Life In Lumber: Y6, W21

Day 87:  Hot, 80s

Was asked to come in at 4, so did, and was only slightly busy for the 1st hour.  Did the prelim duties, then was slammed until 6. Did my AP4Me and LU, then took a pit stop. Chas sent me to lunch at 7:20; returned items to Aisle 10 and Paint first. After my 30 min lunch, returned and fronted soda. At 8:30, pulled trash and sanitized the coffee bar and registers. Wiped off the top of the Pepsi cooler. Final customer arrived at 9:55. Locked the doors; Loader Joe took the trash and brought in the concrete. After HC Shel cleaned me out, returned items to Electrical and Flooring. Put up my vest, took another pit stop, and clocked out at 10:20.

Outfit:  Black SWICC tee, faded cut off capris, treble clefs

Day 88: Hot, 90s

Arrived; Alice had left at 4. Did the prelim duties and was fairly busy for an hour, then the customers just trickled in. Did my LU and swept the floor. Jacie sent me to break at 8:30. When I returned, finished sweeping the floor, pulled trash, sanitized the registers and coffee bar, and helped Jacie fill the soda coolers. After ASM Charlie brought in the concrete and OSB, I took the trash to the hopper and returned 4 pieces of wood to Aisle 49. Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Gold tee, faded cut off capris, sapphire hoops

Day 89: Hot, 90s

Was asked to come in at 4, and once I arrived, had very little'down' time. Did manage to get my LU done and my paystub printed out, and the place swept. Didn't get to go to break until 9. After I locked the doors at 10, HC Kay cleaned me out. Brought in 9 carts, then Loader Joe brought in the concrete and took the trash. Clocked out at 10:45.

Outfit:  Spare Parts tee, faded cut off capris, silver chains

Day 90:  Hot, 90s

Arrived at 4, and the 1st hour was busy. At 5, did the prelim duties and my LU. Spot-swept the floor, since my dustmop was AWOL. It rained somewhere between 6-7, but didn't last long. Pulled trash at 8:30, then Halle sent me to lunch at 8:45. When I returned, I spot-swept again and sanitized the coffee bar, listened to the Star Chamber. Locked the doors at 10, and Loader Harlan brought in the concrete and took my trash to the hopper. HC Shel cleaned me out; I put up my vest and took some items to RTM for Adrianne, while she took my item to OSLG. Fronted items in Aisle 10 with Dawson and Halle, then we all clocked out at 10:45.

Outfit:  Dept of having a good time tee, faded cut off capris, copper/larimar ovals 

Day 91:  Hot, 90s

Arrived and took over for Kem, then was busy for the next 2 hours. Did the prelim duties and LU, then was asked to get surveys. Got 2, but their phones "would only go to 7", so not sure it counts. Went to lunch at 7. When I returned, was busy putting away the soda, and pulled trash. Jaci sent me to break at 9, and when I returned, did a quick sweep and sanitized the coffee bar. Finished pulling trash. Locked the doors at 9:55; Loader Joe took the trash and brought in the concrete. Returned an item to Electrical, then put up my vest and took the leftover soda to the front. Clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit: Blue Vancouver Aquarium, faded cut off capris, sea horses

Off to Terre Haute tomorrow!

Life In Lumber: Y6, W20

 Day 84:  Hot, mid 90s

Arrived and joked I'd suffered from heat exhaustion just by walking from my car to the building! Took over for Kim; Alice was at self-checkout. Was busy; got 5 surveys in the 1st hour, and 9 by shift end:) Did the prelim duties; AP4Me; and LU. Discovered someone (corporate, maybe???) wants all dustmops to be at the back of the building. WTH?????  Will confer with ASM SCH on Wed. HC Kay gave me a pit stop break at 9, and when I returned, I sanitized the coffee bar and finished sweeping. Pulled trash; Loader Joe took it to the hopper, then brought in the concrete. I locked the doors at 10. Put up my vest and took returns back to Tools, Lights, Plumbing, Hardware, ISLG, and Aisle 1. Clocked out at 10:30.

In the you-never-know-who's-in-your-line file....had the OWNER of TX Rdhouse give me a $15 voucher. He'd asked me what I like to eat there, and when I told him I'd given up on the steaks, due to never getting mine cooked 'right', he told me to ask for him and he'd cook it for me personally:)

Outfit:  Gray-blue USA tee, dark cut off capris, blue sapphire hoops.

