Life In Lumber: Y6, W35 and 36

Day 142: Warm, 80s

After being off Mon and Tues, I arrived and took over for Kem, and was instantly busy. Fairly steady, but was able to get the prelim duties accomplished. Had a 'rush' at 5:30, then did my LU and my one AP4Me vid. Checked and printed out my Nov schedule, then began sweeping. HC Austin sent me to break at 7:30 and when I returned, was on #2, due to #1 being full. Made a rookie mistake; IL customer had a merch card, but I kept entering his O as 'zero', and it kept getting rejected. Sent him to CS; Austin called me 3 times to find out what I'd entered....and the 3rd time it dawned on us what the issue was!  Apologized up and down to the customer, who was good-natured about it. Mucked the mats, pulled the trash, sanitized the registers and coffee bar, locked the doors at 9:55. Kait took the trash to the hopper; Mgr Alex brought in the concrete. Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Halloween shirt, black jeggings, Halloween hearts, Spider headband.

Day 143:  Halloween Rain, mid 60s

Went in at 1 to see the managers in their kilts, lol!  Returned at 3 and SM Jeff corralled me, to do my yearly eval. Basically, I'm doing a good job:) Clocked in and helped Kem with a complicated order, then took over. Did the prelim duties. HC Austin sent me to lunch at 5:30, and when I returned, swept the place and did my LU. Robin sent me to break at 8 (she was dressed as Rosie the Riveter), then pulled trash, sanitized the coffee bar, and fronted the soda.  Locked the doors at 9:45; Loader Con took the trash to the hopper and brought in the concrete; HC Austin cleaned me out. Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit: "Statue of Liberty" costume:  Green Dr's shirt, black LJ tee; black jeggings, foam crown, black flashlight, "Boo" earrings.

Off tomorrow for either First Friday Art Walk or trip to Jane Wells' viewing in Shelbyville.  Also helping Sara take belongings to her new apt in E'ville, so timing depends on the 1st trip.

Day 144:  Rare Sat Mid 60s

Was late, due to helping S move. Took the kids to laundromat and did all her laundry, then rehomed Smokey to HC Kay's house.  Praying she's a good fit. Took over for Debbie, and had an hour long 'rush. Kate sent me to break at 6:30. Returned and did my LU, and began the closing duties. Swept, pulled trash at 7:30, fronted the soda, locked the doors at 9. Just as HC Austin was cleaning me out, final customer appeared. Checked them out on Pro Jer's register, then waited until they loaded their vehicles. ASM Charlie brought in the concrete; Loader Jax took my trash to the hopper. Returned an item to Tools, then put up my vest. Clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  Red/black Hot Cocoa tee, faded jeggings, large zircons

Day 145:  Rare Sun Mid 70s

Was late again, b/c we went down to E'ville to deliver Alex's mattress and to help bring home the couch and dining room table. Realized, with the time change, we were leaving at 2pm. and I needed to be at work by 3!  Made it by 3:30, and took over so Marilyn could have a break. Was steady until 6, when I did the prelim duties and ran out of $$ on Reg 1. Was on 2 the rest of the night. Did get the floor swept and the mats mucked. HC Kay sent me to break at 6:30. When I returned, I did my LU and fronted soda. Pulled trash, locked the doors at 8. Loader Vince brought in the concrete. I took the trash to the hopper and returned items to Paint, Lights, and Flooring.  Clocked out at 8:30.

Outfit:  Blue Colts Jersey, faded jeggings, Yukon Colors

Day 146:  Mon Before Vacation Mid 70s

Arrived and took over for Kem, and things died down, so did my LU and AP4Me, Was steady from 5-6:30, with complicated customers, needing a forklift driver until Loader Con came back from lunch, and needing an override! Finally the madness ended and I was able to start my prelim duties, and did the soda count. HC Kay sent me to lunch at 7 and when I returned, began sweeping. Pulled trash at 8, and put away the soda. Had 3 final customers at closing, then locked the doors. ASM Ian took the trash to the hopper; Loader Con brought in the concrete. Returned items to Tools, Plumbing, Lights, Paint, and Hardware. Put up my vest and clocked out at 9:30.

