Life In Lumber: Y5, W5

 Day 22:  $6184

Shift began with a shock:  One of my co-workers, SK, has brain cancer, and is hospitalized.  She apparently began losing her memory last week, and one side of her face drooped, so it was speculated she'd had a stroke.  Nope...turned out to be undiagnosed lung cancer which spread to her brain.  I was on #9 for an hour (#10 was malfunctioning), then hopped over to Self Checkout until Kel arrived at 5.  Went down to Lumber, and Loader T asked me to get things ready to go (trash-wise) by 7:30. Okay; no problem. Did the prelim duties and was sent to lunch at 6:30.  Did my LU and AP4Me, then took an extra few mins (there was some confusion as to whether I was to take 30 or an hour; I turned it into 30 plus a ten minute break, since I'd not had my 1st one!). When I returned, things had slowed, and pulled trash, mucked out the mats, spot-swept the entire area, plus the 7/16 OSB area. T ended up taking trash at 10; our final customer was at 9:40.  After T brought the hopper back, he brought in the concrete and the other forklift; I closed the door. (I'd locked the doors at 9:55, since we didn't have any cars in the lot). HC C cleaned me out; I put up my vest.  ASM K told us to clock out at 10:25.

Outfit:  Gray hooded sweatshirt, faded jeggings, LJs, small gold hoops

Day 23:  $7504

Was called in at 4, and was surprised to be placed immediately in Lumber.  Was fairly steady; B left at 5 and I had a 'rush', but was able to get my prelim duties accomplished. Mack sent me to lunch at 6:30, and when I returned, things were slow and steady. ASM K left at 7, so I did my LU. At 8:30, pulled the trash, and at 9, began sweeping. Mucked out the mats, sanitized the registers and ALL the counters. When HC K cleaned me out, ASM J came down with Ethan from LG; he took the hopper and brought in the concrete.  Clocked out at 10:30.

Had two funny moments: A) I had called down for an o/r, and when HC C told me she was held up at the CS, I said, "No worries; I'll call 9-1-1....I mean, 99!"  B) Customer had one can of spray paint; I asked, "Do you want your paint in a can-I mean, bag?" He laughed, and said yes, preferably one that sprayed!

Friday, B has to leave at 2 for an eye appointment. I'm scheduled 3-7, but told him I'd get there early; apparently, ASM S is supposed to get ahold of me.  I told ASM J to let him know it was all arranged.

Outfit:  Teal flowered shirt, black vest, faded jeggings, Yukon Tartan studs

I'm off the next two days:)

Day 24:  $4783

Clocked in at 1:45 and printed off April schedule, then headed down to Lumber.  Was fairly slow between 2-3, then as soon as Kem left, I was swamped....and needed an o/r on Customer #1. Pro Se hopped on #2 until ASM K arrived to give it to me.  It was a discounted tool.  Then, #1 ran out of $5, 10s, and 20s, so hopped to #2. Em arrived at 4; she handled the card customers while I handled the cash ones. Things slowed down by 4:30, so after I fronted all the soda, I logged off and went in search of our broom and dustpan, and came up empty. Went up front for bags; we were out, so had to use the white ones. At 5, I took my break, and just as I was finishing up, HC K asked if I'd be willing to go out to Garden until 7. I said yes, so after I was done, I gathered my red hooded sweatshirt, went to Lumber to inform Em, and headed outside.  It was breezy, and had to put on the sweatshirt around 6. Only had a handful of customers, and at 6:30, I couldn't 'wake up' my register, and had to send my customer inside. Called ASM S, who said he'd be there shortly, but never did. Called back around 7:15; he told me to page for Charlie, who arrived with Chris B, and they closed me down. Think I finally clocked out around 7:30.

Had a private conversation with Kem about if she could tell the difference in the mornings who had closed the night before. "Yes. When you're not here, the schedule is on the desk, the trash isn't pulled, and the floor's a mess."  That made me feel good:)

Outfit: Red/black plaid, black vest, dark jeggings, thin gold hoops

I'm off to SI Comic Con tomorrow!  Not working Palm Sunday, unless they call me in.

Life In Lumber: Y5, W4

 Day 17:  $3356

Arrived and discovered I'd be shadowing the new girl, Milee, and occasionally helping with the line. Around 4, I got my own trainee, Kelly, and she followed me down to Lumber at 5. B was invoicing a cull cart, so hopped on #1. Started the prelim duties...gathered paperwork and consolidated trash, and fronted the soda. Did have a rush at 6, and discovered I could not recall B's invoice when the customer arrived. Pro Se retyped everything in, then left at 6:30.  Em arrived; I turned everything over to her, and tried to set a customer up with the MVP Reward accoutn, but discovered he needed an LBA. Turned out he's just getting started, so I told him to come talk to the pros.  K and I went up front to talk to HC K and sent K to lunch; I went in the back to do my AP4Me and LU, and ended up also doing the Lowes Safety Review.  Clocked out at 7:55.

ASM K left at 4.

Outfit:  Gray V-neck, denim vest, new dark jeggings, LJs, thick silver hoops

Day 18:  $4464

Arrived and took over for B, then did the prelim duties and spot-swept. Things were a little slow. At 7, had a customer have me look up her card; nothing matched. They paid with a regular credit card, and went to dinner.  Mack sent me to break at 7:30 and when I returned, the same couple had also returned. Did everything in my power to help her out, then had to call ASM S, who discovered part of the issue:  1) she was trying to enter her MyLowes # instead of her LAC #. 2) In looking up her info, it was determined it was tied to her OLD ADDRESS.  Once we punched in the correct zip code, there she was! Also, ASM S showed her how to add her card to her wallet, which brought up the bar code. Problem solved!

Pulled trash at 8:30, and began sanitizing at 9. Spot-swept again and mucked out all the mats, then when ASM S cleaned me out, returned items to Drywall and Millwork, then took my trash to the hopper and put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:30.

ASM K left at 4.

Outfit:  Lavander sweater, denim vest, new dark jeggings, LJs, thick gold hoops

I'm off tomorrow:)

Day 19:  $2499

Spent my four hours in Lumber; filled some of the soda before B left at 4:30 (he was in danger of OT, so had to leave early!). I did the prelim duties and rang up customers.  Dawson sent me to break at 5:45 after I finished with a customer who needed and o/r. Em arrived at 6; I filled the Gatorade and Red Bull, then helped a customer find a tool, did my LU, checked my schedule, emailed ASM S, SC, and Kylie about April 5th, and discovered I got another 22 cent raise.  I'm now up to $14.74.  Whoo hoo!  Clocked out at 7:30.

ASM K wasn't there, but discovered she's closing the next two nights.  Sigh....

Outfit:  Red/black plaid, faded jeggings, LJs, thick gold hoops

Day 20:  Rare Sat $6985

Ran slightly late, due to singing at 5pm service.  Clocked in with 2 mins to spare, then did my arrival routine before heading down to Lumber.  Em was happy to see me; I took over for her and after ringing up a few customers, did my prelim duties. Adrianne sent me to break at 8:15, and when I returned, did the closing duties and spot-swept. Gathered the outside trash, then emptied all the trash cans. Mucked out the mats and sanitized the registers and counters. Loader E1 brought in the concrete; I locked the doors at 9:55. Final customer left around 9:50. E1 took the trash, then as soon as New HC Celbie cleaned me out, and E1 returned, I closed the large door and walked her up front, returning items to Electrical, Tools, and Hardware. Put up my vest and discovered the carts were still beside the SCO, so Adriane and I hauled them to the front entrance. ASM K and HC C were still looking for the Garden $$ bags, which turned out to be in the safe. Clocked out at 10:35.

Teased two customers:  A had a paint roller refill, and her hubby was slightly grumpy, so I joked she could swat him with it.  He humphed, and I said, "I see it now...he fills out the survey....'cashier gives advice to wife to beat me'.  Then I was waiting on an o/r for a marked down door, and I don't remember what exactly I said, but I joked I was in a sassy mood.  Everyone got a good laugh about it!