Am off tomorrow, to hang out with the grandkids while S and A got to Holiday World:)

Day 85: Hot, low 90s

Was called in early, due to Scott not feeling well.  Arrived at 2:30 to discover Alice in LG and Kem in a snit; said she wasn't going home until 3. I went back and did the Best Survey, then was paged as I was on the last question, and forgot to mention being upset over no quarterly bonus.  But I did bitch about the health care!

Went down and hopped on #2, then when we got the line busted, and Kem left at 3:15, I went back on #1. D arrived at 4, just as Alice came down and sent me to lunch. D slipped on the spilled sand and fell down; took me to Denny's. Came back an hour later; swept up the sand that Charles was asked to sweep, and couldn't find my dustmop. Talked to Mike and ASM Shan about D's fall. Clocked back in; Alice left; did prelim duties, then was busy until 7.  Spot-swept; pulled trash at 8:30, then had to have Loader Joe watch the register while I took a pit stop and tracked down the trash bags, because we had the wrong ones.  At 9, HC Austin sent me to break. Returned and spot-swept, sanitized the coffee bar; did my LU. Locked the doors; Loader Joe brought in the concrete; HC Austin cleaned me out; returned items to Plumbing, Tools, ISLG, and Hardware. Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:25.

Outfit::  USA Flowers, dark cut off capris, diamond studs

Tomorrow:  Dyeing my hair pink for Imaginarium:)

Day 86: High 70s

Arrived; everyone seemed to like my pink hair. Did the prelim duties; found my dustmop and swept, but then realized my dustPAN was MIA, so swept it out the door. Was strangely low-key today. Did my LU and wrote, and at 8, had to hop to #2, due to being out of $1s. HC Shel sent me to break at 9 (took my broom back) and when I returned, pulled trash, sanitized the coffee bar and counters. When HC Shel cleaned me out, took the trash to receiving and returned an item to Flooring. Put up my vest; ASM Alex helped Loader Harlan bring in the concrete; clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Mama Bear tee, dark cut off capris, lt blue studs

Off to Imaginarium tomorrow!

Life In Lumber: Y6, W19

 Day 79: Hot, 90s

Arrived at 4 to help friend Jackie get a wheelbarrow and weed-whacker, then D's aunt Jane get an appointment for a window consultation. Clocked in and took over for Alice, and was busy for 30 mins before doing the prelim duties. Did my LU and AP4Me. Was busy all the way up until 9, when HC Kay sent me to break, and when I returned, swept what I could, pulled trash, mucked the mats, and santized the coffee bar. Locked the doors at 10. ASM Ian brought in the concrete and took the hopper around.  I returned items to Aisle 10, then put up my vest. Had gotten a credit app earlier, so punched the tree and won a Scrub Mommy. Clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Gray Purdue tee, long capris, dark blue studs

Day 80: Rain, 70s

Was asked to come in at 3, due to Alice not feeling well and leaving early. Was slow the 1st 2 hours; did prelim duties and LU. HC Kay sent me to lunch at 5. Came back and it was raining; had a modest amount of customers leaving. At 7, the storm hit; swept, watched the storm, watched Between 2 Brians. and sanitized the registers, counters, coffee bar, and snack machines. Pulled trash at 8:30; mucked the mats. Locked the doors at 10; Loader Con brought in the concrete. HC Austin cleaned me out; returned items to Fashion Bath, Aisle 30, Hardware, and ISLG.  Clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Black AK hway tee, long capris, thick gold hoops.

Day 81: Hot, 86

Arrived early and bought my new pop up canopy with my $38 in MyLowesBucks, and $58 on the charge card:)  Took over for Alice, did the prelim duties and my LU, and was busy for an hour. Then swept, mucked the mats. HC Austin sent me to break at 8, and when I returned, pulled trash and sanitized the registers and coffee bar. Had CFH at 9:15....argued with me for 10 mins over the price of his lumber before he finally realized I was telling him he had the wrong item #!  Locked the doors at 10; Kait brought in the concrete; I took the trash to the hopper, then went outside and met Tasha at my car, to give her the old Playboy mags. Went back inside; clocked out at 10:35.

