Life In Lumber Y4, W11

 Day 51:  $8,210 (and 54 cents)

Arrived and immediately began ringing up customers.  In the 1st 90 mins, rang up a steady stream AND did the soda count.  Had a couple of rushes, but managed to get everyone through. Started doing the closing duties, then knocked out my LU and AP4Me.  Went to break at 8, and when I came back, hopped on #2 to help with the line, and showed Marilyn (again!) how to load an LAR. Swept the place, and locked the doors at 10.  Returned items to Plumbing, Electrical, Tools, and Paint.  Clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Black lace tee, cut off capris, diamond flower earrings.

Day 52:  $5,154 (and 14 cents)

Arrived slightly late, but on time, and took over for B, who said #2 had frozen on him 4 times.  Managed to get the soda count done by 7, only to be told we weren't doing it, since the only item we had was Pepsi Cherry. Did my LU;  Kelly sent me to break at 7:15, and when I came back, started sweeping and the closing duties.  Didn't have any returns, but when Loader Al took the trash, he ran out of gas, so didn't clock out until 10:30.

I'm off until Thursday!!!

Outfit:  Fire and Grace tee, cut off capris.

Day 53:  $8,422(and 67 cents)

Arrived at 4 and immediately had to go hunt down some flooring.  Finally connected with Tom, and got it resolved.  When I did hop on #1, it was as if my brain was already in Nashville!,,Mistake after mistake....but made it through. After B left, did soda count, and had it done by 6. Did my LU and checked my schedule; I'm working Mem weekend, but not Mem day.  When Emma sent me to lunch, ASM N was in the training room, so asked him if he'd chosen not to honor my request.  He told me to check back with him next week. After lunch, put the soda away, and #1 went down.  Spent the rest of the night on #2. Discovered Loader Al 'broke' my dustmop....it was acting up, so did the best I could, and sanitized the registers.  Took the trash to the hopper at closing time, and returned items to ISLG, Hardware, Tools, and Plumbing.  Clocked out at 10:30.  HC C said she's thinking of leaving.

Will starts the 23rd!

Outfit:  IN tee, cut off capris, diamond flower earrings.

Tomorrow....Nashville, TN! 

Observations 2021

Sept 2021:

 I've spent the past 6 weeks spending 5/6 weekends at an event.  So far, the reviews are mixed.

InConJuncti6 on:  Sold 8, two less than 2019

-Attendance was down, due to people not sure about being out in public just yet.

-I'd taken my daughter and granddaughter with me, so spent too much $$.

-Went to dinner with friends the 1st night; very chummy, supportive, and happy to see each other.

Imaginarium:  Sold 6, two more than 2019

-Well attended; I spent more time at my table this year instead of doing too many panels (I did 2 Fri and 2 Sat) or taking too many pictures.

-This was my 5th?? time at this con; I previously only sold one or two books at this event.  So to sell 4 in 2019 and 6 this time tells me my presence is being recognized.

-Went to dinner with friends Fri and enjoyed everyone's company, then attended a room party and fatigue did me in.  Sat, went to the banquet with friends and even though I didn't win, everyone was supportive.

Heroes For Kids:  Sold 6 and donated one.  No sales in 2019.

-Well attended; people seemed happy to be out again.  I spent more time at my table and was encouraged when I sold a book to my 1st customer:)

-Went to dinner Fri after setting up; got to meet new people and the atmosphere was friendly.  Saturday night, met up for dinner and things were good.

Superman Celebration:  Sold 19!

-Very well attended, even though it rained at first.  I stuck to my table the 1st day and sold 4, then ventured out the 2nd day for lunch and to see the celebrities; sold 9.  3rd day, sold 6!

-Dinner Friday was joyeous, as was Saturday night.

Royal Readers:  Sold 5, same as 2019.

-Was told there were more VIPs than vendors, but it didn't seem like it.

-Got pissed off when my 1st customer 1st griped b/c I wasn't wearing my mask 'correctly' (I was hot from setting up, so I'd pulled it beneath my nose).  She revealed herself as a cancer patient; I immediately pulled it up and tried to talk to her, but she claimed she couldn't hear me (she never did move any closer) and left.  Okay....1) you're not gonna be infected THAT SOON if I pull my damn shield up and 2) Why the hell couldn't she move closer after I did??

-My lunch apparently disagreed with me, and had to spend a considerable amount of time in the bathroom.

-I helped take three car loads of stuff over to the mall, and after returning to the hotel, I joined the rest of the group in the bar.  1) No one offered to move so I could sit.  I finally sat down and asked about service, then went up to the bar.  Upon returning with my glass of wine, somebody finally moved over.  2) The bartender apparently misunderstood my order, for my pizza arrived in a box, and was smooshed by the time we got the box folded so it would fit at the table.  3) Conversation flowed around me; I only spoke up a few times.  Felt like an outsider.