Outfit:  Mama Bear sweatshirt, faded jeggings, LJs, textured gold hoops,

Day 21:  Rare Sun $9324

You know it's going to be a tough shift when you walk in and CS tells you to 'turn around and walk out while you still can'....it had been a sh*t show, with call ins and difficult, entitled customers.  Took over for Em, and things appeared to slow down; I even started doing the soda count, but had to hop on #2 after a few minutes.....and there I stayed.  #1 ran out of ones; HC J came down and showed me the 'distressed plants' button after needing several o/rs on plants. Mack sent me to break at 7, and when I returned, saw Chet and Marlene....then had a customer on the phone who kept asking me if I could email her the list, and I Could. NOT. get it through her head that that's what the PRO'S do, NOT me.  Her contractors finally walked away....I was close to losing my patience with her, due to the pain in my neck/shoulder, and the fact it was 30 minutes until we closed. I gathered up the trash and spot-swept. Locked the doors at 8, then opened the large door and waited for everyone to finish bringing in the carts. Loader E1 took the trash (I even emptied the outside one), then ASM K finally brought in the concrete. Took two tax exempts up front, then put up my vest. Clocked out at 8:30.

Found out I let a shoplifter get by me.  I'd had a woman indicate the bag and tell me she'd tried to return it, but didn't have the receipt.  I flagged down Kyle, and the woman looked nervous, but we let her go...THEN it registered she had a tool or something UNDER the bag...but at that point, I didn't care.  I didn't feel good, I was wishing I'd called in, and wanted everyone to just leave.  ASM K stopped me as I was coming back from the bathroom; Kyle had alerted her, so she'd looked at the tape.  "You didn't do anything wrong...but she's a known shoplifter."

Okay.

Outfit:  Blue sparkle shirt, faded jeggings, LJs, silver crosses

Life In Lumber: Y5, W3

 Day 12:  $12,147

Arrived at 3 and did my AP4Me before clocking in, then was up front for 2 hours, both in Self Checkout and on #10, then at 4:45, took my 15 min break before heading down to Lumber. Took over for B, and barely got the prelim duties done before the customers kept coming. Jaylee showed up at 7:30 for my lunch, and since I knew I had a lot to do, only took 30 mins. When I returned, I returned items to Electrical, Plumbing, Paint, Tools, and Hardware; pulled trash, swept the entire area (spot-swept in places; I HATE my new dust mop!), and filled out the soda count sheet. Final customer left at 9:15, then I sanitized the registers and counter, mucked the mats, and made sure everything looked good for Corporate's visit in the morning. I even brought in all 3 cull carts, and had Loader E2 take the trash to the hopper. After ASM S cleaned me out, I walked him up front and collected the soda I needed, then Mack and I went back and filled the coolers.  Clocked out at 10:50.

Outfit: Dark Gray IN sweatshirt, new faded jeggings, LJs, small gold hoops

Day 13:  $8759

Arrived early and ran off copies of the 'new and improved' Coke count sheets, then discovered we:

-Got the highest score in 2 years (87%)

-Our TV is gone

-Our water cooler is gone (never did find out why!)

-Mitch is making Pro get rid of the closet

-Mitch wants us to move our counter back 3 feet, and put in a coffee bar at the far end. (eye roll)

Otherwise, it was a nice, steady shift. I took half the soda count sheets down to CS, then took over for B. Did the prelim duties, opened the drawer where half a roll of trash bags were last night, and they were all gone!  HC K forgot to bring me some, so I made a mental note to get some at break. Was steady until 8, then Marilyn came down to relieve me.  First I went to Receiving for the bags, then took my break. When I returned, I swept the area; mucked out the mats, and sanitized the registers and counters.  Even cleaned off the top of the ice machine (what I could reach, anyway!) 

Thoroughly swept the horseshoe, the OSB, and the hardi board area, and checked out the final customers at 9:55. Locked the doors, then helped Loader Tim bring in the cull carts, then waited for him to bring the hopper around to toss in the trash.  HC K cleaned me out; I waited for T to return, then closed the large door and returned items to 21, Building Materials, and Hardware. Clocked out at 10:40.

Outfit:  White tunic, b/w sweater poncho, new dark jeggings, small gold textured hoops

Off to the GSH Vendor Fair Wed and Thurs!

Day 14:  St. Patrick's Day!  $9697  

Did well at the Vendor Fair; sold 12 total!

Arrived and took over for B.  Discovered there were no $10s and only two $5s, so alerted ASM SM, and hopped over to #2.  He brought down the bills, so hopped back.  My 2nd customer greeted me with, "Oh good....someone who knows what's going on!" and made a payment on his LAR. I also discovered the entire Pro section had been shoved back 3 feet, and new shelves lined the front. I swept up the 'construction area' and did the other prelim duties.  At 8:30, I called S to ask when my break was, for I was about to float.  He said to give him a few mins....but at 8:55, I couldn't wait any longer and asked Loader E1 to watch the register!  I never did get my official break, but Brenda never showed, so we were short-staffed.  ASM K only came down twice, but left me alone. Pulled the trash and found out whomever closed last night had used the wrong trash bags for my 2nd largest can.  Got it straightened out, then mucked out the mats, sanitized the registers, and brought in the cull carts, with LG Dalton's help.  E1 brought the hopper around  and tossed my trash in it while I was ringing LG Dalton and Blake up. Locked the doors, closed the large door, and walked ASM SM up to the front before taking items back to Plumbing and Hardware.  Clocked out at 10:30, then picked up the hubby and went to BW3 for wings and a Guinnes, and to watch the IU game...or at least half of it.

Outfit:  Black/Green Pug Crawlin' tee, black LJ shirt, new dark jeggings, LJs, green top hat earrings.

Day 15: Rare Sat $7627

Arrived and took over for Marilyn, and discussed ASM K with Pro Se, who is getting VERY discouraged with the lack of support. Did the prelim duties, and was busy until 7, when I needed a pit stop, so called HC J and requested someone cover me.  Jax arrived, so did a quick one, then he returned to the front, and I was slammed until 9.  HC J came down to clean out #2 and 3, and I asked about my 15. She let Mack stay while I took my break, and when I returned, did the closing duties and swept, mucked the mats, and sanitized the registers and counters.  Final customer left at 9:45.  Locked the doors at 10 and brought in the two cull carts.  When HC J cleaned me out, I took the trash to the hopper, then walked her up front.  ASM K let us out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Lt gray IN sweatshirt (it was only 30 degrees and snowing!), new dark jeggings, LJs, small diamond studs

Day 16: Rare Sunday $10,451

Worked with Jaylee for 30 mins, then she left.  Did some of the prelim duties....consolidated the trash, gathered the paperwork, and fronted the soda. Got busy around 5 and things slowed a little around 7. Woman said she had about 7 carts; Lex came down to send me to my break, so when she hopped on 2, I rang up two of the carts and saved it under my phone #, but when I recalled it to add in the 8 foam board, we noticed it was 'tax exempt', and couldn't get that off of there.  So L got on the next register while I read off all item numbers and quantities....THEN I took my break, just as the couple arrived with the last of it. They had just finished loading everything when I returned at 6:30.

I then did the closing duties, and pulled the outside trash. Swept entire area, mucked the mats, sanitized the registers and counters, and re-fronted the soda, and brought in the cull carts. HC J cleaned me out; I left her with Mack and took back items to the Back Wall (clearance) and Hardware.  Put up my vest and clocked out at 8:40.

ASM K left me alone; the only thing she asked me was, "Are your doors locked?"

Outfit:  Brown striped turtleneck, new dark jeggings, LJs, blue fingerless gloves (it was COLD outside!), small diamond studs

Celebrating WHAT?

Note:  The following contains very CONSERVATIVE VALUES as expressed by my personal convictions.  If you, the reader has stumbled across this by accident, or are easily triggered, I suggest you stop reading. This is MY blog, and I'm entitled to my own OPINION.  If you don't share that OPINION, feel free to rant about it on your own page, not mine. 

March 8th is supposed to be 'International Women's Day'....but in the US, it's a joke.

1) Our 1st Lady honored a trans, biological MALE who has transitioned and now identifies FEMALE.

2) Last year, a nominee of the highest court in the country couldn't, UNDER OATH, explain what a woman is.

