Hi I'm Jordan, I'm a shopaholic

Finally get an email of the coupon I have been waiting for. Yesterday's email said in store coupons are in the mail so only gave a coupon code to use online. If I actually got my coupons in the mail that customers got last week, I wouldn't need email coupons since they are essentially the same coupon. SO print off the coupon guessing coupons won't come in the mail today either. Guess what, coupon's in the mail. It makes me a very bad sales clerk not knowing what coupons are out there.

Toss aside email coupon I no longer need. Getting extra employee discount this week so will be going berserk today and don't need to shop the rest of the year. Get new tank tops to go with my sweaters since this Indian Summer seems to be never ending. Too hot standing next to a running computer in long sleeves. Return a gift someone else also got my nephew and get additives to his grand present instead. Get lotion and soap set for Mom. Forgot the gift cards for nieces (it wasn't on the list) but can get those tomorrow. Grab nail dryer and electric nail file for myself. Manicuring tonight. Cringe at the total given at the register.  But I don't want to put anything back.

Get home and soak fingers for my manicure. Try 4 sets of batteries (8 total) that work in other things and the electric nail file doesn't work. And I prayed I would not be electrocuted using scissors to remove batteries. Practically destory the paint on the nail dryer trying to open and shut the battery case trying 4 sets of batteries to make that thing work. 4th time batteries worked. Painted nails deep purple and used regular manual nale file.

Cats get under the tree and try to take a photo. Camera batteries dead so change them once to make that work. Excuse me, but don't you think new batteries should work? Cats remain still as change batteries and get my picture.

Now I can relax. Nails dry and everything is right in the world.

Today's adventure

Got off work, grocery shopped, prepare supper, sneeze, reach for a Kleenex to realize I left them at work. When supper done cooking, I'll go back to work for my tissues. Don't work tomorrow and I want them back.

Read this in the paper today:
A salesperson tells, a good salesperson explains, and a great salesperson demonstrates.

Or a salesperson knows how to read labels on products and great salesperson buys the products and can give a report to the customer.

Also read in the paper today:
The person who knows "how" will always have a job.
The person who know "why" will always be his boss. Diane Rawitch.

Unless u r me of course. I know everything and still lost a lost a job.

Tree up

Got the tree up today. Finished setting out the xmas village last night. I have far too many decorations, but don't want to get rid of anything. Anyone else sing xmas carols while putting up decorations? I love to sing, but cats don't appreciate it. Sister's cat once loved listening to me sing. She would lay down on the floor near my feet and purr. My cats leave the room.

Saw a new dart gun at my store yesterday. It shoots large marshmellows.
Mom would say: What a big waste of food.
I say: Tossing marshmellows with your hands is cheaper.

Well, nothing else to say. Later.

Black Friday

Should be called Black and Blue Friday: Fist fights at Altoona Walmart, gun shots at Valley West Mall.  Customers commented how highly organized our store compared the mess at other stores. Yes, I said, we have a highly organized manager.

Survived another Black Friday. I'm ready for bed.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody. Mine will be at Mom's retirement home dining room (equal to 5 star restaurant with a bunch of old people. Gave cats Turkey and Gravy cat food this morning. Have a great day.

Christmas letter 2011

Merry Christmas to all my family and friends. My year started with snow, lots of snow, oodles of snow. Ok, maybe exaggerating. New year began at Mom’s retirement home room celebrating our extended family Christmas with Mom’s side of the family. Nephew enjoyed learning about Christmas presents. In fact, Nephew and Niece think Christmas should be every day. Cousins blessed our family with their new baby boy. Soon Niece and Nephw had a musical concert at school.  Niece was ready to sleep at school, but we explain her bed and snack are at home. Taught Nephew all about coloring Easter eggs and later had Easter dinner with sister’s family. The world ended on May 21, 2011 according to some preacher studying the scriptures. Funny, the world looks the same to me. Spring pushed winter aside and I took Mom to her side of the family cemetery in Dexter. Sister already covered Dad’s grave so I went to visit Dad by myself.  Niece’s dance recital ended up on same day as another niece’s recital, but can’t be at two places at once. Requested to do Niece’s bun, being former ballerina myself, so attended hers.  Other niece can do her own hair pieces.  Niece was a Kitten Who Lost Her Mitten. Then she was the Lion King tapping to Hakuna Matata.

