided over his 12 years.  Although a couple of years ago I found a biography of Eleanor and FDR and had to laugh b/c they bought a school bus for a school district, and when it broke down, the school district sent it back to the White House instead of fixing it themselves!!!

Think about it. If you're given something you didn't 'earn', how do you value it?  My kids, if their toys were broken, they were tossed and not replaced, unless Grandma bought a replacement. But if THEY bought it with their allowance? It was prized.

Welfare was NEVER supposed to be a way of life, yet over the years, it's become one. I hear countless stories of young girls wanting to get pregnant so they can leave their dysfunctional homelife, get on welfare, and apply for government housing. And the cycle continues....

I've heard of good employees being given a raise, only to have them quit, because their raise causes them to LOSE their housing/welfare checks.

How wrong is THAT?  Instead of moving up in a company and earning $$, you'd rather get it from the government???

I wasn't raised that way, and fought it my entire 30+ years of being on my own and marriage.  Yes, we had to get food stamps once but used it WISELY and once the spouse was back to work, we happily said goodbye to it. Yes, I also enjoyed the brief time we were on Medicaid. But once the union insurance kicked in, I was happy I no longer had to make the yearly trip downtown.

Okay, I'm getting off my soapbox now.  I need to eat and swap out my laundry, plus LEAVE in 15 mins.

April Goals

 WOW....March was a busy month!

-Lose 5 lbs (beginning 245) According to BKM's scale, I've lost 4:)

-Get taxes prepared Check!  Getting refund from both!  Oh happy day:)

-Have fun at ICC (panelist) Check!  Had a blast!

-Do well at SI Con Sold 6:)

-Do well at BRC Sold 6:)

-Finish Ch 9 of Heart Song Check! Began Ch 10

-Read 6 books Read 5....3 print, 2 e-book

-Finish current e-book Check:)  Now onto the next one!

 Books Read:  5

            Print:  3

        E-book:  2

             DNF:  0

2025 Events:

April 3-4th:  GSH Vendor Fair Sold 6:)  3 each day:)

April 5th:  Bartholomew Co Comic Con Sold 6:)

April 26th: Indy Author Event (volunteer)

June 13-15th:  Superman Celebration, Metropolis, Il ($100)

June 21st:  Farmer's Market ($15) and Pride (donation)

July 20-22nd:  Imaginarium, Louisville, Ky (Pd 9/12)

Aug:  Watermelon Fest ($60 due by 7/18)

Aug:  CCC ($25 due 6/15)

Aug:  Geek Con, Evansville Museum, Evansville, In ($40)

Sept 19-20th:  Cil-Con, Effingham, Il (Pd 12/29)

Sept 27th:  Book Nook Book Fair, Peoria, Il ($75 Pd 12/27)

Nov 12-16th:  ICGAHS ($700-making payments)

2026 Events:

April 11th:  Dreaming Dirty In Michigan (Pd $60; still owe $120)

April Goals:

-Lose 5 lbs (241)

-Do well at GSH Vendor Fair Sold 6:) 3 each day:)

-Do well at Columbus Comic Con Sold 6:)

-Enjoy the Indy Author Event Check!  Had a blast!

-Start getting Sara's room cleaned up 

-Buy new soap dish and toilet roll holder Check! for MBa 

-Finish trim, lights, medicine cabinet, and shower guard in MBa 

-Make appt with foot dr about my right leg 

-Finish Ch 10 of Heart Song Check:)  Now onto Ch 11...

-Pay editor ($150) Sent $50

-Add words to new fairy story

-Buy BP machine 

-Pay for Geek Con ($40)

-Pay down CC and start pecking away at med bills

-Read 6 books Check:)

-Finish current e-book Check:)  Now onto the next one!

April Reading Schedule:  

Wreck The Halls-Tessa Bailey DRR!  Really loved this one!!!  Calling it a MUST READ!

Loving Out Loud-Michael DeCamp Very good!!!  Going to blog about it:)

When My Heart Speaks-Steven Petty Very good!  Loved several of his poems:)

From Here To The Great Unknown-Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough Actually read this one a few months ago; just didn't document it

Same Time Next Summer-Annabel Monaghan DRR!  Really enjoyed this!

E-book:

Switched-Cassie Mills DRR!  Really enjoyed this one!

His Brother's Baby-Blanche Merriott Good story:)

Hunted-Jill Kaelin Interesting, unique story