Outfit:   Gray LU tee, long capris, thick silver hoops

Off tomorrow, to take Mom to get her hair done:)

Day 82:  Sunny, high 80s

Arrived and took over for Alice, then did the prelim duties. Was busy until 7, then shuffled and fronted the soda, did my LU, and swept. HC Austin sent me to break at 8:20, just as S, A, and R walked in. Spent my break with them, and cleaned out the coffee carafe. They left; I pulled trash and finished sweeping. Sanitized the coffee bar. Locked the doors at 10, and Loader Con took the trash and brought in the concrete. Returned items to Plumbing, RTM, Paint, Hardware, and Storage after HC Austin cleaned me out.  Clocked out at 10:30.

Off tomorrow for Ram's 1st birthday party:)

Outfit:  Indian Motorcycle Vegas tee, long capris, thin gold hoops

Day 83:  Rare Sun Hot, 94

Arrived and met new cashier Deb. We were slow, so did my LU and helped a customer in Tools. At 4:30, HC Kay called and asked me to send Deb to self-checkout. Was still slow, so wrote until 6pm. and only had a handful of customers.  Did see Mel and Nan:)  At 6, HC Kay sent me to break. Afterward, did the prelim duties, and ASM SCH asked me to get some surveys. Ended up getting 5:)  Pulled trash, and at 7:30 went over and swept the two messiest parts...Aisle 19 and 20.  Just as I got it swept to behind my counter, the rush hit, lol....and didn't get it swept up until after we closed at 8. Loader Harlan brought in the concrete, then took my trash to the hopper. I closed the garage door and returned items to Tools, Paint, Hardware, Batteries, and ISLG. Clocked out at 8:35.

Outfit:  Black lace tee, faded cut off capris, silver crosses

Life In Lumber: Y6, W18

 Day 73: Sunny, low 80s

Arrived and took over for Alice. Was busy instantly, and did manage to get the prelim duties done. Fronted soda and swept.  Had to call HC Kay at 8:30 for a pit stop, then pulled trash, finished sweeping, did my AP4Me and LU. Locked the doors at 10, and final customer left at 10:05. Closed the garage door when ASM Ian was working in Aisle 21 and Loader Joe was on the forklift in Aisle 19.  Took the trash to the hopper after HC Kay cleaned me out, and returned items to Electrical and OSLG. Some guy had brought me 2 tomato plants without any barcodes, and couldn't find them by searching.  Clocked out at 10:30.

Also had a situation where I couldn't get a tadpole off, so sent them out the door with it still attached. Connie from paint came down and asked me about it.....then when I asked ASM SCh at closing what to do if it ever comes up again, ASM Alex said just to cut it off.

Outfit:  Red LU tee, faded capris, gold oval danglies, the last of my earrings:)

Day 74: Hot, 90s

Arrived and was immediately busy; in fact, Alice didn't leave until nearly 5:15. Had a customer who barely spoke English, who said they were with a local contractor, but they weren't authorized on the account, and SM Jeff was right behind them!  Finally, they called one of the owners, who spoke to me, and okay'd it.  SM J moved over to Alice's line. Did the prelim duties and my LU, plus changed my PW! #Banditkitty009. Was fairly busy until 7, then began sweeping.  HC Shel sent me to break at 8:45, and when I returned, pulled trash, sanitized the registers and coffee bar, and wiped down the counters. Locked the doors at 10, and after HC Shel cleaned me out, and Loader Con brought in the concrete and took the trash, closed the garage door and returned items to Electrical, Hardware, Aisle 1, and parked a riding cart.  Also sent another item to RTM, and put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:45.

Outfit:  Gray 'America' tee, faded capris, Yukon color danglies

Day 75:  Hot, 90s

Arrived and took over for Alice.  Was busy for 2 hours, then was able to finish the prelim duties. Did my LU and checked my schedule. Teased one customer when I went to ring up the second cart....he let loose a string of Spanish, and I thought maybe the 2nd cart was separate?  But no; I said, mock-serious, not to suddenly speak native, 'cause I don't speak it, and wasn't sure what you were telling me! They laughed....then held out his hand for candy.  Even their client did, and we had a good laugh over everything. HC Kay sent me to break at 8:30, and when I returned, finished sweeping, pulled trash, sanitized the coffee bar, and fronted the soda.  Final 2 customers left at 10, and the last one didn't leave the canopy until 10:30! I was called to the front; I called up to say I was helping Loader Con close up. Con took the trash, and after the customer left, brought in the concrete. I closed the garage door and returned items to Aisle 21, then swept Aisle 20 while Con was finishing up. Clocked out at 11:00.

