Day 81: Long, Hot Day
Began shift; things were going well. After a brief lull, traffic picked up. One customer claimed his fan was on sale, and said he'd go take a picture of it. Well, he must have gotten sidetracked, because several moments went by and my line began getting longer. I hopped over to #2, only to discover the customer needed his LAR loaded first, which meant I needed to log into #3 to do so.. Got him rang up, then continued on #2. Aliscia came down and saved #1's order, then told me to go to LG, to give Marci her break.
I did, and after fifteen minutes, Mikayla arrived to send me to lunch. I was in LG until 8:30, when we closed down LG, and I went up front to help out. Things were steady all the way up until 9:10, then locked the doors and helped M load the soda coolers. Sold Karlie a copy of HLC, then we all clocked out at 9:45.
I am TIRED!
Gonna try to wear my orthotics during the first half of my shift tomorrow. Here's hoping the day goes smoothly!
Day 82: Half Shift in Orthotics
Was slightly late getting to Lumber, but things went well. Feet began complaining around 5:30, and went to lunch around 6:10. Swapped out the orthotics for regular insoles and bandage/gauze. Shift was slower the 2nd half, and managed to get all my closing duties (except for the wiping down counters-no bleach water) by 7, and had a customer order 50 sheets of drywall. Justin told me it would be impossible, but the customer called Bethany, who told him to do it anyway. Good shift!
Here's hoping tomorrow goes as smoothly:)
Day 83: Entire Shift in Orthotics
Was in a good mood entire shift. 1st half was smooth, with Rachel giving me a 15 min break. Ate lunch at McAllisters, then returned for 2nd half. Got most of my closing duties accomplished, but at 8pm, the 'crazies' began. Customer A didn't have enough on his card to cover, but had something called 'cash out'. We don't honor it, but he was able to transfer the funds to his card, and it worked. Customer B had a $20 damaged tub, but Mel was in LG, so Steve came down and overrode it and the $15 lamp. Had to ring up ALL the paint (7 pastel and 10 white) individually, with Darren hitting F-3 for me. Discovered it only 'took' one, so called Mel down again for an override, but it didn't work. Had to ring them all up again, and this time it worked. Guess D wasn't looking at it right??? Customer C had 4 different lengths of lumber, but the 3rd code wouldn't cooperate. Had to scan the 2nd one twice, then scan the rest again. Finally, at closing time, a family came in with drywall, lumber, and hardware. Literally locked the doors behind them after they paid!
Some funny things: A) There were several flies buzzing around, and a customer commented. I said I'd showered that morning, and then it was revealed that Zach showered in the evenings! So we jokingly 'blamed' him for the flies! B) Customer's card was declined for $600 purchase, but he showed me his balance which had over $1400. I saved his order under my name, and after he'd spoken to the bank, returned. Still wouldn't work....so when Rachel relieved me for lunch, I gave her my phone # so they could retry it. When I returned, she said it had finally worked! C) At the end of the evening, the final family had a small girl, who presented me with a bag of Doritos 3 times, and each time, Mama said no. But right before I totaled their order, I heard a string of Spanish, then Mama was holding out the open bag of Doritos! Child was hungry, and 'no' wasn't going to stop her!
Also discovered we are now under an Earthquake Watch until the 12th, since California was hit with a massive one over the weekend, which put an obvious crack in the topography, so large you can see it from space. Darren said, "Can you imagine what's going to happen to all that drywall and lumber we have stacked, if one hits? OOPS!"
Not sure how feet are going to feel tomorrow; may only wear the orthotics the 2nd half, or only the 1st half. Depends on how everything feels. Hoping everything goes smooth tomorrow!
Day 84: Easy Night!
1st half of the shift was steady, then ate lunch between 5:30 and 6pm. 2nd half was slower, and had all my closing duties accomplished by 8pm, save for bags and register tape. Only had one 'problem' customer....they wanted a grill, but didn't have enough on their card. Swiped it 3 times before I finally was able to communicate the problem!
Really hoping tomorrow goes as effortlessly!
Day 85: Jinxed
Again, 1st half of the shift was steady, and a customer even bought me a Snickers:) Went off to lunch at 5:45, but when I returned, it was steady all the way to closing time. I did manage to get my soda cooler filled, trash pulled, floor swept, and bags filled, but did not have time to check register tape or clean the counters.
Did see one customer four times; twice for lumber and twice for concrete! His grandson told me, 'Don't take this the wrong way, but I hope we don't see you again tonight!'
Another customer I saw three times....all for lumber, and he said he had to make around 9 trips total. As D and I were heading home, we saw a truck lose its load in front of us at Hart St. We stopped and it turned out to be my 2nd customer. D helped reload while I directed traffic....then jokingly told the guy 'Didn't think I'd see you again so soon!' He was grateful we stopped to help!
Customer C came in and ordered 14 bags of 96 pound masonry, and 54 concrete blocks....but his truck dragged the ground. Jordan pulled half the blocks back, and I don't know if the customer's going to return later or if he'll have them delivered.
Customer D came in with her estimate list, and had the guys pull everything. She hung out at the lumber desk for about an hour, and was happy when I offered her free water.
At the end of the shift, my arches were aching, and I was soooo happy to be able to take off my shoes when I got home!
Monday, July 8, 2019
Friday, July 5, 2019
Flashback Friday: Cypress Gardens!
July 1979
We took our annual trip to St. Pete, Fla, to visit Grandma and Grandpa Grauel, and were disappointed a visit to Disney was not in the plans. We did go to Cypress Gardens, and got our pictures taken while inside a T-Rex statue, and with the pretty ladies in their dresses. The real excitement, however, was the water ski show.
We sat in the grandstand, and enjoyed the barefoot water skier, and the pyramids, and during the Grand Finale, disaster hit. A hang glider was featured, and the wind blew him into the stands. One minute he was hovered at the entrance ala 'hi folks', and the next, he crashed two or three rows ahead of us. Mom pushed my sis and I down, then jumped up to assist, and administer any first aid needed.
We returned for the next show, but I was the only one to go sit in the stands. I didn't have a camera, so all the pics of the 'grand finale' are from the back side, not the front. The barefoot water skier also fell off his skies, so that segment of the show had a complete restart! Think the accident had rattled everyone.