Any sane person could tell you the difference. Let's go back to basic biology.

At conception, any fertilized egg has either XX or XY chromosomes.

XX=FEMALE

XY=MALE

Males=Boy/Men

Boy: Any child born with XY chromosomes and male sex organs, until puberty

Men:  Any person born with XY chromosomes who has gone through puberty

Trans Men:  Males born with XY chromosomes who have had their male sex organs removed, OR are choosing to live their lives as FEMALE

Women=Girls/Women

Girl: Any child born with XX chromosomes and female sex organs until puberty

Women:  Any person born with XX chromosomes who have gone through puberty, and are now of child-bearing age or later. 

Trans Women:  Females born with XX chromosomes who have had their breasts removed and male sex organs attached or not, and choosing to live their lives as MALE.

Puberty:  Defined in adoloscent men as voice changing, body hair, able to impregnate a female.  Defined in adoloscent women as development of breasts, body hair, first menses, signaling the ability to be impregnated by a male.

Asexual:  Not choosing to engage in mating rituals

Non-binary:  Not choosing to relate to either Male or Female gender

Binary:  Choosing to relate to both male and female on any given day; may dress as Male one day, then Female the next. 

Gay/Lesbian:  Same-sex dating/marriage/sexual activities

Bi-sexual:  Engaging in sexual acts with either sex.

Does that clear it up?

So yes, International Women's Day is a joke, because there are countries where WOMEN aren't allowed freedoms. The US government is doing everything in its power to erase WOMEN'S rights by allowing BIOLOGICAL MEN to enter former women-only sports, beauty pageants, etc.

But wait-what about former MEN'S ONLY sports? I remember when there was a FEMALE on the Harlem Globetrotter's team.

Yes, there are always exceptions to the rules. I'm not denying that, and that's the very reason the women's divisions in sports were created.  So should there now be two additional sports divisions?  I don't know what the answer is to that.

Life in Lumber: Y5, W2

 Day 7:  $6785

Arrived and took over for B, then started the prelim duties.  Really had a stress-free evening; managed to sweep the floor and muck the mats before Kel sent me to break at 7. Returned and finished the rest of the mats, plus my AP4Me and checked my email. Spot-swept the rest of the area and fronted the soda. Final customer left shortly after 8:30; pulled outside trash and sanitized the registers and counters.  When ASM S cleaned me out, I walked with him up to the front and returned an item to Hardware, then put up my vest and took a pit stop.  Clocked out 9:50.

ASM K left at 6:)

Outfit:  Brown gauze, black vest, dark jeggings, Lt blue studs

Day 8:  $6497

Arrived and thought I was in Lumber, but was supposed to be up front.  I'd taken the Coke soda count sheets in and ran off 20, then put half in the Lumber folder, and taken the rest  up front.  Mack asked as I wanted to do Self Checkout or #10; I chose the register.  But first, I gave B his 2nd break, THEN went up front, and hopped on #10.  I took my break at 6:30, then went to Lumber to give Em hers. Mack took hers after that, so I was doing double-duty for 15 mins.  Thankfully, things were slow. Got the floor spot-swept and the trash pulled; Mack left at 9 (after driving me slightly batty with her energy-dancing and twirling around, and always going over to Paint or CS), and after HC K pulled my drawer, I took the trash to Receiving, then got the CORRECT bags for Lumber and took them to that area, then took a pit stop and went back up front.  Clocked out at 9:25.

ASM K had day off!

Outfit:  Bless This Mess sweatshirt, new faded jeggings, Lt blue studs

Off to Lafayette tomorrow!

Day 9:  $3469

Arrived and took over for B, then things slowed. Did the prelim duties, and had a small 'rush' at 6, but the rain was coming down, so the place emptied out.  Was able to write, then at 7:30 pulled the trash and spot-swept the floor, mucked out the mats, and sanitized the registers.  Realized no one had sent me to break yet, so called, but got no answer. Ethan from appliances came to get a soda, and I asked him to watch the register so I could take a pit stop.  He did, and after I returned, re-fronted all the soda.  Locked the doors at 9, then ASM S cleaned me out.  I took the trash to the hopper, then ASM K had me open the large door and said she'd stay while I took my returns.  Returned items to Electrical, Tools, and Plumbing, then put up my vest. Put the loading tix and the tax exempts in the folder, and clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  Black baby cable sweater, red polo, new faded jeggings, LJs, Lt blue studs

Off tomorrow, for the hockey game Alex and choir is singing after 1st period!

Day 10:  Rare Saturday $10,750

Arrived and took over for Angie. Was slightly busy, but still able to get prelim duties done. At 8, I realized I'd not had my break, and my bladder was beginning to complain, so at 8:30 I called ASM S, and he sent Dawson down to cover me.  Returned items to Plumbing and Electrical, then took my break. When I returned, I pulled trash, did three LU videos plus quizzes, spot-swept the floor, mucked out the mats, and fronted the soda. After ASM S cleaned me out, and Loader E1 took my trash, I returned items to Tools and Hardware, then put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:30.

ASM K left at 6.

Outfit:  Lt gray IN sweatshirt, new faded jeggings, LJs, Lt blue studs 

Day 11:  Rare Sunday $1635

Actually had an enjoyable shift; was up front all of maybe 5 mins, when I realized there were 4 of us.  Asked HC J if I could go fill the Mt Dew and Pepsi in Lumber, so that's what I did. At 5, covered Mack's 15 half hour break, and she pissed me off.  It was 4:50, and I was gathering carts to take up front, when she went ahead and clocked out.  Fine; whatever,  Then at 5:30, after she returned, I couldn't find her, and she was talking to HC J. I then went down to Lumber to cover Em's 1/2 hour break, and was busy after the 1st 15 mins!  HC J brought down the Red Bull and Monster; I filled those coolers.  When Em returned, I filled the Coke coolers, then went back for the Pepsi and whatever Coke needed it. At close, I helped put away all the extra soda, then took a pit stop and put up my vest. Clocked out at 8:30.

Outfit: Black V-neck tunic, yellow plaid vest, new faded jeggings, LJs, small textured gold hoops.

March Goals

How did I do in February?

-Lose 5 lbs (start: 231)

-Have an enjoyable Valentine's Day Check!  Talked the spouse into taking me to Old Chicago for a heart-shaped pizza.  Note to self:  Do NOT do this next year.  Crust was soggy.  Ugh.

-Finish Sage's story Not yet

-Research Mailchimp Check!

-Order business cards Check!

-Get taxes filed Appt March 2nd

-Buy better accounting notebook Not yet

-Order copies of Hotel, Catered, and WHH Will do this when I get my bonus $$ on March 10th

-Have a stress-free month at work Check!

Had two 'mental health' weekends:  Went to see my friend Sara Goodwin at her very first book signing, in Bedford, In, and took a friend with me. Bought several books (hers included!), then we detoured to the French Lick Casino for an hour, before heading home. I dropped E off at her house, then drove to K's house to meet the rest of the family, and ended up watching the Live Action version of Aladdin.

Super Bowl was AMAZING!  WTG KC Chiefs!!!

Then the following weekend, I took granddaughter A with me to Lafayette, and we ate dinner at Red Lobster. The next day, she and I drove to Peoria, IL to see friends at Quad Con, and to scope out the possibility of applying next year.

Finances suffered a bit, but was able to juggle things around.

Depression lifted, and I was definitely more cheerful at work:)

Even started my newsletter!

Books Read:  2

            Print:  1

         E-book: 1

2023 Events:

March 15-16:  GSH Vendor Fair, Good Samaritan Hospital, Vincennes, In 8-4?? Pd 2/27 Sold 12:)

April 1st:  SI Comic Con, Benton, Il Pd 4/2022

22nd:  Kokomo Con, Kokomo, In $75 

28th:  North HS Craft Fair, $40 (bring own table) Pd 2/3

May 5-7:  Indianapolis Comic Con, Indiana Convention Center $300

June:  Superman Celebration ($100)

July 9-11:  Imaginarium Convention, Louisville, Ky $165 for table 12/2:  Pd $120; 1/20:  Pd $40

Still owe $50 for banquet dinner

July 15th:  Heroes For Kids, Perryville, Mo Hoping the $$ I paid last year 'rolls over'....