Outfit:  Blue holiday tee, faded capris, thick white hoops, r/w/b 'bow' scrunchie.

Day 76:  Independence Day Hot, 90s, threat of rain

Shift began on a bad note when something landed in my eye the minute I got in the car, and didn't get it out until 3 eyewashes and a lot of tears.  Alice left at 4:30, and was able to get the prelim duties finished by 5. Began sweeping....then the Benadryl I'd popped at 3 took over, and I got verrrrrry sleepy. I was supposed to have gone to break at 6, but by 6:30, it still hadn't arrived, so asked Pro Nel to watch the register while I took a pit stop and got some trash bags.  Returned to discover my break would be at 7. Took a 15 minute power nap.....then all hell broke loose.

Customer A had told me they were leaving their boards in front of the Pro desk. I came back, they were gone, so *assumed* the customer had returned.  No sooner had I taken over than A was back and wanted to know where their boards were. I explained; the hubby got irate and yelled, "This never happens at Niehouse!" I got on the phone to HC Kay, and she didn't know about it. Neither did Loader Jax (no surprise there!) Then saw Loader Con....and he 'fessed up he'd put them away.  Asked him to go apologize, which he did, and then I lowered the price of the boards, which made him even happier (a couple were rather chewed up). Then had 4 customers AT 8PM.....and even had to tell another person we were closed!

Clocked out at 8:30 and came home.  Kids arrived, we went over to GRC and watched the fireworks.

Outfit:  White flag tee, faded capris, r/w/b stars

Day 77: Sunny, high 80s

Arrived and took over for Alice; was busy for half hour, then did the prelim duties. Was busy again until 7, when began sweeping and fronting soda. Marci came in and got her NYC presents:) HC Austin sent me to break at 8, and when I returned, pulled the trash and finished sweeping, then sanitized the coffee bar.  Discovered yesterday WHY we keep running out of Lysol wipes; Pro Nel uses them to clean off the @#$$%^ counters! Locked the doors at 10; ASM Charlie brought in the concrete. HC Austin cleaned me out; I took the trash to the hopper, then returned items to Plumbing, Appliances, and Hardware. Clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Black Lab/Flag tee, long capris, red wavy posts

Off tomorrow!

Day 78:  Rare Sun Sunny, 90

Arrived and hopped on #2 to help with line. Fronted soda, checked trash bags and emptied what I could. Marilyn went to break at 4:30, then left at 5. I was swamped for about 45 mins, then could complete the prelim duties, and began sweeping. Parked Loader Charles at the register around 7:15 and took a pit stop, then pulled trash. Locked the doors at 7:55 and told a couple at 7:59 they only had a minute before we closed, so they left. Afterward, ASM CB asked if I'd sweep the front of the store. Swept tools, Plumbing, Electrical, the front end, and Hardware, plus a little of ISLG before he said it was good and let us clock out at 9.

Outfit:  Black blouse, long capris, silver spirals

July Goals

Where did June go?  Just seems like I've only just returned from NYC and Metropolis, and now it's another month.  So how did I do?

 -Lose 5 lbs (start 240) Maintaining....ugh.

-Add words to existing WIPS Check!

-Do well at Arts and Drafts Sold 1, to former coworker:)

-Celebrate Alex's 12th b-day Didn't actually celebrate WITH her; I was at A&D, and bought her Once Upon A Platypus at Superman, which I'd wanted to get her 2 years ago:)  Cute story; I hope she enjoys it!

-Do well at Superman Celebration Was only there for one day (Sat) and sold 8:)

-Do well at GSH signing Sold 1, traded 1.

-Do well at Farmer's Market Sold 5:)

-Do well at Pride Sold 5:)

-Cut carpet out of S's room

-Upload digital copies to Patreon ...

-/Begin short story due at end of month Check!

