From The Stupid Files: Y7, W45

Day 180 President's Day: Warmer, mid 50s; 92 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Madi

Loaders:  Isaiah, Conrad

1) Customer asked about their card balance, but didn't have their card.  I had a line, so asked if they'd mind waiting a few mins; they couldn't, but left the same time as my last customer in the line.

2) Customer tapped his card, but couldn't remember his PIN.  Inserted it and suddenly remembered it!

3) Customer claimed their horrible-looking heating element came from the brand new water heater. But since they didn't have their reciept, and learning we'd have to call a manager, decided to just buy a new one.

Outfit:  Bless This Mess sweatshirt, patterned leggings, new faded jeggings, black danglies

Day 181:  Warmer, 50s; 81 t/a

ASM:  Maria

HC:  Madi

Loaders:  Jax, Isaiah

1) Customer wanted windows, but they were special order and not available until March 4th. He wanted them next week. Told him I'd already entered his military discount; set up the phone sale, and he types his PHONE NUMBER instead of the card #, then cancelled it, causing me to set it up again. THEN noticed the two sodas and at least one candy bar not paid for, but by that time, I didn't care. I just wanted him to leave.

2) The wind was so cold coming through the doors, I wore my coat after lunch.

Outfit:  Blue Whitehorse sweatshirt, patterened leggings, new faded jeggings, thin gold hoops

Off the next three days!  Mom on Wed, taking truck for service Thurs, and getting Ned's laundry on Fri.

Day 182:  Rare Sat Colder, 40s; 120 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Madi

Loaders:  Jax, Isaiah

1) Was called in at 2

2) First thing I did was help a customer pick up 2 sheets of OSB and his water heater from an overturned cart

3) We were BUSY from 2-4!

4) Saw Casey; he's trying to come back!!!

5) Shannon was irritated when I told her the interviewee was ready; "I KNOW!"

6) Emma is transferring to Millwork

7) Customer didn't understand the difference between square foot and linear foot

8) I didn't discover someone had made coffee until 8pm; Isaiah watched the register while I emptied it.

Outfit:  Blue Cozy blankets sweatshirt, white s/s turtleneck, patterned leggings, new faded jeggings, small gold hoops

Day 183:  Rare Sun

From The Stupid Files: Y7, W44

Day 174: Chilly, 40s and falling; 94 t/a

ASM: Shannon

HC:  Madi

Loader:  Conrad

1) Had 64 of those transactions the 1st 3 hours!

2) Told customer the register was running slow; his response?  "Must be a woman." I gritted my teeth.

3) Emma and I were called out on the surveys...."Molly greeted us with a smile and was very helpful."

4) ASM Shannon was mad at close b/c we didn't hear her page for assistance in Receiving at the trash area.

Outfit:  Blue Cozy Blankets sweatshirt, white s/s mock turtleneck, patterned leggings, new faded jeggings.

Day 175: Warmer, low 60s; 76 t/a

ASM:  Keri

HC: Madi

Loaders:  Jax, Isaiah

1) 7 was the 'chosen' quantity of the night!  Even talked another customer into getting 7 boards:)

2) Joked with a customer about 'hard to find good help these days'

3) Customer wanted to get to $2K to get the VSP discount; bought me a candy bar!

4) At 8:30, #1 froze up; had to reboot it.

5) Sold another copy of Heart Song:)

6) Thought I was going to be late, but was able to clock in at 3:06. Was late getting back from appt in E'ville.

Outfit:  Black/gray leopard stripe l/s tee, black vest, patterned leggings, new faded jeggings, thin gold hoops

Day 176:  Cooler, mid 40s; 83 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Madi

Loaders:  Isaiah, Conrad

1) Was asked to come in at 2

2) Customer broke my pink pen

3) Was sent to break at 5:10-25; then lunch at 5:45-6:45

4) A dad was stern to his kids; I almost asked the wife if she felt safe when she was also stern to the kids.