Thinking of a fun outdoor activity to do with Niece and Nephew while trying to learn to ride bikes, I decided on skateboarding. Before teaching them, I had to relearn myself.  Nephew learned the balancing act on the bike and loves riding along with Daddy. Went to Bon Jovi concert with brother-in-law as a thank you for babysitting the kids so much. Then cat-sat sister's cat Sammie while brother-in-law did a faraway marathon. Had excitement training an intern at work. I love training people. Took Niece and Nephew to zoo to see a new dinosaur exhibit. Kids were scared dinosaurs would eat them and I had to explain they are not real animals. Had an overnight with Niece and Nephew reading Christmas bedtime stories in the middle of summer.  Nephew is eager to pet Precious and Frodo so we practiced nice petting. Went to amusement park Adventureland with Brother-in-law, Niece, and Nephew. Summer heat came to soon and I attended Aunt’s 70^th birthday party at another Aunt and Uncle's house. Later in the summer I took Niece and Nephew to the beach at Gray‘s Lake. Kids need to learn that getting dirty is fun. Spent 4^th of July with sister’s family and Mom watching a big parade in Urbandale and watching fireworks at the Urbandale library. I introduced Niece and Nephew to funnel cake at the park after the parade. I’m a bad, bad aunt.

Soon, friends had their new addition Emma Katherine. I got new furniture delivered that the cats approve of, a couch and recliner. Doesn’t match the cat fur, but then the old furniture didn’t either. In honor of other niece’s visit to sister's house, we went bowling and again to Adventureland. Rode a water ride about 4 times before going home soaking wet. Attended the big family reunion with Mom’s side at her cousin’s house. We celebrated Nephew’s 7^th birthday at sister's house with family. Later in the summer, took Niece and Nephew to my apartment pool. Discovered Nephew is tall enough to touch the bottom of the pool, a major accomplishment. But summer doesn’t last forever and I took Niece and Nephew back to school shopping. Cousin’s daughter got married in Las Vegas to her man Jeff. They had a reception at Principal Park’s club room with the extended family. Autumn came and during Aunt’s visit to Des Moines we went to the Botanical Center and Chinese Garden down the street. Attended Niece’s 8^th birthday party at a pizza place with arcade and go carts.  Niece never met a doll she didn’t like. Next, Thanksgiving came quicker than we were ready. Had dinner at Mom’s retirement home dining room. It is like a 5 star restaurant there. Then Black Friday rushed by and glad it won’t be back for another year.

Big family Christmas with Mom’s side will be at her retirement home reception room again, people rather like it. Hopefully next year will be just as good as this one. Merry Christmas and Happy Meow Year

Love Always

Jordan

Precious

Frodo

Niece's birthday party

Got up at 3:30 AM to get to work by 6 AM. Afterwards started xmas shopping, and few things for me. Picked up mama and arrived at pizza place.What a pizza place! Bumper cars, go carts, arcade, minature golf, bowling in the dark. Niece was in her dance leotard and tap shoes hugging her daddy. Sister was picking up the cake and had her party dress in her car. Brother-in-law's parents arrive and niece has to rearrange her presents and shake them to figure out what they are. Tip: Don't wrap kid presents in white paper.

Sister arrives and we settle down into a lovely quiet room.Niece in her new party dress. Niece was disappointed we didn't get the party room (2 people short) with b-day hat, balloons, and b-day song by the staff.  Enjoyed the pizza buffet. Played some games. Then took pictures of the cake and gifts. Niece kept shoving nephew out of the picture.  Niece opened gifts. She never met a doll she didn't like. Nephew got a gift too, but such in a bad mood being shoved out of the picture he cried he didn't like his gift. So sister announced, he won't keep his gift and grandma said she would take it back to the store (actually give it again at Thanksgiving when in better mood). Nephew needs to show gratitude when receiving gifts.

Went back to playing games after cake and ice cream. Niece had to rearrange her unwrapped gifts. I told her to get off the floor cause she is getting her dress dirty. Naturally this gets my sister's attention and niece looks at her mommy to contradict me. Sorry, sister doesn't want niece's dress dirty either. While waiting for kids to return from games, I got bored so decided write out who gave what gifts on the b-day cards (for thank you notes). Suddenly I cough so hard I end up vomiting. OK time to go home. Mom was ready to go home too. 4 hours is enough party time for her.