July 22nd:  Peoria Quad Con

Aug:  State Fair??

Aug:  Hanna House

Sept:   15-16th:  Cil-Con, Effingham, Il $50 (bring own tables)

Oct:  TBD

Nov 8-12:  Indianapolis Christmas Gift and Hobby Show $350 1/27:  Pd $60; 3/3: Pd $60

March Goals:

-Lose 5 lbs (start: 231)

-Get a good report on Bone Density Scan Check!  Normal:)

-Order copies WHH, CR, and Hotel, plus maybe Whispers.Check!

-Add words to Sage's story

-Get taxes filed Check!  Bad news:  Owe both Fed ($3100) and State ($250)

-Pay for April QuickBooks workshop at Pantheon Check:) Pd 3/17

-Do well at GSH Vendor Event Check!  Sold 12:)

-Stress-free month at work

-Work enough hours to pay bills and save up for upcoming trips

-Finish watching Charmed

-Finish watching Pit Bulls and Parolees

-Start evicting items from Brown House

February Reading Schedule:

Print:

Dragonfly In Amber-DG

Christine-Stephen King

Darkness-John Saul

Fever-Robin Cook

Creature-John Saul

Lovey-Mary McCracken

Second Child-John Saul

Calico Joe-John Grisham

The Glassmaker's Wife-Lee Martin

Evergreen-Sara Goodwin

Piercing The Darkness-Frank Peretti

Propher-Frank Peretti

Let The Drum Speak-Linda Lay Shuler

Kalahari Typing School For Men-Alexander McCall Smith

Cupboard Full of Life-AMS

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

-21

E-book:

Rescued-Cynthia D'Alba, et al RR!  The only reason this antho doesn't get the 'definite' ratiung is because there is one story I completely skimmed. Just couldn't get into it.  I loved Cynthia's and Tamlyn's the best.  Just saying!

Soul of a Storme-Sandra Sookoo

Fury of a Storme-SS

Kaleidescope Hearts-S.E. Winters, et al

Pandemonium In Peoria-Rochelle Bradley, et al

The Duke and the Lass-Jessie Clever

Love In Copper Mill-Deb Julienne, et al

Son of A Duke-Jessie Clever

The Duke and the Lady-Jessie Clever

Going Home Again-Carol Cassada

Turn The Page-Sydney Logan

When The Lady Must Wed-Jessie Clever

To Love Or Not To Love-Jean Joachim

The Christmas Party-JJ

The Dream Runner-Kerry King

A Picture Out of Place-Kerry King

A Cowboy's Seduction-Cynthia D'Alba

Rescue My Heart-Jean Joachim

Things I Wanted To Say-Monica Murphy

Taste-Melanie Harlow

The Single Dad-Marni Mann

Beneath The Stars-Emily McIntire, et al

Kiss Me, You Animal-Dakota Rebel

The Duke She Married-Jessie Clever

Life In Lumber: Y5, W1

 Day 1:  $7658

Arrived; things were slow until B left, then WHAM!  Everyone came in, and I was busy until 7. At one point, was waiting for a price-match on #1, so was on #2 until ASM S came down to approve it. Adriane sent me to break at 7, and when I returned, things were slower, so was able to do the closing duties and sweep. Had a customer clean me out of $10s, $5s, and $1s, so went back to #2, where I stayed the rest of the time. Pulled trash, mucked under all the mats, and fronted the soda, plus did my LU and AP4Me. Checked and read my email, and submitted May 12th and 14th off (S's baby shower-may have to go get Mom on the 12th and return her on the 14th). After ASM S cleaned me out, I walked him up front, then put up my vest.

We have new music on the overhead!!!  It's tuned to a country station.

Outfit: Maroon 3/4 sleeve blouse, white vest, faded jeggings, gold and diamond loops.

Day 2:  $3425

Arrived and took over for B.  Pro Seth was leaving, and told me to keep an eye on a certain cart. Weeeeelll....two hours later, that cart was missing.  Asked Loader E2 about it, and he thought it was the cart with the shingles.  /Fingers crossed he's right....

Did the prelim duties and fronted ALL the soda (nearly cleaning out the far Coke one!). Did LU, and swept thoroughly. Adriane sent me to break at 7, and when I returned, began the closing duties.  Found some light bulbs with Mercury in them in the outside trash; sent E2 to the recycler with them. Mucked the mats and sanitized, and rang up final customer at close.  ASM K brought in the concrete, then ASM S cleaned me out.  Returned items to Millwork, then took the trash to Receiving. Clocked out at 9:30.

As Lex and I were waiting to be told to clock out, the middle exit alarm went off, and we discovered the doors weren't locked. 

Discovered we're getting a bonus this week!!!

Outfit:  Blue 'snowflake' sweater, red tank, faded jeggings, dark blue studs.

Day 3:  $7636

Went in at 3, and was told to go to Lumber. After K left, B and I sort of twiddled our thumbs, so I took inventory of the soda coolers and filled them, finishing up around 4:30. I went to the back and refilled my cup (we were out of water up front), then shooed B out the door.  I think EVERYONE showed up at the same time, for I was slammed for about 30 minutes. Then things quieted down and I got the prelim duties done. Had another rush at 6, and was unable to find a customer's P/L loading ticket. Adriane sent me to lunch at 7, and when I returned, started the closing duties, did my LU, swept, pulled trash, mucked out the mats, and sanitized the registers as well as the countertops for #1 and 2.

Was pissed at a customer who wanted three 50 lb concrete bags to be put into the cardboard bags,  This AFTER Mgr G and E2 were unavailable!  Fortunately, a customer stepped up and helped her.  She didn't understand I wasn't supposed to be away from my register that long, not with a line of people waiting!

HC J cleaned me out; I locked the doors and shut the large one at 9, then walked her up front and took my trash to Receiving.  Clocked out at 9:30.  ASM K had the day off!

Outfit:  Blue Whitehorse sweatshirt, faded jeggings, dark blue studs

My bonus on Fri after taxes:  $124.  At least I can catch up on last week's bills....

Day 4:  $6495

Kelly asked if I'd take her shift, so I did.  Was up front, and since it was raining, we were a little slow. Jax went to break at 6:30, then I was supposed to go at 7, but decided to wait until 7:15, which proved to be a good decision, since we had a minor 'rush'. I took my break at 7:15, then at 7:30, went to Lumber to give Em hers.

When I returned to the front, hopped on #9, since Lex was waiting for an o/r, and helped with the line.  After HC K cleaned out #8, I hopped on #10, and filled bags, swept, and helped Jax pull trash. Locked the doors at 9, then helped take carts down to Lumber. We all clocked out at 9:30.

ASM K had the day off!!

Outfit:  Red/yellow plaid, red tank, black vest, dark jeggings, LJs, thin gold hoops  

Day 5:  Rare Saturday $1895

Was called into work; Camille called in. Was up front, and alternately did Reg 10 and Self-Checkout. Pushed a lot of carts back to the front! At 7, I took over SCO from Caleb, then Brenda took her break. I took mine at 7:30, then gave Em her break. When Em returned, I took her returns to Tools and ISLG, then resumed my post at SCO until close.  After locking the doors, I took two carts down to Lumber, then told Em I'd stick around so she could leave (she wasn't feeling well), Fronted her soda and finished emptying her trash and general straightening up, then after HC J cleaned out #1, I returned items to Paint and Hardware, then pushed four more carts to Lumber and put up my vest. Clocked out at 9:50.

ASM K left at 6.  ASM S also told me he'd fix the schedule, so I could have Friday the 10th off, to go to the hockey game where granddaughter A and her choir is singing the Nat'l Anthem:)

Outfit:  Mama Bear sweatshirt, dark jeggings, LJs, thin gold hoops.

Day 6:  Rare Sunday $11,225

Arrived and took over for Angi, then was slightly busy until Em left at 4. Then I had 2 complicated customers....1) couldn't locate the right phone # for their LBA, so I finally saved it and they moved away, and 2) customer thought she'd activated her card, but didn't.  Did it over the phone, and everything was fine.  In the meantime, I paged for help, and Adriane came down for 1/2 an hour.  Things slowed, somewhat, and was able to start the closing duties...fronted soda, pulled trash.  Had to look up a contractor's P/L form, and once Loader Tim had it pulled, printed out the ticket.