5) Picked up Finn's shifts for this weekend, and the 22nd.

Outfit: Olive stripe tee, black vest, patterned leggings, new faded jeggings, small gold textured hoops

Day 177:  Cooler, mid 40s; 74 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Kaitlyn, Austin

Loaders:  Jax, Isaiah

1) Was asked to come in at 2:30

2) Customer wanted water heater; didn't realize he could go get it off the shelf!

3) My alarm failed; took an hour and ten min lunch!

Outfit:  Palm tree sweatshirt, patterned leggings, new faded jeggings; sea horses

Day 178:  Rare Sat Valentine's Day Rain, 50s; 133 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Kaitlyn, Madi

Loaders:  Jax, Isaiah

1) Took Finn's shift, 11-5:30, then worked my own.

2) Got a credit app!

3) At one point, was on 3 registers:

     -#1 needed o/r;

     -#3 wouldn't take cash and Izzy was on #2

     -#2 Hopped on after Izzy was finished!

4) Things slowed down around 3.

5) Had intestinal issue around 1.

Outfit:  Red turtleneck, black vest, patterned leggings, new faded jeggings; thin gold hoops, diamond tennis bracelet, headband with white bow and red hearts.

Day 179:  Rare Sun Warmer, high 40s; 118 t/a

ASM:  Maria

HC:  Kaitlyn, Madi

Loader:  Jax

1) Took Finn's shift, 12-4:30, then my own.

2) Was TIRED all day!

3) Customer's rewards wouldn't show up after scanning her QR code. Finally it did after 5th try!

4) Was telling everyone 'have a good evening' all day

5) Customer took the pallet without paying for it

6) Izzy was fired because of her snow days.  WTH???\

7) Pam greeted me with the news that #2 was $200 OVER.  Told her we got a Valentine's day donation???

Outfit:  Blue crew neck Cabela's sweat shirt, red polo, patterned leggings, new faded jeggings, diamond hoops

Super Bowl LX: Seattle Seahawks vs New England Patriots aka 'Punt Bowl 2.0'

Last time these two teams met in the Big Game, Seahawks led until the 4th quarter, when Brady dialed it in and came back to win.  I had to wear my daughter's Patriots jersey all day Monday.  But now, Brady's retired.  So Seahawks for the win!

Good job Coco, singing the 'other anthem'.  I don't know why people felt the need to add it.  We're all Americans.  Should I start calling myself 'Scots-Irish American'?  *eye roll*

Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Manning Brothers, Tom Brady, and Jalen Hurt! 

Green day in da house!

Never saw a pregame concert before.....

Chris Pratt announces Seahawks!

Jon Bon Jovi announces the Pats!

Hopper movie looks soooo funny!

OMG....Manscapes jumped the shark....REALLY?  Talking discarded facial, body, and other hair???

Who is Brandi Carlisle? Good voice...

Charlie Puth singing Nat'l Anthem!  Whoot!  Glad to see players with hands over their hearts....and NO ONE KNEELING! (at least that I could see)

Oh jeez...another Scream movie?

Coin Toss:  Joe Montana flips it; NE wins the toss.

Another alien movie in June....

1st Qtr:

Pats kick off to Seatle

FG Seahawks, 3-0

FINALLY, a good commercial!  Halfway to State Farm, ROFL!

Pats QB sacked!

Pats had to punt.

LOVE the Instacart and Ultra beer commercials!

Insta:  Performers flipping around on stage aka Benson Boone

Ultra:  Kurt Russell training young skier with Eye of the Tiger playing:)

Hawks punt.

Pats QB sacked again!  Pats punt.

No clue what that Brad Pitt movie is....

What commercial was THAT?  'You shouldn't have ads when talking to AI'??

Gah...they made Ted into a SERIES??

Hawks punt...

End Of 1st Qtr:  3-0, Seahawks

2nd Qtr:

Awwww.....LOVE the Layes commercial!

