From The Stupid Files: Y8, W17

Day 80: Cooler, low 70s; 100 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Riley

Loaders:  DS Charles, Korbin

1) The saw is down and no one told me

2) Had to reboot my Zebra in order to work

3) Customer Frank H b*tched about no one to help him get a fridge, then went to Lumber, where he apparently couldn't get C or K's attention.  Called CS, who got ahold of them.  Why didn't he just walk up and tell me???

4) Olivia's dog did it's business on some shirts and the floor in aisle 5.

5) Had a turtle not want to open; saw Riley smash it on the floor as I went to lunch.

Outfit:  Gray IN tee, long capris, tiny silver hoops

Day 81: Early rain, high 70s; 64 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Levi

Loader:  Korbin

1) Saw Brent!

2) O spontaneously pulled her trash and handed me her tax exempts!  I almost asked if she was feeling okay....

3) Customer paid $5200 in cash!

4) Denis G arrived for his doors, but had to go get them off the shelf again.  THEN ran out of time and funds to pay for his water heater, toilet, and lumber.

5) Alex is off tomorrow!

Outfit:  Spare parts tee, long capris, gold 'tear drops'.

Day 82: Cloudy, windy, rain, 80; 80 t/a

ASM:  Keri

HC:  Riley

Loaders:  Jax, Pro John

1) O left to cover garden, then help out Fullfillment

2) Thunderstorm at 4

3) Staff threw Emily a baby shower, complete with cake:)

4) Denis G's items were missing this morning; I HOPE he picked them up!

5) Final 2 customers wanted to chat; finally left at 10:10!  Sold one book to Lori Wilson.

Outfit:  Black AK highway tee, long capris, thin gold hoops.

Off tomorrow and Friday for choir and Alex's appt!

Day 83:  Rare 

Day 84:

From The Stupid Files: Y8, W16

Day 75: Rain; 84 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Levi

Loader:  DS Ian

1) Customer complained when I refused to let them use the dolly for their water heater; told them we had flat carts.

But we still need to lift it 6 inches!"

I called for a Code 3.

"Oh, never mind!"

Traci arrived and helped them!

2) Lumber associate Dan called in; the other person on the schedule had already quit two weeks prior.  Korbin came over to help, but all he could do was help customers, flat stack, and sweep.

3) Someone cut wire for a customer, but didn't know they had to write down the particulars.  Customer took a picture of the barcode.

4)  I ran out of steam around 8:30 and fought sleep for 2 hours.

Outfit:  Black Rebel Be Free tee, two button cut up capris, tiny silver hoops

Day 76: Rain at first, then sunny and humid; 69 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Madi

Loaders:  Pro John, Korbin

1) Was still suffering from 'Con Hangover' until 6:30.

2) Had 'Chatty Cathy' customer around 4; I was trying not to pass out

3) Kem had called in; Olivia was on #1, I was on #2 until 5.

4) Saw Sam, Melanie, and Deb!

5) My fan quit around 8:45.

Outfit:  Blue LU, 1 button cut off capris, thin gold hoops

Madi took my picture; I posed with the Queen Bee tumbler very prominent!

Day 77:  Hot, 90s; 74 t/a

ASM:  Daniel

HC:  Riley

Loaders:  DS Charles, Pro John

1) People walked past carts on the sidewalk, then got them inside.  *eye roll*

2) People who push carts up to the door, then walk away.  Or leave their riding carts in the parking lot.

3) Forgot my fan; D brought it, but called me a 'crybaby'.

4) Alex is off Friday!!!

5) Customer's corporate card declined.  He didn't return.

6) Saw Shirley; she has a pinched nerve in her back.

Outfit:  Dept of Having A Good Time tee, 1 button cut off capris, silver diamond danglies

Am off tomorrow!!  And Theresa brought me the rest of the musical-themed 3D things she'd made:)

Day 78: Cooler, high 70s; 88 t/a

ASM:  Keri

HC:  DS Raven

Loader:  DS Charles, Korbin

1) Arrived to discover we had ZERO coverage, so had to take my lunch at 4! Went to Subway

2) My sandwich was on bread so fresh half of it fell apart and had to use a fork to eat it.

3) Returned to a sh*t show:  Customer needed 65 deck boards, but the order was marked 'Picked Up'. Think DS Charles had to pull them again.  Olivia 'had to pee reeeeeaaaally bad', so passed it off to me!

Then others needed orders found, and it was generally mass chaos for about an hour.

4) Earlier, Olivia had taken her last break. Customer needed o/r, so hopped on 2 until Raven arrived, but she didn't finish them out.  Ended up bouncing back and forth between two customers until #1 was out the door, then finished #2 and went back to #1!

5) Had a customer nearly leave w/o his flooring tiles!

6) Korbin bought me a candy bar, which I didn't have time to eat until after 8pm/

7) Place settled down after 8:30.

Outfit:  Blue tee with stars, 1 button cut off capris, thin gold hoops

Off tomorrow for Pride!

Day 79:  Rare Sun Flag Day Cool, low 70s; 96 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Riley

Loaders:  Pro John, DS Charles

1) Was busy from 3-6, when sent to break.

2) Busy 6:15-7, when the place died.

3) Needed an o/r; hopped to Pro Kath's register until Madi arrived.

4) Customer had to look up their card, so again I hopped on Pro Kath's register and bounced back and forth until both were rung up.

5) Found out LA Daniel quit.  THAT's why he's not been here all week!  It's been nice w/o Jax, ha ha....

6) When I arrived, there was no trash bag in the large can and NO box of shopping bags.  Also, no trash bag in #2.  Turned out Bryan didn't know where we kept them.

7) Forgot to give a customer their sixty-five cents; the hubby says he's not worried about it.  Gave it to the next customer.

8) Had a 'sand fountain'.....customer put play sand on counter and it 'sprang a leak'.  Teased him about leaving a trail so he could find himself back!

Outfit:  White flag tee, 1 button cut off capris, dangly r/w/b stars

From The Stupid Files: Y8, W15

Day 72: Warm, low 80s; 80 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Riley

Loaders:  DS Charles, Daniel

1) Was late, due to a stopped train on 2nd St, then catching it AGAIN at 6th and St. Clair!  Olivia was in a mood.

2) Things slacked off around 5.

3) Went to lunch @6, and break @9:30.

4) POURED rain after 10:30, but stopped 15 mins later!

Outfit:  Dark blue LU Plank tee, 2-button cut off capris, small gold hoops

Day 73:  Warm, 80s; 86 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Riley

Loader:  DS Charles

1) Register wouldn't show the numbers typed in for Cash; had to reboot it every time customer paid cash. It resolved itself after I returned from lunch!

2) The place died at 9:15

3) Coffee machine had overflowed; took 3 Clorox wipes to get the counter clean.

Outfit:  Journey tee, 2 button cut off capris, small zirconian hoops

Day 74:  Warm, low 80s; 70 t/a

ASM:  Daniel

HC:  Madi

Loaders:  DS Charles, Jax

1) For being in the middle of our '100 days of Hell', I've not been that busy!

2) Saw Izzaboo!!!  She was buying lollipops for her mom, who's got a temperamental tummy.

3) Forgot to grab my Clorox wipes; used the bleach water to clean the coffee counter.

4) Place died at 8:30.

5) St. Francis X had tax exempt, but couldn't find the correct phone #. Used the Catholic School one and worked!

6) Caved and bought the pink hammer and scissors.

Outfit:  Purple sneezin' tee, 2 button cut off capris, thin gold hoops

Off the next 4 days for Choir practice (Thurs) and ICC Fri-Sun!

This Set My Teeth On Edge.....

As several of you know, I watch a lot of YouTube videos.

Normally, I skip the ads, but one intrigued me.

"Make up to $2K per month and this is how I do it."

Okay, I'll bite. How?

"Join KDP (yup) and upload your word document. Amazon does everything for you. No website, no ads, no social media.." (ummm, what about promoting your work?)

"But I'm not a writer. How will this work?"

"Simple.  Use AI or have someone write a story for you."

*needle scratch*

WHAT?????????????

This ad is VERY misleading!!!

1) Serious authors use KDP to get their work into print or e-format.  Only IDIOTS think they can upload a bunch of AI-written CRAP and think they'll make tons of money.  Nuh-uh, no way Jose.

2) Readers can tell the difference between an author who has written every single word, sweated over every time a character tries to hijack a scenario, and put their blood, sweat, and tears into a finished product with an EDITOR and a COVER ARTIST.