-After packing everything up, I went back to the mall to go to the Pepper Palace, M/M store, and for dinner.  Decided to go to Wahlburgers....then discovered several authors had already eaten there and were on their way out!  Why was I not invited?  Oh yeah....I'm an outsider.

-There just didn't seem to be the foot traffic from 2019.....though I will admit, it was nice to not have people come up *just* to autograph a poster!

N ow I'm off to the State Fair, where in 2019, I sold 18 books in 2 days.  I'll be there 4 full and 2 half days this year; hoping to match or even double that number.

Aug 11-13:  Sold 11 and donated one

-1st half day, sold 2. Paid $6 for pizza slice for dinner

-1st full day, sold 5. Paid $6 for 1/2 lb Angus burger and $6 for Chocolate Vodka Red Velvet Bundt cake

-2nd full day, sold 4 and donated one. Paid $6 for Elephant ear for b'fast, then $14 for Pizza on a Stick, then another $14 for 2 deep-fried cookie dough/red velvet oreos and 2 single cookie dough.  Also paid $10 for ride on the 'Spirit Wheel'.

18-20: Sold 18 and donated one

-2nd half day, sold 4. Splurged on a lamburger for $14 and spent $12 on deep-fried cookie dough/red velvet oreo combo with 2 extra CD.  Also 'did' the fair during the morning, and enjoyed seeing everything and taking pictures.  Spent $3 on a bottle of water.

-3rd full day, sold 8 and donated one (copy of CG to my cousin Lynn).  Paid for my four $3 ride tickets, $6 for a red velvet funnel cake, and $12 for another deep-fried red velvet oreo/cookie dough combo with two extra CD.  Rode the High Swings (YOLO), the ferris wheel, and the double-decker merry-go-round twice (downstairs on an ostrich, upstairs on a white tiger).  Ate a late dinner at Applebee's for $16

-4th full day, sold 6.  Since the hubby put $$ into my account, bought apple butter, pumpkin butter, and gooseberry preserves, plus another t-shirt and a sweatshirt, honey, fudge, and the cake swirls. Spent $6 on an Angus burger, then another $12 on more red velvet oreos/cookie dough combo with 2 more CD.  Vendor threw in two more CD for 'customer loyalty'.

TOTAL EARNED:  $229, which paid for the 1st 2.5 days ($225)

The first three days, I was on the left side of the booth, and couldn't see behind me.  Plus, N kept calling me 'Makenzie'.  The 2nd three days, I was on the right side, and she clued into the 'Kenzie', and got the genres correct, but she drove me mildly crazy with her views on the mattress people ("Can you believe people are LAYING on them?  And they don't SANITIZE them after!"), and some of the customers who tried to use us as a library. Not to mention her pro-vax stance.  I'll admit; I went over to talk to the vax people and considered getting it....but then saw a hashtag on FB with the horror stories and reconsidered.

Over all, I enjoyed the fair.  I loved the fact I dragged my butt out of bed early enough to go 'do' it on the 18th, and I loved the fact I sold out of 5 titles.

SI Comic Con:  Sold 7 and swapped one

-Very well organized and attended!  I only ventured away from my table twice; once to find BKM and Amy, and the 2nd to get Bonus Child's birthday present:  Silver Ranger's picture and autograph.

-Afterward, we all went to dinner at the Peking Buffet, and took a group pic afterward.  Felt very included in everything:)

Non-Con 6:  Sept 25-26:  Sold 1

I'll admit it; I was sleep-deprived the 1st day and kept falling asleep.  I did get 2 pages written, and handed out a few cards.  N sold 5 to one customer.  

-Went to dinner at the China King Buffet and enjoyed good conversation and friendship, as well as good food!

Day #2, I was irritated to discover we'd showed up an hour early.  I could have slept in; we could have had b-fast at Cracker Barrel; I could have kept listening to the flashback program of 1978!  Then the drive home was hell....a stopped train, then cone zones/stop-n-go traffic on every damn highway.

First City Music Festival, Oct 1-3: 

Rain threatened, but I did well, selling at least 10 books.  Went to dinner with my son and his BFF, who promptly told K, "We need to find a pitch.  Your mom is AWESOME at bringing people over!"

Awww....thanks D!

Indy Comic Con, Oct 15-17:

I thoroughly enjoyed people-watching, and sold 18 books over the entire weekend, and even one while I was off at a photo opp!  What made my weekend though, wasn't meeting Chandler Riggs (Carl from Walking Dead) or The Evil Queen from Once Upon A Time (blanking on her name at the moment!), but meeting Armin Shimmerman at the Jumpmaster Press booth, who played Quark in DS9!!  Got a pic with him; bought his book, and got to talk to him.  He was amazing!

CCC, Oct 30th:

A cold day, but sold some books and had fun.  Bought a copy of Little Black Sambo!