Emma Stone and Squarespace???

Minions!

Whoot!  Adam Vinatarie in the Hall of Fame!  (used to be Colts kicker)

FG Hawks!  6-0

TMobile and Backstreet Boys!

LMAO!  Coke bears choose Pepsi!  Anyone complaining about it needs to get a life.  It's funny!

NE punts

Love the Won't You Be My Neighbor:)

Interesting Levi's commercial....

Flag #1:  False start

Haws punt....is this going to be another Punt Bowl?

LOL...Uber Eats....goalpost:  Fork; Hall of Fame:  Juicer!

Bosch:  Like Guy Fieri!

NE punts

OMG....Liquid Death...'take a look at your pee'....stay hydrated!

LOVED Good Will Dunkin!

Bueno!  "no bueno is the reason why we havent' destroyed Earth!"

FG Hawks!  9-0

*eye roll*  Kendall Jenner deciding no mor B-ball players and now Football players?

Bud Lite and Peyton Manning!

Flag #2:  Incomplete pass??

Halftime:

BB in a suit....

TPUSA I can understand the words!

BB:  Wheatfield for 'stage', and scantily clad, big breasted women dancing provactatively.

TPUSA:  No dancing, just a singer I can understand, since the music isn't overpowering her voice.

BB:  Wedding reception???

TPUSA:  Did I miss Kid Rock?  TPUSA was beginning at 8; 1st half didn't end til 8:15.

BB:  'plants' Puerto Rico flag. Dude, your crotch is still there....no need to check it....

I'll agree with your billboard:  "The only thing more powerful than hate is love"

TPUSA:  592K!

Now Kid Rock!  

The guy on the cello looks like he's from TSO....

Who's Robert Ridge?

"If you've got a chance, take it."

3rd Qtr:  

FG Hawks:  12-0!

LMAO!  Gronk:  "Relax your ass'...get a blood test for Prostate Cancer"

Google Gemini....interesting.

NE:  Punts

Poppi vibes?  Weird...

Love the Pokemon!

Hawks QB sacked

Hawks punt

Pringles with Sabrina Carpenter making a man out of the chips...*eye roll*

Budweiser:  Cute!  Eagle chick and Clydesdale colt growing up together!

NE QB Sacked 4th time!

NE Punts

LOVED Xfinity Jurassic Park!

Grubhub with George Clooney..."GH will eat the fees!"

One Hawks player out with possible concussion

Hawks punt

Flag #3:  Pass interference

First Turnover:  Hawks recover fumble!

'you are my friend, you are special" Cute!

What's Tree Hut?

4th Qtr:

Damn....SO CLOSE to Hawk's TD!

FINALLY HAWKS TD!!!!!  18-0!!!!

FG good; 19-0!!

LOL...Chris Hemsworth and Alexa....

*eye roll* Salesforce....scan the QR code and solve the puzzles to win $1 Million.

Fight!  No penalties, no ejections, though NE Diggs is on the sideline

NE TD!!!!!  19-6!

FG good....19-7

LMAO!  'Meal' Diamond, dispensing Hellman's Mayo!

WHEN did they change the rules for kick off?  Used to be the entire front line, but now, it's just one kicker....and no one moves until the catch is caught?  Is this to deter the onside kick?

No concussion for Hawks player; back in the game.

Hawks punt

Interception!!!!  Hawks ball!!!

FG Hawks:  22-7

INTERCEPTION from a blitz....TOUCHDOWN Hawks!  28-7!