Walks On The Beach and Uncle Andy's!
We made friends with other kids whose grandparents lived in the same complex: Kerry, Becky, and Penny, and Cheryl. Kerry was around my age, with B and P more my sister's. We spent a week playing on the diving board and shuffleboard. Cheryl was a year older than I, and stayed longer. Mom let us go across the street to Uncle Andy's Ice Cream Parlour every night for ice cream, then walk on the beach.
Our 2nd night of this escapade, we decided to cut through the Don Caesar Hotel, but as soon as we climbed the stairs, we saw all these people in evening gowns.....then we looked at ourselves in shorts and t-shirts.....and went back downstairs! We also came across two hunky guys throwing a board into the surf and attempting to keep their balance. When they left, we picked it up and tried it. It took two of us to throw it, and a while later, one of the guys returned, and laughed at us! He volunteered to throw it, and while we had fun, none of us could keep our balance. Still, it was fun to flirt with a good-looking guy!
C's grandma let her go to the local water park with us, and we had a good time on the slides and on the bumper boats. When our time was up, C and I had figured how to steer, but W hadn't, and let out a shriek! The operator took another boat out to help her out, to get her back to the dock:)
This might have also been the year it rained the first week, and Grandma took us to the library. I tried to check out at least 8, but Grandma made me only check out three. I had them read that night, so Grandma took me back the next day and let me check out as many as I wanted! She said she didn't plan to return again til the next week, and knew I was going to devour them.
Next Month: Beginning 8th Grade and Making A Stupid Mistake
***********
Present Day:
I'm off to Indianapolis for the InConJunction Convention! I have my own table this year, and hoping to do as well as, if not better, than last year:) One of my co-workers, Karlie, wants a copy of Heart's Last Chance or Catered Romance:)
Had a wonderful 4th of July celebration, with Kyle and Jeanna coming over for a cook out, and going to the fireworks.
Got some semi sad news last night: Thomas, MDQ and ME's father (he was never 'dad' to them), passed away yesterday. He's the one who beat Jamie, stabbed her with a knife, slapped MDQ around, and encouraged ME to disrespect women. I heard he had been working on repairing his relationship with MDQ, and that over the years, he and ME had grown close. But two years ago, he'd threatened to have J arrested if she showed up for his mom's funeral. I lost respect for that man soon after ME was born.
Good riddance to bad rubbish.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Tuesday, July 2, 2019
July Goals
How Well Did I Do In June?
-Send Pkgs to Tx and Wa Nope
-Write #2 Regrets Nope, but wrote two pages!
-Interview on Dawn's Reading Nook (turn in by 10th) Check! No comments, though....:(
-Do well at Spring On Main Sold 3:)
-Have fun in Brown County for Alex's 7th birthday Rained, so went to see Secret Life of Pets 2
-Do well at Celebrate Main in Washington Windy and rain caused us to pack up early. Sold one, and donated a copy to the nice gentleman who helped me unload the truck!
-Do well at Pride on the Wabash Sold 7:)
-Do well at Corning Irish Festival Sold 0....rain.
-Order copies of Dreamscape and CR Check:)
-Organize more basement Filled one tote
-Do more work in Green and Brown houses Define 'work'...added a table and sorted boxes, lol!
-Lose 5 lbs (Beginning 238) 6/5: 234:) 6/26: 232:)
-Keep up with Blog Challenge Check!
-Keep up with this blog Check!
Ortho Update:
New orthotic inserts arrived June 28th, but wasn't able to pick them up until July 1st. Have to ease into them, by starting at an hour-90 minutes for a few days, then adding 30 minutes every two days until I can wear them to work (on my feet for at least 3 hours at a time), in order to avoid bruising my arches. The minute I put them on, I could feel the new arch, and best of all, pain level dropped from a 6/7 to a TWO! I could feel the back of my heel being 'stretched', so this will definitely take a few weeks to get used to. I go back to ortho dr August 30th.
Books Read: 3
Print: 1
E-Book: 2
Karaoke Songs Added:
Thurs: 6
Sat: 3. Undecided yet if I will continue to go, with the new KJ. So sad about not being able to see Mark and Kelly, and hope they get a new gig within driving distance! Miss my Bottoms peeps!
July Goals:
-Send pkgs to Wa, Indpls, and Tx 7/8: Put them together! 7/10: Mailed:)
-Work on Regrets #2 and New Story 7/8: Wrote nearly 5 handwritten pages:)
-Do well at InConJunction Fri: Sold 2:) Sat: Sold 2:) Sun: Sold 6:) Total: 10 books!
-Enjoy my JHS Class Reunion Check! Sold 10 books Friday night:)
-Do well at Heroes For Kids Ugh...no sales, but 1st year Con, and did hand out a lot of cards, sooo....next year???
-Order copies of Dreamscape (not available yet) and Catered Romance (Check!)
-Organize more basement
-Do more work on Green and Brown Houses
-Lose 5 pounds (beginning weight: 232)
Ortho Goal:
7/1: Wear 90 mins Check....I'm not limping!
7/2: Wear 2 hours Check
7/3: Wear 2.5 hours Check
7/4: Wear 2.5 hours Check
7/5: Wear 3 hours Drove in them also; check
7/6: Wear 4 hours Actually more like 8, but wasn't walking/standing entire time.
7/7: Wore 3 hours Feet were complaining from previous 'abuse'
7/8: Wore 4 hours Check; around house
7/9: Wear 3.5 hours (half shift) Check; went well:)
7/10: Wear 4 hours (half shift) Wore entire shift; may have to take a break tomorrow.
7/11: Wear 4.5 hours (one hour plus half shift) Wore entire shift, and took off shoes during 1/2 hour lunch break. Then wore them to karaoke! Total hours: 11 hours
7/12: Wear 5 hours (two hours plus half shift) Wore entire shift and my arches were aching by closing time!
Weekend: Break Check:)
7/15: Wear 6 hours (entire shift) Feet didn't hurt as badly at end, just ached.
7/16: Wear 6 hours (entire shift) Think I'm finally getting used to them?
7/17: Wear 8+ hours (trip to E'ville, plus shift, minus an hour for my break) Feet are tired and aching!
