Life In Lumber: Y5, W28

 Day 122:  Labor Day $11,030

Arrived at 3 and took over for HC C (Kem left at 2:30), and my 1st 2 customers were short with me.  A) Said they had half inch OSB, but it was marked 19/32.  Rang them up for the half inch, then told them to go get the correct ones.  "Your lumber guy put the wrong ones down."  B) Says he wants 10 80lb concrete, and 'You'll have to get a lift." Me, assuming he's looked in the aisle and not outside, asked if he knew we had some outside. "Yes, and I TOLD YOU you're gonna need a lift!"  Okay, okay...geez, buddy....is my head still attached to my body?  *eye roll* Fortunately, Loader W walked by and told him about it.  Was fairly busy from 3:30-5, even needed several o/r for the display tools marked down 75%, then was able to get the prelim duties done, and another 'wave' came.  Kel sent me for a half hour lunch at 5:30, and when I returned, was swamped again until 7, when things finally slowed down!  I needed another pit stop, and when I returned, found my dustmop in the far closet. Got the entire area swept and the soda count done (Corporate comes tomorrow). HC C brought the soda and I put it away.  Did my LU and AP4Me and mucked out the mats, then pulled trash, sanitized the registers and counters. Had one customer at 9:30. Loader AM took the trash, brought in the concrete and blocks.  I locked the door, then returned items to Plumbing and Fashion Bath.  Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:30.

ASM K left at 4.

They also catered lunch in for us; chicken and steak, tortillas, salsa, chives, queso, shredded cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, chips, and cookies.  I had 2 plates of chicken, cheese, and sour cream, and smuggled some tortilla chips down to gnosh on while I worked.

Outfit:  Black blouse, dark capris, red 'rock' danglies

Day 123:  $5638

Arrived slightly late, due to making the quinoa bites for Mom tomorrow. Took over for Pro S, and did the prelim duties, then was fairly busy.  Hurt my back at home before, but toughed it out, and was incredibly sleepy.  I blame the Benedryl I'd taken for itchy, swollen eyes. Josh sent me to lunch at 6:30, and took about a 15-20 min power nap, which helped.  Also discovered we had the large trash bags in stock again, so got a roll to take to Lumber. After clocking back in, I started sweeping, and we really weren't that busy. Filled the soda coolers, pulled trash, did my LU, and mucked out the mats. Sanitized the registers, and filled the bags. After HC K cleaned me out, Loader AM took the trash and brought int the concrete and blocks. Returned items to Aisle 21, Plumbing, Tools, and Hardware.  Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:20.

ASM K left at 3:)

Corporate walk-thru:  We scored an 81, which is good:)

Outfit:  Gray America tee, dark capris, circular 'Florida' danglies

Tomorrow:  Off to Lafayette!

Day 124:  $9105

This is a hard post to write.  Was driving back from Lafayette when HC K called.  Bill Temple passed away either last night or this morning.  I was in shock and had her keep talking to me until I could safely pull off the interstate.  Pulled into The Beef House parking lot and cried, prayed, and posted about losing a friend on FB.  After regaining my composure, I took off again.

Arrived at work and was all right until ASM J asked me how I was doing, and I teared up.  She hugged me for a few seconds until my composure returned. Nobody's sure of what happened, if it was a complication from the kidney stone surgery, or sepsis, or if he had another heart attack.  I'm hoping to find the obituary and go to the showing and/or funeral.  In fact, when I logged in and explained why I was clocking in at 3, I posted "RIP Bill Temple....really enjoyed working with you."

Shift passed by in a blur. Went to lunch at 5, and when I returned, did the prelim duties. Swept the place at 7. Pulled trash at 8:30 and mucked out the mats. Sanitized the registers and counters at 9. Locked the doors at 9:55 (didn't have any customers past 9:15). Loader E took the trash and brought in the concrete; I shut the large door and returned a wall plate.  Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:20.

ASM K left me alone for the most part.  Heard her say she's off tomorrow!  Whoot!

Outfit:  Purdue tee, dark capris, small diamond hoops

Day 125:  $9987

Arrived to discover Loader E had quit, due to being written up by ASM K and Mgr G for 'not making more of an effort'.  BS....he's one of the hardest working associate I've had in 5 years!  Wish I could lodge a formal protest...

Was very busy, but did manage to get the prelim duties done, the soda count finished, and only made one MAJOR rookie mistake:  Customer got 8' deck boards; I forgot to scan the 20% off coupon before running his card, then as he and Dale were going out the door, he informed me I'd charged him for the 10 Ft ones!  I apologized profusely and told him to take the survey and complain about the ditzy cashier!  I then called HC C and asked when I was getting my break; I was clearly in need of one.  Amy came down about 5 mins later!  Afterward, I swept, put away the soda at 7, pulled trash between 8:30-9, and sanitized the registers.  Locked the doors at 10, and new Mgr Charlie brought in the concrete and took the trash.  Clocked out at 10:25.

