Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Everybody. I have been busy with work at my retail store and training for tax job. Sorry I haven't blogged much. Got the apartment ready for my mom, brother, and sister's family to spend xmas day here. Cat Frodo hid the whole time. Cat Precious explored the visitors. Only my nephew petted him. Poor kitty, he wants attention so bad. He spent the day in his cat tower and on the tree skirt. Sister commented how she didn't know the cat was a present. Had a lovely dinner with my acrylic plates, bowls, and cups. I don't have fine china so I have fancy plastic. Everyone learned last holiday dinner how limited my counter space is so less choices, but plenty to eat. Got a video camcorder from Santa and filmed opening of the gifts. I had to apologize to everyone for getting the wrong size (they weren't with me when I shopped). When nephew showed displeasure at his stuffed reindeer, I offered to donate it to charity. Had leftovers for supper and played my music box decorations while we ate. Niece's favorite was animals going down a snowy hill playing the Danube Waltz. Washed 3 dishwasher full loads and ran out of soap. Can't do next load til I go shopping again. Now overnight guest (my brother) from last night is still here and watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Leaving tomorrow. Got to get online education for tax job done at the tax office, and then work all day and night at the retail store. If my new computer would operate correctly with the online courses, I could have done all that at home by now. But no, it doesn't cooperate so have to go in personally. At retail store we begin return season that goes to new year's day. Then slow season with few shoppers and no coupons customers demand when they check out. Well, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Week in review

Biggest excitement was when we got new floor mats at the cash registers. If you stood for 8 hours, you will do a happy dance for new floor mats too. Computers at work keep breaking down. We reboot, and reboot, and reboot, but still they fail after a while. Today 4 out of 9 went down and we considered sending people home early since they had no machine to work on. Luckily repair guys came. We were so happy to see them. Occupied with watching xmas movies. A Christmas Story, The Grinch, Family Stone, Meet Me in St Louis, A Christmas Carol, Love Actually. Saw It's a Wonderful Life and Christmas Vacation on TV. Busy wishing customers a Merry Christmas. Some wish me a Happy Holiday back. Others thank me for using the word Christmas instead of Holiday. I tried saying Happy Holidays last year and customers got mad, SO Merry Christmas it is. Got to make customers happy. I volunteered to host xmas day dinner. Happy dance. I love hosting. I don't know why my family hates hosting. Cleaning, baking, and setting a proper table are fun for me. I get to stay home and everybody comes to me. Well, can't think of anything else.

Busy, busy

We already had Black Friday so why my retail store was super busy today with lines at the registers is beyond me. Even after our time-limited sale ended, we still had lines. Oh well. Enjoying my xmas movie dvds and have a cat on my lap every night. Got my first xmas card from my brother. Got my cards sent out and gifts wrapped earlier this week on a day off. Even set out a xmas package. I had to go to the post office to get my Black Friday online order anyway so save me another trip there. Guess I'll be hosting xmas day dinner in 17 days. Sister will be traveling the days before and don't wish to stress my mom about the menu. Yeah, mom doesn't know I have 11 Beta fish. There is a reason I haven't told her, the expense will make her mad at me. Plan to invite brother too. Unsure if a faraway aunt wants to drive over here. Besides she hates my cats, though my sister's cats are okay. Getting ready to start my training next week. Paid training too. I just hope nothing goes wrong cause I really need more income. Deep in debt and below the poverty line is very stressful. Anyway, better get going. Merry Xmas.

Xmas Letter 2012

Merry Christmas to all my family and friends. My New Year started with a spring-like winter. Spent days off babysitting and working on my novel. Few more chapters and I will be done with the trilogy for my nieces. We finally saw a snowstorm called thunder snow when lightening occupancies snow (rare event). There is always a snowstorm during the basketball tournament you know. My retail store needed to get rid of coats and boots. Precious and Frodo celebrated their 6th birthdays (about 40 in cat years). Farmers planted early and battled spring frosts. I tried to grow flower seeds this year. We had a stifling drought during the Dog Days of Summer. My poor flower leaves were scorched black in the heat. Watered them every night to turn them back to green. Did manage to get a few flower blossoms, but learned to plant grown flowers next time. Took niece and nephew to see The Lorax, Egypt exhibit, bowling, and local mall’s Family Fun Nights. One night Tinkerbell was there and took Niece’s picture with her. Any time I give to my sister to clean her house or run errands without kids around is time well spent. Hosted Easter dinner with egg hunt in apartment courtyard. Took Mom and sister to visit Dad’s tombstone and to the Dexter cemetery (Mom’s side). Two nieces had their dance recitals on the same day. Got off work just in time to go to local niece’s that performed Giselle where she played the dawn and later her tap dance. Took Niece and Nephew to my apartment pool and splashed them good (they started it). Figured out a new computer system at work without instructions and then taught others the system. One look at the new screen sent coworkers screaming for help. Watched the Urbandale 4th of July parade and fireworks. Took faraway niece, local niece, and nephew to the amusement and water park. Celebrated Nephew’s 8th birthday at a pizza place and played games with the kids. Saw a pioneer wedding at a living history museum with niece and visited Women in Baseball exhibit explaining women played sports in dresses before grandma was born. Niece’s favorite part was when a pig shook mud onto my hand. Took sister and niece to a Star Party in a park to see a meteor shower, but too cloudy to see so just watched Spaceballs on an outdoor screen until niece got tired. Walked the Iowa State Fair with brother-in-law, niece, and nephew. Cousins gave us a new family addition, Henry Campbell. Took niece and nephew to the zoo to ride the new carousel and see the new sea lion pool. Niece decided to quit dance and start gymnastics after watching the Olympics. We had a family reunion at Mom’s cousin’s house in Dexter. I started a tax preparer class at a company in hope of making extra money next year. Found out I got the job just as my computer broke down. Start my training this month. Now I have 2 jobs like everyone else. Celebrated Niece’s 9th birthday at home with family. I played the Beatles Birthday song for her. When guests were leaving we took the kids to see Santa, ride the train, and see the Chocolate Moose we couldn’t find at the Iowa State Fair. Here it was decorated for Christmas at the mall. Went to sister’s house for Thanksgiving and took a nap to prepare for my Black Friday midnight shift. While I slept, the kids helped put up lights on the house and I saw the finished work. My shift wasn’t that bad, but then I wasn’t standing in line. Will be having a family Christmas (Mom’s side) at Mom’s retirement home again. People like those large gathering rooms with kitchenettes. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Meow Year Love Always Jordan Precious Frodo

Happy Dance

Got a new job today that is seasonal so for a while I get to have 2 jobs like everyone else. Maybe I can get out of this poverty hole I'm stuck in. Amazing how people beg you stay with them, but never give you a reason to stay. I'm sorry I rather have a raise than free donuts.

Lovely weekend

Black Friday midnight opening wasn't as bad as feared. I wore mismatched clothes and too tired to care. Highly organized manager helps. Lines circled around the store and customers claimed hour and half wait. One customer had a return. Store doesn't do returns on Black Friday. This day is an exception to the rules: nothing honored, nothing held, no rainchecks, and top lady will say that to customers' faces. Went home aftershift and ordered my things online. I ain't waiting no hour line (8 hours at my cash register is enough). Then coupon I have is In Store Only and b4 1 PM. We'll see how long I nap. Nap was 2 hours so plenty time to shop. Grabbed a cat bracelet I had my eye on and stood in jewelry. They had 2 lines, 1 to view locked up jewelry and 2 to purchase jewelry. Heard a lady complain that she had been standing in line for 45 minutes and asked what she was in line for. I amazed it took her 45 minutes to ask this question. I think I was in line 30 minutes b4 my purchase. Then went to get quarters and gas. Went home to do laundry and put up more xmas decorations. Worked on cleaning the bathroom. Confused cats over coming and going so much, it will be good to go back to routine. Saturday got up well rested and go to work with runny nose. Figured I got a cold. By lunch lost my appetite. Then upset stomach came so afraid to eat anything. Try to get through work and coworkers say I appear unwell. When felt like vomit was coming, I asked to go home. Ate something 4 hours after got home when stomach got better, and feel sick again. This will be a great diet if I can't eat. Spent rest of night relaxing with From Paris With Love. I think I'm addicted to this movie. Today I get up and short time later, sirens scare the cats. The fire engine parks in front of my apartment. I smell nothing and heard nothing so must be a medical emergency. I heard their bootsteps on the ground floor. Hope neighbor is ok. Now relaxing in front of TV.

Happy Thanksgiving

Sorry haven't been blogging lately, I just figure nobody is reading my blog so why bother. But then, I need to work on my Christmas letter for this year so better get cracking on this to remember what all happened this year. I started a tax preparation class for a company in October and finsihed last week. I did my interview. I as so busy with classes and work so I had to stop writing on my novel. That was torture. Ideas flowed through my head like a river, but had no time to wrie them down. After Final Exam, I took a few hours to write a page. Did a lot of research on ancient cultures of the world and go through myths for ideas. Halloween was another work day. I wore cat ears headband, everybody enjoyed it. I live in an apartment so no Trick or treaters for me. Niece had her ninth birthday party at home. Enjoyed visiting with sister's in-laws and Mom's cousin. I played the Beatles Birthday song for niece, which upset the grown ups wanting to chat. Sorry. Had a lovely time and then as guests were leaving, I took niece and nephew to see the Chocolate Moose that was at the Iowa State Fair. Now it is in a mall right by Santa Claus. Niece and nephew visited Santa and rode the Christmas train. Then went home. And today is Thanksgiving. Going to sister's house. I work at midnight for Black Friday so I am not hosting anything. Fed the cats turkey. Nothing else to report.