3) Not every book will go viral.  I've been using KDP (and now D2D to go wide) for nearly 10 years.  Am I a millionaire?  No.  Does Amazon send me thousands of dollars every month for royalties?  I wish!

I work a part-time job, plus am a busy wife, mom, and grandma.  I PROMOTE my work on social media and at many in person events to get my name out there.  I waste a lot of time watching TV to deal with the stress of my job and the stress of being at home (kid issues). It helps me relax and keeps me from other destructive habits that I would really rather not develop.  I blow off steam once a week at karaoke and at choir practice.

4) If someone writes a story for you, that's called a GHOSTWRITER, and it may or may not be the story lodged in your imagination.

"It's going to take some work, and several months, but just follow my instructions and soon you'll be receiving monthly royalties..."

I pity the person who sees this ad and uploads a document full of AI CRAP, then expects the almighty 'Zon to start depositing thousands of dollars into their account within 3 months.

It ain't gonna happen.

Period.

I also had the misfortune of uploading my latest book to D2D and was proudly promoting the fact it went live on B&N first......the day B&N 's CEO went on the morning news and said he didn't have a problem putting AI-generated 'books' for sale in his stores.

"As long as they clearly state it was AI-generated."

*needle scratch*

Do you really think anyone's going to actively crow, "I used AI for the creation of this beautiful work that took me maybe one day to create"?

For the first time, I put a disclaimer in my book.

"NO AI WAS USED IN THE CREATION OF THIS BOOK.  EVERY WORD CAME OUT OF MY FINGERTIPS AND I PAID AN EDITOR AND COVER ARTIST FOR THEIR WORK"

Okay, I didn't use shouty caps and it was worded a little different, but you get the point.

For another perspective on this subject, go here.  Warning, he gets a little grumpy.  But yeah, it's a red-hot issue right now.

So if you see any of my posts concerning Aiden Kross, I've used the Smashwords, Kobo, and as soon as it's live on Amazon (I uploaded the print version yesterday), I'll promote that link.

Will I still buy books from B&N?  Since it's the only brick and mortar bookstore within driving distance (okay, Books A Million is also, but haven't been there in YEARS!), yes.  In fact, I celebrated Release Day last week by buying two more books that were NOT 'next on the list'.  Impulse buys which grabbed my eye next to the door.  Okay, at least one was.  I'd gone looking for Dial A For Aunties and couldn't find it.  Turned out I was looking in the wrong section, and the nice associate found it for me. Then, while waiting for the spouse to finish what he was doing, the cover and title Summer In The City grabbed my eye, so bought it also.

(It was really his fault for leaving me in the store unsupervised for ten minutes, LMAO!)

Anyway, go have a good day.  I hope to have physical copies of Aiden Kross:  Tales From The Road by June 13th.  I also have plenty of Heart Song, which released January 3rd!

June Goals

Apparently, I was more productive last month than I thought!

-Pay Editor Check!

-Pay Cover Art 5/1:  $50; 5/15:  $200

-Enjoy anniversary Check!  Nice, quiet day, and dinner at Yamoto

-Pay for ICC parking (park whiz) Check!  $120 Pd 5/29

-Enjoy Mother's Day Check!  Received a wooden rose and candy from Mgmt

-Publish Aiden Check! and buy copies 5/27 Check!

Health:  My leg wound is completely healed, and I no longer have to shower while wearing a plastic sleeve on my right leg!  I do, however, still need to be careful about how much I stand.  It's for this reason I've arranged for a scooter at Indpls Comic Con for my long day.

UPDATE June 10th:  Leg wound opened up again.

Books Read:  4

            Print:  3

        E-book:  1

             DNF:  0

2026 Events:

June 5-7:  Indy Comic Con (Panelist) Very enjoyable!

June 13:  Pride, French Commons, Vincennes, In 4-9pm Sold 9:)

June 26th:  Summer On Main, downtown Vincennes, 5-8pm

July 10-12:  InConJunction Convention, Wyndham West, Indpls

July 17-19:  Imaginarium, Louisville, KY 

Aug 8th:  Indy Author Event 

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

Sept 12th:  StompCon, Fowler, IN

Nov 11-15:  ICGAHS

Nov 28th:  Creative Holiday Market, 1972 KCARC

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

May Goals:  

-Lose 5 pounds (start:  240)

-Have fun at Comic Con Check!

-Do well at Pride Sold 9:)

-Move daughter and grandson back home???

-Do well at Summer On Main

-Buy one more pkg Book Sleeves from Temu

-Buy one more pkg sarcasm notepads from Temu

-Buy 5 more pkgs whisk charms from Etsy 

-Buy 1 more pkg guitar charms from Etsy (June??)

-Send Daughter's MS to editor

-Republish Rex Nancy working on it

-Fill out passport paperwork and turn it in

-Find out about passport photo Staples???

-Add words to Dragon story stalled and Hallmark-inspired story Check

-Buy new soap dish for MBa 

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

-Pay down CC and start pecking away at med bills

-Read 6 books

-Finish current e-book 

May Reading Schedule: 

Awakening-Dana Fuller Ross Was actually a little disappointed in how this series ended.  It spanned 30-40 years, mainly about India, Frank, and Sally.  I thought Toby and Alexandria perished on the Titanic, only to discover they both die 'off camera'....Toby from a heart attack and Alex from old age.  Eulalia also dies 'off camera', which is a shame.  In the end, Sally ends up staying on the Madrona to keep it in the family. The Great Depression affects everyone, and Sally's husband escapes Nazi Germany.  Now I want to reread the series.  Whip and Cathy die in a rockslide; Sam dies 'off camera', but we visit his funeral. Not sure when Claudia passes....or Dr. Martin and Toni.  Edward and Rasheda die 'off camera'.  What about Hank and Cindy?  Why do we not get to say goodbye to them?

The One and Only-Emily Giffin 

Tales From The Sailor Man-Brian Morris, et al (Popeye book)

Love Song-Elle Kennedy

I Choose Me-Jennie Garth

I Survived This-Sheady Kyle

Mindtalk-A. Alex Come'

Survivor:  Forged In Fire-Jeff Probst

Raised On Radio-Paul Rees

The Return-Nicholas Sparks

Dance With Me-:Luanne Rice

Dial A For Aunties-Jesse Q Sutanto

Summer In the City-Alex Aster

Dr. Alaska-Jillian David

Paging Dr. Breakup-JD

Shelter From The Cold-A. Weber and C.A. Wolff

The Takedown-Lily Chu

House of Deceit-N.E. Butcher

As We Wander The Stars-Todd Black

Dear Hades-Hope Bolinger and Alyssa Roat

Mistress Giselle-JR Froemling

The Spies Down The Street-Ryan O'Connell

8 Billion Genies-Charles Soule

Surviving Lily-M. Black

Douible Take-Lynette Eason

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

-24

E-book:

Happy Holidates-Kasey Kennedy

Trysting With A Poisoned Pen-Sandra Sookoo

Karaoke Songs:

6/18

The Lord's Prayer-Sister Janet Mead Nailed it!

Show Me The Way-Styx Slightly low on verses, but otherwise good:)

Rumor Has It-Adele Did better last week; will re-record in two weeks

6/25

The Lucky Ones-Loverboy

Silly Love Songs-Paul McCartney

Falling Out of Love-Reba McEntire

TBB (on wish list-was tired of not finding them!)

You Will Never Be Me-Jesse Q Santanto (print)

I'm Not Done With You Yet-JQS (print)

Vera Wang's Unsolicited Advice For Murderers-JQS (print)

Stranger Than Fiction-Chris Colfer (print)

A Wake of Starlight-Tina Murray (print)

The Marriage Bargain-Jennifer Probst (2013-$10)

The Marriage Trap-Jennifer Probst (2013-$15)

The Marriage Mistake-Jennifer Probst (2013-$10)

The Marriage Merger-Jennifer Probst (2013-$10)

Into Thin Air-Jon Krakauer (2013-$15)

The Cookbook Collection-Allegra Goodman (2013-$11)

The Girfriend-Abigail Barnett ($5)

The Summer Without Her (Men???)-Siri Hustvedt

Searching For Someday-Jennifer Probst (2014-$8)

Hard As You Can-Laura Kay (2014-$9)

The Year of Living Biblically-A.J. Jacobs (2014-$15)

Retaliation-Yasmin Shiraz (2014-$10)

Accused-Yasmin Shiraz (2014-$10) 

Romulus-Marilyn Campbell ($5)

Gaslight Chronicles-Cindy Spencer Pape ($8)

So Far Away-Dakota Madison, et al

Love Realized-Melanie Codina

Love Resisted-Melanie Codina

Assumptions-Melanie Codina

One The Run-Jade C. Jamison

Decker-AD Ellis

Sawyer-AD Ellis

Monster Among The Rose-Linda Kage ($6)

Flower of Heaven-Julien Ayotta

Dangerous Bloodlines-Julien Ayotta

If I Fall-Lydia Michaels ($5)

If You Want Me-Tara Mills

Tomorrow-Samantha Kane

Backdoor Billionaire's Bride-Roz Lee (2019-$5)

The Play-Tawdra Kandle

Hopeful In Yellow-Sandra Sookoo

Magic In Mayflowers-Sandra Sookoo

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

Paging Dr, Breakup-Jillian David

The Girl Vanished-Jessica Ann (Jessie Clever)

The Lost Summers-Jessica Ann (Jessie Clever)

Ballad of Us-Sasha Marshall

Naughty, Nice, Never Been Kissed-Cassidy Hudspeth

A Party To Die for-Kerry Schafer

From The Stupid Files: Y8, W14

Day 67:  Memorial Day Sunny, warm, 80; 87 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Madi

Loaders:  Jax, Dan

1) Mgmt cooked us hamburgers and hot dogs

2) Customer got snippy when his CC wanted a PIN.