Outfit:  Blue USA tee, dark jeggings, chunky silver hoops

OFFICIALLY ON VACATION UNTIL THE 11TH!!!!!!

Life In Lumber: Y6, W34

 Day 139:  Warmer, high 70s

Arrived; did the prelim duties and fronted the soda. Was slammed until 8, when I could finally do the soda count, my LU, and my AP4Me. Mucked the mats and pulled the trash, then HC Kay sent me to lunch at 8:20. Returned items to Plumbing. Returned and swept the area, plus rang up the final 3 customers. Locked the doors at 10; Loader Joe brought in the concrete and Loader Con took the trash. HC Kay cleaned me out; returned items to Ladders, Electrical, and Aisle 10. Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit: Gray LU Plank tee, new dark jeggings, large gold hoops

Day 140: Warmer, high 70s

Arrived and took over for Kem; did the prelim duties. Was fairly busy until 5:30, then things slowed down. HC Austin sent me to lunch at 6:30 and when I returned, rang up two complicated orders. Swept the entire area, sanitized the coffee bar, pulled trash. Locked the doors at 9:45 when the parking lot was empty. HC Joe took the trash to the hopper and brought in the concrete; HC Austin cleaned me out; put up my vest and clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Gray USA flower tee, new dark jeggings, large zirconians

Off to Lafayette tomorrow, then choir practice Thurs, and Downtown Halloween Bash on Friday!

Day 141:  Rare Sun Cool, mid 60s

Arrived and took over for Marilyn (actually had to get on Pro Jer's register to help with the line), and Robin and I were fairly steady until she left at 4. I was steady until 6-ish, when I was able to start sweeping.  I'd already done the prelim duties and discovered the coffee hadn't been enptied on Fri. Fronted soda, checked my email, filled out my Benefits survey, and did my LU. HC Kay sent me to break at 7 and when I returned, pulled trash, swept the rest of the area, and sanitized the coffee bar, registers, and the top of the Pepsi cooler. Locked the doors at 7:45 after last customer left, but left one door open. Closed and locked it at 8. Loader Vince took the trash to the hopper and brought in the concrete while HC Kay cleaned me out. Put up my vest and clocked out at 8:20.  Got lots of compliments on my haircut! (Cut 3" off).

Outfit:  Blue Manning jersey, new dark jeggings, large zirconians

Life In Lumber: Y6, W33

 Day 136: Chilly, low 60s

Arrived and took over for Ivree.  Was fairly steady until 7, then was able to do the prelim duties.  Had to seriously bite my tongue when a man wearing an "H-W" political tee came through; I said something snarky to the next customer after the man was out of earshot, but can't remember what I said!  Had another customer hand me his $405 one bill at a time, so my sense of humor kicked in, and handed back his change, one bill at a time (he's a regular, ha ha!)! HC Kay sent me to break at 7:30, and when I returned, pulled trash, then helped Trevor ring up a customer with 5 carts! Swept the area, and helped a Pro customer save $$ by running his order through VSP, which he didn't know he was eligible for.  I said, "This is when you say 'thank you Molly'.....he grinned and did so. When I locked the doors later, I discovered he'd left his grout behind. Pulled it inside and stuck a note on it....just as HC Kay called me and asked about it.  After Loader Joe took my trash and brought in the concrete, and HC Kay cleaned me out, I returned items to Tools and Flooring, then put up my vest and took the cart full of grout up front, stashing it in the Fulfillment area.  Clocked out at 10:30.