-Finish short story for BKM Reread it; think it IS finished!

-Finish SE8 of 2.5 Men Check!  Began SE9 6/16

-Convert 2 VHS to DVD ($44) 

-Read more in evenings

-Celebrate Olivia's 2nd birthday Check:)

Health Update:  With the warmer temps, am wearing the compression brace on my right leg again.

Books Read:  7

            Print:  5

        E-book:  2

Karaoke Songs Added:  7

2024 Events:

July 19-21st:  Imaginarium, Louisville, KY Pd 11/2023

July 27th:  Wabash Valley Geekz and Things ($40) Pd 7/12/2024

August 10th:  Collectors, Carnival, and Crafts, Gibson Co Fairgrounds, Princeton, In Pd 6/2024

August 24th:  Geek Con, Evansville Museum, Evansville, In Pd 4/2024

September:  TBD

October:  TBD

November:  Indpls Christmas Gift And Hobby Show

December:  Kringle Market

July Goals:

-Lose 5 pounds (240)

-Finish short story for Holiday antho Check:)  8700 words; now to trim it down to 5-6K

-Celebrate daughter Sara's birthday I had to work, but the family took her to Applebees.  Poor kid had drs appt, so we watched Ram for her.

-Enjoy 4th of July Check:)

-Celebrate Ram's 1st b-day Check:)

-Have fun at Imaginarium Check:)  Sold 4, gifted one.

-Do well at Geekz and Things

-Work enough hours to continue paying off CC and med bills

-Cut carpet out of S's room

-Upload digital copies to Patreon ...

-Finish SE9 of 2.5 Men

-Convert 2 VHS to DVD ($44) 

-Read more in evenings

June Reading Schedule:

Defending Sophie-Desiree Holt RR!  Really enjoyed this:)

Illegal Use of Hands-Desiree Holt RR!  Had problems putting this one down:)

Protecting Kate-DH RR!  Enjoyed this one:)

Never Gonna Happen-Linda Kage

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

Hearts Don't Lie-Sutton Bishop

Transient Pulse-Laura Juntunen

The Choice-Anne Greene

A Soldier Finds Grace-Katherine St. Clair

Letters In The Attic-Meredith Lindsey

Memories of Moscow-Harold Lipman

Becoming-Michelle Obama

A Royal Duty-Paul Burrell

A Fantastic Ride-Bob Rohrman

Redemption of the Duke-Gayle Callen

Wildwood Creek-Lisa Wingate

Stitched With Love-Cathy Marie Hake, et al

A Wild Yearning-Penelope Williamson

The Husband List-Janet Evanovich

Delusion In Death-JD Robb

New York To Dallas-JD Robb

Special Circumstances-Sheldon Siegel

Split Second-Catherine Coulter

Romancing Miss Bronte-Juliet Gael

Live Wire-Lora Leigh

A Tree Grows In Brooklyn-Betty Smith

Shores-Tiare H Johnston

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

-40

E-book:

Loving The Duke-Jessie Clever Good story!

Mean Girls-Lucy Felthouse Good story:)  Have a hard time believing 3 women would be that cruel though....

Greyson-JM Walker Too much drama

Control Us-JM Walker

Along Came Tess-Sandra Sookoo

Help Me Remember-Corinne Michaels (Want to get)

Karaoke Songs:

7/18

The House of the Rising Sun-Animals Not too bad:)

Shallow-Lady Gaga Did well, even the vocalizing!

River of Time-Judds Nailed it:)

7/25

September-Daughtry

Shallow Parady??? A Star Wars Is Born

Shambala-Three Dog Night

Fever-Peggy Lee

Life In Lumber: Y6, W17

 Day 69: Hot, 90

Arrived to discover my hours this week were cut to 5.5, but clocked in at 3 anyway. Did soda count, but only had Pepsi and Lemonade. Did prelim duties; things picked up at 4:30 when they sent Alice to SCO. Took my lunch at 8.  Did manage to get my AP4Me done. Swept the highlights and fronted the soda. Pulled trash after lunch. ASM Charlie brought in the concrete and took the trash after I locked the doors. HC Shel cleaned me out; returned item to RTM and put up my vest. Clocked out at 10:35, then brought in 3 carts, one flat cart and one H cart.