Family reunion

Fall is here

Fall is here. More than one way. It's cold, leaves are turning colors, my Christmas cactus is sprouting new leaves, and we lost a coworker. This person had a problem with arriving to work. We waited for the axe to drop and fell it did when managemet had enough. We don't feel sorry for him. Had a squirrel visit my apartment. It was hungry for the peanuts by my door. 2 cats stared at it in bewilderment and looked at me as if asking what to do. 4th visit, Precious cat got off the couch and stalked, then pounced, the squirrel I finally got a photo of it to show my friends. I know nobody reads this blog, but I'll put it up here too. Just in case. Been busy troubleshooting this computer from a bad connection. Also scrubbing a black stain from the leaky ceiling spilling in new places and soaked the carpet. Soaked carpet absorbed into the wood storage drawers and my sweatshirts stunk of mildew. Where the drawers were is a black stain. Washed the clothes and bought plastic drawers to hold my clothes. Scrubbed carpet to turn black into gray. I can handle gray. What else. My sister got defensive over a comment I made in a general mail to email pals. I never mentioned her so have to ask what exactly upset her. See her Sunday at family reunion. Yes, we have a family reunion in the fall. Mama's cousin in Virginia is coming so had to wait for her arrival. Been taking a tax preparer class tohope get a better job when my retail store is dea after xmas. I can work 1 day a week at retail store and rest at tax prepare place. Cats love the cool air, 50 degrees is their perfect temperature. I bought new skirts to show off my fashion boots when I work. Look strange with dress pants. Well, no more to say.

Hi again

Hey there. Sorry I haven't been blogging for a month. Not much happening. August 15 was my sister and husband 25th Anniversary. They took a 2nd honeymoon to Niagara Falls. Went shopping for new baby and Mom freaks I bought too much. Anything more than 1 outfit is too much. I got extra discounts so more than 1 outfit was desired. Took niece and nephew to the zoo and had a great time. Then returning home my sister flips out I bought them toys when she said no more. Sorry, sister neglected to inform me of that. Sister accuses kids of taking advantage of my kindness and shuns me for spending money them when Mom is supporting me. Excuse me, my sister failed to give me money for our zoo tickets. Well, I'm not babysitting for free anymore if sister is going to get angry every time I take her kids anywhere. Kids started school so hopefully sister won't ask for weekend babysitting since I work weekends. She tends to forget that fact. So faraway aunt who desperately wanted to visit for my birthday actually failed to visit on my birthday. On my birthday, I sat alone with 2 cats in my apartment and watched TV all day. I know that is as close to a vacation I'm going to get. Instead, it was a Labor Day weekend visit. She saw the new baby (I worked so couldn't come along) and we had a birthday dinner at a fast food place w/out cake cause kids were being punished for bad behavior. Happy Birthday to me. My retail store hired a bunch a people for the Back to School Season. New people had issues coming to work. Funny, they were kept on the schedule instead of removed so we were short on employees needed to do a job well done. They kept dropping like flies and hardly any are left. Now the upcoming Christmas season coming, they are interviewing people again. Hope they get more reliable new people this time. Ceiling leaking every time it rains continues. Painters came to cover water damage on the ceiling. My cat Frodo was in the cat tower when they arrived. He scared the painters when he meowed and jumped down. He hid under the couch for 3 hours. I looked everywhere for him. Had to pet him to reassure him that it was safe to come out. Found a coupon for a discount at a coming circus. Niece and nephew don't really like stinky animals and think anything that is not TV is boring. So won't be going. What a shame. Thought of joining a gym to exercise since I sprained my ankle last May and muscles need exercising. Costs too much so will stay in my living room. Much cheaper. But then every time I stretch my ankles, my sore ankle hurts for days. Doesn't help that my job requires standing on my feet 8 hours (not allowed to sit down). Have to stop eating turkey sandwiches. My cat Precious pulled the lunchmeat right out from between the bread slices. Once it hits the cat hair covered carpet, I'm not sure I want it back. Now Frodo has to join the feast. Took Frodo to the vet for his annual shots. He hissed his protest being poked in the butt and vet was afraid of him. Explained he is always like this, just scruff him. He is in good health at 14.9 lbs. Found out niece has quit ballet and started gymnastics after watching the Olympics. She is 9 and can't do a cartwheel so she better learn fast is she's to become another Gabby Douglas. Had a coworker drive by my apartment complex and saw me walking my dog. I had to explain that was my cat. Precious is so big (21.7 lbs) that people often think he is a dog. Got our xmas stuff out in my retail store. And yep, people are buying xmas ornaments and picture frames. No trees gone through the cash registers yet. I'm not ready for xmas. If you have not fallen asleep yet then I will conclude that I recently bought Halloween greeting cards for my family and preparing them to be mailed atthe 1st of October. Early bird gets to cuter cards. Later.

Weekend adventures

Had a 3 day weekend before working 7 days in a row so made sure I enjoyed myself. Saturday was niece and I going to see a Pioneer Wedding at Living History museum. Niece complained about bad smells. That would be a horse smell, I explained. Told her as we passed a cow that, That is where hamburgers come from. Her eyes popped open. Where did she meat came from? Walking around the barns, I smelled a pig smell. Niece found the pigs. One hog shook its body and mud flew onto my hand. Niece thought that was hilarious. Saw exhibit of Women and Baseball w/photos of ladies wearing long and short skirts. Yes, women had to play in dresses I explained. Took a while before they wore pants like us. Later on, took sister and niece to a Star Party at a park sponsered by Science Center to see the late night meteor shower. Too many clouds to see any stars so watched Spaceballs on a big screen. Sunday was too cold to take niece to the zoo so stayed home with cats. Monday went to Iowa State Fair with niece, nephew, and brother-in-law. Parked for free at the State Capital and took the bus down to fair. Nephew was sour puss all day. He didn't want to do anything we picked, but didn't want to do anything available to do. I said we should leave him home with a babysitter next time. He rode an electric car, saw a bike trick show, and saw farm machines so he had a little fun. Niece had a blast play farming for a popicle, watchign cheerleading, looking at chick hatach from eggs and piglets born the night before, and digging in a haystack for a piggy football. Brother-in-law and I enjoyed an 80's concert and had to stand on the benches to see. VP candiadate Paul Ryan and Prez Obama came to visit the people. Iowa Troopers closed gates and blocked areas so it wasa pain in the butt for the rest of us. Then work began. 1st day of work found out cousin's wife had her baby. 8lb boy named Henry. 2nd day of work found out this weekend we got extra employee discount. I'm going shopping this weekend for baby stuff. I'm happy.

Action packed day

Last night watered plants. This morning it rains. Not just rain, pouring rain right as I am driving to work. Swim through parking lot with broken umbrella. 4 umbrella arms broken in the wind and couldn't raise the trigger to keep rest umbrella up. Walk in door soaked. Stood at my cash register for 2 hours b4 drying though socks inside my shoes remained wet. Then since it was boring, cashiers were sent around store. 20 mins later recalled back b/c deadline of early bird special was ending so customers rushed to registers. Upset a manager explaining I needed to relieve a coworker (I'm the breaker 2day) to take her break when thought I should help customers in line. Coworkers would not get any breaks if I didn't kick them off, customer can come to coworker's register. Another person suppose to give coworkers breaks exclaims to a manager she had no idea what she is suppose to be doing. Excuse me?, I went over the break schedule with her 30 mins ago and we decided who was covering which break and wrote it down on our break list. She never got off her register to give any breaks, even though they have scheduled 3-4 people taking breaks at the same time during the expiring sale time. Oh yeah, great genius planning these schedules (I think a computer actually does the schedule). Better day after that. After the mad rush, had better job getting coworkers their breaks. Some have to take excessive long breaks that irritates me waiting for them to return to relieve another coworker. Then as I am suppose to leave we get another mad rush so get an extra 15 mins of pay and had to turn away customers or I would never leave. Get home. Cat pooped on the carpet. Ceiling has leaked again. Then fall down in the kitchen, twisting my other ankle and hitting my head, slipping on a puddle of water. Another ceiling leak or dishwasher, I don't know. Have to call Monday. Why can't these roofers fix the damn roof, I want a new apartment. Got a swollen ankle and bruised toe.