ASM K was off!

Outfit:  Brown blouse, dark capris, brown dream-catchers

Tomorrow, off to Fowler, then to Teays River for MHS get-together!

Day 126:  Rare Sunday $8187

Arrived and hopped on #2 to help with the line. We were busy!  Marilyn left at 4:30; Katy took over. She went to lunch at 5, and at 6:30 (when people stopped arriving!), I did the prelim duties, then realized K should have returned. Called HC C; K came down to give me my break. When I returned, started sweeping, then was slammed again. Finally at 7:15, I was able to pull trash.  Final customer left at 8; I locked the doors. HC C cleaned me out, and I took the trash down, then returned items to Plumbing. Mgr Ian asked if anyone was willing to stay to help clean up Lumber (Loader J had left at 5); me, Theresa, and Olivia went down. I straightened carts; swept aisles 18 and 19; retrieved 2 carts from outside; and helped T clean up the back aisle.  Clocked out at 9pm.

Discovered Bill's showing/funeral is Tuesday, beginning at 11am in Carlisle.  Personally, I think the entire Pro/Lumber area should be closed for the day.

ASMK called in sick:)

Outfit:  Manning Jersey, new capris, blue danglies.

September Goals

 I actually had a productive month!

-Lose 5 lbs (starting 239)  8/7:  237

-Finish Sage Check!  8/22 at 12:30 am!  14,883 words

-Finish new short story (BKM) Not yet...

-Finish short story #2 (singer)  Not yet....

-WRITE short story #3 (Tales) 8/22:  Started writing

-Find cover artist for DYL/AU Omnibuses Emailed Matt about the cover for DYL....

-Do well at Hannah House  Sold 2

-Do well at Geek Con Sold 3:)

-Have fun at Shia and Tristan's wedding Check:)

-Enjoy the trip to St. Louis with the granddaughter  Check!  Cards won 6-2, so game was exciting, and was able to ride the bus, so WHEW!

-Celebrate Mom's birthday  Check!

-Work enough hours for events, inventory, and build up savings Find out Sept 8th....

-Watch Mrs. Maisel (Check!) and 80 For Brady (Check!), plus whatever other movies are on Prime Check! Daisy Jones and The Six; Downton Abbey:  New Era;  Royal Red White and Blue

-Start evicting items from Brown House  Not yet...

-Convert two VHS tapes to DVD ($22 ea) Not yet....

Books Read:  11

           Print:  6

        E-book:  5

            DNF:  1

2023 Events:

Sept 9th:  Library Con, Fowler, In  Only 4 people showed; did manage to sell 3:)

Sept 13/14th:  GSH (MCV)  11-2:30 (leave at 2?) Sold 1:)

Sept 15-16th:  Cil-Con, Effingham, Il $50 (bring own tables) Sold 4:)

23rd:   Hoosier Indie Author Book Fair, The Big Tent, 5502 South Evans Rd., Gas City, IN (bring own tables jic) Sold 4:)

Oct 6th:  First Friday Art Walk

Oct 7th:  GSH Pet Event, Gregg Park

Oct 14-15th:  VoltCon, Wyndham West, Indpls Subbed application and was approved:)  Need to pay $40 by Aug 25th, then another $40 soon after.  8/11:  Pd $40; 8/25:  Pd $40

Oct 18th:  GSH (St. Claire office)  11-3

Oct 21st:  Meet Me In Graceland, Memphis, TN (funds pending) $100

Nov 8-12:  Indianapolis Christmas Gift and Hobby Show $350 1/27:  Pd $60; 3/3: Pd $60; 4/7:  Pd $60; 4/21:  Pd $30 (Owe $140); 5/5 $30 (Owe 80 (missed a payment somewhere!)); Pd $30 6/16 (owe $50); Pd $30 8/11 (owe $20) PD OFF 8/25!!!

Nov 29-30th: GSH 7-5

2024 Events:

March 16th??  Magic of Books, Columbus, In ($40-50)

March:  GSH 7-5

May 3-4:  SI-Con, Benton, Il (pd April 1st, 2023)

June:  Superman Celebration, Metropolis, Il

July:  Heroes For Kids (pd 2022)

July:  Imaginarium, Louisville, KY

August:  IABE, Terre Haute, IN

September Goals:

-Lose 5 lbs (Start:)

-Send DYL to editor  9/22:  Paid $25

-Get cover art for DYL  9/15:  Was told it was pending

-Finish Tales story (Sept 15th) Check!  Finished 2am Friday the 22nd

-Finish BKM story

-Finish singer story

-Do well/Have fun at Library/Fez Con Check! Sold 3, then turned around and bought 1 of Donna's and 2 from Karl.