Outfit:  Blue MLR tee, cut off capris, thick silver hoops

Day 70: Rain, dropping temps 90-77

POURED when I got there. We were busy at first, and Alice pissed me off when she needed a Code 50, and asked me to find him 'b/c I'm off the clock and want to go home!"  Well boo-ho....suck it up, buttercup....I'm sorry they cut my hours back this week!

Rest of shift was slow; at 7:30, after sweeping, I logged onto YT for Between 2 Brians and listened. HC Austin sent me to break at 8:15. When I returned, rang up more customers, listened to rest of the show, then mucked the mats, swept the horseshoe and the concrete dust, sanitized the registers and coffee bar, and wiped down #1s counter. Locked the doors at 10, and after ASM Charlie took the trash and brought in the concrete, and HC Austin cleaned me out, put up my vest and returned an item to Hardware.  Clocked out at 10:35.

Mycah and her cover model arrived for her complimentary gift, and also paid her $50:)

Outfit:  Gray Vincennes Eclipse tee, cut off capris, light blue studs

Day 71: Sprinkles, 80s

Arrived and took over for Alice; did the prelim duties, and assisted Emily with former loader Tim's VSP order. Halle sent me to break at 7, but was shanghied by one of my customers in Fashion Bath.  Gil had dropped off a box of books, so Alice pilfered a Mary Higgens Clark, and I left her 2 more in the break room.  Took the rest to my car. Returned and kept busy with customers and sweeping.  Pulled trash at 8:30, and tuned into the Star Chamber Show at 9. Got busy at 9:30 with 4 customers in a row, then finished sweeping, pulled the rest of the trash, sanitized the coffee bar, and locked the doors at 10.  Loader Joe watched the register while I took a pit stop. He brought in the concrete after HC Kay cleaned me out, and Loader Conrad took the hopper around. Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Black Eclipse tee, cut off capris, copper/larimar danglies

Off tomorrow!

Day 72:  Hot, 90s

Arrived and was instantly busy. Did get the prelim duties accomplished. HC Austin sent me to break at 6:45, and when I returned, he was still busy....and that's when things went downhill.  Customer A wanted some siding ordered, but it kept wanting to save as an estimate.  Called ASM Chris down, then hopped on 2.  Customer B had a phone sale, so managed to take care of him, plus one more. Went back to #1 and took care of A, then ASM C was trying to change the delivery fee on Customer C. Had to transfer it to me, which pissed off the next customer in line, who left.  Couldn't figure out how to change it, so they ended up going to CS. I realized it was almost 8:30 at this point, so pulled trash....and stabbed my left palm with a jagged piece of board. Began sweeping.  Customer D was "ready" to check out, and had a cart full, so I grabbed another cart in preparation.  D chose to swerve around me and go out the door. Then, Customer E walks rapidly past me with a Craftsman tool, and doesn't stop. I got outside and saw them take off in a silver Jeep, and try to drive around the building. I grabbed the abandoned empty cart and pulled up my camera app on my phone, and snapped their photo as they passed me.  Got a BAD picture of the license plate....then called ASM Chris, who showed me how to find the Theft and RWD forms.  Finally got the Theft one filled, and was nearly finished with the RWD, when I had a customer. Went back....screen was gone!  Had to do it all over again, which meant now it was 9:30 and I only had time to finish sweeping the floor and finish pulling the trash.

Loader Joe brought in the concrete and took the trash while I locked the doors.  HC Austin cleaned me out; I returned items to Tools and Hardware, then put up my vest and helped Izzy with HER theft report! Some a$$hat decided, at 9:50, to help himself to 5 hydrangea plants.  Geez....Thank GOD I'm off this weekend!!!

Outfit:  Yellow Fla tee, faded cut off capris, dark blue studs

Unvarnished Truth Pt 6

 Warning:  This post contains strong language directed at me, my choir, and people living in NYC.

Dec 2023:

I expressed my desire to travel to NYC with my cantata choir, and my spousal unit lost his mind.

"Are you CRAZY?  The f***ing illegals are shoving people into subways, traffic, and stabbing people!  You're going to get mugged!  I think it's a stupid idea, and whoever decided this trip ought to have their heads examined!"

"I'm going."