Happy Birthday Nephew

Today is my nephew's 8th birthday. Went to a pizza buffet place he likes. My sister gave each niece and nephew money for tokens to place the arcade games. Nephew gave his tokens to 2 boys who asked him for his tokens so he didn't get to play games. That was nice of him, but unnecessary, so my sister explained not to do that ever again. Next time they went to arcade I went with them to hold the tokens. We had the lunch buffet with cheesey bread, garlic breadsticks, pizza of all sorts brownies, and cinnamon rolls. We lit the candles to his Transformer cake and sang the Birthday song. Ate the cake. Then went to sister's house. Aunt from Omaha looked at my faraway niece's senior photos on sister's computer (aunt doesn't have computer). We labeled photos for albums and put together puzzles to discover whether we have all the pieces and labeled back of puzzle pieces in case they escape out of the box again. I put together a Hot Wheels ramp. Nephew and niece kept staring at me as I tried to figure it out. I finally told them to go do something while I work on the toy instead of just sitting there staring at me. When I am done, I'll tell them. Nephew worked his Transformer Lego set. I wish he would not pick the hardest project in the book that uses the whole box of pieces and hours to put together. You know he will just take it apart when it is finished and want something else. Nephew enjoyed his birthday toys and books. Then it was supper time so had to turn off the movie nephew was watching. Had sloppy joe's and cake with ice cream cake from brother-in-law's birthday a week ago. Then I left since the Olympics are going to be broadcasting the All Around Girls Gymnastics final tonight. Plus gotta get up early for work tomorrow. Aunt had to ask if I had anything planned for my birthday next month. No, I said. Nobody can remember my birthday so usually just out out for lunch with sister's family and Mom, after I remind my sister when my birthday is. I get cards, but no presents. Such as life as an adult.

Amusement park fun

I get ready for our amusement/water park adventure. Arrive at sister's house. Change of plans, they forgot about an appointment so I'm taking the kids alone (brother-in-law was planned to come and then leave for work). Issue, my niece's diabetic insulin shot needs to be done at lunchtime, so how do we do this. After appointment, the parents will arrive at McD's across the street to give shot. Ok. Explain to kids water park first, lunch, then amusement park, and home for dinner/supper. Get to water park. Ask kids who from past experience cry over hot cement if they need aqua socks or can handle walking barefoot. Nephew wants aqua socks. While in shop we get a beach towel for niece who grabbed a bath towel and that will not cover those beach chairs. Get in the pools and find out nephew is too short for the waterslide he insists on riding. On top of that, I grabbed the wrong inner tube for the slide so get scolded by lifeguards (sorry it's my first time here) and have to walk back down. We did get on one slide he was tall enough to ride and it knocked my sunglasses off, and water went up my nose. Have to leave for lunch and kids have to pout. Get to McD's and sister is upset about the beach towel when niece should have grabbed a beach towel, the aqua socks nephew didn't need, and the extra snack I got them when she gave me a snack to give them (which I did and they were still hungry). Plus niece lied about the pretzel I shared with her when they checked her blood sugar. Have lunch. When getting ready to do the amusement park, nephew hollers at me sitting in a bathroom stall realizing my period just started to demand I open the trunk so he can change clothes. I explain he can wait. Walking to the car, he informs me I should keep the trunk open all the time for him and I'm going do what he tells me to do. I give him the standard "Who do you think you are speaking to" scolding. I am the one with the keys, I drive the car, and he speaks to me like that again I will forget the amusement park and drive straight home. Didn't get anymore dispectful talk the rest of the day. Gave niece same warning. Any crying, whining, pouting, or dispectful talk and we go home. And yes, they are still small enough for me to carry them out. No problems at amusement park, we had a great time. Got some fish food and nephew had to forcefully grab nearly knocking the food out of my hand. I explain this is not a popcorn bowl so he can take only a few pieces at a time. Then had to leave. Last ride made the employee mad getting off too soon. Sorry the ride quit moving and we weren't the only ones getting out. Chat with my sister while they shucked corn cobs for supper/dinner. Then home. Then noticed my bright red sunburn while washing my swimsuit and short I bled over. No restroom I went into had any santiary napkin dispensers. Cats are so happy to see me.

Big thanks

Went to the break room and a manager was commending us cashiers for a great job yesterday when the computers went down. We were calm packing up holds and customer service gave an extra percent off for the inconveinence. No customers called to complain, they took the extra pecent off and went home happy. Oh sure there were unhappy people (yeah sure a few complained this episode is an inconveincence to their shopping and do they really think I'm not inconveinenced by all this?). Manager was so thankful we were wonderful. I said, You're Welcome. Had a guy buy 5 items and said he intended to buy 1 thing, but a good coupon in his pocket made him see others things he liked. I told im he now knows how it's like to be a woman. Took Precious outside to meet the neighbors. He got petted, a rare thing.

Fun times

Today the computers in my store were slow, then shut down completely. PA announced this to the customers. Sure customers complained, even to the manager walking by. But manager could do nothing about our system, all stores in the area were down. Corporate office had to reboot the system for all the stores, then someone had to reboot the individual computers, one at a time. Had customers put their things on hold promising all coupons will be honored. And eventaully, they went back to normal. Good thing too, Saturdays are busy.

Week in review

Week started with my Mom's 73rd birthday. I closed the store the night before and then opened the store early in the morning so got about 6 hours sleep. Towards end of shift I told coworkers not to give me deep thought questions. A customer asked where a store across the street was located and I had to think about it. When I got home I was too exhausted to do anything with Mom. Mom got lunch with sister's family and supper with her friends at retirement home. She had a good day. I called her at night to wish her a happy birthday. When I got home the night before, sitting on my couch, cats enjoying the cool night air, and Frodo brings in a squealing animal in his mouth. It tries to escape and Frodo pounces. It hit the window so I open the door wider to remove it. Realize it is a bat. It gets up and flies around the room, then lands on a large ceramic doll. I take doll outside and gently shake it off (my grandma made this doll). It returned to nature. So yes, bats squeal when pounced, like a mouse. Don't worry about Frodo, he had his rabies shot. This week I developed the habit of giving kids grabbing our gift cards a survey printed at the end of receipts to keep their hands off the gift cards. It is effective, I never seen kids so excited at holding a piece of paper. Parents make the kids say thank you for the gift. One evening there was a loud roar shaking the store. I asked if that was thunder or fireworks since I didn't bring an umbrella. Had a friend inform me she hates her job, company disrespects her and doesn't listen to her ideas, works her butt off for nothing, and she is going to get a new job where the company respects its employees. I said Good luck with that. Really, seriously, good luck with that. Employees are disposable and that will not change. Another day rear view mirror falls off, I googled to find a fix, buy repair kit, glue button holding the mirror the window, and realize later placing mirror back on that it is upside down. I was hoping to avoid labor charges, but now have little choice, new glue ain't coming off easily. Oh well, need oil change anyway. I think I covered everything.

Newest adventure

Rear view mirror falls off, I googled to find a fix, buy repair kit, glue button holding the mirror the window, and realize later placing mirror back on that it is upside down. I was hoping to avoid labor charges, but now have little choice, new glue ain't coming off easily. Oh well, need oil change anyway.

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July Everybody. If u don't know what that is, It's the day American Colonies signed the Declaration of Independence. John Hancock signed his name so big so British king George III was sure to read it without his glasses gave the experession "sign your John Hancock" meaning signature.

And I was having such a good day

Having a good day at work (cashier at a retail store), keeping busy so my long day goes by quicker. 9 hours is a long time to stand on my feet, but next week I'm getting a nice paycheck so feet will just have to get use to it. Then a note appears and I'm the first to read it. A customer had emailed the corporate office a complaint that a cashier was rude. So with lots of notes in margins from management on how badly they are horrifed such a person would say these things about "us". Then later another note was added of a list of complaints against us cashiers. My real opinion would get me fired so I have to resort to apply for other jobs in the hope of an interview. At least businesses are expanding instead of closing so I have hope. So I will just state facts here. Fact #1: Management did their math wrong but then people don't like their math (or grammar) corrected. Fact #2: Rude is open to interpretation and often used when customers have a temper tantrum and don't get their way. No cashier enjoys being bullied and sometimes that causes our "nice and friendly" disposition to drop suddenly. And another fact: This rude cashier could have been anybody simply following the rules given to them. Management wants us to follow rules and even thought of reward system to encourage this, and then they get mad when we do follow them because a customer got mad (oh my goodness, how could anyone predict that was going to happen!). Fact #3: Customers who say they will never shop our store again will always and mean "always" show up a week later to shop. Blackmail never works on me but management always cave in, with horror, at the implication and reward the complainer with coupons. A perfect example how corporations only see with the customer point of view only and ignore the point of view of employees. And then they act surprised when people quit on them. (From A Christmas Carol: I would love to give that Mr. Scrooge a piece of my mind and I bet he would choke on it). Fact#4: I make people mad at me every day and I refuse to hang my head in shame over it: Today I made several customers mad because our new system will not allow us to take coupons early as we did before; one person got mad because I was calling to look up a store card for the customer ahead of her and stormed to another register; another got mad because an item was not on clearance and I made it worse because it was too late to remove the item and she didn't want to wait in line at customer service to return item; and finally I made someone mad because I left the counter to straighten when she wanted to check out and yelled at me to come back. I won't go into the list of complaints and only say "They want us to call for help and then get mad when we do" and "I don't being treated like a child and be demanded of me to ask permission to use the bathroom". OK, alright, I got it off my chest. Going to bed.