Brenda sent me to break at 6:30, and when I returned, spot-swept and pulled the outside trash. Final customer left at 8, and literally locked the door behind them. Sanitized the registers and wiped down the counters.  HC J cleaned me out, and returned items to Electrical, Tools, and Hardware before taking the trash to Receiving.  Clocked out at 8:30.

ASM K left at 5; I didn't even see her.

Outfit:  Red hooded sweater, dark jeggings, LJs, small diamond hoops, tennis bracelet, diamond heart necklace.

Life In Lumber: Y4, W52

 Day 216:  $7672

We were freaking busy tonight!  Weather was warm; nearly 70, and once I took over for B, I barely had time to do anything the first hour, except ring up customers. Drywall aisle was nearly empty; B said Pro K had sold a lot of it. Truck is expected tomorrow, and another one on Friday.

Around 6:30, I was able to front the soda, and started sweeping. Kel sent me to break at 7, and when I returned, she was still dealing with a customer, so I consolidated the trash, then pulled it. Around 8, I started mucking out the mats, and did my LU and AP4Me, finishing it after locking the doors at 9. Brought in the rest of the carts, added what snacks I could to the rack, and took my trash to Receiving. Returned items to Electrical, Paint, and ISLG. Clocked out at 9:30.

ASM K left at 3:)

Outfit:  Palm tree sweatshirt, new dark jeggings, sapphire and silver hoops

Day 217:  $4680

Had a good shift!  Went in slightly early to buy trash bags, then took over for B. Did the prelim duties, and had the floor swept by 7, plus all the mats, and did my LU. Jax sent me to break at 7:30, and when I got back, I pulled the trash, filled the bags, and pulled the outside trash.

My sense of humor reared its head:  I was rounding the counter, for I saw a customer approaching.

Him:  "Don't run away from me..."

"I'm just getting into position..."

"What?"

"I'm assuming the position."

At this point, it hit me what I'd said, and thankfully, the older gentleman took it in stride! 

"I'd like to ask you out for a cup of coffee, but I'm guessing your husband wouldn't like it very much."

"No, he would not. But thank you anyway."

Something else was said as I was totalling him out, and I joked, "We just went there.  No."

"You're right; we did," We both laughed.

It just SLIPPED OUT!

At close, after I'd dusted off the Pepsi cooler, and HC K was cleaning me out, I locked the doors, then took the trash to Receiving, then put up my vest.  K asked me to take the front end's trash down, and return a shelf to Aisle 29, so I did, and ended up collapsing 20 or so tiny battery boxes.  As I was on the final one, Mike popped his head out if his office and told me I didn't have to break all of them down.

"NOW you tell me!"

Clocked out at 9:30. ASM K left at 6:)

Outfit:  Red snowflake sweater, new darker jeggings, LJs (it was only 50 degrees!), sapphire and silver hoops.

Day 218:  $3832

Arrived and immediately helped B with his line. He took his final break, then left.  The crowd thinned; ASM S came down and asked if I had a duster, to dust the sunglasses and Gatarade boxes.  I didn't, so he brought one down, and I dusted everything I could, including the ice machine.

Pro S didn't realize I was married.  "But you don't wear a ring."

"I outgrew it 19 years ago, with Child #3."

Wasn't that busy, so after I printed my pay stub and March schedule, fronted the soda, then did the soda count. Did the other prelim duties, then realized my dustmop was MIA, so only mucked out the mats. Kel sent me to break at 7:30, and when I returned, pulled trash and began putting away the soda after she brought it down. Things were going well until 8:30, when I got a rush. Was nearly finished putting away the soda when my final 2 customers decided to be CFH....A wanted to cut their foam board, and laid it all out behind the Pro desk to measure it out; B had some items on delivery and some she still needed to pay for. It was 9:15 before everyone left, and 9:30 before I pushed the trash down to the hopper. Then grabbed HC C's loading tickets, the return items, AND the extra soda and went up front. Returned items to Tools and Lighting, then had Adriane put away the soda while I took a tool over to ISLG, then put up my vest.  Clocked out at 9:50.

ASM K left at 3.

Outfit:  Black leapard stripe, faded jeggings, sapphire and silver hoops.

Day 219:  $3413

Shift began on a high note, since I arrived at 3 and 'knew' I was going to be in Self-checkout for a while.  But it was CRAZY!  First, my QR code didn't work, and neither did my sign in, so Sandy ran off one for me. Then, customer's gloves were significantly discounted, and finding a mgr was hard.  Fortunatly, Scott showed up at the right time. Then it was military after military....all 4 lanes were taken up....had to hop on #10 to do a check.....one customer decided, in the middle of the transaction!!, to apply for a credit card.  Kem took him down to Pro to do it, so that tied up one register, Another customer didn't understand there were 3 more, and was confused....finally another customer stepped in and helped me clarify!  I rang him up with no issues.  Another customer paid, then needed a wheelchair to go use the restroom.  A customer on a wheeled scooter offered his; I handed the woman her purse and pushed her cart to the side, so she didn't have to push it all the way to the back with her hubby.

At 4, Jaylee showed up, and HC C sent me to LG for an hour.  Only saw 3 people.  One customer wanted to know if we still had push mowers; I sent her Aisle 28 and never saw her again.  Had a 20 minute conversation with Dalton. Rang up former employee Jessica:) Then at 5:10, called HC C to find out if they'd forgotten me. HC K came down; she had forgotten I was there.  B called as she was locking up LG and told him I was on my way. I took everything down, then put my sweatshirt back and took a pit stop.  

At 5:30, Mgr G and Pro S left; I did the prelim duties and fronted the soda.  Discovered 2 of my former Pepsi coolers are now Coke.  Good thing I'd not printed out the spreadsheet yet.....Lex sent me to lunch at 7, and when I returned, did my LU, pulled trash, swept the floor, mucked out the mats, sanitized the counters and registers. At 8:30, had three CFH....A wanted a tool with a free battery; the battery didn't zero out. Charlie tried it; HC K tried it. She finally ended up making it a penny so it would satisfy the customer. B wanted to know the price of an entire bunk of 7/16 OSB....then 44 sheets of 3/8 drywall, and wanted me to write down the particulars. C was one of my regulars, who arrived with a bucketful of washers, but no idea how many.  HC K and I counted and separated out the small ones....81.  Jokingly told him to get the hell out!

Also had a woman who wanted to make a payment on her card, but her CC didn't work.  Her total was $105, so when she handed me that amount, I thought she was just going to pay cash. Turned out, that was supposed to be the PAYMENT on the card. Oops....

Locked the doors and hauled in the cull carts, then returned items to Tools, Paint, Hardware, and a Gift Card, then took the trash to Receiving, as well as returning an item to RTM. Clocked out at 9:20.

Only saw ASM K at close.

Outfit:  Red turtleneck, faded jeggings, LJs, sapphire and silver hoops.

Off til Monday!!

Still trying to find out the songlist (Getting closer!!!  One left!)

I Knew You Were Waiting For Me (G. Michael/A. Franklin)

Again (Lenny Kravitz)

Not The Only One (Bonnie Raitt)

Budapest (George Ezra)

Hourglass (Squeeze)

Breathe (Faith Hill)

Every Day is A Winding Road (Sheryl Crow)

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause (John Couger Mellencamp...only 1st verse??)

Lessons In Love (Level 42)

You're An Ocean (Fastball)

The Difference (Wallflowers)

Circle In The Sand (Belinda Carlysle-again, only the 1st verse??)

No Good For You (Megan Trainer (2nd verse)

Glory of Love (Peter Cetara)

Here I Am (Bryan Adams)

Shake It Off (Taylor Swift)

Fascination (Human League)

Why Don't You and I (Santana w/Nickleback)

Kiss Me (Sixpence None The Richer)

(Sarah Baralles?  Cobie Callait???)