Payment Schedule:
June 15-21: 30.5
22-28: 30.5
July 5th Payday hours: 61
-Projected income: $641
-$64 to church $20 put aside; Pay medical bill ($50 Check!); pay Maurices ($50 Check!); have postcards made ($26 Check!) ($190 total). Bank funds ($451) for InConJunction trip (Car rental $202; hotel $128; food $50; gas $58) ($438 total, leaving $13.)
Banked: $10+$20 (MHS class reunion sales)-$15 (food)=$15+$22 petty cash=$37+$13=$50-$1(candy bar)=$49+$65 ICJ sales+ $10 private sale=$124-$8 donated=$116-$25 paid to FD for reunion=$91-$20 water bill=$61 banked-$16 books shipped-$13 lunch=$32 banked +$35 paid for singing funeral =$67 banked-$22 pizza for dinner=$45 banked
June 29-July 5: 23
6-12: 30.5
July 19th Payday hours: 53.5
-Projected income: $564
- $56 to church (Put aside $6); Pay medical bill ($50 Skip this week); pay GSH ($20 Check!); pay Marcus Loan ($120 Check!). Bank as much as possible ($315) for Aug trip, Class reunion trip, and Heroes For Kids trip (CR: gas $80, food/drinks $95=$175 total; HFK: car rental $252, gas $40, hotel room, $140, food $40=$647 total)
Banked: $92 (CR Sales) -$10 (CR cover fee)-$30 (fair expenses)=$52+$150 (donation)-$1 (candy bar)+$297 (left in account)=$498-$2 (candy bar)-$20 (medical bill)-$14 (dinner Wed)-$11 (partial tithe)=$411 for weekend (yes, Math doesn't match, but apparently I've missed something!)+$7 AZ royalty+$50 car deposit
13-19: 24
20-26: 24
Aug 2nd Payday hours: 48
-Projected income: 521
- $52 (Check!) to church; pay medical bill (E'ville, $50 Check!); pay medical bill ($29); pay Maurices ($50 Check!) Bank as much as possible ($39)+ $20 1st Friday+SF sales for MOA trip.
Payments Owed:
-InConJunction (July 5-7): $30+$45 registration fee paid 6/7+ expenses ($120 hotel? $202 rental car; $57 gas; $50 food)
-Indy State Fair (Aug 6th-7th $100) ($50 sent 4/26; $50 sent 6/7) Rental car: $252, gas $60, $2 admission; parking fee; food, $20; rides??
-Minneapolis travel expenses ($512-hotel, $120-food,$120- gas=$752 needed) (Aug)
-Class Reunion expenses-July 19-20 ($80 gas, $95 food/drinks=$175 total, plus $30 fair expenses)
-Heroes For Kids travel expenses-July 26-27 ($252 car rental, $140-hotel, $40 food, $40 gas=$472+$50 car deposit back)
-Indy Author Fair expenses (Sept 13-15): $200 hotel? $252 rental car? Food/gas? (Aug)
-Cil-Con expenses-Sept ($252 car rental, $112 hotel, food, gas)
-Saluki Con expenses-Sept ($252 car rental, $203 ($25 refunded after stay) hotel, food, gas)
-Imaginarium (Oct): $120+ expenses (Sept)
-ICTAHS: $155-240+expenses (gas/rental car/food/lodging) (June-July-Oct) ($50 sent 5/10; $50 sent 6/21...now owe $140)
-Rivet Craft Fair: $45 (July 5th)
List is shrinking! Nearly all booth fees are paid; all that's left are ICGAHS (Nov), Imaginarium (Oct), Rivet Craft Show (Nov), and WCC Christmas Craft Show (either Nov or Dec)!
July Reading Schedule:
Print:
Crisis-Susan Hawach DNF
Tribute-Nora Roberts DRR!! LOVED this story!!!
Cake Pop Crush-Suzanne Nelson RR Thoroughly enjoyed this YA story!
E-Book:
Money Can't Buy Me Love-Julie Reilly Finally finished it today (7/17)! Long book, but good ending. Some of the middle could have been cut, but then again, it told the entire story and wasn't watered down.
Guide to Amazon Reviews-Brian K. Morris Excellent! DRR!
Hand of God- Tony Acree DNF
Karaoke Songs:
Thurs:
7/4: Skipping, due to needing sleep and getting up early for trip on 5th.
Independence Day-Martina McBride Nailed it; crowd pleaser!
Next Time I Fall-Peter Cetara/Amy Grant Surprisingly, it went well!
Bad Day-Daniel Powter Nailed it, much to my surprise, and was a crowd pleaser!
Does He Love You-Reba/Linda Sang this with Mel, and nailed it!
Umbrella-Rhianna Ugh. Got caught with food in my mouth at the start, and it just went downhill from there. Even deleted the video.
Blessed-Martina McBride Thought this went fairly well:)
Be Good To Yourself-Journey Nailed it!
Undo It-Carrie Underwood Tripped over my tongue a few times, but not bad!
Uninvited-Alanis Morrisette Nailed it!
Beautiful Goodbye-Amanda Marshall Nailed it, but camera batteries died.
-Send Pkgs to Tx and Wa Nope
-Write #2 Regrets Nope, but wrote two pages!
-Interview on Dawn's Reading Nook (turn in by 10th) Check! No comments, though....:(
-Do well at Spring On Main Sold 3:)
-Have fun in Brown County for Alex's 7th birthday Rained, so went to see Secret Life of Pets 2
-Do well at Celebrate Main in Washington Windy and rain caused us to pack up early. Sold one, and donated a copy to the nice gentleman who helped me unload the truck!
-Do well at Pride on the Wabash Sold 7:)
-Do well at Corning Irish Festival Sold 0....rain.
-Order copies of Dreamscape and CR Check:)
-Organize more basement Filled one tote
-Do more work in Green and Brown houses Define 'work'...added a table and sorted boxes, lol!
-Lose 5 lbs (Beginning 238) 6/5: 234:) 6/26: 232:)
-Keep up with Blog Challenge Check!
-Keep up with this blog Check!