ICGAHS, Nov 10-14:  

Two authors backed out, due to catching CV, or being afraid, so when the Friday and Sat morning slots were offered, I grabbed 'em, and it paid off.  Think I sold 45 books??  Paid for my booth and gas....and went home with presents for everyone, including 5 bottles of wine.  Did a taste-test comparison between Carousel's Tiger Red, French Lick's Red, and Buck Creek's red....and Tiger won!

Unfortutately, landed in the hospital the following Monday with pancreatitis, and had to have my gall bladder evicted from my body.

May Goals

WOW!  It's MAY already?  Where did April go?

-Lose 5 lbs  Am down to 227!  Whoot!

-Do well at SI Con Sold 10!

-Do well at La Grange Sold 5:)

-Have fun at Comic Con Check!

-Do well at Saluki Con Sold 11:)

-Enjoy Writer's conference Check!

-Do well at Wine and Brewfest Sold 8:)  Rained, so left early.

-Turn in financial aid form  Check!  Turned in 4/12

-Order CG and pay for Whispers Not yet..

-Order copies of Rex Not yet....

-Add words to existing WIPS Finished Rock Star and Finding Opal:)  Working on Paranormal Preacher and DYL #2

-Edit/submit Defending Your Life Not yet

-Have a good, relaxing Easter Check!

-Build up savings Bleh....going the wrong way.  Hopefully better next month.

Books Read: 3

            Print:  3

Karaoke Songs Added:  6

2022 Events:

-Weekend With The Authors (May 13-15, 2022) Nashville, TN Pd $300 2021; may need to cancel, due to cousin's wedding on 14th....depends on if Mom wants to go. UPDATE:  Will attend this year!! Budget Update:  Rooming with someone, so only need $170 for hotel, $100 for gas, and $$ for breakfast/lunch Fri, and breakfast Sat and Sun.

-PopCon (June 3-5) Indy Convention Center, Indpls, In Was asked to be a guest panelist; no word on what it's going to cost.  Site says $40/Saturday +$30 parking...so will need minimum of $100 for the day.

-Superman Celebration (June 9-12th, 2022) Metropolis, Il Need to pay $200, since check was never cashed for 2021.

-Wild Deadwood Reads (June 16-18th, 2022) Deadwood, SD 10-3pm Cost:  $160 (full table)  Skipping it this year; too many cons scheduled already.

Independent Author Book Expo (IABE June 18th) Peoria Convention Center, Peoria, Il Paid $60 3/16

Pride Fest (June 25th) Vincennes, In $25

-Imaginarium Convention (July 8-10, 2022) Louisville, KY $110 Pd 9/15

-Heroes For Kids (July 17th) Perrysville, Mo Pd $50 3/31 (bringing own tables)  May need to skip this, due to rising gas prices.....

-Royal Readers (Aug 6th) Mall of America $110 Pd 9/16/21  Thinking seriously about skipping, due to rising gas prices....

-State Fair Thinking of only doing Aug 17-19 this year....

-Hanna House

-Daviess Co Wine and Art Fair

-Penned Con, St, Louis, Mo Pd 2020

-Cil-Con Mattoon, Il Pd $100 10/21/21

-First City Music Festival $50 Need to pay $100, since check was never cashed for 2021

-Lexington Legendary Book Signing (Oct 1st) $185 Pd $100 1/18/22

-Non-Con Middletown, OH

-Writer's Block Author Fair Toledo, Oh

-Collector's Carnival and Crafts (Oct 29th) Princeton, In

-Indpls Christmas Gift and Hobby Show (Nov) Indpls State Fairgrounds $100 Pd 11/26 (Bal:  $250)

-Louisville Con, Dec 9-11???

May Goals:

-Lose 5 lbs (227)

-Do well at AWWTA

-Enjoy Granddaughter B's 1st b-day

-Enjoy the 500 with mom

-Order copies of Rex, CG, WA, BD, and MB

-Add words to existing WIPS 

-Finish/add to Frank's story

-Build up savings

May Reading Schedule:

Print:

State of Terror-HRC and Louise Penny Enjoyed this fast-paced novel, even if it was by someone I can't stand....

An Autographed Mystery-DeAnna Julie Dodson

Joyful Poems For Children-James Whitcomb Riley

I Heard God Laugh-Matthew Kelly

Franklin and Eleanor

E-book:

Tangled In Lavendar-Sandra Sookoo

Persuasive in Pink-SS

Karaoke Songs:

5/5

The Beat Goes On-Sonny and Cher Did well!

The Climb-Miley Cyrus Nailed it!

Second Chance-Shinedown Was VERY happy this was good!

Everybody Hurts-REM Very good!

I Remember You-Skid Row Rocked the bar!

Independence Day-Martina McBride Wanted to show off my country skills to a guy named Patrick....