-Have fun at MHS get together Check! Adam Fleming (4th grade b/f), Jeano Hudgins, and Tim Freels made it!  Need to look up Don White,,,,he rode my bus and lived two doors down from Adam.  Geez....

-Do well at GSH event Sold 1; not very many 'wanderers'

-Do well at Cil-Con Sold 4; traveling companion pissed me off.

-Do well at Gas City event  Sold 4:)

-Log into Hulu and watch SE 21 and 22 of SVU Found it on Peacock....

-Work enough hours to pay for ^ events, inventory, and build up savings

-Start evicting items from Brown House

-Convert 2 VHS to DVD ($44)

September Reading Schedule:

The Glassmaker's Wife-Lee Martin  DRR!  Excellent story!  I've not read Rick Kelshimer's version, but I hope to one day, just to compare history-wise.

Evergreen-Sara Goodwin RR!  Very interesting stories:)

Piercing The Darkness-Frank Peretti

Propher-Frank Peretti

Let The Drum Speak-Linda Lay Shuler

Kalahari Typing School For Men-Alexander McCall Smith

Cupboard Full of Life-AMS

The Wedding Veil-Kristy Woodson Harvey

The Lost Five-K.L. Wilboorn

The Whispers From Beyond -KL Wilborn

That Certain Spark-Cathy Marie Hake

Stars of Fortune-Nora Roberts

The Other Queen-Philippa Gregory

The American Way-Helene Stapinski/Bonnie Siegler

Dino Horrors-Matt Schorr

The Faerie of Central Park-Bruce McGraw

The Fable of Wren-Rue Sparks

Marathonarium Anthology-Carma Hadley Shoemaker, et al

She's Not Broken-Kelsey Day (Sandy Lender)

The Women in Black-Madeleine St. John

Shattered Dreams-Jamie Armbrister

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

-32

E-book:

Too Late For Goodbye-Jean Joachim DRR!  Loved this story!

Texas Twist-Cynthia D'Alba

Behind Every Great Man-Roz Lee (computer download pdf)

Life In Lumber: Y5, W27

 Day 116:  $9189

Was asked to come in at 3; B had called off. Took over for Kari, and did the prelim duties around 4. My dustmop was MIA, so spot-swept the problem areas. HC B sent me to break at 6:30 and told me my lunch was at 8. Did my AP4Me. Rob sent me at 8, and before I left, ASM K asked me if I knew how to print loading tickets, then told me my mission was to teach the others. When I returned, he'd started pulling the trash, so I showed him how to print the loading ticket and WHY it was important. Then I finished pulling the trash, mucked out the mats, and sanitized the registers. At 9:45, brought in the cull cart.  Locked the doors at 10; Mgr G brought in the concrete and took the trash. HC B cleaned me out, plus took my returns for me. I shut the door after G returned and put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:20.

Outfit:  IN tee, dark capris, small crystal hoops

Day 117:  $7119

Was asked to come in at 3 the rest of the week, due to B taking FMLA. Arrived and took over for Kim, then tolerated ASM K's presense for the next 2 hours, until the Pro's left, and she left the area.   At one point, Pro K needed an o/r, so I paged for one and SM J came down:) Did the prelim duties. Kate sent me to lunch at 6, and when I returned, swept the area and pulled the trash. Josh sent me to my break at 9, and again, when I returned, mucked out the mats and sanitized the registers. Brought in the cull cart and locked the doors at 9:55. After HC B cleaned me out, took the trash to the hopper and returned items to Hardware and put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:30.

ASM K left at 6:)

Outfit:  Gray LU Plank tee, dark capris, filigree hoops

Day 118:  $9956

Arrived and took over for Rob (Kem left at 2:30), then 20 mins later needed an emergency trip to the bathroom.  Fortunately, ASM S was there, so he took over while I took care of business.  Returned 10 mins later, and things were fine Did the prelim duties and my LU. ASM K left at 4; Rob sent me to lunch at 5; when I returned, swept the entire area, mucked out the mats, handled a small rush at 7, and pulled the trash at 8:30. Sanitized the registers at 9, and locked the doors at 10.  We even offered free drinks to people willing to take surveys; I had 2 people do it.