Ortho Update:
New orthotic inserts arrived June 28th, but wasn't able to pick them up until July 1st. Have to ease into them, by starting at an hour-90 minutes for a few days, then adding 30 minutes every two days until I can wear them to work (on my feet for at least 3 hours at a time), in order to avoid bruising my arches. The minute I put them on, I could feel the new arch, and best of all, pain level dropped from a 6/7 to a TWO! I could feel the back of my heel being 'stretched', so this will definitely take a few weeks to get used to. I go back to ortho dr August 30th.
Books Read: 3
Print: 1
E-Book: 2
Karaoke Songs Added:
Thurs: 6
Sat: 3. Undecided yet if I will continue to go, with the new KJ. So sad about not being able to see Mark and Kelly, and hope they get a new gig within driving distance! Miss my Bottoms peeps!
July Goals:
-Send pkgs to Wa, Indpls, and Tx 7/8: Put them together! 7/10: Mailed:)
-Work on Regrets #2 and New Story 7/8: Wrote nearly 5 handwritten pages:)
-Do well at InConJunction Fri: Sold 2:) Sat: Sold 2:) Sun: Sold 6:) Total: 10 books!
-Enjoy my JHS Class Reunion Check! Sold 10 books Friday night:)
-Do well at Heroes For Kids Ugh...no sales, but 1st year Con, and did hand out a lot of cards, sooo....next year???
-Order copies of Dreamscape (not available yet) and Catered Romance (Check!)
-Organize more basement
-Do more work on Green and Brown Houses
-Lose 5 pounds (beginning weight: 232)
Ortho Goal:
7/1: Wear 90 mins Check....I'm not limping!
7/2: Wear 2 hours Check
7/3: Wear 2.5 hours Check
7/4: Wear 2.5 hours Check
7/5: Wear 3 hours Drove in them also; check
7/6: Wear 4 hours Actually more like 8, but wasn't walking/standing entire time.
7/7: Wore 3 hours Feet were complaining from previous 'abuse'
7/8: Wore 4 hours Check; around house
7/9: Wear 3.5 hours (half shift) Check; went well:)
7/10: Wear 4 hours (half shift) Wore entire shift; may have to take a break tomorrow.
7/11: Wear 4.5 hours (one hour plus half shift) Wore entire shift, and took off shoes during 1/2 hour lunch break. Then wore them to karaoke! Total hours: 11 hours
7/12: Wear 5 hours (two hours plus half shift) Wore entire shift and my arches were aching by closing time!
Weekend: Break Check:)
7/15: Wear 6 hours (entire shift) Feet didn't hurt as badly at end, just ached.
7/16: Wear 6 hours (entire shift) Think I'm finally getting used to them?
7/17: Wear 8+ hours (trip to E'ville, plus shift, minus an hour for my break) Feet are tired and aching!
Payment Schedule:
June 15-21: 30.5
22-28: 30.5
July 5th Payday hours: 61
-Projected income: $641
-$64 to church $20 put aside; Pay medical bill ($50 Check!); pay Maurices ($50 Check!); have postcards made ($26 Check!) ($190 total). Bank funds ($451) for InConJunction trip (Car rental $202; hotel $128; food $50; gas $58) ($438 total, leaving $13.)
Banked: $10+$20 (MHS class reunion sales)-$15 (food)=$15+$22 petty cash=$37+$13=$50-$1(candy bar)=$49+$65 ICJ sales+ $10 private sale=$124-$8 donated=$116-$25 paid to FD for reunion=$91-$20 water bill=$61 banked-$16 books shipped-$13 lunch=$32 banked +$35 paid for singing funeral =$67 banked-$22 pizza for dinner=$45 banked
June 29-July 5: 23
6-12: 30.5
July 19th Payday hours: 53.5
-Projected income: $564
- $56 to church (Put aside $6); Pay medical bill ($50 Skip this week); pay GSH ($20 Check!); pay Marcus Loan ($120 Check!). Bank as much as possible ($315) for Aug trip, Class reunion trip, and Heroes For Kids trip (CR: gas $80, food/drinks $95=$175 total; HFK: car rental $252, gas $40, hotel room, $140, food $40=$647 total)
Banked: $92 (CR Sales) -$10 (CR cover fee)-$30 (fair expenses)=$52+$150 (donation)-$1 (candy bar)+$297 (left in account)=$498-$2 (candy bar)-$20 (medical bill)-$14 (dinner Wed)-$11 (partial tithe)=$411 for weekend (yes, Math doesn't match, but apparently I've missed something!)+$7 AZ royalty+$50 car deposit
13-19: 24
20-26: 24
Aug 2nd Payday hours: 48
-Projected income: 521
- $52 (Check!) to church; pay medical bill (E'ville, $50 Check!); pay medical bill ($29); pay Maurices ($50 Check!) Bank as much as possible ($39)+ $20 1st Friday+SF sales for MOA trip.
Payments Owed:
-InConJunction (July 5-7): $30+$45 registration fee paid 6/7+ expenses ($120 hotel? $202 rental car; $57 gas; $50 food)
-Indy State Fair (Aug 6th-7th $100) ($50 sent 4/26; $50 sent 6/7) Rental car: $252, gas $60, $2 admission; parking fee; food, $20; rides??
-Minneapolis travel expenses ($512-hotel, $120-food,$120- gas=$752 needed) (Aug)
-Class Reunion expenses-July 19-20 ($80 gas, $95 food/drinks=$175 total, plus $30 fair expenses)
-Heroes For Kids travel expenses-July 26-27 ($252 car rental, $140-hotel, $40 food, $40 gas=$472+$50 car deposit back)
-Indy Author Fair expenses (Sept 13-15): $200 hotel? $252 rental car? Food/gas? (Aug)
-Cil-Con expenses-Sept ($252 car rental, $112 hotel, food, gas)
-Saluki Con expenses-Sept ($252 car rental, $203 ($25 refunded after stay) hotel, food, gas)
-Imaginarium (Oct): $120+ expenses (Sept)
-ICTAHS: $155-240+expenses (gas/rental car/food/lodging) (June-July-Oct) ($50 sent 5/10; $50 sent 6/21...now owe $140)
-Rivet Craft Fair: $45 (July 5th)
List is shrinking! Nearly all booth fees are paid; all that's left are ICGAHS (Nov), Imaginarium (Oct), Rivet Craft Show (Nov), and WCC Christmas Craft Show (either Nov or Dec)!