Does He Love You-Reba Sang this with Billie B, who was in town:)  Had to put up with a drunk guy singing with me...

F'n Perfect-Pink Admittedly, I wanted to show off for BB...

I Will Be-Leona Lewis Wanted to give my voice a break...

Whiskey Lullaby-Brad Paisley/Alison Kraus Patrick and I finally found a song we both knew to duet!  Poor guy can't harmonize though...

Don't Stop Believin'-Journey Closed out the bar with everyone singing along:)

5/12:  Skipping, due to AWWTA

5/19:

The Dream Is Still Alive-Wilson Phillips (end page 15)

Secret Lovers-Atlantic Star

Secrets-One Republic????

Self Control-Laura Brannigan

Endless Love-L. Richie/D. Ross

Enough Of Me-Melissa Etheridge

5/26:

The Final Countdown-Europe

Send Her My Love-Journey

Fame-Irene Cara

Life in Lumber Y4, W10

 Day 45:  $6,066 (and 75 cents)

Arrived and had a WTH moment when Mgr G was telling Loader C "So I don't have to micro-manage so much...'  I nearly asked, "You mean you actually MANAGE?", but bit my tongue!   Took over for B, and after ringing up a few customers, had the soda count done before 6.  Paul A arrived, and I passed along Pro J's message, and he went to find his order.  An hour later, Loaders C and Al pushed his order up, and both ASMs M and K rang him up.  I did the prelim duties, and Em sent me to break at 7:30.  When I came back, began sweeping, and final customer was at 9pm. 

Had one customer say yes to donating her change, then was surprised when I began pulling out her $67.  She thought she donated ALL of it, ha ha!

Locked the doors at 9:50 when Loader AL began to bring in the concrete.  Found out K is leaving for the summer and they fired N.  So definitely NEED to get W into see Misty!!

Returned one item to plumbing, and handed off the curtain hooks to Charlie.  Clocked out at 10:15.

Outfit:  Fuzzy Socks tee, new faded jeggings, gold hoop earrings.

I'm off tomorrow; heading up to Lafayette to spend my 31st anniversary with Mom:)

Happy 19th birthday David Co and Grace Ca, and Happy 12th to Ben Ca:)

Day 46:  $4,853 (and 8 cents)

Arrived, and bought a deadbolt for Sara. Immediately helped with the line, then did the soda count and prelim duties.  Things were fairly steady until 7:20, when Liv sent me to break. Came back and swept, bought a bag of Gardetto's and printed off my pay stub, checked my email and schedule, and did my LU and heat exhaustion training.  After HC J cleaned me out, took the trash to the hopper and waited for Loader K to finish setting the safety pallets.  Clocked out at 10:15.

Outfit:  Star Wars tee, red v-neck, new faded jeggings, gold hoop earrings.

Day 47:  $8,541 (and 76 cents)

Arrived and took over for B, then did the soda count.  Was steady all the way until 7:30, when I began the prelim duties.  Em sent me to break, and when I returned, put away the soda and finished pulling trash and began sweeping.  Did my LU and mucked out the mats around 9:30, then organized the returns.  Locked the doors at 10, and when HC J cleaned me out, returned items to RW, Plumbing, Electrical, Tools, and ISLG.  Clocked out at 10:15.

Got a service star!!  ASM N said a survey came in and that I "engaged with her child, and now child wants to go back to" the store:)

Outfit:  Black V-neck tunic, new faded jeggings, gold hoop earrings

Day 48:  $12,775 (and 48 cents)

Arrived and immediately began ringing up customers.  Had the soda count finished by 6, and prelim duties and LU by 7. Started sweeping, but kept get interrupted, so finished after my break from 8:15-30. Around 9:30, pulled trash and mucked out the mats, and sanitized the registers and counters.  Loader AL broke a safety pallet, so put Loader K in charge of the door after HC J cleaned me out.  Clocked out at 10:15.

Only needed on o/r, and that was for a discounted water heater.  Also 'ordered' a sink, but there was none in the network, so customer's going to get a phone call, ASM N said.

W has interview tomorrow at 12:30 with ASM M.

Today was Mel's last day, as well as Loader K's.  Signed M's card...."You got me into this and now you're LEAVING?  Love you!"

Outfit:  CBS tee, red v-neck, dark jeggings, gold hoop earrings

Day 49:  Rare Sat $18,931 (and 71 cents)

Today was interesting.  Drove S's Jeep so she could use my van to move into her new apt.  Took W in for his interview, and Mgr S ended up conducting it. I clocked in and discovered I was 30 mins early, so did my LU, then went on down to Lumber.  Worked with Lexi, whom I was happy to see was NOT afraid to go get carts and MOVE out from behind the counter, ha ha!