We're also playing Front End Bingo, but it has to be cover all.  *blows raspberry* I've already got one across, but don't think I'll EVER get the Cover All. I did complete all 3 crosswords, with HC Kay's help.  Think I get a Starbucks coffee, but since I don't like it cold, I'll snag a candy bar.

We also received a small lunch box with a soup or coffee mug, charging bank, keychain, and socks.

Outfit:  Bless This Mess sweatshirt, new faded jeggings, large zirconians

Day 137: Chilly, high 50s

Arrived and took over for Marilyn. Was busy for two hours, then did the prelim duties, my LU, and requested my Nov and Dec dates off. Did the soda count, and had it finished by 8. HC Kay sent me to lunch and when I returned, pulled trash, sanitized the coffee bar and registers, and put the soda away. After Loader Con took the trash and brought in the concrete, I locked the doors. HC Kay cleaned me out, and I returned items to Aisle 10, Tools, and Hardware. Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Whitehorse sweatshirt, new faded jeggings, large zirconians.

I owe Alex a batch of cookies for Mon, for getting snippy with him when he took too long to answer my override page....he was with a customer.

Day 138:  Chilly, high 50s

Arrived and went to Receiving for large and small trash bags, then clocked in and took over for Debi. Did the prelim duties, then was slammed from 5-5:30, with a similar issue as last night, needing an o/r and no one coming!  Finally SM Jeff showed up, and fortunately, it was the last customer of the 'rush'. Mucked the mats, did my LU, and swept. HC Kay sent me to lunch at 8:15, and when I returend, pulled trash, sanitized the registers and coffee bar and wiped down the counters. Loader Vince took the trash and brought in the concrete. Locked the doors. HC Kay cleaned me out; returned items to ISLG and clocked out at 10:25.

Outfit:  Maroon blouse, white vest, new faded jeggings, antique silver and pearl danglies

Off the next 4 days for the MHS reunion!

BB26: Week 12 and Finale

 HOH Comp: Chelsie gets 4 answers correct, Rubina 2, and Cam 1.

Chelsie wins!  Nominates Mack and Cam

POV:

Rubina is eliminated 1st, followed by Chelsie.  Mack wins!!!!

Eviction:  

Mack evicts Rubina.

Julie, not a fan of those shoes with that outfit.  Just sayin'.....

HOH Comp #1:  Endurance Comp

Mack falls first, followed by Cam, ten mins later:)  Chelsie wins Pt 1:)

Pt 2:  Cam vs Mack

Mack wins!!!!!

Jury Roundtable:  Taylor...ugh.

Pt 3:  Mack vs Chelsie

Mack wins!!!!!!  Takes Chelsie to the end with her:)  Bye-bye Cam!

Jury Interrogation/Vote:

The winner of BB2024 is........

                         Chelsie!!!!!   7-0

America's Favorite:  

                         Tucker!!!!!

And....Jankie was rebooted?!?!?!?

Life In Lumber: Y6, W32

 Day 130: Cool, low 70s

Arrived; paid D's cc bill, then took over for Kem. Was fairly steady until 6:30, then began the prelim duties. HC Kay sent me to lunch at 7; returned and started the closing duties. Final customer left at 9:15. Was able to give Brianna her free book, and sold a sample chapter book to Gil. Closed and locked the doors at 10, then ASM Alex brought in the concrete; HC Kay cleaned me out. Took the trash to the hopper and returned items to Plumbing, Appliances, and Hardware. Clocked out at 10:25.

Also managed to do my AP4Me and LU, AND reinstate my crappy medical insurance.

Outfit:  Black Dog USA tee; new faded jeggings, diamond flower studs

Off tomorrow for drs appt!

Day 131:  Warm, mid 70s

Arrived and took over for Kem. Was busy until 6:30, then was able to do the prelim duties. Jared sent me to lunch at 6:45; returned and checked out a few customers, then did my LU, my ADA and Credit Card training. Final customer was at 8:30; pulled trash and swept; mucked the mats; sanitized the registers and coffee bar. Locked the doors at 10; Loader Joe brought in the concrete and took the trash; HC Austin cleaned me out. Returned items to Fashion Bath, RTM, and Hardware. Clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Gray USA tee; new faded jeggings; dangly r/w/b stars, and the 'I Voted' sticker.