3) Customer asked where the Raised Garden Beds were.....LG, duh....THEN returned and asked about patio pavers!  Same place!

Outfit:  Gray 250 tee, long capris, double heart danglies

Day 68: Cloudy, sprinkles, 70s; 91 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Madi

Loaders:  DS Charles, Dan

1) Olivia left at 4:)

2) Customer asked for $6 in quarters

3) Customer gave $20 for $16.03. Rang up $20.03; register wanted to give back $4.03???

4) Cust told me they picked up their order, but needed one more dog-eared fence picket, then said no, he'd already paid. Turned out Riley had told him to go to the CANOPY.  He'd been waiting for 5 mins!

5) Got to interact with Tillie the skittish blue heeler and give her treats:)

6) Nan and Mel arrived at 9:55 for a 5 gal bucket of paint.  She'd texted me earlier about if I was working that day.  When I didn't see them, assumed they'd come in while on my hour lunch.

Outfit:  Blue USA tee, long capris, large zirconians

Am off the next two days!!!!

Day 69: Sunny, warm, 80s; 100 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Madi

Loaders:  DS Charles, Jax, Daniel

1) When asked, customer replied he'd spent a lot of $$ several years ago and missed the Rewards. I told him we just began the Rewards 3 years ago and sent the link to his phone. He left, still complaining about it!

2) Cheryl bought BA for $15!

3) Misunderstood my clock out time for lunch. Thought I'd clocked out at 7:15; nope, it was 7:12! Clocked back in at 8:14/

4) Apparently, Alex complained Lumber was messy. DS Charles replied, "Do you want us to clean Lumber or keep counting?"  Alex decided to let them keep counting!

5) Best news of the night:  Alex begins his vacation tomorrow!  9 days w/o him!!!!

6) Saw Dawson!!!

Day 70:  Rare Sat Sunny, low 80s; 73 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Levi

Loader:  Jax

1) Was told Granddaughter A bullied Kait's sister Mallory at the pool today, AND is the reason M is doing online school.

2) Pro John thought I was 49-52!!!

3) More customers not understanding the difference between the MLR CREDIT Card and MLR LOYALTY program.

4) Received prickly email from Keri about the 19th; Skye agreed to take my shift that day.

Outfit:  Black blouse, long jeggings, black danglies

Day 71:  Rare Sun Sunny, low 80s; 86 t/a

ASM:  Keri

HC:  Levi

Loaders:  Jax, Daniel

1) Got to see Mr. Mize's 1959 hard top Ford Convertable, and he demonstrated how the top retracts and expands:)

2) 3 customers needed pallets of concrete, blocks, and sand all at the same time after Yancy left!

3) Took 3 tries to get someone to unlock the tools gate for customer

4) Needed a Code 50 while Daniel was at lunch and Jax was on the forklift assisting another customer.  Finally had another customer help unload the woman's flooring from her car.

5) I'd forgotten my phone, so called Kyle to call his dad and let him know I needed it.

Outfit:  Black lace tee, long capris, silver crosses

Survivor 50: In The Hands of the Fans Finale

 What will the final 4 challenge be?

Will there be a fire-making challenge?

Will they read the final votes at Tribal, or force everyone to wait until the live show?

Episode:

Tiffany is PISSED! Takes it out on Aubrey when she offers comfort.

Joe, Jon, and Rizzo are locked in

Back at Finale:  Jeff gives Cirie the 'fire in your soul' award for inspiring others:)

Immunity Challenge #1: Obstacle and Puzzle

Jon gets his machete, followed by Tiff, Joe, Rizzo, and Aubrey

Jon releases his ramp and off to the net

Jon through the net and gets his keys

Jon now on the ladder....

Aubrey finally through the net

Joe and Tiff on the ladder puzzle

Jon to the puzzle, followed by Joe and Tiff

Aubrey up the ladder; everyone on the puzzle

Jon wins at the same time Tiff trying to get her last piece in!  VERY tight finish!!

Back to Finale:  Jeff gives Devins the Mr. Beast coin he flipped:)  Also reminisces about the TC where Christian 'falls' and Devins plants the fake idol.  Calls them Laurel and Hardy:)

Back at camp, Tiff pitches the boys hard against Aubrey, and it seems to be working.  Jon and Joe are truly conflicted. Rizzo, however, is very clear he's voting for Tiff/

LMAO...Corona ad with Cirie and Savannah!

Tribal Council #1:  Tiff or Aubrey?

Rizzo plays his idol

Tiff voted out, 4-1 (Aubrey)

Immunity Challenge #2:  Mousetrap!!!

Back at Finale:  Jeff gives Ozzy a T-shirt that says, 'We love you Ozzy....PLAY YOUR IDOL!!'

Jon drops with 4 balls

Rizzo drops

Joe drops with 5 balls

Aubrey wins!!!!

Tribal Council: Aubrey chooses Joe to sit next to her; Jon and Rizzo to make fire.

Back At Finale:  Jeff jumped the gun and revealed Rizzo LOST!

Fire Making Challenge:  Jon vs Rizzo

Jon off to a quick start; Rizzo has a couple of tiny flames, but nothing lasts.

Jon's flame burns through the rope!  Jon wins!

Final 3:  Joe, Aubrey, Jon

Jon's brother, Joe's wife, and Aubrey's mom show up for the Survivor Breakfast:)

Jury grills them on everything!

Vote:  

Ozzy:  Aubrey

Steph:  Jon

Cirie:  Aubrey

Chrissy:  Jon

Vote is a live reveal at the Finale!

Winner:  Aubrey, 8-3 (Jon) AND she wins a Toyota Land Cruiser!

Cirie wins the SIA award, $100K!

I'm disappointed they didn't talk to everyone, esp Kyle about his injury.

51 looks AMAZING!  Open Era....where everything will happen at some point:)

From The Stupid Files: Y8, W13

Day 61: Rain, 70s; 61 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Riley

Loaders:  Jax, Levi

1) Olivia called in; Theresa with there until 4.

2) Rained until 6pm

3) Fairly steady until 7.

4) Sold Cheryl Forbidden Love:)

Outfit:  Gray Plank LU tee, cut off capris, large zirconians

Day 62: Cloudy, 70s; 84 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC: Levi

Loaders:  Jax, Juan

1) Inhaled something, just as Olivia took her break.  Coughed for 5-10 mins until it settled down.  Joked I was trying NOT to have an asthma attack!

2) Observed a woman hitting her cart with another, then saying 'I'm sorry' to the cart! Later, she appeared in my line.

3) Had a rain shower around 6:30. Very  brief.

4) Saw Lee and Rochelle!  Rochelle wants to come back.

5) Brandon V returned two pallets of shingles 5 minutes until we closed.

Outfit:  Black Mom tee, cut off capris, tiny silver hoops

Day 63: Rain, 60s; 85 t/a

ASM:  Dan

HC:  Riley

Loaders:  Jax, Juan,Steve

1) Arrived at 4; called Madi 'Madison', lmao!

2) Forgot to empty coffee carafe on my lunch

3) Rain quit around 6!

Outfit:  LV Indian Motorcycle tee, black PU sweatshirt, cut off capris, gold 'tear drop' danglies

Off tomorrow for choir practice! Good news:  Dr says leg wound is now a 'dot'!