After ASM S cleaned me out, returned items to Plumbing, Electrical, and Hardware. Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit: Blue/white strip tee, dark capris, silver links

Day 119:  $10,810

Arrived and took over for Kem, and was instantly busy. At one point my non-English speaking PITA customer wanted the broken bags of concrete, but Loader E was nowhere to be found, so I went outside to look.  Came back in and ASM K scolded me for leaving the register.  Rang her up, then she decided she wanted all of them.  By now, Loader E was outside; I went to the door to let him know she was taking the entire cart.  ASM K again scolded me for leaving the register.  I thought, "Who the hell do you think CLEANS the entire area?  I HAVE to leave my register!" But I controlled myself.  Then later, a customer brought down a toolbox, but couldn't find the keys.  I called Tools, but got no answer, so called Hardware, who, after taking the item #, told me it was b/c people had been stealing the keys.  As I'm getting this info, ASM K walks up, asks me what I'm doing, then rolled her eyes and asked the customer.  I got off the phone and relayed what Diana had told me.  ASM K calmed down and went on her merry way.  At 5, Rob came down and sent me to lunch. Afterward, I swept the area (somewhat....I skipped the area in front of the Pro desk, the horseshoe, and the other areas I do in Aisles 19 and 20), and rang up customers. Also did my LU and finished the prelim duties. At 8:15, Austin sent me to break. Afterward, I returned and discovered I'd have a trainee with me.  Pulled trash, mucked out the mats, sanitized the registers and counters, brought in the cull carts, and rang up less than 5 customers. But I DID show her a few things, and how to request time off. Steph walked HC Brit up front while Loader E took the trash hopper and brought in the concrete.  After locking the doors, returned items to Paint, Lights, Hardware, and Pets. Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit: Black/gray blouse, dark capris, filigree danglies

Day 120:  $9621

Arrived and took over for Kem; was busy for 2 hours, ringing up customers, then did the prelim duties. Rob sent me to lunch at 6, and did my LU before clocking out.  When I returned, swept the entire area. Austin sent me to break at 8, and when I returned, he had a line, and ASM K was helping someone else on #2. I joked, "I left you alone for 15 mins!" Mucked out the mats, pulled trash. Final customer left at 9:45, then brought in the cull carts and locked the doors at 10.  Loader E took the trash and brought in the concrete; HC Brit cleaned me out, and we walked up front after I closed the large door.  Didn't have any returns tonight!  Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:30.

ASM K was actually rather civil toward me.

Outfit:  Yellow Fla tee, dark capris, sea horses

Day 121:  Rare Sat $7039

Arrived and discovered Katy dealing with my difficult customer.  K didn't know how to check the balance of a gift card; I did, so K took over while I hopped to #2 and rang up two customers.  Then I noticed K looking confused, so I had us switch; I rang up the customer, ran the GC with no issues. Then asked K if she was leaving; she said she was there til close.  Looked at the schedule; I was supposed to be up front!  So went up and got on #10 for 90 mins, then took my break at 7.  Sent Amy to lunch and had a CFH immediately at self-checkout, but it was quickly straightened out.  Had to get back on 10 when a customer wanted to write a check; Dale was helping someone, so I told him to look as if he knew what he was doing while I helped the customer!  When Amy returned, went down to Lumber to give Katy her hour lunch, and ended up staying.  Filled the soda, gathered the paperwork, consolidated the trash, and 30 mins later, the 'rush' began, and #1 locked up.  Had to have HC B come down and talk to IT to get it straightened out. Final customer was at 9. Pulled trash; dustmop was MIA. Did my LU and requested my vacation in Nov, as well as my other Oct dates. Brought in the cull carts and locked the doors at 10. Loader E took the trash and brought in the concrete.  HC B cleaned me out; returned items to Tools and Hardware. Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:30.

ASM K left at 6.

Outfit: Gray Blessed Grandma tee, dark capris, red/white danglies

Life In Lumber: Y5, W 26

 Day 113:  $6555

Arrived and took over for K; found out B returns on Thurs. Was a little busy until 5:30, when I finally did the prelim duties, and put away the rest of the soda Kari had brought down.  Mgr G had me set up a cull cart.  Austin sent me to lunch at 6:30, and when I returned, did my LU, AP4Me, and swept the place.  At 8:30, pulled the trash, mucked under the mats, and sanitized the registers and counters. Brought in one cull cart; G brought in the other. Locked the doors at 10; Timo (German guy-Very helpful!) took my trash to the hopper.  Mgr G brought in the concrete; ASM SC and S cleaned me out. Returned items to Tools and Hardware.  Clocked out at 10:30.

ASM K was off:)

Outfit: Red LU, dark capris, thin gold hoops

Day 114:  $9721

Arrived and took over for K. Was fairly busy the 1st hour, then things slowed. Did the prelim duties, and checked my email. Marilyn sent me to lunch at 5:45. Came back an hour later was irrationally pissed off at her....she pulled the trash!  I don't do it until at LEAST 8:30! Swept the entire area and mucked out the mats, then at 8:30, pulled the outside trash (she'd left that one for me!), and discovered she put the wrong liner in the small trash can by the cooler; I'd put 3 large liners (for outside) in the locker, and we were now down to only one.  At least now we have one for tomorrow.....and if we still don't have any tomorrow night, then Friday is SOL, and I'm off anyway.

Locked the doors at close (final customer was at 9:15), and Mgr G brought in the concrete and took the trash.  After HC C cleaned me out, returned items to Aisle 21 and 17, then Hardware, and took the LG cart back.