W arrived at the counter at 1 and said his interview had gone well, and should expect a call by Wed.  Turns out he knows Tanner, our new loader.  S called; D's BP was 171/100; I called ASM N to let him know I might have to leave, and he said we didn't have coverage.  Told him if I got another call, I was going to leave, and he said okay; they'd deal with it.  W went home to keep an eye on him.

We really weren't that busy, but fairly steady, and I took a quick pit stop at 2:45 to grab my book for my lunch break.  Lex left at 3, and K called, asking when my lunch was.  I thought it was at 4....then was THRILLED when TDS and JAS appeared next to OSB, and T waved at me.  Went over to chat for a few, and officially met J, and was introduced as 'an old college friend, who dated SS'.  I just went along with it.  Matt passed the bar and is now in Chicago.  No word about Gretch's wedding, so I played dumb. Then had to get back to the register, and was hoping they'd check out through me, but no....still, it was good to see him, and now I want to see him again even more.  It's been nearly ten years.....he's still sexy!

At 5:30, I saw Mgr N and jokingly told him I was 'wasting away....when am I getting sent to lunch?'  He said 6:30....there had been a few call ins, so they were shuffling people around.  I called K.  At 6:45, Marilyn showed up, and I skeddadled over to Subway.  K bought me lunch, and had a nice visit with he and Miss B.  S and A showed up, and said D was doing better.  I returned to work.

An hour later, S called; D had vomited and was shaking.  I called ASM M and told her I needed to leave. Marilyn returned, and I told her just to pull the trash and hand the paperwork to HC J at the end, and I'd clean it up on Sunday.  I then went home and bullied D into getting into the truck.  Took him to the ER; his BP was up, and he had a temp of 101.  An hour later, it went up to 102.  He tested neg for CV and flu, but tests revealed his heart was enlarged.  By 2 am, his fever broke, his BP returned to normal, and he was more lucid than he'd been at 9pm, so they let him go home, b/c he couldn't give them a urine sample.  Was home by 3am.

Outfit:  Gray hooded sweatshirt, dark jeggings, gold hoop earrings.

Day 50:  Rare Sun Happy Mother's Day!  $14,248 (and 37 cents)

Woke up at 10:45 and called ASM N to tell him what took place at the ER, and the fact I'd not gotten home until after 3, and had just woken up.  Told him I'd be in by noon. Arrived at 12:30 and helped Lexi, then she went to lunch at 1. When she returned, they needed her up front, and that's when things got interesting. I was ringing people up as fast as I could, when a customer brought me an SOS order they'd found in the clearance bin.  While I was waiting for HC J or ASM N to come down, I hopped over to 2 and rang up customers until 2's pinpad shut down.  By then, #1 was free again.  Was busy all the way til 5, and did manage to get the soda count done and the floor partially swept.  Noah relieved me for lunch (McA's) and when I returned, did the closing duties and rang up my last customer at 7:55.  Had Loader E (who CUT his hair!!!) watch the door so I could make a pit stop.  Clocked out at 8:30.

Outfit:  Bless This Mess sweatshirt, dark jeggings, diamond flower earrings.

Life In Lumber, Y4, W9

 Day 38:  $9,173 (and 71 cents)

Arrived and was immediately busy.  Managed to get the soda count done by 7:30, only to be told we probably weren't going to do it.  Things slowed down when I returned from break, but didn't get all the prelim duties done until nearly 9.  Started mucking out the mats at 9:15, and final customer was at 9:45, so told Loader Al and E to go ahead and do the safety pallets and concrete.

Only needed on o/r; a customer had scaffolding that was on sale, and had the pic, but it was the wrong item #.  AL went back and confirmed it WAS the right one, so we changed the price.

Also noshed on snack mix the first 3 hours; I was hungry!  Did my LU and AP4Me around 8:30.  Clocked out at 10:15.

Outfit:  Gray leopard print, new dark jeggings, small gold textured hoops.

Day 39:  $8,933 (and 89 cents)

Went in and asked if they needed me; the answer was yes, since Ryan had called in.  So took over for Em, and was immediately busy, but then tapered off to the point I had to soda count done by 6:15.  Em came down for it and at 7, began putting it away and doing the prelim duties. Went to break at 7:30, and when I came back, swept the place and mucked out the mats.  At 9, sanitized the counters.  Had final customer at 9:45.  Locked the doors, and when HC A cleaned me out, took the trash down and put up my vest.

Only needed one o/r:  Final customer had a discounted door.  Clocked out at 10:15.

Outfit:  Maroon shirt, new dark jeggings, silver fancy cross earrings

Am calling in tomorrow, since I have to go to Lafayette.