Day 64: Rain, mid-60s; 74 t/a

ASM:  Keri

HC:  Levi

Loaders:  DS Charles, Jax, Dan

1) Pro customer either had card stolen or unauthorized use; definitely had the points! Kept paying $800/month, and at least once, no record of it.

2) Forgot my fan.

3) Had to clean out the coffee carafe

4) Had to chase down my broom

5) Alex left at 3:30!!!

6) Got a credit app!

7) Woman came down asking about a trellis; told her it was LG aisle 2; she said the LG associate sent her to lumber!

8) Called three times for Code 50; no one came, even though I could SEE! DS Charles and Jax!  Josh paged from Tools; they came up to help.  Was I not speaking English over the PA???

Outfit:  Yellow Fla tee, faded jeggings, sea horses.

Day 65:  Rare Sat Rendezvous Cloudy, low 70s; 112 t/a

ASM:  Keri.

HC:  Madi

Loaders:  Sam, Daniel

1) Kept flipping my earring out of my ear!

2) Kyle brought me chicken and dumplings, but no fork, lol!  Ate it on my 1st break, then had an intestinal issue an hour later!

3) Was in such a hurry, due to needing to use the restroon, missed 4 boards b/c I didn't trust myself to bend over!

4) Went non-stop from 5-6:30, then again from 9:30-close

5) Tried to sign a customer up for a Pro Credit, but the system glitched and wouldn't let me past the 1st page.

Outfit:  Blue floral tee, faded jeggings, large copper hoops.

Day 66:  Rare Sun Indy 500 Day

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Madi

Loader:  Jax

1) Arrived; there were 3 of us (me, Bryan, and Yancy), so we tag-teamed during breaks and doing returns.

2) I didn't actually log in until 4:15.

3) Had 8 customers from 7:10-7:30!

4) Fan began dying around 7.  I was VERY hot all shift.

5) Had to tell a family of 3 we were closed at 8pm

Outfit:  Teal blue Rendezvous outfit, cut off capris, teal Indian danglies, white cap

Survivor 50: In The Hands of the Fans, Ep 11-12

 Ep 11:

Ozzy has a nightmare about being voted out again with his idol in his pocket.  Tells Cirie and Tiff he'll play it.

Immunity Challenge:  Floating Doghouse Balance Challenge! Winner earns an advantage for a twist coming at Tribal.

Cirie out 1st after move to 2nd rung

Aubrey out after getting to the top

Devins falls

When they go to one foot, everyone out except Tiff!  But wait, there's an issue.  On the review, Tiff did NOT have her foot raised, so she'd DQ'd.  Jon, the next to last one to fall, WINS!!!

TWIST:  The remaining 8 are divvied up into two groups, and will go to tribal to vote someone out.  Jon, being safe, will cast a vote at BOTH tribals!

Group 1:  Tiff, Emily, Cirie, Devins

Emily tells Jon, Cirie, and Tiff she can convince Rick to play the idol on her; they all vote Devins out.

Emily then turns around and tells DEVINS the plan, only for him to play the idol for himself. Em and Devins then vote CIRIE out.

Group 2:  Joe, Ozzy, Rizzo, and Aubrey

Ozzy tells Aubrey EVERYTHING, which she takes as 'you're going on the jury, so this is why I need to win'.  Aubrey turns around and tells Joe and Rizzo what he said, in hopes of getting them on her side to vote Oz out instead of her.  When Jon arrives, Aubrey tells Jon about Cirie's extra vote.  Joe tells Rizzo the plan to out Ozzy, but Rizzo wavers on whether or not to tell Oz the plan, so he'll play his idol.

Tribal Council #1:  Cirie, Emily, or Devins?

Devins plays his idol for himself.

Cirie casts her extra vote; she and Emily are tied at 2 each.

Revote:  Emily voted out, 4-2 (Cirie)

Tribal Council #2:  Ozzy or Aubrey?

Ozzy voted out 4-1 WITH THE IDOL IN HIS POCKET!!! He is absolutely crushed.

Ep 12:

Devins is feeling the pressure, since Emily was voted out, and he voted against Cirie.  Tries to find an idol, but no luck, esp with Jon on his tail.

Immunity Challenge:  Balancing and spelling Immunity blocks!  Reward:  BBQ rib meal

Aubrey and Tiff in the lead, drop. Rizzo drops. Joe's in the lead!

Joe wins as everyone else drops!  Chooses Cirie and Rizzo to join in the reward.

Back at camp, Tiff is annoyed with Rizzo still having his idol and wants to blindside him.  Aubrey may or may not be on board; Devins and Jon are definitely on board.  

Cirie joins Jon on the hammock and it BREAKS!  They're able to reattach it.

Cirie is NOT on board.  Did she tell Rizzo?

Tribal Council:  Devins or Rizzo?

Wait....is this a double episode?  We're only at the 32 min mark.....

Rick plays his Shot-in-the-Dark.  Verdict:  Not Safe.

Devins voted out, 6-0

2ND HALF:

Tiff wants Rizzo out; Aubrey and Jon pitch getting out Tiff.  Rizzo tells Cirie it's Tiff.  What will happen at the challenge?

Immunity Challenge: Obstacle Course with arch puzzle

Teeter Totter: Tiff, Joe, and Jon 1st

Disc puzzle:  Joe, Jon, Tiff

Transporting blocks while crossing a hinged balance beam:  Jon and Joe 1st

Solving Arch puzzle:  They think the word is 'inconceivable', but not sure how to spell it!

Everyone's on the puzzle....who knows how to spell it first?

Jon and Joe think they have it, but no....

Tiff wins!!!

Tribal Council:  Aubrey or Cirie?

Cirie voted out, 4-2 (Aubrey)

From The Stupid Files: Y8, W12

 Day 56: Sunny, 70's; 63 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Riley

Loaders:  Isaiah, Steve (from LG), DS Ian

1) Was called in; arrived 5:10; Olivia was obviously pissed off.

2) Had zero energy.  Did manage to do AP4Me and LU.

Outfit:  Black CBS tee, cut off capris, small diamond hoops

Day 57: Sunny, 70s; 49 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Madi

Loaders:  Jax, Isaiah

1) Drove my van to work!  Unfortunately, it was dead when I left, D gave me a jump.  Back to the drawing board.....

2) Olivia took her break and 2 bathroom breaks.

3) We were slow, and also discovered I was still on Madi's log-in. Oops!

Outfit:  Gray Purdue tee, cut off capris, small gold hoops

Day 58: Sunny, 70s; 82 t/a

ASM:  Dan

HC:  Madi

Loader:  Miguel

1) Olivia left at 4.

2) Isaiah called in

3) Woman said the sweatshirt was 25% off; after double-checking, it wasn't. Then she said she'd forgotten her card and was told all she needed was her ID. Scanned it, but she couldn't remember the phone # associated with it, and I couldn't locate it under her name. So had to send her up to CS. Also, she stated it was her daughter's 44th b-day; the daughter looked 70 y/o!

4) Got Justin to to return his own items to the shelves, lol....

5) Alex came back to help out, wearing 'civvies'.  He also caught me locking the door at 9:55. I argued the large door was open; he was having none of it. Ricky saw my point AND Alex's.  *eye roll*  Yes, it's policy, but the LARGE DOOR WAS OPEN AND WE HAD NO CARS IN THE PARKING LOT!!

Outfit:  Blue America tee, cut off capris, large gold hoops

Off tomorrow, for choir practice!

Day 59:  Rain in am; sunny and 70s in pm; 87 t/a

ASM:  Keri

HC:  Riley

Loaders:  Jax, Miguel

1) Was slow 1st 2 hours. Was sent to lunch @5.

2) Steady when I returned.

3) No shopping carts at 8:30 so I could pull trash, then was busy for an HOUR until a cart arrived!  Slowed down after 9:50, and got my closing duties finished.

4) Nice, Alex-free evening!

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

Day 60:  Rare Sat Rain, 70s; 57 t/a

ASM:  Alex, Raven

HC: Riley

Loaders:  Jax, Sam

1) Rained HARD off and on; saw a full rainbow!

2) Male customer tried to look up his LU card, but was unable to. Tried calling home to get the card # and it declined. Finally we tried his Pro card and the 'trusted customer' and it cleared.

3) Met another guy who was screwed over by Tom Lay

Outfit:  Gray USA Flower tee, cut off capris, thin gold hoops

Off tomorrow for Granddaughter B's birthday party!

Also, Alex's cat Aurora went into labor:)  No kitties yet at the time of this writing.

May Goals

I know, I know.....ten days in and I'm just now realizing I never posted my goals!  Heck, a few days ago I posted on Patreon, thinking the 8th was the 9th.  I'm slightly confused, lol.....