Day 132: Warmer, low 80s

Due to laundry, was slightly late to work (clocked in at 3:01). Was busy until 7; spent the majority telling people the difference between the MLRCC and the MYRLOYALTY program.....I seriously want to bash someone over the head for calling both the CC and the Loyalty program THE SAME NAME!  "But I've got MLR..." (holds up the CC).  "Yes, but do you have the LOYALTY program, where you earn points and get $$ back?"  "Oh, I don't want to mess with that."  "Then you don't qualify for the special sales this week."  "Well that's stupid."

I agree.  By the time HC Shel sent me to lunch, I was sooooooo over people not 'getting' it, I wanted a drink!

Things calmed down after lunch, and was able to get the closing duties and my LU done. Locked the doors at 10; Loader Con brought in the concrete and took my trash; HC Shel cleaned me out; I returned items to Plumbing, Electrical, Tools, Lights, and ISLG. Clocked out at 10:30.

Saw Tasha, former front end ASM.

Outfit:  Gray Purdue tee, new faded jeggings, black danglies

Day 133: Warm, 81

Arrived to find things definitely slower. Was steady until 5, then things dropped off. Did my LU and prelim duties, then HC Shel sent me to lunch at 5:30. Returned and swept the area, and generally goofed off between customers, lol. HC Austin sent me to my 2nd break at 8:30, and at 9, pulled trash. Locked the doors at 10; Loader Joe brought in the concrete and took the trash. HC Austin cleaned me out; put up my vest and clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Black blouse, Halloween denim shirt, new faded jeggings, Halloween Hearts

Day 134:   Rare Sat Low 80s

Arrived to discover I was 30 mins early; did my LU and ate a slice of Brent's banana bread. Took over for Dawson; first customer paid with $100 and cleaned Reg #1 of $1s, 5s, and 10s.  Hopped over to #2 until nearly 7:30, when HC Austin could bring the $$!  Things were slow. Did the prelim duties; HC Austin sent me to break at 8:10; returned and pulled trash, sanitized the coffee bar, and swept a little. Final customer left at 9:30, then we had some hilarity.

Former HC Shelby arrived to say hi; her b/f Nick and ASM Alex walk in. Nick flipped up her shirt; Shel's not wearing a bra and yelps. Alex and I burst into laughter! Finally, everyone calmed down. Locked the doors at 10; Loader Jeff brought in the concrete and took the trash; HC Austin cleaned me out. Returned items to Plumbing, Tools, Paint, Clothing, Flooring, and Fashion Bath. Clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Orange Halloween shirt, new faded jeggings, skeletons

Day 135:  Rare Sun Mid-70s

Arrived and took over for Marilyn, and had an issue with a delivery order. Saved it, in order to get through the line, and called HC Kay down to help. Then things died down for 90 mins....then picked up again and stayed steady until close.  I was able to get the closing duties finished, and had to shoo my last customer out of the store when we closed, and told another pair we were already closed. After HC Austin cleaned me out, I locked all the doors, took my trash to the hopper, and returned items to Plumbing, Tools, and Paint. Clocked out at 8:30.

Outfit:  Blue Colts Jersey, new faded jeggings, silver chains

BB26: Week 11

 HOH: Constructing a tiny key card

Mackensy wins!!!!!

Puts up Kimo and Rubina.

POV:  BB Comics!!

Kimo:  30:27

Mack:  13:51 WINNER! Smart move, finding the differences 1st, then the order.

Mack decides to NOT use it on Rubina and put up Cam, even though she's furious at him for not doing anything all season.