"I'm not giving you one f***ing DIME!"

"That's fine."

I used my extra income at the end of December to put down a $300 deposit and began praying.

Jan 2024:

I upped my hours to 30+ per week, and barely gave myself any spending $$ at all.  Every last cent was funneled toward my $600/mo payment, and called the travel agency to see if they would allow me to make payments over the phone. Thankfully, they agreed.....and by the end of January, had paid $400.

Feb 2024:

My sister called; she was going to begin helping me with my trip, and began sending me $200/mo.  Which was good, because my hours were cut in February.  I only scraped up an additional $150.  But with W's donation, it was $350.

March:

Hubby walked in as I was making my payment.

"I can't believe you're stupid enough to want to go. Do you not see on the news what's happening over there? Riots....a woman's cell phone was ripped out of her hand....NYC cops are quitting the force....you're going to come home in a body bag. Have you NO consideration for me or the kids?"

"Nothing's going to happen; we'll be in a GROUP!  I have NO intention of getting on the subway or wandering around by myself."

"I still think you're stupid."

I helped out with a fundraiser and earned myself over $50 to add to my total.  Hours picked up, plus we were granted a discretionary bonus.  All of that went toward the trip, plus another $200 from W.

April:

I worked a 2nd fundraisor, plus made a sign for my signings, a thermometer that showed how my travel earnings were going. The fundraiser netted each of us another $50, plus Paster Cheryl's grant was approved, so each of us received $350. I sold nearly 20 books during the eclipse; all of the funds went toward my total.  I received the news my final $1000 was due by May 1st; I didn't get paid until the 3rd.  I called the travel agency, who said yes, I could pay on the 3rd.

I appllied for and was granted a $500 credit card. I called one of my creditors and was granted a slightly less payment, and my earnings would round out the final $500. 

Family was still unsupportive, and even the kids were questioning, esp when I wasn't sure where the final $300 was, and thought about possibly borrowing $150 from each adult child.  My daughter, unfortunately, told her dad about our conversation; I'd been thinking out loud, and had floated the POSSIBILITY of borrowing it.

The spousal unit hit the roof.

"I called K and told him not to loan you one damn penny toward your trip. I'm against it; if you get hurt or killed, I'm going to sue the travel agency, the choir, the state of NY, the city of NY.  I may not have the funds to bring you home; you'll have to rot in the mortuary. There was a damn RIOT in Brooklyn yesterday!"

At this point, anything I said was just going to make him madder, so I shut up and didn't even try to point out the flaws in his logic.  We were never going NEAR Brooklyn; we were staying in Manhattan.

I did, however, have another private chat with my daughter.

"Why did you feel the need to tell Dad our conversation? I thought you supported my trip."

"I did, as long as you were paying for it yourself."

"I never ASKED you for money; I was thinking out loud IN CASE I couldn't come up with the final $2-300."

"Oh. Sorry Mom, I misunderstood."

May:

My credit card arrived; I maxxed it out on the 1st.  Two days later, I took the final $200 from my savings (my sister's donation) and $300 from my paycheck and made the final payment.  I also pushed back my bill payment to the 31st, when I'd next get paid, so I would have another $300 to spend in NYC. I also made a $200 payment on my credit card two weeks later, so I'd have extra funds available.

Things were looking up.  Then Monday May 20th happened. The spousal unit was paying bills.....and forgot about our vehicle registration due.  He only had $170 left; we needed $230.

I stupidly opened my mouth and told him I had the funds, if he paid half of his ($75) and I'd pay the rest and mine ($60).

"Why don't you pay the whole thing and I'll give you $100?"

So I did....and my $500 'fun money' went down to $290, because I needed to save $80 for my checked baggage ($40 each way).

Friday May 24th, I packed my bags and departed for Lafayette. My mom gave me $50 cash, which I used $40 to pay for the gas for my friend to take me to the airport. I also had $5.50 in quarters, in case I needed it.

Thurs May 30th:

I arrive home from a fantastic trip; I'm bubbling over with happiness, and I get greeted with 'Oh, you're home."

"See?  I survived."

"Yeah, but now I won't get your life insurance $$.  I was looking forward to being out of debt."

"I'm sorry; most men would be HAPPY their wives are alive, not murdered in NYC." (insert sarcasm) I continued to upack my car, with zero help from him.