I was surprisingly productive last month!

-Lose 5 lbs (start 244) Lost 4!  Whoot!

-Send Aiden to editor Check!

-Contact Dawne' for cover art Check!

-Do well at Creative Market Ended up dropping out in order to drive to Lafayette a day early

-Do well at Author Fair Sold 2, swapped 2, donated 2. Probably would have done better had I read an excerpt or talked about my publishing journey.

-Do well at NHS Craft Fair Sold 3; the majority of readers wanted murder/mystery.  Did hand out a lot of cards for those who read on Kindle!

-Do well at Youth Leadership Craft Fair Sold one, but maybe sold 3 more on Kindle???  Plus met a woman writing her memoirs and a woman whose 13 y/o has begun writing stories.

-Find out about passport photo Staples???

-GET VAN FIXED!! 4/16:  Cleaned and replaced loose battery cables; ran for an hour then quit. Mom got $9K back from taxes; she's offered to help.

Health:  Leg wound is still being pesky.  Collagen pack didn't work, so am back on antibiotics (#5 for 2 weeks).  It IS shrinking, and this is the antibiotic I only take twice a day.

Had my teleconference with Dr. Steve on the 5th; my BP is still borderline high, so he wants me back on the BP meds when I'm off the antibiotics.  I've lost 4 pounds, so wondering what I did differently last month??  

Hours at work have been switched back, thankfully.  I'm working my a$$ off this month, to pay down my credit cards and get editor and cover art paid!

 Books Read:  8

            Print:  4

        E-book:  4

             DNF:  0

2026 Events:

June 5-7:  Indy Comic Con (Panelist)

June 13:  Pride, French Commons, Vincennes, In 5-9pm

June 26th:  Summer On Main, downtown Vincennes, 5-8pm

July 10-12:  InConJunction Convention, Wyndham West, Indpls

July 17-19:  Imaginarium, Louisville, KY 

Aug 8th:  Indy Author Event 

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

Sept 12th:  StompCon, Fowler, IN

Nov 11-15:  ICGAHS

Nov 28th:  Creative Holiday Market, 1972 KCARC

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

May Goals:  

-Lose 5 pounds (start:  240)

-Pay Editor Check!

-Pay Cover Art 5/1:  $50; 5/15:  $200

-Enjoy anniversary Check!  Nice, quiet day, and dinner at Yamoto

-Pay for ICC parking (park whiz)

-Enjoy Mother's Day Check!  Received a wooden rose and candy from Mgmt

-Buy one more pkg Book Sleeves from Temu

-Buy one more pkg sarcasm notepads from Temu

-Buy 5 more pkgs whisk charms from Etsy 

-Buy 1 more pkg guitar charms from Etsy (June??)

-Publish Aiden Check! and buy copies 5/27 Check!

-Send Daughter's MS to editor

-Republish Rex Nancy working on it

-Fill out passport paperwork and turn it in

-Find out about passport photo Staples???

-Add words to Dragon story stalled and Hallmark-inspired story 

-Buy new soap dish for MBa 

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

-Pay down CC and start pecking away at med bills

-Read 6 books

-Finish current e-book 

May Reading Schedule: 

Bride-Ali Hazelwood Wasn't sure I was going to like this, but it was very good!

The Good, The Bad, and the Aunties-Jesse Q Sutanto RR!  This was a fun read, and now I want to read the 1st book in this series, Dial A for Aunties

The Hating Game-Sally Thorne Interesting read. Didn't realize it was 1st PP, but still enjoyed it.

E-book:

A Poetry Affair-Sandra Sookoo Good story:)

From The Stupid Files: Y8, W11

Day 50: Rain, 60s; 95 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Riley

Loaders:  Jax, Isaiah

1) Felt weird all shift.  Didn't know if I was tired or hungry, or if the mushroom-swiss burger I'd eaten made me feel sluggish.

2) Was HOT from 2-6pm!

3) Had LOTS of returns!  Several were taken back during my 15 min break, then more the first 15 mins of my lunch, and finally even more at close.

4) Felt like I had mild 'brain fog'.

5) Bought a 4th of July headband!

Outfit:  Blue hooded Cabela's sweatshirt, Hallmark Movie tee, dark jeggings, large hoops.

Day 51: Sunny, 60s; 77 t/a

ASM:  Dan

HC:  Levi

Loaders:  DS Charles, Darien

1) Felt a LOT better today!

2) Cust tried to 'help' me bag and put the caulk tubes in the bag wrong!

3) Didn't get my 1st 15 min break; Olivia left at 4.

Outfit:  B/W striped shirt, dark jeggings, black danglies

Day 52: Sunny, 60s; 82 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Riley

Loaders:  DS Charles, Isaiah

1) Olivia had a curious thing going on.  When I arrived, she was in the bathroom (2:50-ish).  At 3:05, she took her break in her car (smoke break???), arriving around 3:20. Then at 3:55, she had to use the bathroom again, and returned around 4:12!

2) Customer's card declined; maxxed out.  Wife got fraud alert; came in and wrote a check. Joked her hubby was in 'time out' while we waited for her arrival!

3) Everyone liked my hair cut! (4 inches off!)

4) Mr. Prov ran in at 9:53 and checked out with his PVC fittings at 10pm.

5) Isaiah informed me his last day is the 14th.  Booo......

Outfit:  Blue crew Cabela's sweatshirt, black dog tee, large gold hoops

Day 53: Rain, low 70s; 82 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Riley

Loaders:  Jax, Isaiah

1) 'Chatty Cathy' customer held up the line; it was backed up to Aisle 19. Someone called Alex and said it was 'freakishly long'. Madi came down to help, but by then, I was down to 2 customers in line!

2) Had to page 3 times for a Code 50 and for the saw. Jax blatently ignored me until I saw him, then pointed out the customer waiting by the saw. Madi unlocked the 100' drain pipe for me.

3) I'd forgotten my raincoat and had texted D about it, then CALLED him a few hours later.  He brought it.....at close.  Fortunately, it had stopped raining by then.

Outfit:  Brown gauzy shirt, dark jeggings, blue sappire hoops

Day 54:  Rare Sat Sunny, mid-70s; 122 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Levi

Loaders:  Jax, Kyran (import from LG)

1) As you can tell from the transactions, was BUSY!!  Non-stop for 3 hours; Trevor came to give me an o/r and stayed to help me out for several minutes!

2) Isaiah called in; hence Kyran's appearance

3) Finally calmed down around 8:30!

Outfit:  Gray leopard stripe l/s tee, dark jeggings, thin gold hoops

Day 55:  Rare Sun Mother's Day Sunny, 60's; 66 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Levi

Loaders:  Jax, Miguel (from LG)

1) Chaos around 3:45!  Yancy had gone to break (we were dead); Jax was at lunch; DS Charles had gone home for the day (I didn't know this). Suddenly, one customer needed shingles brought down; another wanted a pallet of concrete blocks; a woman needed help getting a board from the rack.  Multiple pages for Jax or Charles went unanswered. My Zebra malfunctioned; #2's phone didn't work. Finally, Alex appeared and filled me in the situation. He helped the woman and got down the shingles. Jax reappeared and was able to get the blocks. By the time Yancy got back, things were somewhat under control!  I took my break at 4:45 and gratefully sat down!

2) Saw Izzaboo!  (formerly of Millwork)

3) After Yancy left, at one point I needed an o/r, so moved to #2 again until Charlie arrived.

4) Learned someone shoved a pallet of garden pavers into the rack and bent it; it took two forklifts to get it down without it crashing down.

5) Friend Julie and her hubby Jorge were my final customers.

Outfit:  Blessed G'ma tee, #1 Mom pin, dark jeggings, large hoops.

Survivor 50: In The Hands of the Fans, Ep 9-10

 Ep 9:  Jimmy Fallon Adds To This Episode

Damage Control:  Everyone is scurrying around trying to assure Devins they didn't vote for him.

Christian offers to give his SITD to Jon, who turns around and tells Joe he'll take it, then vote him out.

Immunity/Reward Challenge:  Holding onto a bucket and OUTLASTING JEFF to earn a bag of rice!!!!

Jeff vs Ozzy, Joe, Tiff, and Jon  (Jimmy Fallon's idea)

Rizzo, Emily, and Devins drop....who proceed to HECKLE Jeff!

Cirie drops

LMAO!  Jeff is in pain after 6 MINUTES!!!

Jeff drops....TRIBE GETS RICE!!!!  After 7.5 MINUTES!!!