Today got up early to arrive at work by 8 AM. Tried so hard not vomit again. I need to work, I need money and don't get many hours (they hired 30 people so my hours get cut). No sick time earned yet so I need to work when I can. Meet more new people. I'm the only experienced one. Apparently a coworker got sick with a cold and had an upset stomach. Sounds like she caught my bug.

Well, better bump off the cat from my lap, their favorite pet bed. Time for bed.

Thanksgiving plans

I invited my family to have Thanksgiving dinner at my place (even got new dinnerware for the occasion). They made other plans so will be spending the holiday with old people at my Mom's Retirement Home dining room. She says they have a good food durng the holidays.
Ain't life wonderful...wonderful now?

Oh why do I have to work at a place that's closed on the holidays? I miss my airport job. Eating a hamburger at the cafeteria and talking to work friends. Perhaps I'll use the new dinnerware for xmas.

Colds suck

Caught a cold, so I prepare myself to work 8 hrs today: Lotion tissues and meds. Paged for help for a customer before reaching my register. And then, I start loosing my voice checking out customers. Coworker comes in and I ask if she could hear me well or should I go home. Right now it is a little quiet but it will get noisy.  She said go home. I asked if she would call a magaer for me since I thought nobody would understand my page. Manger said me and my tissues could leave early. Bummer. I only get 2 personal days so was hoping to use them for family events.

Good thing I left, my voice got worse when I said "Hi Babies" to the cats. Down to a small whisper. Very hard to tell Precious to get down from the screen door. Took a nap. I was up past three blowing my nose last night. Invited family to Thanksgiving dinner. Nobody is volunteering for the Big dinner w/aunts, uncles, cousins, and my family. And sister is going to husband's side of the family. I can do a small meal. Let's see if anyone says yes.

Bad, bad kitty

Took to placing duct tape on the screen door to stop the Precious from scratching his claws on it. Tried spraying himwith water, but it doen't work apparently. Precious has a mind of his own and does what he wants.

Got the new phone charged up and ready to go. Called Mom to tell she can call now (and not dial my cell anymore). Sister figured out last night when my cell wasn't on that my landline must be working again. She needs babysitting so she can do a book fair (or conferences or whatever after work).

Have a cold too. Called dentist to change tomorrow's appointment to next week. I don't want to sneeze on anyone. Receptionist said I sounded stuffy. Well, cuddle time with the cats. They are starved for attention.  

Definition of torture

GOP debate discussed the definition of toture.


Jordan's definition: If any American jail would not have the nerve to waterboard their suspects (8th Amendment), I call it torture. Any other definitions out there.


 I believe the word I'm looking for is Coercion which is against US law and Geneva Convention rules.

Just another Sunday

Came to work on one side of the registers to be moved to other side so the 2 newbees (later 5) would have an experienced coworker present to help. They need help leaving the register when they have a break (customers don't know you need to leave). I think some newbees don't like paging on the PA system or call for a manager. Sometimes you just got to bite the bullet and do it. Though I wish they would stop apologizing every time they need help. That is what I am here for.

Saw an interesting pet ad in the paper.
Cats: 2 males, 1 spayed. Free to good home.
Went to Best Buy for new phone batteries and the stores don't carry much b/c each phone has its own battery (nobody can use regular batteries you can find anywhere you know). Sales clerk said Good Luck and online is the best place to get them. Any votes towards just getting a new phone from this much hassle. Online it said $20 for new batteries (plus shipping and sales tax). Maybe tomorrow, I'm doing the laundry now.

Breaker's 1st day

Today I did 1st day as breaker (give breaks to coworkers). 1st break horde of customers come so end up telling 4 customers I'm closed. Met newbees. Then breaks overlap so threw off the break schedule. I can only be at 1 register at a time. At one point when customer traffic slowed down, we had 3 coworkers on break at the same time. I bounced registers as they came back and sent another on her break. Late leaving since another horde arrives and all come to my register.


Arrive at Mom's late, and get check from her (after waiting for 5 days I asked for another check). Deposit check and while setting my purse down getting fruit, I leave it behind. I rush back to fruit to find it gone. Search nearby counters and lady in wheelchair is turning in my purse. She said it was heavy (really?). Thank her and go back to cashier. Look for batteries to go in phone. Can't find right label so will try another rechargeable battery. Look up battery on Best Buy site and yes they have it if doesn't work.