Taken for granted

I just love being taken for granted. We get a video from the corporate office to describe the changes coming in new computer system. Complete waste of time if you ask me (nobody ever does). So it is installed 2 days late so I, customer service, and jewelry counter are first to explore it. Asking a manager what to do is useless becasue they know less than we do (rarely do they touch the cash registers). All alone with nobody to help me, I figure things out (always taken for granted by corporate that everyone can do things without directions and considered stupid if we fail). I apologize for learning a new system when taking too long with a customer. Takes about 2 hours to get use to it and tell my incoming coworker the basics. I take a break as incoming coworker arrives. She panics at firts customer calling for the manager to help her. At the sight of anything new throws anyone over 50 into a panic. She slowly figures things out with my help. Coworkers and cashier manager compare notes on experiences. That always helps. Today older than 50 coworker looks over my shoulder as I explain the system while ringing up customers. Line of customers builds and she gets on her own register. Goes into a panic at the first step (scan merchandise). Then get additional cashier help from the floor sale clerks. Both need help so I leave my customer 4 times in order to help them. I apologize and give her a coupon for her patience (sometimes it pays to be patient). Floor clerk leaves so I leave my next customer twice to help my coworker. Give another coupon for her patience. A manager shows up to help my coworker so I rush through my customers so the line doesn't build up again. Manager leaves to give someone a break so have to continue helping my coworker, but less frequently and my answers become verbal commands what button to push so don't need to leave my customers. After couple hours, she is gettign the hang of it, but full of questions. I never such surprise or complaints about how fast I rang up customers. I'm much faster than their brain could follow and astonished the transaction was done and I was just waiting for their signature.

We have a girl

Tonight changed the baby fish tank water and set the baby fish next to adult tanks. Baby Beta fish Dovey changed color and set off vertical horny female stripes viewing the male Beta fish. Male fish strutted for her turning bright red. So renamed the adolescent girl Thalia.

Day at the pool

Took niece and nephew to the pool at my apartment complex. Went over to pick up kids and nephew has appointment so went there first w/brother-in-law. Walked niece over to the river bridge and looked at the ducks swimming in built up garbage on edge of the dam. Then brother-in-law left for work and kids went with me to my apartment. It was snacktime. Ate some freezer pops and juice. Sprayed on the suntan lotion. Nephew didn't want to swim, but once we got there he did. I brought life jackets in case they wanted to swim on the deep end. They freaked a little when couldn't touch the bottom. I couldn't touch it either, but I could swim so I didn't need a life jacket. I swam with the kids across the pool to calm them down. Auntie would never let them drown. Sister was suppose to join us for swimming after her errands, but took so long she just picked them up. We all went out to eat at a pizza place. Nephew told the clerk he liked another pizza place better to my sister's embarassment. He seems obsesed over this place and always wants to go there. I think it is the soft serve ice cream they have. When returned home (w/out kids), cats were ready to play. I had to clean a fish tank. When done, went to bed. Cats had to wake me up early this morning.

Daily routine

We are making progress on the cat harness. Precious put his face in the loop and promptly took it out before I slid it down his neck. Stinker. Got to be called a mean lady by a customer the other day. Her daughter grabbed gift cards to play with and I ever so nicely asked for them back now please (since they were leaving). Oh no, her daughter is going to play with them if that's alright with me. I want the cards back (hey nice didn't work). Lady gives me the cards and as they leave she tells her daughter I was a mean lady. Well, that little girl will become a shoplifter in the future since her mother teaches her that stealing okay. And customer called the store to complain I was rude for not letting her daughter keep the gift cards. I know we aren't suppose to make customers angry, but sometimes we have to. I guess a new person has been complaining how the store is not just like the store person came from. Cashiers should always be busy and never stand around waiting for customers to come (customers don't know we are available to check them out when not standing at the cash registers and floor people tell us don't bother straightening cause it will get messy again). In addition we are no longer allowed to lean on the counters between customers. I asked how are we stand for an hour without moving. The announcement person had no idea how this person thought we should be standing. Besides that, this person is not in charge of the cashiers so what difference does it make to this person. Had a customer watch me as I was helping a customer as she was leaving (I'm sensitive to people watching me cause it means shoplifter). At the door, she stared at me as if she was waiting for me to do something. I said my usual, Have a good day (customer I was helping was leaving). She relaxed and smiled saying Thank you and calmly walked out the door. I wondered if she was a shoplifter, but have to let it go since I didn't see her take anything. I opened my too friendly mouth to a customer with a sunburn. I said, "Somebody had fun in the sun". No, she said, she had chemo and that makes her skin red. I quickly apologized. She didn't seem offended, but can't always tell. People are often nice to your face and then complain to the manager.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there. Got to be called a mean lady by a customer today. Her daughter grabbed gift cards to play with and I ever so nicely asked for them back now please (since they were leaving). Oh no, her daughter is going to play with if that's alright with me. I want the cards back (hey nice didn't work). Lady gives me cards and as they leave she tells her daughter I was a mean lady. Well, that little girl will become a shoplifter in the future since her mother teaches her that stealing okay. And customer called the store to complain I was rude for not letting her daughter keep the gift cards. I know we aren't suppose to make customers angry, but sometimes we have to. I guess a new person has been complaining how the store is not just like the store person came from. Cashiers should always be busy and never stand around waiting for customers to come (customers don't know we are available to check them out when not standing at the cash registers and floor people tell us don't bother straightening cause it will get messy again). In addition we are no longer allowed to lean on the counters between customers. I asked how are we stand for an hour without moving. The announcement person had no idea how this person thought we should be standing. I opened my too friendly mouth to a customer with a sunburn. I said, "Somebody had fun in the sun". No, she said, she had chemo and that makes her skin red. I quickly apologized. She didn't seem offended, but can't always tell. Had a customer watch me as I was helping a customer as she was leaving (I'm sensitive to people watching me cause it means shoplifter). At the door, she stared at me as if she was waiting for me to do something. I said my usual, Have a good day (customer I was helping was leaving). She relaxed and smiled saying Thank you and calmly walked out the door. I wondered if she was a shoplifter, but have to let it go since I didn't see her take anything. And finally, I wore my new dog tags with my Dad's info on them. After work I stopped by a florist to pick up a long stem red rose and black ribbon. Florist was confused when I said I was copying Phantom of the Opera. Guess florist doesn't watch many musicals. Ribbon got torn when florist stapled the paper around the rose closed. I took the rose out of the paper and placed it on my Dad's grave. My Mom's and sister's plastic flowers were still there, but my real ones with patriotic decoration were gone. I kissed the stone and left. I know it will seem crazy to my family to drive 30 minutes to spend 2 seconds at a grave when it is not Memorial Day. So I keep that myself and few people who read this blog. Then on my way home I stop to get a bite to eat and as I'm leaving, I run into a familiar face. Person didn't say anything so maybe it wasn't who I thought it was. Last thing I need right now is discussing this person's celebrating father's day with husband and kids while I am visiting my father's grave cause I have neither. God must have a sense of humor I don't appreciate.

Survived the weekend

Finally a day off tomorrow. I'm exhausted. I know you think a cashier standing still for 8 hours is easy, but if it was then everybody would be doing it. I walk around straightening, greet people walking in the door, saying "Have a nice day" to people leaving, tell people with returns where service desk is, and hope the person to aid in carrying heavy objects to customer's cars shows up cause I don't like lifting heavy objects with my bad back and knees. And of course, check out people, argue with prices cause people can't read signs, try to sell our store credit card, and today stopped a couple from leaving with unpaid merchandise. Lady got defensive that they were not thieves and I never said they were, I just noticed pillows deep in the basket (when moved away from the counter) that I did not scan before that's all. Another lady got her coupons and credit card read and asked what else I needed, "Merchandise would be good" I told her. Got to be on my toes cause customers are certainly not. This weekend they had a bunch torture devices, I mean coupons. It makes it very hard to sell our store credit card when customers have a fist full of coupons making their purchase next to nothing. Who would sign up for a credit card when they can get the same store card discounts mailed to their house, in the newspaper, off the internet, or from a friend/relative with a store card willing to their coupons? Not very many. We try to entice and ensnare, but most people already have one or get oodles of coupons in the newspaper. Make people pay for their purchases and our store credit card discounts will looking intoxicating. Not that I make much money from those store cards, it just looks good when bosslady decides on raises and hours (best sellers get more hours). I just hope I can find a new job soon. I see little future here at this company. I recently found out I'm working the past 2 years below the starting wage. Nice, right?

Dance recital

Made it to dance recital just before it began. No dinner for me since the line was to long at McD's They did ballet Giselle and then all the tap, lyrical, modern, etc. Aunt was confused by the ballet story, "It was just a bunch of dancing to me", she said. Yeah, that is what ballet is: a bunch of dancing. I told her to familiarize herself with ballets beyond The Nutcracker.

Zoo was closed

Feeding the cats this morning, I get a call to babysit the niece and nephew. So drive them to the zoo to find the gate closed. So go the mall that has a bowling alley. Niece got 59, Nephew 65, and I 103, w/bumpers. Very last bowl for me was a strike, they were so proud of me. Walked to Food Court for our snack and played in play area. When they announced to leave so they could clean the play area, we went home. They played w/toys until my sister came home. Nephew took apart his Lego jet and wanted me to put back together following the instructions. I wanted a nap so said no.

New order

I ordered some dog tags todqay with my Dad's name on them. He told me once he had dog tags (he was in the Air National Guard during Vietnam Era, but never served in combat), but he never showed them to me and after he died we couldn't find them cleaning out the house. So I looked the proper format of militry tags and ordered them. I plan to wear them during special events, under my shirt of course.

Good deed

Did my good deed of the day. Mother told me to hide a toy from her son. Son comes and I asked if he was having a good day. Mother said it was his birthday today. Oh, it IS a good day. So sang Happy Birthday song to him. He wouldn't tell me his name so I sang "dear little boy". Mother laughed. And Wow, I have an amazing coworker. It was the end of her shift and she was so concerned about leaving me alone that she waited 15 mins for the next coworker to arrive. Turns out next person wasn't coming in today so she made sure everything was in order before she left. Geez people, this ain't first time I worked by myself. Even better, they let me go home 15 mins early.