Christian drops

Aubrey drops...."How are you wrenching that up?"  "I'm psycho!"

Steph and Tiff drop.

Jon drops after 12 mins

Ozzy vs Joe.....Ozzy drops...JOE WINS!!!

Journey:  Christian wins the rock, paper, scissors.

Task:  Complete a puzzle before your rope unspools.  He doesn't do it. (Jimmy Fallon's idea)

Loses his advantage of writing a name down; now has to read a letter at camp.

Returns to camp and reads the note.  HAS TO VOTE HIMSELF OUT AT TRIBAL!!!

Emily tosses Ozzy's name out to Cirie and Tiff, who decide to vote HER out.

But Rizzo wants Christian gone.

Tribal Council:  Emily, Christian, or Devins?

Christian, as he's casting his vote for himself:  "I look forward to your apology".

Christian voted out,  6-3 (Devins)-2 (Ozzy)

Ep 10:

Survivor Auction!!!!

Devins:  $160 fries 

Emily:  $100 milkshake

Jon:  $60 cracker tray

Aubrey:  $280 mystery chaos and comfort.  Aubrey eats 2 grubs, then get the cookies and milk

Cirie:  $180 blanket

Steph:  $260 grilled cheese sandwich

Cirie:  $20 toothbrush and paste

Jon:  $320 Sea slug, but Ozzy gets the fried chicken

Cirie:  $280 charcuterie board

Rizzo:  Protein shake, 2 chicken breasts

Ozzy:  Entire cake

Jon:  Peanut butter sandwich

Aubrey:  $200 mac and cheese

Everyone's in for a shared item at $20 each.  Letters from home!  But at the same time, Mr. Beast (YouTuber???) arrives with a Beware Advantage that will be revealed at Tribal Council.  Neither Joe nor Tiff got any reward.

Next, Jeff closes the auction and says 'Follow me to the Immunity Challenge!'

Immunity Challenge:  Balancing on a beam while balancing a ball on a bow.

Steph drops within seconds

Rizzo drops

Cirie drops after 2nd section

Aubrey drops

3rd section:

Devens falls off, but gets back on

Devens drops

Emily drops

Jon drops

Joe drops

Ozzy drops

Tiff wins!

Chaos in camp as rumors fly!

Cirie has an extra vote

Ozzy has an idol

Steph has a steal-a-vote.

Who will use what?  And will it be effective?

Tribal Council:  Ozzy, Steph, Rizzo, Cirie, Devins??

Devens spills the beans on everyone who called people out, including Steph's steal-a-vote.  People began whispering.  Jeff and Cirie begin laughing over the chaos!  "You either laugh or cry, Jeff" said Cirie.

Mr. Beast Beware Advantage:  A gold coin, heads or tails. One person will flip it and if they win, they earn immunity AND prize $$ DOUBLES!  If they LOSE, they go home.

Who flips the coin?  Someone has to volunteer, or everyone draws rocks.  

Devins flips the coin!  He calls heads.....HEADS!!!!  Prize $$ is $2 million and Devens is SAFE!!!!

Aubrey, Steph, or Emily?

Steph steals Devens' vote.

Stephenie voted out, 8-2 (Aubrey, Steph's votes)

From The Stupid Files: Y8, W10

 Day 44:  Heavy rain, high 60s; 61 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Riley

Loaders:  Jax, Isaiah

1) Heavy rain began around 5; flooded our loading bay.  DS Ian found the squeegee and we took turns using it.

2) Aaron Knepp was in the store for 3 hours, with his family.  I teased him about bringing everyone in so we could see they DO exist!  Ian got a chuckle out of it!

3) Darrell T tipped a cart on end; I left it; he said he wanted to see it like that in the morning!

4) Woman decided the two Stanley cups were too expensive, so instead of handing them over, she put them into the blue buckets in front of the register.  WTH????

Outfit:  Gray G'ma tee, blue SC sweatshirt, faded jeggings, thin gold hoops.

Day 45:  Sunny, high 60s; 107 t/a

ASM:  Keri

HC:  Levi

Loaders:  Jax, Isaiah

1) Arrived; discovered Isaiah had submitted his 2 week notice; Raven 'stole' Olivia from Lumber to help out due to being short-staffed. Zion and Lazarie called in.

2) Isaiah had twisted ankle, so was taking it easy

3) Customer took the survey, then was immediately scammed.  "You won $500" popped up, but when he called the number, the guy wanted him to buy GCs from the app store.  NOPE!

Outfit:  Blue sparkly tee, black plaid, faded jeggings, large zirconian studs

Day 46: Sunny, 60s; 81 t/a

ASM:  Dan

HC:  Riley

Loader:  Jax (Isaiah and Darien called in)

1) Customer in a hurry was 'rude' to Pro Kath, who promptly dubbed him an ass.  He was just in a hurry and stressed, imho.

2) Jonah (Ian's son) rang up three customers and almost got his hands on the cash, but I intercepted it!

3) Olivia was 'stolen' again!

4) Jax went to lunch @6; within fifteen mins, a customer needed nearly 30 sheets of drywall.  Couldn't get anyone's attention.  Payton arrived; shanghied him to help out.  Two mins later, another customer showes up with concrete molds and explains he can only find 5 or 6 when our app says there's 21 in store. I call again for help.....then Chad walked in.  Told him to clock in and help the guy, which he did:)

5) Maria got the SM job!!!!!!

Outfit:  Gray hooded sweatshirt, faded jeggings, small diamond hoops.

Day 47: Cool, 60s; 78 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Levi

Loaders:  DS Charles, Isaiah

1) Arrived; Olivia was at CS!

2) Freakishly busy at first:  3-4 (21); 4-5 (11); 5-6 (18)

3) Couldn't get ahold of my guys to find flooring; turned out they were outside with no phones.

4) Tried to return Raymond's order; was unable. He went up front; turned out it was still in the system as  Pick up later! He'd picked it up on Mon, and no one had printed the ticket.

5) Accidentally cut up the new break schedule; Levi, being 'offended' by my actions, found it and stapled it back together!

6) Saw Mr. Miller, Kyle, and Dave (doggy dad to Maple and KD).

Outfit:  Blue/white striped sweater, faded jeggings, silver chains.

Day 48: Cool, 50s; 95 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Levi

Loaders:  DS Charles, Sam

1) 14 people in 1st 30 mins!

2) Went to lunch @6 instead of 6:30

3) Saw Kyle and Olivia:)

4) Screwed up and printed loading ticket before it was given to customer

5) Fire/rescue at Subway around 9pm

6) Customer tried buying 4 ceiling tiles (sold by box).

7) Woman reportedly said she didn't care when we closed; she was going to get her 'f---'n items!'  She left slightly after 10.

Outfit:  B/w buffalo check sweater, faded jeggings, red and white hoops.

Day 49:  Rare Sat Cool, 50s; 69 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Levi

Loaders:  Jax, Isaiah

1) Met Michael, the new cashier

2) Was steady until 7pm; after Michael left at 6, was busy for a straight hour!

3) Jadyn had the heater on when I arrived!

Outfit:  Mama Bear sweatshirt, faded jeggings, large hoops.

Off the next 2 days, to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary:)

From The Stupid Files: Y8, W9

Day 38:  Cool, low 60s; 66 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Riley

Loaders:  Jax, Isaiah

1) We were fairly slow.

2) Forgot to take my 7:30 meds and took them 45 mins later, during my 20 min break.

3) Needed a Pit stop @7:30

4) Customer wanted 4 or 5 100 ft drain pipes; was brought 9!  I joked, "It's a buy 4, get five free special!"

5) Customer left a bag at #2 @8:45

6) Customer bought sand with a hole in, which leaked all over my counter.

7) Entitled Haitians checked out at 9:55; finally finished loading and left at 10:15.

Outfit:  Teal flowered blouse, faded jeggings, 'spaceship' danglies

Day 39: Warmer, high 70s; 66 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Madi

Loaders:  Jax, Isaiah

1) TWICE I gave customers $10 instead of a $5!

2) Cust wanted full bunk of 23/32 OSB. Jax was at lunch; Isaiah busy. Taylor gave me the PRICE; I wanted to know how many were in the bunk!

3) Alex is about to get on my last nerve. "No writing, no playing on phones".....so you just expect me to sit there and daydream???

4) Had a LOT of plumbing parts to put away!  Thankfully, I also got a 15 min break so I didn't have to do it after we closed!

Outfit:  Brown blouse, long capris, neutral bundle danglies

Day 40: Warmer, low 80s; 65 t/a

ASM:  Dan

HC:  Ben/Levi

Loaders:  Jax, Isaiah

1) Cust came to Pro K's register as Matt was finishing up!  Was redirected to my register.