Life In Lumber: Y4, W51

 Day 212:  $4753

Arrived and took over for B; was fairly steady for an hour. Did the prelim duties, and fronted the soda. Discovered we have a new Coke cooler....ooooooh booooy.....

Kel sent me to break at 7, and when I returned, did my LU, AP4Me, and the Disturbance training, in addition to the closing duties. At 8:30, pulled trash and did a quick sweep, since Dalton and Steve were bringing out the hopper.  Then they brought in the concrete and locked the side doors for me. Loader E2 accidentally knocked over my water, so that took 5 minutes to clean up!

Alexa brought in her basset hound early, and first it peed, then did its other business father down aisle 20.  E2 didn't want to clean it up, so I had him stand at the register while I did it.

ASM J and new ASM S cleaned me out; I'd handed the returns to Dalton when he returned for his phone. He also bought me Chex mix, and another customer bought me a Kit Kat.

Clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  Lt gray IN sweatshirt, new faded jeggings, LJs, small gold hoops.

The bright part of the evening?  ASM K left at 3:)

Found out Pro S 'stormed out' last Friday????

Day 213:  $3168

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!  The SU took me to Old Chicago for a heart-shaped pizza.  Chose sausage, and it was a little spicier than normal. Note to self:  Do NOT get it again next year; crust never really 'set up'.  Was a little soggy.

Arrived and was at Self-Checkout for an hour, then went down to relieve B. Did prelim duties, and ended up sweeping the desk area, due to debris. Checked my email, and swept the entire area with the dustmop. Marilyn sent me to break at 7:30, so I returned items to Electrical, Tools, Paint, and Hardware. When I returned, fronted the soda, pulled the trash, sanitized the registers and all 3 counters. Had no customers from 8:30-close; HC C cleaned me out at 9; I took the trash to the hopper after locking all the doors, then returned shutters to Millwork and put up my vest.  Clocked out at 9:30.

Had a MAJOR brain fart:  Former ASM T arrived and wanted me to look up her card #.  Completely blanked on her 1st name.  Talk about a moronic moment.....told her I'd had pizza for lunch, and was suffering from 'brain fog'.

Outfit:  Red sweater, new faded jeggings, LJs, thin gold hoops, diamond heart necklace.

Day 214:  $4875

Accidentally on purpose went in at 4, and was on #9 for an hour before heading down to relieve B. Took over and was fairly busy for 30 mins, then Pro Seth wanted to leave early, so had him watch my register while I took a pit stop. After I returned, and S left, started the prelim duties., did my LU, and swept the area. At 7, Kel sent me to break, and when I returned, rang up customers and began the closing duties. Pulled all trash, including outdoor, mucked out the mats, sanitized the registers. 

It was so nice outside, we kept the large door open until 8:45, when my final customer left. HC C went ahead and cleaned me out, and I accidentally ticked off the final customer, who tried to pay with a merch card, but it wasn't his:  His driver's license wasn't attached to it.  He stormed out, and I locked the doors behind him. Returned items to Millwork, Electrical, and Plumbing, then took the trash to Receiving. Put up my vest, then FOUND my dustmop up front!  Took it back down to the Pro desk, then helped one of the overnight guys find the portable turtle-killer.  Clocked out at 9:25.  Hope that still qualifies me for a full 5 hours....

Outfit:  Red ls shirt, B/W light poncho; new dark jeggings, textured gold hoops.

ASM K left at 3:)

Day 215:  $4893 (didn't have to round up or down!  WOW!)

Arrived and took over for B, then did the prelim duties, and swept up a mess in front of the Pro desk. Wasn't too busy at first, due to the rain, but it picked up around 6,  I don't even remember Pro Seth leaving! Jax sent me to break at 7:30, and after retrieving some of the large square bags, I pulled trash, fronted all soda coolers, sanitized registers, and wiped down all 3 counters. Final customer walked out the door at 8:45.  Locked the doors at 9, took the trash to where the hopper normally is, then returned an item to Flooring. Clocked out at 9:15.  ASM K closed, but barely said a word to me.

Outfit:  Gray/black ls tee, black vest, new dark jeggings, LJs, black danglies

Still trying to find out the songlist:

I Knew You Were Waiting For Me (G. Michael/A. Franklin)

Again (Lenny Kravitz)

Not The Only One (Bonnie Raitt)

Budapest (George Ezra)

Hourglass (Squeeze)

Breathe (Faith Hill)

Every Day is A Winding Road (Sheryl Crow)

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause (John Couger Mellencamp...only 1st verse??)

Lessons In Love (Level 42)

You're An Ocean (Fastball)

The Difference (Wallflowers)

Circle In The Sand (Belinda Carlysle-again, only the 1st verse??)

?????

Glory of Love (Peter Cetara)

Here I Am (Bryan Adams)

Shake It Off (Taylor Swift)

Fascination (Human League)

Why Don't You and I (Santana w/Nickleback)

Kiss Me (Sixpence None The Richer)

(Sarah Baralles?  Cobie Callait???)

This Came Across My News Feed....

 Two controversial news items caught my eye on my phone a few moments ago:

"Judge Orders Mom To Stop Breastfeeding"

"Class Trip Cancelled Due To One Child's Complaint"

Let's look at both,

1) The mom in question is breastfeeding her 6 m/o infant, and the father wants overnight visits.  The court ordered her to adjust the child's feeding schedule to accommodate the father's petition.  Allegedly, the child dislikes the bottle, and has to be fed every hour.

First of all, let's discuss the parents.  Is this a mom with a legitimate concern?  My own granddaughter is 7 months old and refusing the bottle.  My DIL has made every effort to find a bottle she'll tolerate, and is even introducing baby food into her diet, to wean her off the breast.  She even pumps out her excess and freezes it, so when there are times when she can't breastfeed (appointments, errands, or whatever), she's got a back up plan.  

If this is the case, then yes, I don't agree with the ruling.

BUT....on the other hand, did the parents split amicably, or is this a way the mother is using her child's feeding schedule as a way of controlling how much time the child spends with its father?  The article only says effort has been made to change the feeding schedule to allow pumping/bottle feeding.  So if Mom is a control freak....yeah. I agree with the ruling.

I'm assuming a social worker or CASA worker assessed the situation.  But even then, mistakes can be made.  Why did the parents separate?  Was there abuse involved?  The article doesn't say.

2) The child in question was excited about a field trip to a water park, until she learned she was going to be paired with the 'least favorite child in the class'. I have several issues with this.

A) Normally, aren't children allowed to pick their own partners?  We were, and my kids were. Article says the teacher had a habit of pairing 'good' children with 'naughty' children, in order to keep some semblence of control.  Wait, WHA?T?  I know from my own experience, if I were paired with a kid I couldn't stand (and knew about it in advance!), I'd complain also.  But at the same time, it's a water park, and you only have to tolerate your 'buddy' on the bus. Once in the park, you can join your friends and ignore your 'buddy'.

B) Who tells you to pick a buddy in ADVANCE?  Our groups were formed the day of the trip.

C) It says the child was paired with the 'least-liked child' who 'picked his nose'.  Okay, I was that 'least-liked child' in the 4th grade, due to my allergies rearing its ugly head. Who wants to be friends with the child who has a constantly runny nose and has to use a damn hanky all the time? I did NOT pick my nose, but it probably looked as if I did. It's not like it was back then; we didn't have access to travel-sized kleenex, and I didn't want to make several trips to the teacher's desk for the Puffs. It would only call attention to my ailment and cause even more teasing.

So.....is this a case of an entitled, spoiled brat who runs with the 'popular crowd' and doesn't want to be seen with the someone farther down the pecking order?  The parents further entitling their precious darling by agreeing to let her stay home that day, or are they genuinely tired of this teacher's 'archaic attitude'?  

Is this a teacher who has 'archaic attitudes' about children, or is she trying to foster cooperative attitudes?

Eight other parents hopped on the bandwagon and the trip was cancelled.  Again, the article makes no mention about the age group of the children.