Adventures getting quarters

Had an adventure getting quarters for laundry. Bank inside a grocery store gives me quarters. I get a few things I realize later I already bought a couple days before and forgot to cross off my list. But there are new things on the list. Go out to car, put groceries in car, drive home. At home, I can't find my purse. Not on floor nor trunk. Go back to grocery store. I hear clerk say, "Here she comes". I think they are talking about a clerk behind me. I ask if anyone found a purse. Yes. Oh thank God, I say, I was so scared someone stole it. Check purse to make sure all money and credit cards are there. Nothing misssing (Only in honest Iowa, right?). Go home, again. 3 car wreck by a stop light backing up the traffic. One car had front tires shredded. People from cars were on street talking so assume no one hurt. Then made it home. Still raining, but much less. Maybe I will have to put a coat over my laundry basket.

No sleep

Dripping ceiling last night and had hard time sleeping. In the morning, dumped the water and had to plunger the sink drain to get dirt and hair out of the pipe. Then I exercised. Yes, I exercied since my sore ankle needs stronger leg muscles to stay well. Did step aerobics and stretching. My heart started pounding so hard I had to stop and rest. Then continued my exercise until I was too tired to do any more. Next Precious had to nap with me with Frodo staring at us. Cats get jealous of each other and need their turn. Will do laundry when it stops raining. Have to go outside for laundry.

New tank and new fish

Had to get new tank for baby fish Dovey who kept attacking baby fish Snooki. While in the store, glanced at female Beta fish. Book said females do best in 3's. If have 2 then 1 fish dominates the other, and we can't have that. Named new female Demeter. Female Beta fish Athena approaches Demeter while Demeter remains still. Female Beta fish Aphrodite keeps swimming away when Demeter approaches her. Dovey got moved into a new tank. Snooki keeps looking for Dovey in tank next door. Dovey keeps hiding under the filter. Then the next day, Dovey's fins start to split into threads like Male Beta fish Posiedon's fins are. Maybe we have a boy. Must decide on new names. My fish have Greek Mythology gods and goddesses names. Perhaps: Zeus, Hermes, Hades, or Ares. The actor who played Ares in Xena: Warrior Princess was so HOT that I might pick Ares for Dovey's new name. I looked the actor up after the show ended to see if he had done anything since and found out he died falling off a wood scaffold/tower he climbed to watch a sunset. I was crushed. We shall see.

Memorial Day

Can't really say Happy Memorial Day since it is day of remembering the dead. Beginnging as Decoration Day honoring the dead Union Soldiers after the Civil War, in the 20th Century turning into a remembrance day of all the dead, vets and civilians. Though later in the 20th Century, it became a 3 day weekend full of frolic with barbeques and swimming at the beach. Some of us still leave flowers at gravestones of those we love. Today I took my Mom and sister to the cemeteries where my Dad, Grandparents, Great-grandparents, and Great-Great Grandparents are buried. The mysterious Peony Can Lady had not visited. We find someone (we assume an old lady) leaves peonies in coffee cans of water at the tombstones of my Great-grandparents and Grandparents on my mother's side every year. We don't know who does this so we call the person Peony Can Lady. Perhaps she will visit tomorrow. The cemeteries were full of flags and Mom thought too many (of course she dislikes anything in abundance). Yes, well, I explain, They are usually representing a soldier. Veterans from long forgotten wars die mixed in the recently war dead, that makes a lot of flags. Then brought Mom and sis to my Mom's place to chat. Women must always chat. Mom was embarassed to write a check for me in front of my sister. I asked my sister if it bothered her. She said she didn't care. I think the whole family knows my Mom supports. Pray I find a better job and maybe I'll stop borrowing. I'm trying the best I can. Mom dropped a big bombshell. A cousin of hers may or may not have cancer. Said cousin won't tell anyone, but Mom's sister (a nurse) helped her out after her surgeries and suspected it. I saw said cousin at my store in a wheelchair and she refused to explain why she was in it. Oh well, nothing we can do about it. Next went grocery shopping after depositing Mom's check. And finally, home where my cats and fish were so happy to see me. Now watching The Borgias. I don't know why I'm addicted to this show when have no religious inclinations. Must be the history part of it. I love history.

RIP Lovey

Lovey died last night and found this morning. I had it for 12 days. He was fine yesterday and the day before when I cleaned the female tank I set all the fish together and arranged an introduction for Dovey getting very close to adult size. Dovey is 1/4 inch shorter than the other females so we will wait to put her in the female tank. I started to wonder if all the babies were female and searched the internet how to tell juvenile fish apart. Lovey ate plenty when put back into home tank. I sensed nothing bad would happen. Sang Amazing Grace and let Frodo sniff the fish. Baby fish Lovey is buried in Pooky's pot with Sweet Peas and Forget Me Not's. Lovey will be missed.

Don't worry, be happy

As the song goes "Don't worry, be happy". Yeah, I'm happy my shift ended. All day, every single customer had to complain their original priced item was on sale. No correct price recited nor how much it should be off, they just know it was sale. Ok, call the section item is in and the clerk informs me item is not on sale. Now customers no longer want the item so I have a large pile of rejects. And the Most Annoying Customer Award goes to: The Immigrant Jerk who pretended not to speak English (Yeah, he knew what he was doing and what I saying) and refused to leave until he got his way. I wanted to push this a**wipe out the door. First he complains everything is wrongly priced when I scan them. First clue of a scam artist. Then I call back to item's department and the scanned price is correct. He argues further it is on sale. I repeat, "The clerk said the price is correct and I am not changing it". He goes back to the department and has a store clerk come up to the registers and force me to give me his desired price. Clerk tells me somewhere in the department there is a sign (not connected to the item he is buying) that says $12.99. Ok, fine, $12.99. Oh, wait, now he says its $9.99 and he wants it Buy One Get One Half Off from the new sale price. BOGO's are only done on original price, never from a sale price. But there is line building up behind him from all his arguing and this a**wipe is not leaving until he gets his way so break all the rules to get rid of him. Next he has a coupon too. Give him his receipt with a smile and help next person. I gave the lady behind him 10% off for her patience. And finally, help arrives to get rid of my long line. I bet you are happy not to work my job.

Today's adventures

This morning I fed the fish and 2 fish wanted to sleep. I tapped the tank to wake them up and they noticed the food floating on top. I got worried the other fish would eat all the food and sleeping fish get none. Went to work. My store caught a shoplifter. Person bought something from my coworker while I was on my break and then security ran out the door. A customer even mentioned "If they needed help, just ask for it". The person caught was middle aged so I think this poor soul does this for a living and sell their stash on Ebay. No sympathy is this heart for a professional thief. The person held their head down in shame so could see their face, but their hair seemed familiar. I wondered if this was a person who shoplifted from a store I used to work for 10 years ago. Guess I'll never know now. Then later on, a former boss of mine shopped at my store and came to my register with his wife. Always glad to see people I know. Next came home and fed fish again. All fish were happy to eat. Now have to clean a tank. My baby fish are getting so big, I'm guessing two are juvenile while one is still a child. They are nearly as big the adult female fish. Maybe a month or two they will be adult. Reading up on the difference between male and female to distinguish them. Still observing their behavior to be sure. Well, cats need attention. Later.

I'm popular today

Wow, I'm popular today. 2 phone calls, one last night and one this afternoon, to come into work today. I had physical therapy this morning and sprained ankle that is getting much better so it needs rest (not stand still at a cash register for 8 hrs). Searched on internet for an hour for beach chairs for the cats to relax in on the balcony (they like to be off the ground). I find plenty for $40, but that is too much for canvas and metal poles. I find a couple cheap ones, but they want more money for shipping than what I'm paying for the chair. Then one store said chairs could only be bought in their stores. There are no beach chairs in their stores, I checked 2. One clerk said to chck around Memorial Day, they should have them then. I'm sure I'll be working all weekend, which upsets my Mom wanting a ride to the cemeteries. I'm the only one in the family that visits cemeteries. Got a note on my door from apartment manager how people are complaining about the bird feeders people put out on their balconies. It creates a mess people don't like. Oh well. Fish are still alive. Haven't killed any more. Fish lke new tanks with filters. Filters creates a water current at top of the tank. I notice fish purposely swimming in the current like a treadmill exercise. It also circulates the food I drop in so they get exercise chasing the food. Even the smaller baby fish is determined to get its fair share of food, it can be on another side of the tank from larger baby and still food circulating around. Such as life. My exercise for today is combing matted fur out of long haired cat Precious. I keep feeling hard spots. I know by his reluctance to petting when he has matted fur (I feel it and it will be pulled out). I try to be gentle, but sometimesa harder pull is necessary. Been brushing to get excess loose hair off before they get matted. Ah, summer is here.