Day 40:  $2,647 (and 57 cents)

Arrived and took over for B, rang up two customers, then did soda count.  Had it done by 5:45, then started on prelim duties.  Even had the place swept by 7, and did my LU and checked my schedule.  Re-requested the dates for Superman Celebration weekend and Rainbow. Went to break at 7:45, and when I returned, re-checked trash, then pulled it, and swept the horseshoe. Wrote a little on Frank's story, then at 9 sanitized the counters and registers.  Had final customer at 9:30; brought in our cull cart at 9:50.  Em came down and got my trash, so when HC C cleaned me out, walked her up front and put up my vest.

Mgr G showed me how to recall the cull carts;  333-333-1610.  He asked me, "You've worked here HOW long and you don't know how to do this?  How do you ring them up if there's no sheet?"

I said, "Scan everything and reduce the pre-tax price by 50 or 75%.  No one's showed me how to do it on the new system yet!"

It's now in my notebook....

Clocked out at 10:15.

Outfit:  Palm tree sweatshirt, new dark jeggings, silver fancy cross earrings

Day 41:  $7,571 (and 68 cents)

Arrived and saw ASM K at the CS desk, and when I took over for B, saw she was closing.  But she didn't stay in Lumber very long, so it was a peaceful evening!  Had the soda count done by 6, and the prelim duties and LU accomplished by 7.  Swept half the area, then Em relieved me at 7:40. After break, I finished sweeping, then sanitized the counters and registers. Filled the snacks and soda, then brought in two cull carts.  HC J cleaned me out at 9:55, so locked the doors and sent the trash down with Loader K. Waited while he put the safety pallets, then ASM K arrived and said she'd watch the door.  Put up my vest and put away the borrowed dust pan I borrowed from the break room.  Clocked out at 10:15.

Outfit:  Gray v-neck shirt, new faded jeggings, silver fancy cross earrings.

Day 42:  Rare Saturday $14 (roughly)

Was asked to come in, so after I'd had it with the rain and wind at the Wine and Brewfest (around 7:30 pm!), I headed in and clocked in at 8:30.  HC C had me do soda count for all coolers, and I even hopped on a register to ring up one customer.  After filling the coolers, I helped Dawson do the closing duties down in Lumber, and showed him how to ring up a cull pack.  Took trash and RTMs down, and clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  I Like Coffee tee, new faded jeggings, gold hoops.

Day 43:  Rare Sunday $14,803 (and 1 cent)

Arrived; customer says to me, "You spend as much time here as I do."

I replied, "I work here; what's your excuse?"

He laughed and moved on.

I relieved Em and was immediately busy.  Reg #2's pinpad quit, so hopped over to #3 until it was fixed.  Em went to lunch at 1; I was slammed and had to call for a code 3 at one point.  Em returned, and we did manage to move soda over to the Lumber cooler and bring in carts.  I went to lunch at 3:30 (McA's) and when I returned, I price-matched some 2x10s and 2x12s, and discounted some 2x16s to the 2x14 price.  Em left at 6; I started the closing duties and did my LU, as well as my training.  Pulled trash, did the soda count, and started sweeping.  Talked Rob into buying me a candy bar, lol!  Got the soda put away and the counters and registers sanitized.  Took the front end's trash to the hopper.  Clocked out at 8:30.

Outfit:  White V-neck tunic, new faded jeggings, fancy silver cross earrings.

Life In Lumber Y4, W8

 Day 32:  $3,472 (and 95 cents)

Arrived to discover Mel's final day is Sat; she was offered the Fullfillment job in E'ville. Also, Deb's retiring, and today was Noel's final day.  She'll be working in the office at one of the nursing homes.

Took over for B, and was busy ringing up customers for the 1st hour.  Did the soda count, then while things were slow, set up an LBA, only to have to call for a reference #.  I then realized the line is beginning to back up, so called for a Code 3.  Got the customer approved, then hopped over to #2 to help with the line.  Customer B had an estimate that wouldn't ring up.  Switched back to #2, then called HC A when it still wouldn't ring up. Ended up ringing it up in Genesis.  Then their card needed approved; they only had $800 available.  Customer argues they just paid it off.  Got a hold of a CSA, who explained there was a 'hold' on their $6K payment until May 5th.  Customer began to write a check, but then their bank wouldn't transfer any funds.  Her hubby used his card, and the payment went through.

Continued with the prelim duties, and was sent to break at 8.  When I returned, started sweeping.  I'd just finished with the horseshoe when four policemen arrived with a Hispanic guy.  Not knowing the protocol, I logged onto Casey's register to pretend I wasn't eavesdropping.  Apparently a caller had reported 'suspicious activity'.  The guy had no ID, and after a lengthy conversation, he was let go.  I finished sweeping, then Loader N and AM took out the trash and brought in the concrete.  I put away the soda, and locked the doors at 9. HC A cleaned me out; I took the remaining trash bag to the hopper and walked her up front, locked the middle doors, then grabbed a small roll of trash bags and filled all mine.  Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:20.

Outfit:  Blue hooded Cabela's sweatshirt, faded jeggings, small textured gold hoops.