What's your take?  I had to disable the comments, due to getting too many SPAM comments.  Put BLOG in the subject line and send them to kenziemichaels@gmail.com 

Life In Lumber: Y4, W50

Day 208:  $6150

Arrived and took over for B, who informed me I needed to find a forklift driver and spotter. One page later, I had 'em. Then another customer wanted 36 sheets of drywall....and yet another customer was getting our cull lumber and drywall, and another stack of cull 2x4s.  But it took soooooo long to get any o/r!!  That first hour, I think I was actually on #2 longer than 1, and also rang up customers on Sonjia's.  At one point, I was getting ready to ring up a customer when S logged me out so she could use it!  Um, thanks....

After S left at 6, that's when the customers with the 2 cull carts caused me issues, and think it was an HOUR before they were finally rung up, overridden, and paid, and out the door. Marilyn sent to me break at 7:30, and when I returned, managed to pull the trash, front the soda, do my AP4Me, E-mail Shaun,  LU, AND request my March and April dates off.  Put in for May 3 and 5-7th, and forgot about the 12-14th.  I'll do that tomorrow.

Did NOT have time to properly sweep.  Final customer realized after we closed he'd been given the wrong door, so HC C and I left Loader E2 in charge of the door while we took the $$ up front.  I put up my vest, then HC C got it straightened out, and had me put up HER vest.  Clocked out at 9:30.

Thank god, I'm off tomorrow....ASM K left at 6.  Whoot!  ASM M closed.

Outfit:  Blue hooded Cabela's sweatshirt, dark jeggings, LJs, sea horses.

Day 209:  $3615

Arrived and Lumber wasn't that busy, so copied the medical sheets for D, looked at my schedule, requested off for the 13th. Then decided to fill the soda, so did that.  Got hit with a severe gas pain, so took my break early and spent it in the bathrooom.  Note to Self:  No more eating all 4 tiny tubs of chicken salad and crackers!

Em arrived at 5:30, and she helped me fill the soda coolers. She and I both rang up customers and worked on the side stuff; I pulled the trash and helped a customer find the floor jacks. At 7, Em took her break; I filled the bags and started on my LU, then checked my training and did that.  Also printed off my paystub.  Endured a quiet admonishment from Mgr G, due to an irate customer waiting 20 mins for drywall.  Em had paged; I had paged...yeah, in hindsight, maybe one of us could have gone down to get G and Loader E2's attention; she was ringing up customers, I was finishing up the coolers.

I finally clocked out at 8:10.  ASM K was off today!!

Outfit:  Mama Bear sweatshirt, new faded jeggings, LJs, thin gold hoops.

Day 210:  $7518

Arrived and took over for B, then was fairly busy until 6:30. Managed to spot-sweep, do the prelim duties, and muck out the mats, then Jaylee sent me to break at 7:30. Afterward, pulled trash and sanitized the registers. Wiped down all 3 register counters, and pulled the outside trash.  HC C came down and told me the 23rd will be her last day; she's moving to Kohl's after being passed over for Front End Supervisor.  Checked the schedule; I'm the 13th senior staff member, not counting MST and stocking depts. Loader E2 didn't show, so Blake and Brighton came down to sraighten up and bring in the concrete. After ASM K cleaned me out, I took the trash to the hopper, then put up my vest.  Clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  Brown sweater, new faded jeggings, LJs, silver chains

Day 211:  $5641

Arrived and took over for B, then discovered Theresa was selling GS cookies at  the other exit.  Spent the next 3 hours telling every single customer about it, and T even brought me 1/2 a box of Thin Mints as a Thank You:)  ASM K bit my head off, b/c I found Pro S's apron in the trash, and asked if she'd quit.

"Is your name S?" (snotty attitude)

She left at 6 and things were smooth sailing after that.  Did the prelim duties, fronted the soda, and got the floor swept, and even my LU. Did NOT get the mats mucked; too busy. Em sent me to break at 7:30, and when I returned, rang up customers and got the trash pulled. Wiped off #1's counter, pulled the outside trash, brought in the cull cart, and waited while Loader E1 took the hopper out. He returned and said he had other stuff to do, so left him in charge of the door and put up my vest. Clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  Maroon plaid, black vest, black LS, new faded jeggings, LJs, triple loops with black sparkles.

Decided to keep track of the songs:

I Knew You Were Waiting For Me (G. Michael/A. Franklin)

Again (Lenny Kravitz)

Not The Only One (Bonnie Raitt)

Budapest (George Ezra)

Hourglass (Squeeze)

Breathe (Faith Hill)

Every Day is A Winding Road (Sheryl Crow)

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause (John Couger Mellencamp...only 1st verse??)

Lessons In Love (Level 42)

????

Circle In The Sand (Belinda Carlysle-again, only the 1st verse??)

?????

Glory of Love (Peter Cetara)

Here I Am (Bryan Adams)

Shake It Off (Taylor Swift)

Fascination (Human League)

Kiss Me (Sixpence None The Richer)

Why Don't You and I (Santana w/Nickleback)

February Goals

Is it just me, or did January fly by?  I did get several things accomplished:)

-Lose 5 lbs (start: 229) Bleh....gained 2 lbs.

-Order copy Whispers Check!

-Mail Beach to customer with note Check!

-De-decorate house Check!

-Give A her gifts Check:)

-Take Mom to dental appointment Snowstorm; plus C was able to take her.

-Add words to existing WIPS Check:)

-Buy new laptop screen/laptop?? Bought external keyboard instead.

-Work enough hours to pay for upcoming events Remains to be seen....

Health:  Depression lifted, but it's been cold and I've eaten WAY too many carbs!  Took Mom to dr on 2/2, and didn't dare go near the scale; I was afraid of what I'd see. Plus, I've been wearing 3 layers in order to stay warm.  Damn groundhog saw his shadow:  6 more weeks of winter. Ugh.

Books Read:  3

            Print:  1

        E-book:  2

2023 Events:

Feb 18-19: Quad Con, Peoria Full, plus too expensive.  Might go as a fan, though....

April 1st:  SI Comic Con, Benton, Il Pd 4/2022

22nd:  Kokomo Con, Kokomo, In $75 

28th:  North HS Craft Fair, $40 (bring own table)

May 5-7:  Indianapolis Comic Con, Indiana Convention Center $300

June:  IABE, Peoria, Il

June:  Superman Celebration

July 9-11:  Imaginarium Convention, Louisville, Ky $165 for table 12/2:  Pd $120; 1/20:  Pd $40

Still owe $50 for banquet dinner

July :  Heroes For Kids, Perryville, Mo Hoping the $$ I paid last year 'rolls over'....

Aug:  State Fair??

Aug:  Hanna House

Sept:   15-16th:  Cil-Con, Effingham, Il $50 (bring own tables)

Oct:  TBD

Nov 8-12:  Indianapolis Christmas Gift and Hobby Show $350 1/27:  Pd $60

February Goals:

-Lose 5 lbs (start: 231)

-Have an enjoyable Valentine's Day Check!  Talked the spouse into taking me to Old Chicago for a heart-shaped pizza.  Note to self:  Do NOT do this next year.  Crust was soggy.  Ugh.

-Finish Sage's story

-Research Mailchimp Check!

-Order business cards Check!

-Get taxes filed

-Buy better accounting notebook

-Order copies of Hotel, Catered, and WHH

-Have a stress-free month at work

February Reading Schedule:

Print:

Dragonfly In Amber-DG

Looking For Mr. Goodbar-Judith Ransom Interesting story....read it, wondering if it was the same as the movie I remembered as a kid (wasn't allowed to go see it), and it is.

Christine-Stephen King

Darkness-John Saul

Fever-Robin Cook

Creature-John Saul

Lovey-Mary McCracken

Second Child-John Saul

Calico Joe-John Grisham

The Glassmaker's Wife-Lee Martin

Evergreen-Sara Goodwin

Piercing The Darkness-Frank Peretti

Propher-Frank Peretti

Let The Drum Speak-Linda Lay Shuler

Kalahari Typing School For Men-Alexander McCall Smith

Cupboard Full of Life-AMS

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

-22

E-book:

 Disguised In Tartan-SS Good Story!  Her favorite phrases this time were 'a little bit of fiction' and 'tea and crumpets'.