Today is just another day

Last night I had to return my fish tank so I missed the season finale of NCIS. Tonight I was not missing season finale of Criminal Minds. Got fish into new tanks. They are discovering the water current from the filter. I think they like the more space of their new tanks. And I like the filter. Tomorrow I have off so need to get to store for beach chairs and put together a shelf thing for fish tanks. News of Southwest Airlines coming to Des Moines. I hope that means the Great Recession is over. I need a better job. I'm tired asking mama for money every month. Found lecture notes at work how to do our jobs better. The theme was "We are a business, not a charity". Our "Make Customers Happy" policy has turned into "License to Abuse" by the customers (who could have guessed that was going to happen besides the lowly cashiers). Now we are to follow the rules which conflicts with "Break all rules to make customers happy" policy. Of course, if a customer get upset then do whatever they say. Hello?, of course every customer will throw a fit to get their way, what fantasy world do these people live in? How do these people think "License to Abuse" got started. Anyway, to bed. I need to rest my sore ankle.

Day off drama

Got to do 3 loads of laundry cause ankle too sore to walk down to the laundry room. When that done, had to wait for rush hour to finish so I can leave my apartment complex parking lot. Made it to the pet store to buy a new fish tank or two with filters so don't have to clean the fish tanks so often. But then use much more electric power too. Then go to another store to look for beach chairs so cats can sit on balcony in comfort. No beach chairs, just patio furniture. Looked online at other stores to find more expensive chairs but the ones I want aren't available and shipping was way too much, so get them tomorrow at another store who has them listed. Get home from shopping and the fish tank is missing a piece and I bought the wrong of light bulb for the ceiling fan that I just noticed burned out. So return tank and light bulb. Prepare new fish tank and insert correct size light bulb. Next played with Frodo who needs attention so badly. Then time for bed and have to work early tomorrow. Move fish tomorrow. Set up fish tank stand tomorrow. Get beach chairs tomorrow. Gotta get to bed. What a day off. Didn't do ankle exercises today from all that walking. Good night.

What I learned form my mother

Since it is Mother's Day I thought to share all things I learned from my mother. Oh dear mother how brave and true You always taught me to be dependent on you I learned I'm just like my father, lazy and have too much stuff I learned nothing I do is ever good enough You taught me to play solitaire and pack a car and I am never to travel very far I learned to make your fruit salad and tuna with noodles I learned to hide my ugly doodles I learned I'm too stupid to hold a job I enjoy and will never be loved by any boy I learned Mommy is never happy and rarely smiles I learned not to follow the latest styles I learned to keep on dancing when make a mistake because no one will know if never quake I learned I can't take care of living things flowers die and cats get flea stings Yes, I learned a lot from my mother like the difference between love and smother She makes sure I know how dirty my home is and that I stay away from friends in show biz Have a great Mother's Day Mother, with my sister

Waching Baby Fish

New baby fish Lovey and Dovey investigated their new home. Resident Snooki investigated the newcomers. First it whacked the newcomers with its tail. Then the newcomers whacked back. Next, Snooki was backed into a corner of the aquarium by both newcomers whacking Snooki with their tails. Well buddy, you started it. Now fish have calmed and decided who's boss of the tank. Saw Snooki sniffing or cleaning the newcomers. So far I haven't killed anymore fish.

More fish

I sensed baby fish Snooki was lonely w/out Pooky so I ran out and I got 2 new baby fish called Lovey and Dovey (until the grow up and know their gender). I also cleaned my first fish tank, Snooki's. All ready for the new fish.

RIP Pooky

We lost Pooky today. Survived 2 days in the aquarium. Thought it strange when I got it that it didn't eat like the others and then just floated instead of swimming around. Once in aquarium it started eating and chased the other baby fish Snooki. They both hid in the plastic leaf plant. So I thought Pooky was feeling better. Nope. Sang Amazing Grace and buried Pooky in the forget me not and catnip flower pot. Couldn't bear tossing in garbage or flushing down the toliet. Baby fish will be missed.

I'm bad, bad, bad

Went to the doctor for my twisted ankle (I promised my coworkers) and had xrays. Good news, no fractures. Better news, she wants physical therapy to strengthen my ankle. Ligaments in the front got torn. Since doctor wanted exercise, I went shopping. I was bad. Getting treats and catnip for the cats I glanced at the fish (I wanted fish for a long time). I decided to get some Beta fish since they say it is a low maintainence. Got a male, 2 female, and 2 babies. Frodo the cat was most interested in the new roommates. I placed a chair by the tank so he can watch them. Precious ignores them. Ankle geeting better, though still hurts. Doc recommended what I have been doing, elevation, Advil, and keept it wrapped. Fish survived the night so everything is good. Now have to keep fish a secret from mama for as long as possible. She would throw a fit of me spending money on unnecessary things. I borrow money to survive so I can see her point of view. I lack humans in my life so I make up for it with animals. The adventures of being me.

Woe is me

Week and half ago, my foot found a hole in the grass just outside my job and my body went down, thus twisting my ankle. Ankle swelled, but feels better at home and then hurts worse standing 4-6 hours at work. I was a trooper trying to hide my pain cause I need to work since I don't get paid if I do not work. I always need money so I worked. Then last night, I was straighening some shopping carts and put too pressure on my sore spot and made ankle worse. It was weird feeling the rush of fuid swelling my ankle the size of a toad, almost a cool sensation. Then the pain the hit, then the numbness hit making me barely feel my foot. I used a cart to help walk to the breakroom and later time clock. Iced it when got home. This morning it was not much better and painful to feed the cats. Scooping the poop out of the litterbox was agony. Now, have to rest. I hate resting. I want to work and ask for less money from Mom at the end of the month. Why me?

Letter to my 25 year old self

Just finished my Oprah Magazine. Thought I should before the next one arrives. Why does my sister need to buy new subscriptions for this magazine since I lost my job and had to let all magazines I read expire? I know why, she obsesses over 1 thing I like ignoring all other interests (just like Mom does). This month is writing letters to your 25 year old self. Not very insightful or thought provoking, but interesting. So I shall write a note to my 25 year old self based on things I know now. Flashback: Age 25 was 2000-2001. 9/11 had not occured nor war on terror. Stocks sucked as internet businesses that flourished were being bought out or disbanding. I was living with my sister and her cat in an apartment, being her Cinderella. I was working full time at a shoe store with a coworker I nicknamed The Wicked Witch of the West, my sister called her lazy girl. My Christmas decorations and summer sandals were stolen and everyone laughed assuming I was joking. I wasn't. My best friend was my sister's cat I would take outside for walks. My Grandpa died leaving my Alzheimer's stricken Grandma for my Dad and Aunts to care for. I just bought my first cell phone at the mall where I worked. My sister and I separated on bad terms (she kept packing my stuff as her own). I moved into a former hotel studio apartment without an oven horrifying my Mom. I started collecting Barbie dolls. My sisters dreamed of England and insisted I come to so tried to save for that. I finally got a new job at an airport car rental that was part time stating I was saving for England, but really got tired of dealing with the Wicked Witch. And went on a vacation to Tennessee to visit my great-aunt with my Mom before turning 26. Based on what I know now I would tell this person: Get ready to be disappointed. Follow your instincts instead of other people's dreams. Guess I haven't learned much I didn't already know since then.

Week in review

Sorry haven't been blogging much. Don' have much to blog about. Week in review: Frodo took a turn vomiting on the carpet (usually it's Precious vomiting). Now worries, Precious took his turn on my bed blanket. Baked premade dough chocolate chip cookies that all burned (very hot oven that has uneven heat distribution), so tried a do over with new dough and they burned again. I should just buy cookies from the box. Planted flowers, catnip, and cat grass to have squirrels destroy the pots leading me to replant the grass sprouts in tougher pots. Forget me not and catnip seeds too small to see in dirt so hope they bloom. I'm certain they ate my sweet pea seeds. I just wanted my seeds to get some rain. Moved the salad bar inside and run a lamp when they get in the shade (window faces east). One night Frodo was so funny. He jumps off my lap, licks his tail, and jumps back onto my lap again. Then have to boot him off for bedtime. Love watching Precious snore and dream. Twitch it baby, catch that bird chasing you. Has anyone brought their lunch to work and then decide not to eat it? Maybe just me. I went to McD's. When I came back with hands full, 2 customers tried to stop for help. Off the clock and pressed for time, I ignored them and walked on. No hablo ingles. Got flea med on the cats. Frodo was feisty and med hit the floor so had to open another. I get the job done. Just about every hear the neightbors arguing and yelling (I think they are playing a game??)in the middle of the night. Naturally there is slamming doors and the fight continues out in the parking lot so the whole neighborhood can hear them. A coworker's mom died so I took most of her hours. Couple days I was asked to stay longer from all the customers. Whoever did this schedule didn't realize Drake Relays (big track event bringing Olympian Lolo Jones) were this week and bring in lots of customer traffic, from other states too. Today, as I was leaving to hunt down some lunch (I wasn't expecting to stay longer so didn't bring it), my manager gets upset I was going home when I told her I would stay longer. Lunch break, I said. She calmed down. Saw her later with my McD's bag and told her, "I'm still here". Well, outta things to say.

2day's events

2day on my last day off, Frodo took his turn vomiting (usually it's Precious vomiting), cooked chocolate chip cookies that all burned (very hot oven and uneven heat distribution), and finally repotted grocery store plants along w/planting Sweet Pea seeds. Now watching Alice in Wonderland. How's ur day?