FG Good!  29-7

Flag:  Ball not ready

Flag:  Offense Holding

Touchdown Pats!  29-13

2 Pt conversion, no good as two players collide.

No Hawks TD....Flag:  Holding

Hawks punt

NE QB sacked; Flag, defense offsides

Flag:  Defense Illegal Use of Hands

SEAHAWKS WIN!!!  29-13:)

From The Stupid Files: Y7, W43

Day 171: Cold, 30s; 51 t/a

ASM:  Keri

HC: Austin

Loaders:  Jax, Isaiah

1) Couldn't clock in; UKG down.  Came back online around 7

2) #1 went wonky, so had to shut it down.  Was on Pro Kath's register and #2 for cash until #1 came back online.

3) Customer who left a doorknob earlier actually came back for it:)

Outfit:  Mama Bear sweatshirt, Hallmark movie tee, patterned leggings, new faded jeggings, red head wrap.

Off tomorrow; going to painting class with Elaine:)

Day 172: Cold, low 20s with wind; 67 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Austin

Loaders:  DS Charles, Jax

1) Customer acted grumpy when I asked about the Rewards

2) Was able to do AP4Me and LU, plus print out paystub

3) Needed o/r  and while I waited, rang up customers on Pro Kathy's register AND #2 for cash

4) FRIGID wind coming through the door!

Outfit:  Dark gray IN sweatshirt, Hallmark movie tee, patterned leggings, new faded jeggings, red head wrap, small diamond flowers

Off tomorrow!

Day 173:  Rare Sat Cold, 20s; 41 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Madi

Loaders: DS Charles, Jax

1) Customers had returns on 3 different receipts; had 4 boards out of an 8 pk that I could NOT return.

2) New Thank You slips to hand out (thanks a lot, Raven...)

3) Finn fired b/c she gave out her discount card to her b/f???  

4) Couldn't get a ride home; had to call Nancy.

5) Had 4 customers right at closing!

Outfit:  North Pole Book Club sweatshirt, red polo, patterned leggings, new faded jeggings, thin gold hoops, blue fingerless gloves.

Off tomorrow for Super Bowl!

February Goals

That damn groundhog saw his shadow!  'HE' did 'say' he was 139 years old.....I think he's senile and wanted to go back to bed!  Someone get a younger groundhog and BRING HIM OUT IN THE SHADE!!!  I still think it's the camera lights causing this phenom....

With that off my chest, how was your January?  Your first start of 2026?  It has sucked donkey balls in Indiana.  We've been hit with a foot of snow the last two weeks and bitter cold temps. This month's not looking so great either.  I wasn't that productive either; holing up in front of the computer and catching up on past seasons of Survivor.

-Lose 5 pounds (start 244) Maintaining

-Fill out passport paperwork and turn it in Not yet....

-Find out about passport photo Not yet....

-Publish Heart Song (e-book) Check!  Jan 2nd

-Publish Heart Song (paperback) Check!  Jan 6th

-Order inventory (Heart Song Check!, Teacher's Pet Check!, Catered Romance, Playing With Time Check!, Defending Destiny Check!)

-Redo font in Hotel Stories and republish In progress....

-Finish watching Survivor 44-41 Check!  All caught up:)

-Find House on other streaming platform and finish SE2 Bleh...looks as if I'll have to subscribe to Prime.

-Be able to wear tennis shoe on right foot again Have to wear croc 'clog' on rt foot; dress shoe wearing out!  1/13:  Check!

Health:  Foot wound has healed!  Was in a bit of pain after the early Jan appointment, and had to up my pain meds.  Called Dr. S and begged him to prescribe something stronger, which he did, but the pain finally settled down and haven't had to take one yet.  Went back to the dr last week (Jan 27th) and leg wounds are continuing to shrink!

Van Update:  Due to the foot of snow we received, van is currently residing in the car port with a foot of snow on it.  Plans are to investigate further once the weather warms up.  Which at this point, could be late March. Fortunately, Mom and I coordinated and I can order her supplies from Walmart and Amazon.  But we still need our hair cut!

Books Read:  5

            Print:  4

        E-book:  1

             DNF:  0

2026 Events:

Feb 7th:  Winter Creative Market, 1972 KCARC Sold 3:)

March 11-12:  GSH Spring Vendor event ($50) Might have to skip the 11th, if drs appt is right!