Day 33:  $4,636 (and 89 cents)

Shift began well; I had the soda count done in an hour, and the customers were nice and steady.  Then Customer A arrived and began to give me a list of things for delivery.  Line began to back up; we discovered he needed to go get item numbers, so I hopped over to #2 and rang up the line.  A returned and we finished the order....but delivery fee was wrong, so called ASM N, who came down while I was on #2. I went back and finished A's order, but the delivery was still wrong, so sent them down to CS to get it fixed.

I went to lunch, and when I returned, Customer B arrived, and tried to pay by check.  Turned out the owner of said check was on the phone, and the 1st time I ran the check, it needed the drivers license #.  B took too long and it timed out.  2nd time, it declined.  We tried to manually imput it, but still declined. So saved it and logged into Genesis, but could not recall the invoice.  Rescanned everything, and promptly forgot how to do a phone order, so had to call HC J, who refreshed my memory,  Got them finally rang up, with me apologizing all over the place for the delay.

Things slowed down, so got the place swept.  Customer C arrived and asked about the altercation last night.  I rang him up, he put his card in, and when I told him the total, he was shocked.  He thought two items were only $17; they were $119!  Printed his receipt and sent him to CS to get it refunded or fixed.

Tracy A arrived and wanted to know if he could get a very warped plywood for half off; I said sure, so needed an o/r.

Loader K took the trash hopper and set the safety pallets; I returned a can of paint, and clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Red turtleneck, faded jeggings, copper hoops

Day 34:  $5,560 (and 29 cents)

Arrived and took over for B, and did the soda count and prelim duties.  Rang up customers, then began sweeping around 7. Went to break at 7:30, then came back and brought in some carts, re-swept the walkway, mucked out the mats, and sanitized all the registers.  Locked the doors at 9:55, and took the trash to the hopper while HC J cleaned out my register.  Nice, steady night.

Outfit:  Black/gray shirt, faded jeggings, red sweatshirt, copper hoops

Day 35:  $7,334 (and 54 cents)

Began my shift by filling the snack rack, and one of my customers, Leon, asked me if I had any free ones.  I said no, but when he mentioned he and his wife were going to La Fiesta, I told him to bring me some chips.  "Oh, you want chips, but I don't get any Oreos?"  He winked and went shopping.  Later, he showed up with his doors and paid with a refund card, and the balance was $27.  He rolled his eyes and opened his wallet.  "Do you have enough to still take US to La Fiesta?" I teased.  "Yes, MOLLY." and handed me $40.  I smiled, gave him his change, and sent him on his way. His wife was cracking up the entire time!

After I filled all the snacks and soda, I did the prelim duties and brought in some carts.  Around 7:30, L's wife came in and handed me a small take out container!  I thanked her, and she said, "I wanted to bring you these, because you brighten our day every time we see you."  Awwwww......

I went to break, and when I came back, noshed on those chips for an hour while sweeping, then mucked out the mats and sanitized the registers and wiped down the counters.  When HC J cleaned me out, I locked the doors and waited for Loader Al to finish setting the safety pallets and bringing in the concrete.  Took the trash to the hopper and put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:15 and went to karaoke....

Bill showed up around 12:30!  Tried to take a pic with him, Vickers (it was his b-day), and Elaine, but he pulled his sweatshirt over his face.  So I took one on the sly.  He's growing a gray/white beard, so didn't recognize him at first.  Stormi was also there, and Elaine won $100 on the tip board.  She got drunk and wrote 'Spank me' on Steve's cup!  Got home around 1:30 to a very grumpy hubby.

Outfit:  Whitehorse sweatshirt, faded jeggings, small gold textured hoops.

Day 36:  $12,666 (and 69 cents!)

Arrived and immediately rang up one customer, then gathered the paperwork and began the prelim duties.  Ended up being very busy from 6pm-7:30; went to break, and when I returned, had time to gather the rest of the trash.  Didn't start sweeping until nearly 8:30, and finally sanitized the registers around 9:30.  Filled the bags; tried to do my LU, but the screen wouldn't load.  Returned items to electrical, hardware, and tools.  Clocked out at 10:15.  Good night:)

Am off to Nashville, IN tomorrow with Loader Matt.

Day 37:  Rare Sunday $17,177 (and 79 cents)

Arrived slightly late, and discovered #2 was down.  Hopped on #3, then ASM N came down and fixed #2, which worked maybe an hour, before I was back on #2.  Em went to lunch at 1 and we were slammed!  Even had a 'traffic jam' at one point.  E returned around 2 and the madness continued until 3, when things settled down. She swept, while I shuffled the soda.  ASM K ticked me off; apparently Cait hadn't taken out the trash, so K asked me to please take it out tonight.  Gritting my teeth, I said I would.  And rolled my eyes...I ALWAYS TAKE IT OUT!!!!!!!