Easter dinner

Had a wonderful Easter dinner on Sunday. The guests arrived early when I was getting ready to set the table. My sister usually comes 30 mins late so I consider arriving on time as "early". So kid guests help set the tables and female adult guests help me finish the fruit salad. Announce the ham is done and brother-in-law got the honors of cutting it. Food ready, we say our prayer and dig in.  Kids love the bunny cake even though it moved during transportation from grocery store and fell apart. It tastes the same. I forbade any egg hunt until food put away and dishes in washer. When everything done, I went out to hide the plastic eggs. Sister's in-laws had gifts so they hid those. Kids sat on the couch so they couldn't look out the window under guard of the grandmas. I came inside and said they could go out. I announced a prize for whoever found the most, the first pick of boxed candy. Nephew cried he wouldn't get any candy and my sister explained that I said "First pick to the winner" (both niece and nephew get candy boxes).

Niece won by 3 eggs and picked her candy box first. Kids emptied the plastic eggs and loved how I filled up the eggs w/jelly beans and chocolates and gummy bunnies instead of just one piece of candy in it. They ask "Now what do we do". We watched It's the Easter Beagle Charlie Brown on VHS. Niece loves this show. I like the sign "246 days until Xmas" when Charlie Brown and friends go into the retail store. When that was over we watched a new cartoon movie nephew saw in the theater. He has been chewing on the cover since lunch and sister had to put it up high. Gave a tour of family heirlooms to sister's mother-in-law. Some things my Mom made while others made my 2 grandmas, grandpa, and great grandma. Movie done, sister's in-laws left. Then sister's family and my Mom got ready to leave. Partioned the food and said our good-byes. Good Easter dinner. 

Good deed of the day

Yesterday at my check out lane (I'm a cashier), a grandma and granddaughter about 10ish come up. I give my usual riff "All this for you" to the kid (meaning "Nothing for the person paying for this). Grandma informs me it is the girl's birthday today. So I end up singing the Birthday Song to her. (BTW, I don't sing for adults, just kids). When I come to the name in the song, they both tell me her name. My good deed for the day.

Cat Frodo is so cute today. He drags down the hall a feather barrette I am certain was on my dresser to encourage me to play with him. I put the barrette back on the dresser and grab better toy.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter and Happy Passover everybody. Cats will be hiding from my human guests tomorrow. I'm hosting Easter dinner. I got plastic eggs full of candy for the niece and nephew. I'm ready baby.

Another weird dream

You may think Hunger Games, but never saw it. I think storyline closer to Clue.

Ok, I'm driving a car to somewhere surrounded by trees. I arrive at a party out on a lawn by a cozy ranch house. I enjoy the party and talking to the people there. As a leave towards a gate, I'm instructed I'm not allowed to leave and must murder a party guest to be allowed to leave. I feel this is a lie, but follow along asking what I'm suppose to do. I'm given a letter stating a name Sarah as the person I'm to murder and my chosen weapon to do this is at a particlar place. Also, I'm not to reveal my instructions to anyone. I drive endlessly in this forest and give up in frustration to find the other party guests grabbing weapons hidden around the patio of the house. My weapon is a weird word and ask for help finding it b/c I don't know what it looks like. I just broke the rule keeping everything to myself. A female guest finds my weapon and it is a metal stick with 2 small metal balls chained to it. I cry out, "What am I suppose to do with this?" Male guest says I'm suppose bash my person in the head. I check again for my victim. Sarah, but I like Sarah, and I refuse to kill anyone to drop my weapon. I assume everyone is assigned to kill different people in order to leave and one of them is assigned to kill me. In all this frustration and confusion, I just give up of ever leaving. I announce that I will make it easy for them (as they stare at me in shock) and lie down on my hot red car w/feet on the windshield. I start to hum and meditate waiting for my killer taking a long time to come. Then when I think no one is coming, a female guest jumped on my car like a cougar and stabs me to death in total rage cause I broke the rules. I question in my head if she was allowed to leave or killed by someone. Then I wake up.

I think I watch too many movies.   

Happy April Fool's Day

Today I compiled a list of jokes to write to friends on this blessed day.

A cat running for President.

Cats arrested for smoking grass, eating fish at a pet store aquarium, dognapping, and illegal catnip smuggling. I had to sell my books and DVDs to bail them out of jail.

Cat got neighbor lady kitty pregnant.

Cat ran away to join the circus to dance in the Poodle Follies, but fell out of tree breaking his tail.

Cat reunited with his long lost twin sister and proceded to have cat fight (Precious does have one but don't know who adopted her).

Flea infestation caused us to sleep in the car while apartment is fumagated.

Water pipe burst caused kitties to swim to couch for to get dry.

Cat got a cat treadmill to continue his Battle of the Bulge (he weighs 19.1 lbs.)

Cat learned to speak woof and has lively conversations with neighbor dogs.

Didn't win the lottery

We have a running gag at my old job that goes:
Coworker 1: See ya tomorrow.
Coworker 2: Not if I win the lottery, in that case you never me again.

Needless to say I didn't win the Megamillions, I never play. But if I won any lottery jackpot, My dream would be to pay off my debt to Mom, buy a new car (mine is crap), buy a house w/fenced yard and adopt more pets (live in apartment), plant a butterfly garden, buy patio furniture and new dining room table with glass top (gotta have people over in my new house), and finally if anything leftover start an animal charity/sanctuary/aquarium (something w/animals). I can dream can't I.

Spring Cleaning

Finished my full service cleaning of the apartment in 3 days. Traumatized the cats w/vacuum cleaner. Got a call to come into work, but I didn't answer the phone cause I needed the day off. This weekend people have asked me to work for them, but I'm already working. They hired some new people so hopefully that won't mean my hours getting cut. People keep suggesting jobs, but I applied to their suggestions with no response. Oh, well have to keep asking Mom for money until she dies and then spend my inheritance trying to prevent becoming homeless. Such as life.

Family Fun Night

Took niece and nephew, w/my sister, to Family Fun Night at a local mall. We ate at the Food Court. Nephew enjoyed the blow up rides while niece waited in line to get her face painted. Nephew got a sticker and tattoo. They had a craft table to make a bunny and table to color a bunny picture w/crayons. Niece waited about an hour and when face was painted, they were closing the activities down. She was very sad cause we were going home now and she was to get a bath. It was their bedtime. I grabbed a discarded bunny for her and we found balloons so grabbed those too. Niece was happy again. We took pictures of her face.

Mortal Enemies

Had a day off. Slept late, fed cats when they started meowing by the food bowl, dropped off charity donation of clothes and shoes, went to the bank for quarters to do 1 load of laundry, forgot to turn off stove burners (twice), took a nap, played with cats, lost gum down a couch (yuck), and in this relaxed state of mind came up with title of new chapter of my fairytale "Mortal Enemies". Hopefully not a movie title yet. And yes, Mortal Combat inspired the title. Now, have to write the chapter. I think I'll have a ship be attacked by the feared pirate The Firefox to have the attacked captain reply, That's impossible cause I'm the Firefox.  Battle should take up about a paragraph.

Weird dream

Man I had the weirdest dream last night. It was about a rock star I've seen at concert once, but he doesn't know I exist. Go figure how this came about in middle of the night. Now the dream.

I win a contest to meet said rock star at a music store, a meet and greet type of thing. So I wait in the music store with some 20 others all buzz with excitement. He comes in door in bleached blond hair when his natural color is dark brown and shakes everybody's hand. At my hand he seems nervous even though he has a bright big smile. I call him Mr (last name) instead of using his first name like evryone else. He chats with us groupies full of questions. He excuses himself to prepare singing us a few songs. Naturally I'm shy so I get my question when he goes behind this 80's wig display to change clothes. I run into the female bodyguard from Playboy or Penthouse and ask permissson for 1 question, I'm allowed to ask it. I inquire from the shadow behind the wigs what the deal is with the blond hair, it's not HIM. He explained it is his two personas as he puts on a dark wig. Funny, I reply, I only see one persona and then hear soft guitar notes. Then blurt out, What are you hiding from? Hiding?, he responds confused, I'm not hiding from anything. I ask more thinking out loud that to him, You're not hiding from me, are you? Hiding from you?, Why would I hide from you?, he asks. It's just weird I feel we were friends once before, but that's impossible right?, I think out loud. No answer. I turn my head and he is by the cash register ready to play and starts to sing unfamiliar tunes. I stand in the back behind the groupies squealing with excitement. He glances at me for a few words and he seems so sad, like broken hearted but tries not to show it. I ignore the feeling and enjoy the sound of his voice and his guitar. Then I wake up to a cat pawing my face in a dark bedroom.

I am the master of weird dreams is all I can say.      

Great, another war

Iran trying to make nuclear weapons (can you blame them?) and Israel threatening war with Iran if they do not stop. Ok, David and Goliath rerun playng out. So how does the US fit into this picture. US supports Israel no matter what they do to their neighbors and neighbors being attacked are always the bad guy, right? Terrorists, jihadists, people trying to walk down the street w/out getting shot or bombed, and leaders clinging to whatever they can hold on to make up much of the Middle East. I see no easy solution and fighting there will continue there because few really want peace, they want surrender. Ok I borrowed that last bit from The Devil's Own (Traumatized young boys become angry young men and then they become a problem).

From a distant land and a person who does not live in a war zone, I can only say this.
We can have war or we can have peace. We can't have both at the same time.