Jury House:  Quinn, TK, Leah, and Angela

Leah (chubby-chaser) confesses to have a crush on Quinn!

Eviction:

Kimo is evicted 2-0

Life In Lumber: Y6, W31

 Day 129: Sunny, 70s

Arrived and took over for Marilyn.  Was busy for an hour, then did the prelim duties, my AP4Me, and LU. Printed off my October schedule and the sneak peeks of Mandela Effect. Swept, then HC Kay sent me to break. Returned and pulled trash. Final customers left at 9:30. Sanitized the counters and the coffee bar. After HC Kay cleaned me out at 10, locked the doors. Loader Con brought in the concrete and took the trash. Returned items to Electrical and tools, then put up my vest. Clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Red LU tee, new faded jeggings, small gold hoops.

Only worked one day this week, due to cutting hours, and the fact I'm taking off Friday to work the First Friday Art Walk.  Was supposed to be involved in a vendor fair this weekend, but the organizer never got back to me.  Which is fine; I found out I can tour the Toyota Plant and see where my child works:)

October Goals

I wasn't very productive last month, but I DID finish one book and have added words to another:)

-Lose 5 pounds (238) Crap....gained 5.

-Clean out storage Nope

-Take pics for tax hearing Check:)

-Finish writing Mandala Effect Check:)

-Add words to Heart Song Check!

-Have an enjoyable class reunion Check!

-Watch SE 10 of 2.5 Men Almost; have reached Ep 17.

-Watch SE 1 of Love Boat Think I've made it to Ep 9?

-Watch BB26 Only 2 weeks and Final 5 left!

-Order copies of Whispers (6), Beach (5), River (5), Holidays (20), and Mixed Bag (5) $164 Check!

-Work enough hours to continue paying off CC and med bills Got a raise!  Whoot!

-Fix MBA Still waiting....

-Cut carpet out of S's room Not yet....

-Upload digital copies to Patreon Nope

-Convert 2 VHS to DVD ($44) Nope

-Read more in evenings Check!

Books Read:  7

            Print:  5

        E-book:  2

             DNF: 0

Karaoke Songs Added:  10

2024 Events:

October 4th:  First Friday Art Walk, 5-9 Main St Cold, no sales

October 19-20th:  MHS 40th Reunion

October 25th:  Halloween Stroll, Creative Market Pop Up Shop, 5-8pm Sold 1; ran out of candy and prizes within the 1st hour.

November 1:  First Friday Art Walk

November 6-9th:  Indpls Christmas Gift And Hobby Show

December 4-5th:  GSH Vendor Fair

December 6th:  First Friday Art Walk (weather permitting)

December 7th:  KCPL Author Fair

2025 Events:

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

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

2026 Events:

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

October Goals:

-Lose 5 pounds (243)

-Clean out storage

-Do well at First Friday Art Walk Sold 3:)

-Get clean bill of health Oct 8th Check:)  Note To Self:  Don't skip thyroid meds until after next blood draw early Dec

-Have an enjoyable MHS Reunion Check!

-Do well at Pumpkin Stroll/Pop Up Creative Market Sold 1 and ran out of candy and prizes within the 1st hour.

-Add words to Heart Song

-Watch SE 10 of 2.5 Men Check!  Now on SE11 10/26:  Now on SE12!

-Watch SE 1 of Love Boat

-Watch BB26 Check!  Chelsie won; Makensy 2nd!

-Watch L&O: SVU 

-Order 10 more Mandela Effect

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

-Fix MBA

-Cut carpet out of S's room

-Upload digital copies to Patreon ...

-Convert 2 VHS to DVD ($44) 

-Read more in evenings

September Reading Schedule

The Queen-Andrew Morton DRR!  Wonderful bio of Elizabeth II.

Hearts Don't Lie-Sutton Bishop DRR!!!  Really loved this 2nd chance story!  Cried at the end.