July Reading Schedule:
Print:
Crisis-Susan Hawach DNF
Tribute-Nora Roberts DRR!! LOVED this story!!!
Cake Pop Crush-Suzanne Nelson RR Thoroughly enjoyed this YA story!
E-Book:
Money Can't Buy Me Love-Julie Reilly Finally finished it today (7/17)! Long book, but good ending. Some of the middle could have been cut, but then again, it told the entire story and wasn't watered down.
Guide to Amazon Reviews-Brian K. Morris Excellent! DRR!
Hand of God- Tony Acree DNF
Karaoke Songs:
Thurs:
7/4: Skipping, due to needing sleep and getting up early for trip on 5th.
Independence Day-Martina McBride Nailed it; crowd pleaser!
Next Time I Fall-Peter Cetara/Amy Grant Surprisingly, it went well!
Bad Day-Daniel Powter Nailed it, much to my surprise, and was a crowd pleaser!
Does He Love You-Reba/Linda Sang this with Mel, and nailed it!
Umbrella-Rhianna Ugh. Got caught with food in my mouth at the start, and it just went downhill from there. Even deleted the video.
Blessed-Martina McBride Thought this went fairly well:)
Be Good To Yourself-Journey Nailed it!
Undo It-Carrie Underwood Tripped over my tongue a few times, but not bad!
Uninvited-Alanis Morrisette Nailed it!
Beautiful Goodbye-Amanda Marshall Nailed it, but camera batteries died.
Monday, July 1, 2019
Life In Lumber: Week #14
Day 77: Sleep Deprivation Monday
Woke up at 7am; Dad and I left at 8. I did NOT nap in the car. then came home, unpacked, and was fitted for my orthotics. I have to ease into wearing them, to avoid arch pain, so wore them for 45 minutes today, and NO LIMPING!
Work was fine; only had a few hiccups, where I had to have Jordan, Darren, or Brendan look up items for me, due to no bar codes. Forgot to clock back in after lunch, and did so fifteen minutes later.
Managed to get all my closing duties finished, with the exception of changing the register tape in #2 (couldn't get the machine to open all the way) and the soda machine stocked (no one was able to get it pulled). Hopefully tomorrow goes nice and smooth:)
Day 78: Weird Day....
Began my shift with a disgruntled customer in my face, griping about the fact he'd had to load all 200 pieces of lumber by himself, and he needed one more 2x4x8..."But there's something on top. I'll take a knife to the band myself if you don't get someone out there to help me."
I apologized up and down, but he walked away. Zach ran out to help him, and I asked both Kem and Tyler about him....T didn't know anything, and K said she never told him T would help him. So who knows?
Things settled down, and I was startled when McKrenda sent me on a 15-minute break. I didn't question it, just went on my merry way. After break, a gentleman couldn't locate his credit card, and was looking everywhere but this one pocket. "It's not in there."
I casually related the story about finding S's diploma in a box where I swore it wasn't.....he finally emptied that pocket, and there it was. "I don't know how I feel about you right now."
I cheerfully continued ringing him up. "Just remember you love me."
"I don't know if I'd go that far...."
I thanked him for his service and shook his hand. "You're all right."
Went to lunch, and a storm hit. The store emptied out, so was able to get all my closing duties finished. Needed 2 overrides: A guy brought down a tool belt which rang up $219. He claimed it was posted as $139. I sent Jordan down to confirm it, then called for the O/R. MK came down, but hesitated, and told me to call Bethany. B refused to honor it, saying it was for the Behr battery. Turns out on Lowes.com, that belt is listed as $139, but we don't apparently price-match our website, which makes NO sense, imho!
The second was a water heater marked down due to the box having water damage. No issues there!
I also charmed a six month old boy, and a basset hound:)
Here's hoping tomorrow goes as smoothly!
Day 79: Sara's 25th Birthday!
Today was another weird day at work. Arrived at 2, and 90 minutes later, Reg #1 froze up and we had to reboot the system, then it wouldn't work. Hopped over to #2, then was asked if I'd be willing to go out to LG for an hour, to relieve Marci. I said yes.....and nearly melted out there! At 5, Cassie came out; I took the time for a quick pit stop, then went back down to Lumber, where I found both Rachel and Jill working. Reg #1 was back up, so hopped on it.
Aggie called and told me to go to lunch; I decided to ring up the next customer first, and it proved to be a problem. Had to call Mel down to walk me through it. Texted S and told her I was heading over to McAllisters. They met me and we ordered, then waited for K and J to show up. Had to be back by 6:30, then discovered I was needed up front. So worked Reg #13 the rest of the evening.....and never got my 15 min break, for which I'd brought the final slice of blackberry pie!
Brought it home and ate it while finishing up the laundry.
Discovered I get off at 8pm tomorrow! Here's hoping it goes smoothly:)
Day 80: Happy Independence Day!
Was told to report to the front end, and spent my shift up there. I wonder if ringing up Sara and using my own discount card yesterday raised a red flag? Who knows... I'll find out next week! Didn't have any issues, and the day actually passed without any major incidences, other than forgetting to check to see if the invoice # on a fridge matched the receipt! Saw Hunter Mundy, Peppers, and Mike Tracy.
I'm off tomorrow! Heading to the InConJunction Convention!
Woke up at 7am; Dad and I left at 8. I did NOT nap in the car. then came home, unpacked, and was fitted for my orthotics. I have to ease into wearing them, to avoid arch pain, so wore them for 45 minutes today, and NO LIMPING!
Work was fine; only had a few hiccups, where I had to have Jordan, Darren, or Brendan look up items for me, due to no bar codes. Forgot to clock back in after lunch, and did so fifteen minutes later.
Managed to get all my closing duties finished, with the exception of changing the register tape in #2 (couldn't get the machine to open all the way) and the soda machine stocked (no one was able to get it pulled). Hopefully tomorrow goes nice and smooth:)
Day 78: Weird Day....
Began my shift with a disgruntled customer in my face, griping about the fact he'd had to load all 200 pieces of lumber by himself, and he needed one more 2x4x8..."But there's something on top. I'll take a knife to the band myself if you don't get someone out there to help me."