ASM K was off tonight:)

Outfit:  Indian motorcycle tee, dark capris, copper/larimar danglies

Day 115:  $5067

Arrived and was up front for 2 hours, on #10 and self-checkout. Went outside to give Dawson a break, but he said he was okay, thankfully, because within that short amount of time, I was ready to melt! (Heat index was 115!)  Went to lumber and took over for B, then did the prelim duties. Rob sent me to break at 7, and when I returned, swept the area, mucked the mats, and pulled the trash. Locked the doors at 9:55 and took the trash to the hopper when HC C cleaned me out.  Loader E brought in the concrete; I returned items to Aisle 18, Millwork, Electrical, and Hardware.  Clocked out at 10:30.

ASM K closed, but thankfully, only saw her a few times.

Outfit:  Rob Strong tee, dark capris, double hearts.

Off tomorrow for Shia and Tristan's wedding, then off to Geek Con Sat, and a day of rest for Sunday!

Life In Lumber: Y5, W25

 Day 107:  $9096 (and 1 cent)

Was called in early, due to B being sick.  Arrived and clocked in, then a gentleman asked me to help him find R/O filters.  I did, then he was asking me a bunch of questions I couldn't answer.  Got ticked at both Pro Z and Loader A, b/c they wouldn't come help me.  Z was on lunch and A 'didn't know anything about the filters'.  Called a Code 3 and told the customer hopefully someone else would arrive.  Went to my register and found Kem in a small panic; she needed to leave, and I'd been delayed. 1st customer was fine; 2nd customer had 2 carts, then a declined card.  Instead of paying with another, he called his bank and got the runaround for 10 mins, THEN paid with another card.  Rest of hour 1 went smooth. Hour 2, customer needed 34 sheets of drywall.  Loader A was on the forklift, doing something at the far end.  Even when he got off, he didn't respond to my Code 50 or even to call me.  Finally, he came over and claimed he'd not heard me.  It was pouring down rain at that point, and customer had also purchased some OSB.  He went to get his trailer; Loader A got the drywall and loaded it.  Loader N arrived and helped.

Things slowed down; Em sent me to a 15 min break at 5:30, and when I returned, began the closing duties.  After ASM K left at 6, I checked my email, did my LU, and the AP4Me. Kari sent me to lunch at 7:30, and when I returned at 8:15, swept the entire area and pulled the trash. Sanitized the registers and counters, and mucked out the mats. Locked the doors at 9:55 and N took the trash and brought in the concrete and cull cart. After HC C cleaned me out, returned items to Electrical, Aisle 21, Tools, Hardware, and the front end.  Found out ASM S will be over LG; no word yet who's taking over for him.  I heard Bre, Chelsea, and even Tasha had been contacted.

Clocked out at 10:30.

Outfit:  Blue LU tee, cut off capris, Yukon Gold button studs

Off tomorrow; headed to Lafayette to take Mom to her hair appt!

Day 108:  $9679 (and 3 cents)

Discovered B is going to be out for a while with kidney stones. Told Kylie to fix my schedule so I don't have to keep explaining why I'm clocking in 2 hours early from now on. Took over for Kem, did the soda count. At 5, did the prelim duties, and started sweeping. At 6:15, Austin came down to send me to lunch, but I was dealing with a customer who wanted our discounted drywall.  A put away the soda while I was waiting for an o/r, and I helped him.  Finally, G arrived and fixed it; customer paid and left. I went to lunch. When I returend an hour later, continued to sweep. At 8:30, pulled trash. At 9, mucked out the mats, sanitized the registers and counters. Locked the doors at 9:55, and while HC C cleaned me out, took the trash to the hopper. G brought in the concrete, then I returned items to Aisle 21, Millwork, Electrical, Tools, Paint, and Lights. Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:30.

ASM K was off:)

Outfit:  Blue Vegas tee, cut off capris, small gold hoops.

Day 109:  $10,226

Arrived and took over for a very relieved Kem; the schedule said I was to come in at 3:30!  Rang up customers and fronted the soda, then at 5 did the prelim duties.  HC J sent me to break at 5:30 and when I returned, wrote for about 90 mins, in between customers.  At 7, all hell broke loose; Loader E went to lunch; a contractor reported he'd received the wrong shingles; another contractor said everything had been delivered except the hot water heater pans; another customer needed drywall, and a 4th needed OSB.  OSB was outside; Dale got the drywall; HC K came down to deal with the shingles; I told the other guy to go get the pans; I'd leave Pro J a note. Hopped on #2 while K was tracking down shingles, then Milee came down to send me to lunch.  Came back at 8:30 and pulled the trash, and discovered #1 had stopped working. Swept entire area, plus mucked the mats and sanitized the registers.  After Loader E took the trash and brought in the concrete, returned items to Hardware and Flooring. Put up my vest and clocked out at 10:30.