Transient Pulse-Laura Juntunen DNF.  After the 6th chapter, I realized it wasn't holding my attention.

One More Time-Effie Leland Wilder RR!  Funny and cute:)

Legacy-James Michener DRR!  A GREAT look at the history of the US Constitution.  Wish he'd gone into more detail about the Iran/Contra affair....I was in college and could have cared less.

From Here To The Great Unknown-Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough DRR! Very well written and a peek inside Elvis' world and LM's.  Warning:  Tear-jerker.

Letters In The Attic-Meredith Lindsey DRR!  Very enjoyable story!

A Soldier Finds Grace-Katherine St. Clair DNF

Memories of Moscow-Harold Lipman

A Fantastic Ride-Bob Rohrman

Becoming-Michelle Obama

A Royal Duty-Paul Burrell

Redemption of the Duke-Gayle Callen

Wildwood Creek-Lisa Wingate

Stitched With Love-Cathy Marie Hake, et al

A Wild Yearning-Penelope Williamson

The Husband List-Janet Evanovich

Delusion In Death-JD Robb

New York To Dallas-JD Robb

Special Circumstances-Sheldon Siegel

Split Second-Catherine Coulter

Romancing Miss Bronte-Juliet Gael

Live Wire-Lora Leigh

A Tree Grows In Brooklyn-Betty Smith

Shores-Tiare H Johnston

Older But Wilder-Elfie Leland Wilder

Killers of the Flower Moon-David Graham

Burr-Gore Vidal

Sex and Vanity-Kevin Kwan

The Neopolitan Sisters-Margo Candela

I Am Sheffrou-Cami Michaels

Letters To Matthew-Amy Leigh McCorkle

Get Jiro-Anthony Bourdain

All Hail The Queen of the Freaks-T Harriman

The Vermin Sleep-James M Watjen

Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes- Alexa Martin

The Choice-Anne Greene (misplaced??)

Louise Penney book

A Quiet Strength-Janette Oke

Valley of the Shaman-Arlen Andrews

Joyful Poems For Children-James Whitcomb Riley

I Heard God Laugh-Matthew Kelly

Life Is Messy-Matthew Kelly

Franklin and Eleanor

-44

E-book:

Because You're Mine-Claire Contreas Good story; slightly too long

Christmas Bargain-Spice Cute story:)

Lynxed-Brynn Paulin Good story, though I question the 1st Nation tribe name.....

Loving Layla-Brynn Paulin Good story:)

Come Undone-Jessica Hawkins Good story

Royal-Emily Silver

Closer Home-Kerry Anne King

Pine Grove Sampler-Jean Joachim

Meet Me In Fantasyland-Mary Martinez

Secret Identity-Ava Cuvey, et al

The Scottish Play-Phoebe Alexander

Fisher Of Men-Phoebe Alexander

Help Me Remember-Corinne Michaels (Want to get)

Karaoke Songs:

10/3 Brower's B-Day

Head Over Heels-The Go-Gos Not too bad

Borderline-Madonna Good:)

Desert Moon-Dennis DeYoung Forgot to put it on written list

The Warrior-Scandal Always fun to sing:)

Let's Hear It For The Boy-Deniece Williams B appreciated it:)

Stop Draggin' My Heart Around-Petty/Nicks Sang this with Kenny D, and though he dropped his part a bit, we had fun with it:)

Close My Eyes-Ozzy/Lita B and Janie sang it, so he and I did Bring Me To Life and nailed it:)

Holding Out For A Hero-Bonnie Tyler Nailed this one!

10/10

The Long Run-The Eagles Good:)

Shop Around-Captain and Tenille Nailed it, including the attitude, lol:)

Should Have Known Better-Richard Marx Not too bad:)

Could Have Been-Tiffany Did well!  Only blew one line at end.

Desert Moon-Dennis DeYoung Nailed it:)

10/17:  Out of town

10/24: VBC private event

10/31:  Brower out of town