I apologized up and down, but he walked away. Zach ran out to help him, and I asked both Kem and Tyler about him....T didn't know anything, and K said she never told him T would help him. So who knows?
Things settled down, and I was startled when McKrenda sent me on a 15-minute break. I didn't question it, just went on my merry way. After break, a gentleman couldn't locate his credit card, and was looking everywhere but this one pocket. "It's not in there."
I casually related the story about finding S's diploma in a box where I swore it wasn't.....he finally emptied that pocket, and there it was. "I don't know how I feel about you right now."
I cheerfully continued ringing him up. "Just remember you love me."
"I don't know if I'd go that far...."
I thanked him for his service and shook his hand. "You're all right."
Went to lunch, and a storm hit. The store emptied out, so was able to get all my closing duties finished. Needed 2 overrides: A guy brought down a tool belt which rang up $219. He claimed it was posted as $139. I sent Jordan down to confirm it, then called for the O/R. MK came down, but hesitated, and told me to call Bethany. B refused to honor it, saying it was for the Behr battery. Turns out on Lowes.com, that belt is listed as $139, but we don't apparently price-match our website, which makes NO sense, imho!
The second was a water heater marked down due to the box having water damage. No issues there!
I also charmed a six month old boy, and a basset hound:)
Here's hoping tomorrow goes as smoothly!
Day 79: Sara's 25th Birthday!
Today was another weird day at work. Arrived at 2, and 90 minutes later, Reg #1 froze up and we had to reboot the system, then it wouldn't work. Hopped over to #2, then was asked if I'd be willing to go out to LG for an hour, to relieve Marci. I said yes.....and nearly melted out there! At 5, Cassie came out; I took the time for a quick pit stop, then went back down to Lumber, where I found both Rachel and Jill working. Reg #1 was back up, so hopped on it.
Aggie called and told me to go to lunch; I decided to ring up the next customer first, and it proved to be a problem. Had to call Mel down to walk me through it. Texted S and told her I was heading over to McAllisters. They met me and we ordered, then waited for K and J to show up. Had to be back by 6:30, then discovered I was needed up front. So worked Reg #13 the rest of the evening.....and never got my 15 min break, for which I'd brought the final slice of blackberry pie!
Brought it home and ate it while finishing up the laundry.
Discovered I get off at 8pm tomorrow! Here's hoping it goes smoothly:)
Day 80: Happy Independence Day!
Was told to report to the front end, and spent my shift up there. I wonder if ringing up Sara and using my own discount card yesterday raised a red flag? Who knows... I'll find out next week! Didn't have any issues, and the day actually passed without any major incidences, other than forgetting to check to see if the invoice # on a fridge matched the receipt! Saw Hunter Mundy, Peppers, and Mike Tracy.
I'm off tomorrow! Heading to the InConJunction Convention!
Friday, June 28, 2019
Flashback Friday: You CAN Teach An Old Dog New Tricks!
June 2009:
Here are some of the events which took place ten years ago:
Tried my hand at editing someone else's work. Needless to say, it didn't end well, and we no longer 'talk' to each other.
Did well at my 3rd Wine and Art Festival:)
Kenzie received her 1st review for All She Ever Wanted!
Spouse still wasn't working, and did move up from #55 to #19 by the end of the month. He also had eye surgery. I was feeling stressed, and managed to calm down with the help of an insightful Sunday sermon:)
Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawset-Majors died...within hours of each other. Can you believe it's been ten years?
I learned to use operate a cash register and other skills, when I temped at a Fireworks store
Next Month: Amelia and More Great Reviews!
********
Present Day:
Going up to Covington tomorrow, to celebrate two birthdays and one 'un'-birthday, then attending the McCutcheon Class Reunion. Dad's bringing me home on Monday.
Happy Birthday Dad!!! 77 Years Young:)
Here are some of the events which took place ten years ago:
Tried my hand at editing someone else's work. Needless to say, it didn't end well, and we no longer 'talk' to each other.
Did well at my 3rd Wine and Art Festival:)
Kenzie received her 1st review for All She Ever Wanted!
Spouse still wasn't working, and did move up from #55 to #19 by the end of the month. He also had eye surgery. I was feeling stressed, and managed to calm down with the help of an insightful Sunday sermon:)
Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawset-Majors died...within hours of each other. Can you believe it's been ten years?
I learned to use operate a cash register and other skills, when I temped at a Fireworks store
Next Month: Amelia and More Great Reviews!
********
Present Day:
Going up to Covington tomorrow, to celebrate two birthdays and one 'un'-birthday, then attending the McCutcheon Class Reunion. Dad's bringing me home on Monday.
Happy Birthday Dad!!! 77 Years Young:)
Monday, June 24, 2019
Life In Lumber, Week #13
Day 72: 2nd Week of New Schedule
Shift was busy from the time I arrived. No real issues tonight, or CFHs, just busy! Went to dinner at 5:15 (which I thought was INSANELY early!), then things settled down and was able to get my soda count done.
We're implementing some new policies, and I don't particularly like one of them: We 'get docked' if we have too many hand-keyed items, such as tabbing over on the gun (say a customer has 30 2x4x8s....we scan one, hit 'tab', type '30', then 'enter'. They now want us to scan it 30 times? NO THANKS!), or when someone buys the 7/8th particle board, we now have to scan the code from the book instead of typing '12212', then tabbing to quantity. What about the bar codes which refuse to be scanned? Fortunately, Aliscia and I agree; if there are more than 10 items, we're gonna tab over. Same with the bagged items, where the customer has written the item # on the bag, and the quantity. I'm gonna type it, instead of looking up the item for the damn code! Again, this also depends on how busy the line is at the time....
Had everything accomplished before close, then took my two items back to their area, took a brief potty break, and took off my vest. Mikayla said she'd cover for me on the 5th, so yay! I won't have to call in:)
Day 73: I Get A Cooper Kiss:)
Shift was fairly steady; was able to see Travis and his boss (he's working for a rental company); and 'met' Floyd the Great Dane and Cooper the Border Collie, who 'kissed' me when I leaned down to find the bar code on the paneling!