ASM K was off:)

Outfit:  Alaskan Hwy tee, cut off capris (which ripped in the inner thigh.  Had to toss 'em when I got home.), Mickey Mouse

Day 110:  $15,738

Arrived and learned Loader E hadn't shown up. Dale from Electrical was my back up, and thankfully he only had to help out a few times.  I also realized I probably wasn't going to get my hour break, and I was right; I only gor 30 mins. But got the prelim duties done, and discovered a cart full of soda, which I filled the coolers. HC C sent me to break and afterward, the pin pad quit, so hopped to #2. C fixed the issue, thankfully!  Was swamped from 7:30-8, then things died down slightly. Pulled trash and swept the area, but had multiple LARGE orders until 9:30.  I only sanitized the coffee bar, then brought in the cull carts and locked the doors.  Supervised Theresa bringing in the concrete and blocks, then closed the large door and took the trash to the hopper.  Returned an item to RTM, and put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:30, and left Dale a note at the front, thanking him for his help and cheerful attitude.

ASM K left at 4:)

Outfit:  Blue Vancouver Aquarium tee, dark capris, sea horses

Day 111:  Rare Saturday  $9428

Today was a shit show.  I left my phone at Chavez and didn't realize it until 4:30.  Went back; it's gone; phone goes to voice mail when you call it. I was in tears; hubby's pissed. Got to work; ASM S tried to track it; only said it was last active at Chavez.  Clocked in and helped with the massive line, then realized I'd not gone to the bathroom, so Loader E watched the register.  I came back and things had calmed down.  Did the prelim duties and tried to keep my whining to a minimum.  Got everything cleaned and swept.  Didn't get my break. Had to have Loader E take over again around 9. Pulled trash, mucked the mats, fronted the soda (again), and sanitized registers and counters. Loader E took the trash and brought in the concrete; I returned items to Aisle 21, Plumbing, Electrical, Tools, and Paint. Clocked out at 10:30.

ASM K left at 4:)

Outfit:  JHS band tee, dark capris.

Day 112:  Rare Sunday  $5753

Arrived and helped Marilyn with the line. We were slightly busy, and she left at 5.  Things died down a little, and was able to do the prelim duties. HC J sent me to break at 5:30, and when I returned, continued ringing up customers.  Did my LU.  Final customer left at 8; locked the door behind him.  When HC B cleaned me out, Loader E walked her; I took the trash to the hopper.  Opened the large door so he could bring in the concrete, then shut it again and returned an item to Electrical, then put up my vest.  Clocked out at 8:30.

ASM K left at 5:)

Outfit:  Gold tee, dark capris, sapphire hoops

Life In Lumber: Y5, W24

 Day 101:  $9907

Arrived and took over for B, who said he'd had a slow day. Did the prelim duties, then had a customer pay with a check that #1s printer didn't like.  Jumped to #2, where it worked, and called ASM SC down to fix the printer and help out. Got back on #1 after issue was fixed.  Had another customer whose card declined; saved it and pushed his 3 carts to the side.  5 mins later, he's back; I brought it up, he paid and left.  Did my AP4Me and LU. Milee sent me to break at 7:30. and when I returned, had her wait while I went to get trash bags.  Got stopped by a lady in Hardware, and tried to help her, then returned.  Discovered M with a back up, and a customer with a LAC they couldn't find.  Hopped on #2 to help with the line, and a customer said, "Oh thank god...you're our favorite!"

Afterwards, swept the area while ASM SC and M dealt with the customer.  Turned out they were trying to use an old account, which had been flagged as fraud, and the new one hadn't come in yet.  They were upset with ASM SC, but there was nothing he could do. After they used another form of payment and left, I got back on #1. At 8:30, pulled trash, mucked out the mats, sanitized the registers and counters, and brought in the cull cart.  Final customer left at 9:55. Locked the doors; HC C cleaned me out.  I'd already returned items to Tools before my break, so all I had to do was wait for Loader N to bring in the concrete and take the hopper around.  Clocked out at 10:30.

Had 4 shoplifters in the buidling tonight.  Loader N deterred one; others deterred the other 3.

ASM K left at 4:)

Outfit:  Gray America tee, dark capris, thin gold hoops.

Day 102:  $8932

Arrived and took over for B, then did the prelim duties, plus soda count. Did my LU and Harrassment training,  HC C brought down the soda; I then handed her the Monster count, and put away the Coke and Pepsi. Continued ringing up customers, then the rain hit.  HC C brought down the Monsters, and I put them away. Around 8, got extremely busy with two customers each with several carts. Needed to check on a Robot sweeper; we had none, HC J arrived to give me my break at 8:45. After I returned, I realized I'd not pulled the trash, so did that, and promptly got yelled at by ASM J for "leaving the register".  I'm sorry....A) She TOLD me it was my responsibility LAST YEAR, and now she says not to do it?  Because AP was already pulling the outside trash (on the opposite side of the canopy, where I'm not allowed to go)??  For the record, that's the FIRST TIME I've EVER seen anyone (sans Lumber Associates) empty those cans!!!  So what the F***does she expect me to do?  Vented all this at ASM S when he and HC C came to clean me out.  He said to ignore her....