And I can quote this from the American Civil War.
I have shot many cannons at West Point and used to the way they sound. But it is another sound when the cannonball is coming towards you.
George Armstrong Custer

Movie date

Got a discount coupon from my store so took niece and nephew shopping. Niece had to tell me how her mommy does things. I placed her shorts agaist her backside instead of the front to see if they would fit. I explained her butt is bigger than her front so I check from the back. Kids saw bathing suits so we got bathing suits. Sister said they already have suits so I'll take those back. Got niece ready for Easter with hat, gloves, and purse. She already has shoes and dresses. I know I spoil them, it's my job as aunt. I have no kids of my own, just cats.

Then when done shopping, we checked out with one of my coworkers. So nice for her to put a face to the relatives I talk about so much. I have to show them off you know. Nephew said my coworker spoke weird and I scolded him in that was rude to say. Left for the movie theater to see The Lorax. Kids laughed through the whole thing. Had my hands full carrying the tray of goodies and niece was holding my Sprite, when I asked if anyone would like to hold the door open for me. Nephew volunteered to open the door. I asked if we should tell his mommy what a good boy he was today. He wasn't sure about that. He is slowly learning being good pays better than being bad. He usually likes being bad.

Went back to their house and gave their mommy the report on their behavior. Niece had to cry that mommy said her clothes were too big and I insisted I will take them back to exchange. Kids enjoyed their Easter gifts. Chocolate Bunny, bubble tape, cartoon socks, and books. Cheap dollar stuff, didn't go overboard I'm often tempted to do. Well, cats need attention.   

Life Being Me

We got nice weather to follow our spring-like winter. Have to get the skateboard out soon.

These past few weeks we have been slammed w/customers from basketball and wrestling tournaments. And w/Easter around the corner it is not slowing down. Customers will just have be mad standing in line when we are short-handed from coworkers calling in sick or simply on their lunch break. Even better story for today, a lady argued that her friend told her it is the 16th today so her coupon was good. My computer and calendar says it is the 15th. Glad to be home.

Recently, found a note about the dress code at my store. Sneakers not allowed. Does this mean I get to inform the managers wearing white sneakers with black dress pants they are not following the dress code? My colored jeans (pants w/rivets) are not allowed, except on denim days. I almost dislike denim days cause then what will I wear on my days off. I get a lot of days off being part-time. Trying to find another job and interviewed to be a manager of cashiers, but no luck so far.

Today driving home I witnessed a teen girl rollerblading down a 4 lane rush hour busy street w/ear buds and freaked a little? At least cars were going around her (her back was to the coming traffic), but still wish she would skate on the sidewalk 3 feet away from her. But I'm not her mother.

Got some special seedling soil and cardboard planters so will try to grow something again this summer.

Had the balcony door open from the lovely weather outside. And the cats spent most of the time indoors in the living room. Though caught Precious sniffing the air from cat tower next to the door. Can't blame dog barking on my cats.

Still working on my novel, it's like running a marathon.

Well, outta adventures to talk about. Later.

 

In the news of my day

‎2day at work a customer said how wonderful it was to get into my line every time she comes here. I replied, Tell my boss that cause a compliment doesn't count until you tell the boss.

People always think u r an angel until u make them mad, then u r the devil, so I don't take compliments nor insults very personally.

Get home and watered the grass plants today (can't get the catnip to grow more than an inch and then killed by 2 days of frost). Precious enjoyed licking the wet grass.

 

Funny customer

Gave customer her receipt and wish her a good day. She spies a bright colored shirt on the way out and then heads for the door. She walks/crashes into the push/pull door. She stands there stunned for a moment (oh these doors didn't open). Instead of pushing the door open, she walks around the security towers (plastic things by the doors), and goes through the automatic doors. I guess someone didn't know how to oepn a door.

Work was fun

Work was fun today. Coworker complained how slow it was, where were all the customers? Then we get a mad rush. After reaching a slow patch I told my coworkers, No complaining how slow it is and just enjoy the slow moment.

Earlier today I tried to pet the cats good-bye and they ran away from me, then chased each other as I was chasing them. They hate saying good-bye. Now home and they are happy cats.

Hot, hot, hot

Man they need to turn down the heat at work, I felt like I was in an oven (and coworker next to me was in a sweater). I'm too young for hot flashes. A few customers had moist hair. Last hour, got to switch to other side of store registers. There felt like cool fridge (much better). Talk about uneven heat distrubution.

Amazing

A friend living on public assistance insisted I sign for benefits too. I try to explain that unlike her, I don't have kids and short on resources, welfare is not going to lift a finger to help me. I can eat out of dumpsters and live in my car for all they care. When I lost my job 2 years ago, I became familiar to "I make too much money to qualify" reply to any assistance request. Relentless friend pressures on and I cave in to apply. Public insurance shot me down after forcing me to fill out a bunch of paperwork because I already have insurance (Then why did they have me fill out 5 pages after I told them I have insurance through my job). Now I hear from food stamps that I have been denied benefits because I didn't show up for the interview. They never informed me by letter nor phone call nor email of any interview day and time. When I filled out the form, I was told I would hear from them soon about the interview day and time and who my caseworker would be, then gave a list of what I needed to bring to their office address. Weirdoes. This is why I don't like asking for public charity, it's a pain in the ass I don't need.

Nice day

Such a beautiful day at 65 degrees. Little windy though. Did a load of laundry. Then shredded some papers. I don't need receipts from xmas shopping anymore, right? Going through cards and papers, I discover I forgot to renew pet licenses for Precious and Frodo. Whoops. Then I found a voters card for my old address, but not my current. Thought I changed that when I moved, but apparently not. Haven't voted for a while. Went to chiropractor for a check up. Spine refuses to stay put. Now relaxing w/cats.

RIP Davy Jones

When I was a kid, a channel played on weekdays Bewitched, Gidget, I Dream of Jeanie, and The Monkees. My favorite song from The Monkees was Daydream Believer and as a teenager I bought a cassette tape of their music. I enjoyed any reunion spot on TV. Last I saw Mr. Jones was last Fall on the Dr Phil show with his wife Jessica. He will be missed.

Tale of the day

Customer today had a restriction on her store credit card making me call the 800 number to authorize her purchase. Her husband had died and they thought he was removed from the account when company issued her a new card and she recently activated it. Apparently not. Well, she wanted to make separate purchases so had to call in the authorization again. This operator informed me that not only the husband was listed dead, but the wife was dead too. So company sent and activated a new card for a dead woman? Ok, operator fixes the issue and removed the restriction. Hopefully this lady won't be having more problems with her card.

Interesting tidbit

In  Redfield, IA a man's gun backfired when he shot at a racoon sitting inside a live trap (poetic justice?). Excuse me, if this guy wants to shoot racoons then what is the live trap for? He can't shoot racoons sitting in trees or runnning along the ground. Man is recovering from his injuries in the local hospital. No word whether the racoon is still in the live trap or was set free by paramedics picking up the guy.

Ain't you glad...

Ain't you glad... you are not me today.

Today's adventures: Rained since I got up this morning that switched to fluffy rain (coworker's words) to rain to snow to rain. Then debit cards had a glitch in the system and had every customer do their card as a credit to make it go through. Next, broke a nail so every sweater I pick up catches on my nail. 2 customers couldn't pay their bill so said they would get their checkbook in thier car and after 3 hours never came back. (I once had a customer say that and came back 6 hours later, but by then we put her items back and I asked my coworkers when she left if this lady parked her car in another city). And I got a customer mad at me temperarily. She demanded the senior discount we had yesterday and demanded I call the store manager to give me the ok for that. I scanned her items and she yelled at me for not calling the store manager. I explained I don't need to call for a trivial amount off, I will just give it to her. If she wanted 90% off, then I will call the manager. And the kicker, someone call in sick so I was offered additional 4 hours, making the total 10 hours. After work, had to buy a few things with coupons I have been cutting out. Man my feet hurt.

On a better note, I am wearing my new slashed jeans (as we called it in the 80's) so I am happy. Plus I paid off a credit card loan after 3 years stemming from returning to school to learn make-up artistry in the hope of changing careers. Didn't work as planned. But then, does anything go to plan?

PS. Forgot: I might have overstepped boundaries by rearranging a jeans table (I'm cashier so not my concern). New pink jeans were hidden behind two tables so what customer would find them and if they did, how would they know looking for sizes that they are located behind 2 tables?

Babysitting and laundry

Went over to babysit niece and nephew, then neighbor kid shows up. So entertained kid too. Nothing I can't handle. Played outside, played inside, did my lanudry in between, played games, and sent kid home when they kept running around the house. Set up movie while I fixed supper. Shared Precious b-day cake. Then finished movie and sister came home. Home sweet home now. And gotta get early for work tomorrow.

Happy Birthday to Precious

Precious is 6 years old today. About 40 in human years.

The procedure of taking photos w/my camera.
Step 1: Turn all lights on cause apartment is dark in photos.
Step 2: Set the date on camera or pictures are mixed when uploaded onto computer into Undated File.
Step 3: Light candles and sing Happy Birthday to Precious.
Step 4 : Aim camera and snap. Digital window shows my aim was off so aim for another picture.

Step 5: Camera dies. Blow out candles.
Step 6: Go through 5 sets of 2 brand new from the package batteries I bought a few weeks ago.
Step 7: 11th pair of batteries make camera work.
Step 8: Reset date. Explained in Step 1.
Step 9: Relight candles singing Happy Birthday to Precious.
Step 10: Try to get photos of cats who hate flashes.