Went to lunch at 5:55. and when I returned, was able to do my closing duties, except for the sweeping. Jordan kept insisting he didn't know where the dust mop was, or the dust pan.....but as Mel was cleaning out my drawer, I saw Chad with the dust mop! Tomorrow, I NEED to remember to 'steal' it after dinner, lol!
Also saw my least-favorite person, who thought I needed the sign from the plywood in order to enter it. At least we were able to be civil toward each other, and no more 'narcissistic' comments from the Peanut Gallery.
We finished early tonight; was home by 9:30!
Checked my stats at the end.....82% scanning, 50% 'friendly' (surveys). Also sold two more LPPs tonight!
Here's hoping tomorrow is smooth and steady:)
Day 74: Long Day
From 2-5:30, shift was fairly uneventful. Had to call for an approval code for DANCORP, but that's about it. D picked me up at 5:45 and took me to dinner at LJS, then returned me an hour later. Began my closing duties, and had two CFHs between 8:30 and closing time. The first wanted to add some OSB and quickcrete to her delivery order, plus wanted to pay for the other items she'd bought. The second had four carts of ceramic tile, lumber, OSB, and screening. Had to take some returns back, and my loading tickets and tax exempts; no soda was sent down. Tasha asked me to return two window blinds to Home Decor, and some plastic sheeting to Millwork, which turned out to be Building Materials. Got out of there at 9:30.
Also had a storm blow in around 8, and a lot of tarps were being sold!
Here's hoping tomorrow is equally smooth and steady!
Day 75: Al...Most...The...Weekend!
Shift was fairly smooth! The only hiccups involved customers wanting to order lumber, and me having to call Brandon to do it. Jordan had to load 52 sheets of OSB and got the forks a little too close on the way up the stack, ripping some of them. Then, when he was reloading the stack, he accidentally backed into the lumber desk. No damage to the desk, however!
Had a carpet come through, with the wrong item # on it. Customer had to go back to Flooring, since I couldn't get them on the phone. Turned out they'd left out a digit!
Other than not getting bags and register tape, closing duties were all accomplished in a timely manner. Had to return one item to Tools and two to Hardware:)
Looking forward to tomorrow, and hope it follows the rest of this week in going well!
Day 76: TGIF!
I think this 5 days in a row thing is kicking my butt....I'm more tired today than I was earlier in the week! Still, the first three hours went well. Then I sacrificed my lunch break to finally watch the training vids I've tried to watch the past two weeks. When I returned, I immediately needed an override, then ran out of dollar bills and had to switch to register #2. We had a 7:00 'rush', and Marci brought down the sodas.....but every time I tried to stock the cooler, someone else would show up! I didn't get the cooler finished until nearly 8:30. Pulled trash at 8:45; spot-swept at closing time, then had three people in line as the lights were being dimmed. Managed to get them rung up before HC Cindy arrived, and locked the doors as she was cleaning out the registers. Had to take two things back to Tools and Building Materials, and Karlee took my tax exempts and loading tickets. Found some Flex Glue that had to be returned to Paint, then got my things from my locker and took off my vest.
Saw Kaleb, who was in for some lumber. He's doing construction now, and filling in at Lowe's on the weekend. I gave him a big hug:)
We're off to the Beef House for a late lunch tomorrow! Then, I have a four-day week that includes S's 25th birthday:) See you next week!
Shift was busy from the time I arrived. No real issues tonight, or CFHs, just busy! Went to dinner at 5:15 (which I thought was INSANELY early!), then things settled down and was able to get my soda count done.
We're implementing some new policies, and I don't particularly like one of them: We 'get docked' if we have too many hand-keyed items, such as tabbing over on the gun (say a customer has 30 2x4x8s....we scan one, hit 'tab', type '30', then 'enter'. They now want us to scan it 30 times? NO THANKS!), or when someone buys the 7/8th particle board, we now have to scan the code from the book instead of typing '12212', then tabbing to quantity. What about the bar codes which refuse to be scanned? Fortunately, Aliscia and I agree; if there are more than 10 items, we're gonna tab over. Same with the bagged items, where the customer has written the item # on the bag, and the quantity. I'm gonna type it, instead of looking up the item for the damn code! Again, this also depends on how busy the line is at the time....
Had everything accomplished before close, then took my two items back to their area, took a brief potty break, and took off my vest. Mikayla said she'd cover for me on the 5th, so yay! I won't have to call in:)
Day 73: I Get A Cooper Kiss:)
Shift was fairly steady; was able to see Travis and his boss (he's working for a rental company); and 'met' Floyd the Great Dane and Cooper the Border Collie, who 'kissed' me when I leaned down to find the bar code on the paneling!
Went to lunch at 5:55. and when I returned, was able to do my closing duties, except for the sweeping. Jordan kept insisting he didn't know where the dust mop was, or the dust pan.....but as Mel was cleaning out my drawer, I saw Chad with the dust mop! Tomorrow, I NEED to remember to 'steal' it after dinner, lol!
Also saw my least-favorite person, who thought I needed the sign from the plywood in order to enter it. At least we were able to be civil toward each other, and no more 'narcissistic' comments from the Peanut Gallery.
We finished early tonight; was home by 9:30!
Checked my stats at the end.....82% scanning, 50% 'friendly' (surveys). Also sold two more LPPs tonight!
Here's hoping tomorrow is smooth and steady:)
Day 74: Long Day
From 2-5:30, shift was fairly uneventful. Had to call for an approval code for DANCORP, but that's about it. D picked me up at 5:45 and took me to dinner at LJS, then returned me an hour later. Began my closing duties, and had two CFHs between 8:30 and closing time. The first wanted to add some OSB and quickcrete to her delivery order, plus wanted to pay for the other items she'd bought. The second had four carts of ceramic tile, lumber, OSB, and screening. Had to take some returns back, and my loading tickets and tax exempts; no soda was sent down. Tasha asked me to return two window blinds to Home Decor, and some plastic sheeting to Millwork, which turned out to be Building Materials. Got out of there at 9:30.
Also had a storm blow in around 8, and a lot of tarps were being sold!
Here's hoping tomorrow is equally smooth and steady!
Day 75: Al...Most...The...Weekend!