I did a quick sweep of the area and mucked out the mats, then shut off the fan, locked the doors, and after Loader N took the trash and brought in the concrete, I put up my vest and returned items to Paint and Hardware.  Clocked out at 10:20.

ASM K left at 4:)

Outfit:  Gray LU Plank tee, dark capris, blue sapphire hoops

Day 103:  $8568 (and 2 cents)

Arrived an petted a cockatoo named Peaches:)  Then joined B until he left around 5:15.  Was busy until 6, then started doing the prelim duties and soda count. Austin P brought the soda down and I helped him fill everything.  Rained heavily again. Austin sent me to break at 7 and when I returned, swept the area and sanitized the registers. Did my LU. Was slightly busy at 8:30, then pulled trash at 9. Final customer was at 9:30. Locked the doors at 9:55.  After Loader E took the trash and brought in the concrete, returned items to Plumbing, Lights, Paint, and Hardware, then put up my vest.  Clocked out at 10:20.

ASM K left at 4:)

Outfit:  Brown blouse, dark capris, brown/green bangles

Day 104:  $9183 (and 2 cents)

Arrived and took over for B, plus learned I'd be training Sage from Flooring.  She took over at 6 and did well, but then HC B 'kidnapped' her and I later learned she was on Self-Checkout. Did the prelim duties and fronted the soda, and swept the area. At 9, pulled trash and Olivia from Hardware sent me to break.  Came back and sanitized the registers and counters, and locked the doors at 9:55 after last customer left. Returned items to Plumbing, Hardware, and Flooring, then put up my vest, clocked out at 10:25, and took Lee to the ER.  A mutual friend Kait went along to stay with her; L's IBS was getting worse.

ASM closed, and heard her say she's off tomorrow!!!

Outfit:  Gray Purdue tee, cut off capris, small diamond flowers

Day 105:  $18,588

Arrived and took over for B, who told me his stats were down, due to training someone.  Things began a little slow; was able to get the prelim duties done....and then the sh*t show began.  I was slammed, and at 6:40, when I came up for air, I'd donw over $12K in sales. Then my next rush began....and by 7:30, I was up to over $13K. Austin sent me to break at 7:30, and when I returned, HE had a line.  Hopped over on #2 to help out, and that rush was over by 8. I swept the area and pulled the trash at 8:30, but by 9, my sales had risen to over $18K.  Things began to die down, and was able to sanitize the counters and registers, front the soda, do my LU, and check my email.  By 9:30, when my final customers left, I'd added nearly $300 to the total. Locked the doors at 10, and after Loader N took the trash and brought in the concrete, put up my vest and returned items to ISLG and LG.  Clocked out at 10:25.

ASM K was off today!  Tomorrow, I'm off to Hannah House in Indy:)

Outfit:  Blue flowered blouse, cut of capris, double hearts danglies

Day 106:  Rare Sunday  $12,238

Arrived and took over for Marilyn.  Was swamped until 4:30, then did the prelim duties.  Had another rush until 5, when I fronted the soda.  Olivia came to send me to break at 5:30, and things had died down somewhat.  I headed to the break room and had a woman flag me down TWICE in Electrical, but her spouse said he'd found it both times. Afterward, I was busy until 6:30, when I started the closing duties.  Pulled trash and swept, then at 7 sanitized the registers. and mucked out the mats.

Needed one o/r for cull boards; I'd already discounted one and rung up his soda and candy bar.  ASM K came down, and did 50% off the ENTIRE cart.

HC J cleaned me out at 8; I locked the doors and waited for Loader E to bring in the concrete and take the trash.  Closed the large door and returned items to Electrical, Hardware, ISLG, and Flooring.  Put up my vest and went up front. Clocked out at 8:30.

Outfit:  Black lace tee, dark capris, silver crosses

August Goals

 How well did I do in July?

-Lose 5 lbs (starting 239)

-Finish Sage Made it to Ch 6!

-Finish new short story (BKM) Nope....

-Finish short story #2 (singer)  Nope....

-Finish short story #3 (Tales) Plotted, not written

-Find cover artist for DYL/AU Omnibuses Not yet...

-Do well at InConJunction  Sold 14:)

-Do well at Imaginarium Sold 6 and bartered 2:)  Had a GREAT time!

-Enjoy the Foreignor/Loverboy concert  Check!  Went with Erica and had a BLAST!  I now own a T-shirt:)

-Work enough hours to pay for bills, events, and inventory Check!