Had an interesting exchange with LCS....customer I recognized needed an approval....I called, CS says b/c her hubby's not with her, I'm 'not supposed to process' her card.  I did get her to tell me the credit amount left, agreed with her, and hung up.  I then told the customer we could process X amount on card (so she'd get her discount), then the balance on another card.  Problem solved; I've worked with this customer before, and she had her hubby's photo ID on her phone. She thanked me profusely; I told her she was lucky she came to me, b'c the 'young ones' would have politely thanked her and refused to process it.  I'm working on Year 4, and knew how to do it.

Went to lunch at McA, after selling M Lewis her keychain, and when I returned, I took over #1 while Em went to break.  I did the soda count, then HC J told me we didn't have anything, so I kept it for tomorrow.  Reg #2 went down again, and HC A came down and fixed it.  She's taking ASM N's job, so now we need two more HCs, since Haley quit.  After Em left at 6, I started on the closing duties, and finally got the place swept by 7:30.  Swept the mats and even the concrete outside, and my final customer left at closing.  Let Loader C out for the safety pallets and concrete, then rode a scooter to the front, taking back items to Plumbing, Paint, and Hardware.  Returned and discovered HC J had taken my final bag of trash, and had forgotten the tax exempts, so pushed a LG cart up front, then grabbed a roll of trash bags, put one in the can and the rest in the plastic container, THEN put up my vest and took the paperwork up front. Clocked out at 8:30.

Outfit:  Blessed G'ma tee, new dark jeggings, small gold hoops

Life In Lumber Y4, W7

 Day 28:  $5,1110 (and 59 cents)

Arrived and took over for B. Was fairly steady for an hour, and then #1 decided to act up. Finally moved over to #2....I rebooted #1, and it still wouldn't work. Did my LU and AP4Me, and put away the soda. Cait relieved me at 7:45 for lunch....30 mins!!  When I came back, I started the closing duties and swept. Sanitized the registers and counters.  When HC J came down to clean me out, I took the trash down, then let Loader E outside to his ride. Clocked out at 10:20.

Outfit: Bless this mess sweatshirt, dark jeggings, small flower diamond earrings.

Day 29:  $6,710 (and 78 cents)

Arrived; discovered #1s light was burned out. Began ringing up customers and doing the soda count; finally finished soda count at 7pm.  Did the rest of the prelim duties, and Liv relieved me at 7:50 for a 20 min break.  Afterward, did my LU and swept, then mucked out the mats.  Final customer was after HC J began cleaning me out, so hopped over to #2 and rang him up.  Took the trash down, brought in his cart, then returned items to Tools, Plumbing, Paint, Hardware, and LG.  Clocked out at 10:25.

Had one o/r; couple bought a water heater that rang up $580, but was on sale for $459.  ASM M came down for it.

Outfit:  Blue sparkle tee, dark jeggings, copper Larimar earrings.

Day 30:  $3,467 (and 52 cents)

Arrived; B was on #1, since #2 had just begun to act up.  We swapped places; I did the soda count, only to find out it had already been done, AND the soda was already behind the desk!  Filled what I could, then rang up customers just as the deluge began. Had a 'rush' between 6 and 7, then things slowed down. Did the prelim duties, did my LU and my Safety Training. Cait sent me to break at 7:30, and when I returned, swept and mucked out the mats, then wiped down the registers and counters.  Took the trash down after HC J cleaned me out, then put up my vest, took the remaining soda to the cage, and clocked out at 10:20.

Outfit:  Red v-neck, black/white poncho, dark jeggings, diamond flower earrings.

Day 31:  $7,525 (and 48 cents)

Caught a 90 car train, so was slightly late getting to work; clocked in at 4:59. Took over for B, who said it had been a busy day (no rain!), and collected the paperwork, then started on the soda count.  Had it done by 6, and rang up customers, plus did my LU. At 7, finished the prelim duties, and was sent to break at 8:15.  Came back and swept, put away the soda, and brought in carts from the sidewalk.  HC J cleaned me out at 9:50, since we had no carts, and Loader Al had already brought in the concrete. Loader Al took the hopper out, so while I waited for his return, filled the snacks and reorganized the carts.  ASM K and N came down and brought in 'Doc', then closed the door.  After I finished the final cart, I unlocked the door and told Al he'd have to go around back, since 'Doc' was in the way.  Relocked the doors and hung up my vest, then took the tax exempts and loading tickets to CS.  Clocked out at 10:30, only to discover my clock in hadn't been recorded.  Neither had Brenda's, Noah's, or Kelly's.  Weird.

I'm off to Comic Con and Saluki Con for the weekend!  Everyone have a safe and happy Easter weekend!

Outfit:  Black/white shirt, black vest, dark jeggings, copper/larimar earrrings