I then 'dragged' him to OC for 90s Disney Trivia. We had a good time, some good food, and I wore my 'Ask Me About My Debut at Carnegie Hall' tee.  We sucked at the final 3 questions, but still had a good time, and I got to see several friends.

Oh, and got snarky when I arrived home, and took a selfie of me sitting in front of my house, ala 'I made it home safely'.

He saw it and commented about my selfishness and how 'it's always about you.'

Geez.  Grow up already.

Friday May 31st:

I was still off work, so we ran errands, I paid bills.  Didn't have enough to pay my phone bill ($45), but it wasn't due to be loaded until Monday.  I didn't sweat it.  Went to work on Sat, then had the concert on Sunday.  I asked the spousal unit if he was coming.

'Dave and Tammy are supposed to arrive, and HELL NO I'm not going! 

D and T arrived, and T thought about going with me, but D wasn't feeling well, so she stayed home, which turned out to be a good thing, since D ended up in the hospital the next day, with an infection in his G-tube.

The concert was good, and I returned home to a still grumpy spouse.

Mon June 3rd

I needed to reload my phone, and asked D, who was paying his 1st of the month bills, if he would do it. Thankfully, he agreed without too much grumbling.  That is, until later in the week, when we were talking about plans for granddaughter Alex's 12th birthday. I needed to pay $25 in order to set up Friday at our Brewery for the 1st Friday Art Walk, plus $125 for Superman Celebration on Sat.

"So you're not going to dinner with us Friday? Your own granddaughter's birthday? Shows what you think of her."

"I already spoke to her, and told her I'd give her her present when I get back."

"What are you doing Friday?  Waste of time." (Maybe, but I still sold 1 book)

"How much is it going to cost you to go down to Metropolis?"

"100" (I fudged a little)

"You've got that much $$ squirreled back?  Then pay me back the $45."

I gaped at him.

"I'm serious. Everyone thinks Dad has all this money. You went off to NYC with no consideration for anyone's feelings except your own. You're not making any money from your books; it's a waste of time and money. You should stay home and work your damn job.  You are NOT a celebrity;get over yourself."

Again, at this point, he was so worked up, there was no point in trying to argue with him.  

Wednesday, I walked out the door to go to a community meeting; he scoffed.

"Figures. Just as I started washing windows, you have somewhere else to be. Just like everyone else in this damn family....the work starts and everyone has somewhere else to be."

I walked out.

Thursday, I had to take my mom to an appointment, and didn't get home until around 1pm Friday.  I loaded up the car and went downtown at 4.  When I got home later, he told me about their meal at Tx Rdhouse and asked what time I was leaving in the morning.  

"Going to attempt to be on the road no later than 7am."

"I still say it's a waste of time."

Saturday morning, I got up at 6 and left the house by 7. Sold 8 books, spent $20 in gas, $15 for food before heading home, and spent $20 on a gift for Alex.  Was home around 10pm/

No word about paying him back for my phone bill; no more griping about NYC.

My two weeks of Hell seem to be over....until I went to karaoke the following Thursday.

Normally, when I leave, I tell him I'll be home around 10:30. Thursday, I said 'later', which set him off about my karaoke habit, and he accused me of going out 'whoring'.  I've heard it so much, I just roll my eyes and leave. I've sung karaoke nearly every week now for over 10 years, and I only go to sing. I don't even drink!  I'll have the occasional rum and coke if I have the extra funds, and will take a shot of tequila if my KJ buys me one (he likes me:). I used to have one or two lesbians who would claim to be my partner if I got hit on.  Hell lately, I can't even tell anymore when a guy's hitting me!  But anyway, I got home around 12:30 to a dark house. Normally he goes to bed at 1am, but the night I'm out late, he's in bed around midnight, then complains I woke him up.  *eye roll*

The past few days have been okay, though I expect another snide comment when granddaughter Olivia's birthday party is announced, and it looks as if I may be going to St. Louis with the daughter after all, since my Bonus Child isn't able to go, after all.

I've been married 33 years to this man; I'm normally able to let whatever he says go in one ear and out the other, but this constant harrassment since December has gotten to me so much, I had to vent it here.  He's 70 years old this year; I'm 58.