March 7th:  Winter Creative Market, 1972 KCARC

March 13-14th:  Big River Comics, Hannibal, MO ($122) Looking doubtful....Cancelled

April 11th:  Dreaming Dirty In Michigan (Pd $160 still owe $20) Looking doubtful...

April 18th:  Saluki Con, Carbondale, IL ($50?)

June 5-7:  Indy Comic Con (Panelist)

June 12-14:  Superman Celebration, Metropolis, IL OR Pride

July 17-19:  Imaginarium, Louisville, KY (Pd 8/2025)

Aug 8th:  Indy Author Event ($250; Pd $50 5/16 still owe $200)

Aug 22nd:  Lafayette Comic Con, Tippecanoe Co Fairgrounds, Lafayette, IN ($40)

Sept 12th:  StompCon, Fowler, IN

Nov 11-15:  ICGAHS

Nov 28th:  Creative Holiday Market, 1972 KCARC

Dec 2-3rd:  GSH Christmas Vendor Event ($50)

February Goals:

-Lose 5 lbs (start 244)

-Do well at Winter Market Sold 3:)

-Republish Rex

-Fill out passport paperwork and turn it in

-Find out about passport photo

-Watch Olympics (Milan, Italy)

-Watch Super Bowl (Pats vs Seahawks) Seahawks win!  29-13:)

-Have an enjoyable Valentine's Day Check!  Worked 9 hours

-GET VAN FIXED!!

-Add words to Dragon story and Hallmark-inspired story

-Create new website

-Buy new soap dish for MBa 

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

-Pay down CC and start pecking away at med bills

-Read 6 books

-Finish current e-book 

Feb Reading Schedule:  

Kingdom of Ambrosia:  Soul Walkers-Howlett and Dixon No idea where this book went.

The Chosen 3:  And I Will Give You Rest-Jerry B Jenkins DRR!  Excellent!

Fiction Favorites:

-Welcome To Murder Week-Karen Dukess

-I Need You To Read This-Jessa Maxwell

-Yours, Eventually- Nora Maznavi

-Perfect Storm-Paige Shelton

The President and the Freedom Fighter- Brian Kilmeade

Die Laughing-Benjamin Oneal

Someone Like You-Karen Kingsbury

George Washington's Secret Six-Brian Kilmeade

Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates-Brian Kilmeade

Bride-Ali Hazelwood

The Good, The Bad, and the Aunties-Jesse Q Sutanto

The Hating Game-Sally Thorne

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

-29

E-book:

Murder In Disguise-Sandra Sookoo Can't find????

Peonies For Paige-Kasey Kennedy Ended up enjoying it, around Ch 23:)  Had a slow start, but picked up speed, then couldn't put it down.

Carbon Copy-Terri Ventures

Naughty and Nice-Phoebe Alexander

Defending Devon-Shannon West

Twins-RG Miller

Dare To Love-Sandy Sullivan

The Lust Boat-Roz Lee

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 ($5)

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

Love Realized-Melanie Codina

Love Resisted-Melanie Codina

Assumptions-Melanie Codina

One The Run-Jade C. Jamison

Decker-AD Ellis

Sawyer-AD Ellis

Monster Among The Rose-Linda Kage ($6)

Flower of Heaven-Julien Ayotta

Dangerous Bloodlines-Julien Ayotta

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

Hopeful In Yellow-Sandra Sookoo

Magic In Mayflowers-Sandra Sookoo

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

Paging Dr, Breakup-Jillian David

The Girl Vanished-Jessica Ann (Jessie Clever)

The Lost Summers-Jessica Ann (Jessie Clever)

Ballad of Us-Sasha Marshall

Naughty, Nice, Never Been Kissed-Cassidy Hudspeth

A Party To Die for-Kerry Schafer