Rescued-Cynthia D'Alba, et al

Soul of a Storme-SS

Fury of a Storme-SS

Kaleidescope Hearts-S.E. Winters, et al

Going Home Again-Carol Cassada

Love In Copper Mill-Deb Julienne, et al

Turn The Page-Sydney Logan

To Love Or Not To Love-Jean Joachim

The Christmas Party-JJ

The Dream Runner-Kerry King

A Picture Out of Place-Kerry King

When The Lady Must Wed-Jessie Clever

Life In Lumber: Y4, W49

Day 205:  $7107

Was supposed to go to Mike Wayne's funeral this afternoon, but when I checked the weather, it was snowing, and supposed to be slick. I opted to stay here. Arrived and took over for B, then learned the only two forklift drivers in the building were on lunch.....and had flooring to be brought in, plus another customer wanted 80 sheets of drywall.  When he learned I couldn't give him the Pro discount, he said he'd wait til tomorrow. So Cust A gave me his truck keys, so he could go do the rest of his shopping, so when Isaac arrived, he could go ahead and unload the flooring, w/o having to chase down the customer. Needless to say, I had a headache by 6, but things calmed down.

I did the prelim duties and had the floor swept, plus the mats mucked, by 7. Seb brought down the Monsters; I filled the cooler.  Then he brought down the snacks at 8, when I realized I wasn't getting my break.  Joked they were torturing me, leaving a hungry cashier with all the snacks!  Had them filled by 8:45, and rang up my final three customers. Finalized the trash and pulled the outside trash, and when HC C came to clean me out, I closed the large door and walked her up front. Put up my vest and clocked out at 9:25.

Outfit:  B/W LS, black vest, faded jeggings, :LJs, black and silver danglies

Day 206:  $6391

Arrived and took over for B, then found out we had no forklift license again.  Fortunately, didn't need one until 7, and again at almost close, both for drywall. Was fairly dead for the most part; fronted soda and did the prelim duties, then since my dustmop was MIA, mucked out the mats and sanitized the registers. Lex sent me to break at 7, and when I returned, I pulled trash, looked at my schedule, and did my LU. Dalton and Blake brought in the hopper and the concrete, then after HC K cleaned me out, I had to wait for the final 34 sheets of drywall to be loaded before I could close the doors. Took the trash down to the hopper, then returned items to Plumbing, Electrical, and Hardware. Clocked out at 9:20.

Discovered I'd packed my EMPTY TINS in Adriane's X-mas bag!  Geez.....got home and yup....her cookies are on my bedroom floor!  Will take them to her tomorrow.  

Outfit:  Blue/white striped sweater, white vest, dark jeggings, LJs, blue danglies

Day 207:  $9086

Today was shit show #3. Arrived, and discovered I'd be working with Mgr G as my lumber associate.  fine; I know he can run a forklift, so this will be good. WRONG!  He went to lunch as soon as I arrived, and within 15 minutes, someone wanted drywall.  Fine; got a hold of the LG guys, who took care of it. G arrived and again within minutes, a lady wanted 24 sheets of drywall pulled while she shopped. Then after he pulled it, another man wanted 20 sheets. After they pulled it, I didn't know where the customer had gone, so Mgr J was slightly irritated with me. Adriane showed up to send me to break at that time. After I returned, did my LU and spot-swept, plus pulled trash and sanitized the registers. At 8:45, a couple appeared with three carts, and they weren't done loading until after 9:15.  G asked me to take some carts down to the front; I pushed them into the aisle, and after he brought in the concrete, I closed the door, then had no idea where the hopper was, so pushed it up front after dropping off items in Plumbing. Mgr J told me she'd take care of it, so I asked Jaylee if she'd go get the carts. She did, and I put up my vest.  Clocked out at 9:40.

Put gas in my van, only to leave the gas cover on the pump. Went back to get it; it's gone.

Outfit:  White sweater, black CBS tee, dark jeggings, LJs, FLG, green/bronze danglies.

Tomorrow, taking mom to drs appt!

Life In Lumber: Y4, W48

 Day 201:  $4004

Arrived slightly late; I'd fallen asleep on the couch and awakened at 4:30!  Made it on time for clocking in at least...

We weren't busy at all. Had all the prelim duties finished by 5:30, so did my LU and AP4Me. Had to send Loader E2 on a hunt for my dustmop and dustpan, then was able to start sweeping. Kel sent me to break at 7, and when I returned, continued sweeping and chatted with Randy B, showing him my calendar of planned events. Pulled trash at 7:30, mucked out the mats. Locked the doors at 9 and brought in the one cull cart, then took the trash to the hopper and returned an item to ISLG.  Clocked out at 9:20.

Only had one 'oopsie'....customer was wearing a B'fast Club tee, and I 'fessed I didn't care for the movie.  We started talking about John Hughes movies and I forgot to give them their change.  ASM S opened my drawer, since ASM A was stuck at CS, covering a break.

Outfit:  Blue crew Cabela's sweatshirt, red polo, new dark jeggings, LJs, FLG, Mickey earrings.

Day 202:  $7162

Arrived at 3 and took over for Kem, who had a drs appt, and discovered B had called in, as did two of our HCs. Finally got to meet the new one, Maria. Since we were short-handed, I asked Pro S if she minded covering my 30 min lunch, and I'd go at 5:15.  She agreed, so that's what I did.  She left at 6 when I returned, and Kel arrived shortly after.   Told her we'd already taken care of it, and I'd call if I needed a pit stop (I didn't). My dustmop and bucket were MIA again, so did all the closing duties except those needing a broom. Had a fairly easy night, thankfully!  At 9, I brought in the cull pack, locked the doors, and helped Loader AM get the outside trash.  ASM K cleaned me out, then after I let AM out, I returned items to Drywall, Plumbing, Tools, Electrical, and Lights.  Clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  Gray sweater, red polo, faded jeggings, LJs, FLG, red and clear danglys.

Day 203:  $9278

Arrived and found only Sandy up front, so took over for her from 3-5 at self-checkout (and endured hearing 'aren't you at the wrong end of the store?' or 'are you lost?'). Took over for B at 5, and things were fairly slow at first. Did my LU and printed out my check stub, then things picked up around 6. Was sent to lunch at 7, and when I returned, I pulled trash, including the outside, and had a steady stream of customers. Rang up the last one at 8:55, then locked the doors. HC K cleaned me out, and after Loader E brought in the concrete, Charlie came down and told me he'd watch the door.  Took the trash to the hopper, then returned items to Tools, Batteries, and Hardware. Put up my vest and clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  White plaid, black LS, black vest, faded jeggings, LJs, red and clear danglys.

Day 204:  Rare Sat  $4731

Arrived and took over for Em.  Was slightly busy the 1st 30 mins, then the place died. Mucked out the mats and swept, then things picked up again around 7:30. I'd already pulled the trash, and was ringing up a complicated order when Jaylee arrived to send me to break.  Customer walked off to get something else, so J hopped over and rang up another customer....so I invoiced mine and gave her the phone #, then took my break at 7:45.  Returned and swept again, then wiped down the counters. Locked the doors at 9, then was suprised to see a customer coming toward me. Helped her find her butane, then tossed the trash at Loader E1, and waited....and waited....and waited for HC C to arrive.  She finallly cleaned me out, and I walked her up front, returning an item to Tools and Hardware. Put up my vest.

Had two interesting customer encounters:  1) "Can you tell me where the (mumble) Earth (mumble)?" E says Aisle 10. I asked E what he'd said...'Furnace filters'.  Oookaaay.....2) I didn't hear the machine take his card, so asked him to swipe again.  He does, still nothing, but the screen changed.  Okay; I enter his final 4 digits and ask about a PO.  He says something..."TD?"  He repeats.  "ET?"  Turned out it was HEATING.  Geez....I can hear the radio; my co-workers, but two feet from my face? Nada.  I made a joke about getting my hearing aids checked!  They and the next customer got a laugh out of it!  Oh, and began my shift by slicing my finger on a box of flooring and ending up with a tiny paper cut on my left hand, middle finger.  Bandaid took care of the bleeeding.  

Clocked out at 9:40.

Outfit:  Light gray IN sweatshirt, Fuzzy slippers tee, faded jeggings, LJs, Mickey Mouse.