Shift was fairly smooth! The only hiccups involved customers wanting to order lumber, and me having to call Brandon to do it. Jordan had to load 52 sheets of OSB and got the forks a little too close on the way up the stack, ripping some of them. Then, when he was reloading the stack, he accidentally backed into the lumber desk. No damage to the desk, however!
Had a carpet come through, with the wrong item # on it. Customer had to go back to Flooring, since I couldn't get them on the phone. Turned out they'd left out a digit!
Other than not getting bags and register tape, closing duties were all accomplished in a timely manner. Had to return one item to Tools and two to Hardware:)
Looking forward to tomorrow, and hope it follows the rest of this week in going well!
Day 76: TGIF!
I think this 5 days in a row thing is kicking my butt....I'm more tired today than I was earlier in the week! Still, the first three hours went well. Then I sacrificed my lunch break to finally watch the training vids I've tried to watch the past two weeks. When I returned, I immediately needed an override, then ran out of dollar bills and had to switch to register #2. We had a 7:00 'rush', and Marci brought down the sodas.....but every time I tried to stock the cooler, someone else would show up! I didn't get the cooler finished until nearly 8:30. Pulled trash at 8:45; spot-swept at closing time, then had three people in line as the lights were being dimmed. Managed to get them rung up before HC Cindy arrived, and locked the doors as she was cleaning out the registers. Had to take two things back to Tools and Building Materials, and Karlee took my tax exempts and loading tickets. Found some Flex Glue that had to be returned to Paint, then got my things from my locker and took off my vest.
Saw Kaleb, who was in for some lumber. He's doing construction now, and filling in at Lowe's on the weekend. I gave him a big hug:)
We're off to the Beef House for a late lunch tomorrow! Then, I have a four-day week that includes S's 25th birthday:) See you next week!
Friday, June 21, 2019
Flashback Friday: Meeting Miss Entitled....
June 1999:
Recap:
I had taken on the task of Concession Rep for our team, which meant having a key to the stand, being in charge of lining up workers from our team, and getting things started in the mornings....
Things were going well; all the moms on our team had stepped up to help out in some way or another. One mom kept score; another was Dugout Mom, the one who kept track of the lineup, bats, helmets, etc, and I was Concession Mom. One of our mom's was pregnant with her fourth child, so I took her shift one day.
Unfortunately, my child not only got stung by a bee, but hit a grand slam home run! And I missed it, because I couldn't see the field from the stand, and no one caught it on camera!
One morning, I arrived to find the other Pee-Wee concession mom loitering outside.
"I left my key at home....oops!" She never bothered to help get things ready; just went on her merry way.
I was flabbergasted. What would she have done, had our game been AWAY that day? Then the next week, all hell broke loose.
I had been told, that when both home teams played each other, it was the team designated HOME's responsibility to man the stand. Our sheet clearly said our team was the 'visiting' team, so I planned to videotape the game. Since we arrived before the other team, I went ahead and got things started in the stand, so parents and other family members could have coffee/hot chocolate and a snack before the game. The other team arrived, so I closed the door and went to sit in the stands.
Next thing I know, people are complaining because there's no worker. I knew a teenager on the other team's family, so I asked her to work it. Unfortunately, the teen wasn't very good at Math, so I heard plenty of grumbling about her, and after the game was over (they trounced us, lol!), parents complained to ME about the fact I'd not lined anyone up, and didn't seem to care that it wasn't my responsibility that day. I fumed about it for days.
Several weeks later, I asked the Concession Manager about whose responsibility it was, and she backed me up! When I told her what had happened, she nodded and said she'd heard similar stories about that particular mom. I wasn't alone.
Next Month: County Fair Fun!
*********
Present Day:
I'm almost finished with the 1st week of my new schedule, and so far I'm still cheerful:) Today is payday, and I'm almost finished paying for all my events! Teen has only today, then M-Wed of next week for summer PE, then he's finished until August. Daughter is still looking for a job.
This weekend is our Rainbow Over The Wabash (aka PrideFest) and the Corning Irish Festival. Praying the rain holds off, and sales are good!
Recap:
I had taken on the task of Concession Rep for our team, which meant having a key to the stand, being in charge of lining up workers from our team, and getting things started in the mornings....
Things were going well; all the moms on our team had stepped up to help out in some way or another. One mom kept score; another was Dugout Mom, the one who kept track of the lineup, bats, helmets, etc, and I was Concession Mom. One of our mom's was pregnant with her fourth child, so I took her shift one day.
Unfortunately, my child not only got stung by a bee, but hit a grand slam home run! And I missed it, because I couldn't see the field from the stand, and no one caught it on camera!
One morning, I arrived to find the other Pee-Wee concession mom loitering outside.
"I left my key at home....oops!" She never bothered to help get things ready; just went on her merry way.
I was flabbergasted. What would she have done, had our game been AWAY that day? Then the next week, all hell broke loose.
I had been told, that when both home teams played each other, it was the team designated HOME's responsibility to man the stand. Our sheet clearly said our team was the 'visiting' team, so I planned to videotape the game. Since we arrived before the other team, I went ahead and got things started in the stand, so parents and other family members could have coffee/hot chocolate and a snack before the game. The other team arrived, so I closed the door and went to sit in the stands.
Next thing I know, people are complaining because there's no worker. I knew a teenager on the other team's family, so I asked her to work it. Unfortunately, the teen wasn't very good at Math, so I heard plenty of grumbling about her, and after the game was over (they trounced us, lol!), parents complained to ME about the fact I'd not lined anyone up, and didn't seem to care that it wasn't my responsibility that day. I fumed about it for days.
Several weeks later, I asked the Concession Manager about whose responsibility it was, and she backed me up! When I told her what had happened, she nodded and said she'd heard similar stories about that particular mom. I wasn't alone.
Next Month: County Fair Fun!
*********
Present Day:
I'm almost finished with the 1st week of my new schedule, and so far I'm still cheerful:) Today is payday, and I'm almost finished paying for all my events! Teen has only today, then M-Wed of next week for summer PE, then he's finished until August. Daughter is still looking for a job.
This weekend is our Rainbow Over The Wabash (aka PrideFest) and the Corning Irish Festival. Praying the rain holds off, and sales are good!
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