Come home and cats starved for attention and go outside. I pet them as I type all this. Call Mom to tell her her check showed up in the mail today. BTW, my 2 aunts in Missouri and Oklahoma (900 miles away) sent Thankgiving cards the day after Mom and they all came the same day. Now watching TV before going to bed in a hour. Night.

Stressful days

Found out it's Vet's Day from the big sale and huge crowds in the parking lot. And no mail toady so still waiting for Mom's check. Tomorrow plan to visit her and get another check from her. Why do I get things in the mail faster from my out of state sister than I can from my Mom across town? 4/5 days is ridiculous. The check I wrote for a credit card is going to bounce soon. Hopefully nobody stole it. I told Mom to call the bank make sure it wasn't cashed.

Then on top my stress, my cash register screen goes awry and I get another phony coupon. At least the lady took it well. She wanted it back (to try again at another register), but I said I have to give it to my manager. Apparently, one person tried different cashiers for her phony coupon. I make sure all my coworkers knew about it, especially the newbee who crooks target since they don't know what they are doing. Maybe I'm oversensitive, but I think some customers who have a dozen of one per customer coupons have been watching me with other customers before approaching. I used to work a sales floor and very observant of people watching me (shoplifters do this).

Next, come home to find my cordless phone batteries are dead so call Mom on cell. Mom said she called me to have it ring twice and hung up. Precious wants outside and scratches up the balcony screen in defiance of my uncooperative behavior.  I know when he is not just making noise because Frodo runs away when Precious is bad. He knows what's coming, the spray bottle. Precious likes to get his way and upsets me on purpose when he doesn't get it. Then runs away from the spray bottle meowing his angry meow. Your day any better?

Snow!!!

Electricity goes out in middle of night so alarm clock doesn't go off. I wake up when I'm suppose to leave. End up half hour late for work. At 7 AM, nobody really noticed. Then after 8 hours, I came home to find the cable stuck on a Spanish channel. Remote don't work. Change batteries and still don't work. Hit power button and all is ok.

Had a lady complain I short changed her on her reward coupon. I show on the coupon and her receipt the amount on her reward coupon and she is confused and doesn't understand. She got the reward coupon amount she claims she should have gotten so why is she arguing? Her daughter explains what I just said and lady still believes I'm short on the reward coupon. Finally, lady says if her daughter says everything is ok, then she must be right. Of course, I'm a liar and confuse her so much.

Anyone else laugh when a kid cries and begs their parents for a toys and the parents reply, You already have one and I'm not buying another. I hear this a lot.

Outta things to talk about.

My schedule

Last week's day off schedule.
Buy things I don't need (add to Barbie collection, niece's birthday present)
Stop at Mom's to pick up money so can pay the rent
Buy things I do need (grocery store)
Buy things the cats want (cat nip plants they eat up in half hour)
Chiroprator
Take Precious out
Too tired to do laundry, do it next day


Today's day off schedule.
Call Mom begging for money (my I have a lot of bills and only make about $800 a month)
Watch cats sleep as eat my lunch
Update timeline and index of characters on latest novel (yes got another chapter done)
Chiropractor and take out garbage on way to car
Take Precious out
Read new chapters of friend's novel he sent last week
Read book about writing novels
Not enough dirty clothes to do laundry, do it later

Exercixe for the day

Frodo has made it passed the threshold into the hallway (usually he doesn't get that far) and gave chase when tried put the harness on him to take him outside. He explored all 3 floors and finally decided to go home. So Precious and I went outside alone. Precious accepts the harness so he gets a walk.

Visiting Mom

Went to see Mom for the monthly begging of money today. Oh God when will this end? Had lovely conversation. Compared notes on Aunt from Omaha visit. Aunt commented that I actually talked a lot. Yeah, I'm a chatterbox. Too bad not everyone knows that.

Niece and nephew are doing well at school. Still don't like turning in homework in the bags. My sister puts it in their bags, they just refuse to give it to the teacher. Niece in 2nd grade is better at reading and reads to her mother instead. But when I'm there niece likes me to read because I do funny voices. My Mom didn't know what to niece for her birthday. What do you get a kid with a house full of toys and closet full of clothes? Books at her higher reading level, she has a lot of beginner books, I decided. Oh course since Mom lacks birthday paper, I will be getting her gift and wrapping it too so all she has to do is tape her card on it. Anything to help Mom.

Talked to my sister about babysitting tomorrow so she can do a book fair at her school. Of course, I would love to babysit and get back my Halloween specials. Gotta do laundry tomorrow too.