2) Tried to return siding, but system wouldn't let me.

3) Charged fan, but left it at home.

4) Ben and Raven came to give me $5s and $10s; I'd just returned iron bars, so told Ben to 'make himself useful' and put the returned items in the return bucket while I finished ringing up the customer!

Outfit:  Black Eclipse tee, long capris, Eclipse danglies

Day 41:  Warm, low 80s; 61 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Riley, Levi

Loaders:  Jax, Kolton (from LG), and Darius (new guy)

1) Thought Maria was closing, then Alex showed up!

2) The Haitian group checked out early, around 9:35!

3) Final customer wanted a tire gauge; had to sell him an $8 one.

4) Tried to help a customer, but the system would only email his 'cart' to Ian, not me.

Outfit:  Red LU tee, long capris, thin gold hoops

Off tomorrow, but agreed to help out over the weekend, with reduced hours.  Have I lost my mind?

Day 42:  Rare Sat, 6-close; warm, low 80s; 61 t/a

ASM:  Keri

HC:  Levi

Loaders:  Jax, Isaiah, Damian

1) Arrived at 6:05; Levi texted me at 6:04 for my ETA

2) Harassed customer who let his wife push the heavy cart of lumber!

3) Harassed Levi as he was cleaning out my drawer.

4) Had 3 people at close!  One's cards wouldn't work; he finally coughed up some cash.  I'm not sure I didn't still owe him $10....

Outfit:  White/black stripe tee with flowers; green vest, long capris, large gold ball/hoops

Off tomorrow, but agreed to come in and help out.

Day 43:  Rare Sun, 5-close; warm, high 70s; 47 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Madi, Levi

Loaders:  Jax, Isaiah, Damian

1) Customer bought water heater, took it out, and left us the box.  WTH???

2) Customer bought 4 bags of 50 lb concrete, then told Jax, "I'll have to move some things around; I didn't think about it until now."

3) Ran out of $1s at 5:30; had to give one customer $4 in quarters!

Outfit:  Purple and yellow polka dot shirt, long capris, thin gold hoops with the drop ball.

Survivor 50: In The Hands Of The Fans Ep 7-8

 Ep 7:

Jon and Dee get into it; Tiff's mad about Kamilla going.

Everyone's mad at Aubrey for not playing her idol.

Coach begins creating haikus....

Oz and Riz return and their minds are BLOWN about the 3 tribals!

Emily tells Riz she knows about his idol, and throws Dee under the bus.  Dee is now furious at Emily for not keeping her mouth shut.

Journey:  Steph's name is pulled out of the hat; goes off to Exile Isle, and has to tether her arm toa bucket for an hour.  She gets the Steal-A-Vote advantage!

Reward Challenge:  Rolling large boulder through obstacles, then puzzle.; wins Chinese Take Out. 

Teal: Jon, Cirie, Chrissy, Coach, Aubrey, Tiff, and Rizzo

Purple: Christian, Ozzy, Emily, Devins, Dee, Steph, and Joe

Teal gets their boulder 1st

Teal gets to the keys 1st, followed by Purple

Purple gets the lock open 1st; Emily struggling.

Purple to the wall 1st, but Teal gets everyone up 1st

Puzzle comes down to the wire, but Teal wins reward and the right to fight for Immunity!

Immunity Challenge: Holding balls on a paddle above your head while standing on a balance beam.

Devins out 1st

Emily drops

Christian drops

Steph drops

Dee drops

Joe drops

Ozzy wins!

While half the camp enjoys the Chinese food, the other half schemes against Dee.

Coach begins to piss off players, and Dee and Tiff scheme against HIM!

Tribal Council:  Dee, Tiff, or Coach?

Dee tries to cause chaos at Tribal.

Dee plays her Shot-In-The-Dark:  Not Safe.

Aubrey plays her idol.

Dee voted out, 8-4 (Tiff)-1 (Coach).

Ep 8:

Everyone has to divide into pairs; Cirie's chosen to be the odd one out.

Pairs:  Aubrey and Devins

           Jon and Christian

           Chrissy and Coach

           Emily and Rizzo

           Ozzy and Steph

           Joe and Tiff

Immunity and Reward Challenge:  Obstacle and Ball maze:  Twist:  One PAIR will be voted out!

Toss ball into bucket, then race to grab it as it rolls down the track.

Next, partners pass the ball back and forth, using paddles as they go across a bridge.

Then you assemble a plank bridge.

1st 3 pairs across move to final round.

Maneuver a ball from a cage, then move it through the maze.

1st pair wins immunity and reward, spaghetti meal.

Joe and Tiff in the lead to the plank bridge

Tiff and Joe, Ozzy and Steph, and Aubrey and Devins move on!

Aubrey and Devins through the cage!

Oz and Steph on the maze!

Finally Joe and Tiff on the maze!

Joe and Tiff have one ball....

Oz and Steph have one ball....

Joe and Tiff win!

Cirie goes to Exile:)

She has 30 mins to find a coconut with a phoenix and she can return to camp and vote.  If the timer runs out, she stays at Exile and doesn't vote.

She found it!!!

Tribal Council:  Coach and Chrissy, or Devins and Aubrey?

Devins grabs his fake idol from the fire pit!  People start to scramble....but aren't really buying it.

Coach played his Shot In The Dark....Not Safe

Chrissy and Coach voted out, 10-1 (A+D)-1(E+R)

From The Stupid Files: Y8, W8

Day 33:  Warm, low 80s; 64 t/a

ASM:  Maria

HC:  Riley

Loaders:  Isaiah, Ben/Levi

1) Was steady until 7:30

2) Am #1 for AP4Me and got perfect score on LU!

3) Had issues getting Code 50 for customer around 7:45

4) Had to eat lunch @Pro, due to Kem not cleaning out the coffee carafe. Also had to get trash bags, so after my pit stop, had 3 mins to sit down.

5) Zero customers from 8:20-8:55, then nobody after 9:30.

6) Trash compactor is working again!

Outfit:  Dept of Having A Good time tee, long capris, small zirconian hoops

Off tomorrow, for Alex's GI appt.  Did tell Riley if he needed me, I could probably be there around 5.

Day 34: Warm, low 80s; 45 t/a

ASM:  Maria

HC:  Madi, Levi, Riley

Loaders:  DS Charles, Jax

1) Was asked to come in when back from E'viile; arrived at 6.

2) Discovered I'd left my phone in the truck.

3) Saw Izzy!  She's working at Harbor Freight.

4) Riley thought I was in my pjs!

5) Several customers quoted 'Win $500!' at me:)

Outfit:  Black CBS tee, red plaid leggings, small zirconian hoops

Tomorrow we go for Alex's probation hearing; I might be slightly late to work.

Day 35: Warm, humid, low 80s; 71 t/a

ASM:  Daniel

HC:  Riley

Loaders:  DS Charles, Isaiah

1) Due to Alex's probation meeting, arrived around 3:20-ish

2) Discovered someone had drawn a penis on the 2nd column in Aisle 16

3) Mixed up the '5' on change; thought I'd forgotten the $5, but after I reopened and recounted, it was $1.66, not $15.66.

4) Final customer wanted a delivery, but took TWO HOURS to get the rest of their stuff.  I'd helped them get ceiling tile when I returned from lunch (8:10), but it was nearly closing time when they finally had their list together and I could set it up for delivery, then ring up their CW purchases.

Outfit:  Gray IN tee, long capris, small zirconian hoops

Day 36:  Warm, humid, low 80s; 64 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Riley

Loaders:  Jax, Isaiah, Darian

1) Wasn't sent on break until 8:10.

2) 9:30 customer had 3 carts; didn't help get the stuff underneath the cabinet AND left their carts at the entrance of the large door.  Then discovered one of the women had left their wallet behind.  Fortunately, she was a Rewards Member, so was able to find her phone # and call her asap.  Entitled much??

3) Matt is no longer our SM!  Went back to Kentucky!  Hope we get another nice one:)

Outfit:  Spare parts tee, long capris, tiny silver hoops

Off the next two days!!

Day 37:  Rare Sun Cool, mid 60s; 56 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Riley

Loaders:  DS Charles, Isaiah

1) Had 2 people all evening!

2) Teased Yancy when he went on break that I was non-stop for 15 mins!

3) Helped a customer find window well covers

4) Swept the place

5) If Bryan had held on for 5 more mins before helping with returns, I'd have had the closing duties finished before the final crowd arrived!