-Finish watching Pit Bulls/Parolees (Check; now just watching for Liz and Moe's wedding episode)

-Finish watching The Crown  (Check; final season coming sometime this year)

-Watch H&M  Check:)  Found it to be somewhat enlightening.....but I still don't like her. I sympathize a little more.....time will tell as to whatever version of the truth prevails.

-Watch Marvelous Mrs Maisel  Check; now rewatching entire 5 seasons.

-Start evicting/cleaning up Brown House  Not yet.

-Move Mom's storage to one with better door  7/23:  Rented new unit...8/1 Transferred everything over to it!

Books Read:  2

           Print:  1

       E-book:  1 

2023 Events:

Aug:  Hanna House $20 (Pd 6/23)  Sold 2....

26th:  Evansville Museum Geek Con, Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science, 411 SE Riverside Drive, Evansville, IN ($40)  Sold 3:)

Sept 9th:  Library Con, Fowler, In 

Sept 13/14th:  GSH (MCV)  11-2:30 (leave at 2?)

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

23rd:   Hoosier Indie Author Book Fair, The Big Tent, 5502 South Evans Rd., Gas City, IN

Oct 14-15th:  VoltCon, Wyndham West, Indpls Subbed application and was approved:)  Need to pay $40 by Aug 25th, then another $40 soon after.  8/11:  Pd $40; 8/25:  Pd $40

Oct 18th:  GSH (St. Claire office)  11-3

Nov 8-12:  Indianapolis Christmas Gift and Hobby Show $350 1/27:  Pd $60; 3/3: Pd $60; 4/7:  Pd $60; 4/21:  Pd $30 (Owe $140); 5/5 $30 (Owe 80 (missed a payment somewhere!)); Pd $30 6/16 (owe $50); Pd $30 8/11 (owe $20) PD OFF 8/25!!!

Dec??: GSH 7-5

2024 Events:

March 16th??  Magic of Books, Columbus, In ($40-50)

March:  GSH 7-5

May 3-4:  SI-Con, Benton, Il (pd April 1st, 2023)

June:  Superman Celebration, Metropolis, Il

July:  Heroes For Kids (pd 2022)

July:  Imaginarium, Louisville, KY

August:  IABE, Terre Haute, IN

August Goals:

-Lose 5 lbs (starting 239)  8/7:  237

-Finish Sage Check!  8/22 at 12:30 am!  14,883 words

-Finish new short story (BKM)

-Finish short story #2 (singer)

-WRITE short story #3 (Tales) 8/22:  Started writing

-Find cover artist for DYL/AU Omnibuses

-Do well at Hannah House  Sold 2

-Do well at Geek Con Sold 3:)

-Have fun at Shia and Tristan's wedding Check:)

-Enjoy the trip to St. Louis with the granddaughter  Check!  Cards won 6-2, so game was exciting, and was able to ride the bus, so WHEW!

-Celebrate Mom's birthday  Check!

-Work enough hours for events, inventory, and build up savings

-Watch Mrs. Maisel (Check!) and 80 For Brady (Check!), plus whatever other movies are on Prime

Daisy Jones and The Six; Downton Abbey:  New Era;  Royal Red White and Blue

-Start evicting items from Brown House

-Convert two VHS tapes to DVD ($22 ea)

August Reading Schedule

Fever-Robin Cook  This was another re-read, and while I probably enjoyed it the first time around, all the amateur sleuthing drove me nuts.  I understand it's a thriller, and this is one of Cook's earlier novels....and it reads like one.  Thank God he got better in later novels!

Creature-John Saul  This was a re-read, but still good:)  I'd forgotten probably 90% of the plot.

Lovey-Mary McCracken Wonderful story!  Shows what the 'right' teacher can do to a mis-labeled, misunderstood child:)  My heart broke at the end, for though she was more than experienced in the classroom, she didn't have all the credentials, so was demoted, due to 'state standards' in the early 1970s.  Really paved the way for Special Ed in schools.

Second Child-John Saul RR!!  Excellent read, even with the slight head-hopping.

Calico Joe-John Grisham DRR!  Really enjoyed this!

Love On The Brain- Ali Hazelwod DRR!  Loved, loved, LOVED this!  Now I want to read her 1st book!

E-book:

Hannukah Hearts-Jean Joachim DRR!  Sweet story:)

Riding The Storm Out-Desiree Holt  DRR!  Excellent story:)

Til Death Do Us Part-Rachel Rivers Good story; just felt incomplete.  Was this a sample??

Independence Day-Elle James RR!  Good story; the heroine gets a bit repetitious at times.  After a while, I wanted to smack her silly.

Her Trust-Silkie Companion Interesting; was expecting more plot.  Well-written!

The Spy Who Was Out Cold-Marilyn Barr Ended up skimming most of it; lost interest after a few chapters.