Outfit:  Black Alaskan Hwy tee, red/black plaid shirt, faded jeggings, small zirconian hoops.

From The Stupid Files: Y8, W7

Day 29: Cooler, 50s; 68 t/a

ASM:  Shannon

HC:  Madi, Riley

Loaders:  Conrad, Jax

1) Customers wanted plywood and 1x2s; told them to go down the drywall aisle; went down 18 instead!  But still managed to find it.

2) Rollo, the 14-week bulldog, was adorable! Tried to eat one of my patches:)

3) Customer hit the right door with his cart, knocking it off the track. Peyton put it back together, with help from Conrad.

4) Customer bought me a Reecee cup!

Outfit:  Red turtleneck, dark jeggings, thin gold hoops

Got a phone call Mom was being sent to hospital; called in the next 2 days and went to be with her.

Day 30:  Cooler, rain, low 70s; 60 t/a

ASM:  Alex

HC:  Madi, Levi, Riley

Loaders:  Jax, Isaiah

1) UKG wouldn't let me clock in; told Amy and she clocked me in.

2) Cust. said he wanted his receipt 'like this', showing me his crumpled one. Told I 'd wad it up, if he'd like....LOL!

3) Mr. N showed up; told me he'd passed over 2xs Feb 5th!  Had a triple bypass and doing well:)

4) Cust said if they used her rewards #, then she was honor-bound to pay for it!

Outfit:  Black/white buffalo check, white v-neck tunic, dark jeggings, thin gold hoops

Day 31:  Rare Sat: Warmer, 70s; 67 t/a

ASM:  Keri

HC:  Levi

Loaders:  Jax, Isaiah

1) Tried to return ceiling tiles, but system wouldn't let me. Alex came down; it was sold under Special Order 1; went through fine.

2) Saw John and Mercedes:)

Outfit:  Blace V-neck tunic; dark jeggings, turquois 'star' dangliex

Day 32:  Rare Sun Warmer, low 80s; 96 t/a

ASM:  Keri

HC:  Madi

Loader:  Jax

1) Couldn't log into the Zebra

2) #2 not working

3) Rang up customer's order on Pro Kathy's register, then discovered it was out of receipt paper.  Managed to email it to the customer!

4) Isaiah called in; Jax went to lunch, just as EVERYONE needed help!

5) Customer handed me $145 for $144....and I told him I needed another dollar, THEN realized my mistake.  Then went to break!

6) Slowed down around 6:30!

Outfit:  Gold tee, dark jeggings, blue sapphire hoops

April Goals

What did I accomplish in March, besides working 18 days?  Did manage to get a raise at work!

-Do well at Creative Market Sold 5:)

-Do well at GSH event Only sold 1.

-Get good report from Dr. S Postponed until May; bad storms that day.

Health:  Leg wound is still being pesky.  Finished another round of antibiotics (#4) and am now treating wound with a collagen patch.  It stings for a bit.  Hours have been cut at work, since one gal in Fulfillment moved to Lumber 8-5.  There are a few days I'm scheduled at 3 or even 4, so there's hope!

 Books Read:  7

            Print:  3

        E-book:  4

             DNF:  1

2026 Events:

April 17th:  Creative Market, 1972 KCARC 4-7pm Skipped, in order to go to Lafayette a day early.

April 18th:  Tippecanoe County Author's Fair, Lafayette, In 1-4pm Sold 2, swapped 2, donated 2. Probably would have done better if I'd read an excerpt or talked about my publishing journey.

April 25th: North HS Craft Fair, US 41 N, Evansville, In, 9-3pm CST Sold 3.....majority wanted murder/mystery.  Did hand out a lot of cards!

April 26th:  Youth Leadership Craft Fair, Highland Woods, Hart St, Vincennes, In 12-4pm Sold 1, and maybe 3 more on Kindle.....

June 5-7:  Indy Comic Con (Panelist)

June 13:  Pride, French Commons, Vincennes, In 5-9pm

June 26th:  Summer On Main, downtown Vincennes, 5-8pm

July 10-12:  InConJunction Convention, Wyndham West, Indpls

July 17-19:  Imaginarium, Louisville, KY 

Aug 8th:  Indy Author Event 

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

Sept 12th:  StompCon, Fowler, IN

Nov 11-15:  ICGAHS

Nov 28th:  Creative Holiday Market, 1972 KCARC

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

April Goals:

-Lose 5 lbs (start 244)

-Send Aiden to editor Check!

-Contact Dawne' for cover art Check!

-Send Daughter's MS to editor

-Do well at Creative Market Ended up dropping out in order to drive to Lafayette a day early

-Do well at Author Fair Sold 2, swapped 2, donated 2. Probably would have done better had I read an excerpt or talked about my publishing journey.

-Do well at NHS Craft Fair Sold 3; the majority of readers wanted murder/mystery.  Did hand out a lot of cards for those who read on Kindle!

-Do well at Youth Leadership Craft Fair Sold one, but maybe sold 3 more on Kindle???  Plus met a woman writing her memoirs and a woman whose 13 y/o has begun writing stories.

-Republish Rex

-Fill out passport paperwork and turn it in

-Find out about passport photo Staples???

-GET VAN FIXED!! 4/16:  Cleaned and replaced loose battery cables; ran for an hour then quit.

-Add words to Dragon story stalled and Hallmark-inspired story 

-Create new website

-Buy new soap dish for MBa 

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

-Pay down CC and start pecking away at med bills

-Read 6 books

-Finish current e-book 

Feb Reading Schedule:  

Die Laughing-Benjamin Oneal Very good story!

Someone Like You-Karen Kingsbury Good story!

George Washington's Secret Six-Brian Kilmeade Began promising, but then got boring.  Still, history I hadn't known.

Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates-Brian Kilmeade Very good!  Really enjoying this series!

Bride-Ali Hazelwood Wasn't sure I was going to like this, but it was very good!

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

The Hating Game-Sally Thorne

Awakening-Dana Fuller Ross

The One and Only-Emily Giffin 

Tales From The Sailor Man-Brian Morris, et al (Popeye book)

Love Song-Elle Kennedy

I Choose Me-Jennie Garth

I Survived This-Sheady Kyle

Mindtalk-A. Alex Come'

Survivor:  Forged In Fire-Jeff Probst

Raised On Radio-Paul Rees

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

-24

E-book:

Dare To Love-Sandy Sullivan DRR!  Very good!

The Lust Boat-Roz Lee Good story!  Very erotic

Echoes of the Heart-Jean Joachim Good story!

Love and Pumpkins-Kasey Kennedy Good Story!

A Poetry Affair-Sandra Sookoo

TBB (on wish list-was tired of not finding them!)

The Marriage Bargain-Jennifer Probst (2013-$10)

The Marriage Trap-Jennifer Probst (2013-$15)

The Marriage Mistake-Jennifer Probst (2013-$10)

The Marriage Merger-Jennifer Probst (2013-$10)

Into Thin Air-Jon Krakauer (2013-$15)

The Cookbook Collection-Allegra Goodman (2013-$11)

The Girfriend-Abigail Barnett ($5)

The Summer Without Her (Men???)-Siri Hustvedt

Searching For Someday-Jennifer Probst (2014-$8)

Hard As You Can-Laura Kay (2014-$9)

The Year of Living Biblically-A.J. Jacobs (2014-$15)

Retaliation-Yasmin Shiraz (2014-$10)

Accused-Yasmin Shiraz (2014-$10) 

Romulus-Marilyn Campbell ($5)

Gaslight Chronicles-Cindy Spencer Pape ($8)

So Far Away-Dakota Madison, et al

Love Realized-Melanie Codina

Love Resisted-Melanie Codina

Assumptions-Melanie Codina

One The Run-Jade C. Jamison

Decker-AD Ellis

Sawyer-AD Ellis

Monster Among The Rose-Linda Kage ($6)

Flower of Heaven-Julien Ayotta

Dangerous Bloodlines-Julien Ayotta

If I Fall-Lydia Michaels ($5)

If You Want Me-Tara Mills

Tomorrow-Samantha Kane

Backdoor Billionaire's Bride-Roz Lee (2019-$5)

The Play-Tawdra Kandle

Hopeful In Yellow-Sandra Sookoo

Magic In Mayflowers-Sandra Sookoo

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

Paging Dr, Breakup-Jillian David

The Girl Vanished-Jessica Ann (Jessie Clever)

The Lost Summers-Jessica Ann (Jessie Clever)

Ballad of Us-Sasha Marshall

Naughty, Nice, Never Been Kissed-Cassidy Hudspeth

A Party To Die for-Kerry Schafer