Music concert

Went over to sister's house to attend music concert at niece and nephew's school. Sister was running late and phoned the house asking to pick up the children. Hop over and nephew thinks we are going to my apartment. No, we have a concert to go to. Return to give niece a bath. I make her place her hand in the water to approve temperature (I dislike the It's too hot and It's too cold complaint). Squeeze in the bubble bath and nephew wants to watch niece take her bath. No. Shut the door since niece can handle undressing and playing in the tub by herself as I inform her that her mommy will come home soon. Nephew has nothing to do. Go play with a toy I instruct. We are not starting any TV shows or movies when we need to get ready for the concert soon.




Sister comes home and nephew tells her that there is no water in the bathtub and niece is not taking her bath. Sister storms in a rage calling my niece and runs into me in the living room. What are you talking about, I ask. I heard her singing and splashing, she is taking her bath. Now sister is mad at nephew for lying to her. Sister prepares dinner and scrubs niece down. She next runs the the hair blower and fixes her hair. Nephew and niece change clothes to eat dinner. Eat quickly b/c it's almost time to go.



Off to the school and nephew is first. Niece is second. Then niece doesn't want to go home, she wants to stay at school. Sorry, snacks and bed are at home. Arrive back home and I take off. Sister tries to guilt trip into visiting and phoning our Mom more often b/c she feels guitly not talking/visiting her very often. Yeah, sure, whatever, to end the conversation. Mom and I get along best when we don't speak to each other so more often will not be happening. If she needs a visit/talk, she knows where to find me. Sister even persuaded to take my laundry to Mom's place instead of her house once a month. Yeah, Mom has not invited me to do laundry at her place and I can pay for my own laundry at my place. Laundry is my excuse to visit my sister, niece, and nephew.




Once I got home I had to rush to put away clothes and get ready for bed since had an early shift the next day.

Poetry month

This month's Oprah's Magazine is about poetry. Most people who manage to read my poems hate them b/c they are so sad. Most poems that are written tend not to be happy: The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe, The Jabberwacky in Alice in the Looking Glass, Nothing Gold Can Stay by Robert Frost.

So here is a sample of my sad poems written in Winter 1997.

Where Is My Angel

My best friend gone for eternity
What will become of me
Who will hold my hand
When I can no longer stand
Where is my angel to hold me tight
How will I get through each night
My cries, no one hears
And nobody sees my tears
Where is my angel mama promised me
I need one now can't you see
Where is my angel for bad and for worse
I'm a shaky boat on an unknown course
Where is my angel before it's too late
How much longer must I wait
A hug good-bye is not enough
Moving on is very tough
Where is my angel to wipe away every tear
My angel is far from here

Working Saturdays

You know it is busy when customers are parking in the far away spots where the employees park. After working 5 hours, I start grabbing nearby items to hold back for myself the last half hour (of course not when customers or manager are around). SO clock out and try on 4 bathing suits (2 suits in 2 sizes). I'm fat and had to go up a size. I'm depressed now.



Go to the check out where my items are hanging and try on a dress. A little big, but store doesn't have smaller sizes. It will do. Get in line and the cashier has an argument with her customer. Wait patiently since all my items are at her register. Then dispute is settled and cashier asks me to stand aside b/c the customer behind me has been waiting a long time. Excuse me?



Oh no, I don't mind waiting some more, I'm in no hurry go home. Wait patiently again. Another cashier steps away from her register to rearrange the shopping carts and then helps a customer. I continue to wait and finally get checked out. Cashier is uneasy checking out a friend. What? We are coworkers who never speak to each other outside working together, How are we friends? She thanks me for being so patient. Yeah sure, I took time after work to try on 4 bathing suits, I'm not eager to go home. Then off to home to love the cats.

New way to rob you

Friend forwarded this story how her friend discovered a hole punched under the handle of her passenger side door. At first she thought her car had been shot at and then called a mechanic friend. Mechanic said he sees alot of these punctures. Thieves use a screwdriver to punch a hole, stick their finger through to unlock your door w/out setting off alarms, and check your GPS to find where "home" is. Then when your car is not there, they assume you are not home and rob you. They even leave a couple credit cards behind as to not alert the target they had been robbed and use the stolen credit cards for days before the victim realizes they are missing.



My friend also said once she noticed a X marked on her dirty rear window and after wiping it off, 4 large men came up to her. She stared right at them with a big smile that said "Come on jerkface" and they backed off. Thieves hate witnesses who can identify them.

Excitement of the day

Day started early to find a front door broken at work. It was quite amusing watching people try to open the locked door while talking on their cells and then watch them leave to enter store at the other entrance doors 20 feet away instead of the open entrance doors right next to the locked door (store has 2 entrances/exits).

Then a fire alarm went off when a coworker tripped a wire. We learned the Fire Department is very prompt.

Now we are nominating people for Employee of the Month and Hero of the Month. I asked if we nominate a manager as our hero, do we get a raise. Dream on.

Went grocery shopping and came home a cat eager for a walk. He lasted 10 minutes. A dog approached w/out any collar nor leash and freaked out Precious who sprinted up a tree. Dog ignored him. I wondered if it was a stray, but after a couple minutes the owner yelled at it from across the street.

Well, nothing else to report. Later.

RIP Elizabeth Taylor

First time I saw Elizabeth Taylor was on TV speaking to Congress about the AIDS epidemic and reporters made such a big deal that she was there that I had to ask my parents, "Who the hell is Elizabeth Taylor?"



So Dad got a VHS tape of Cleopatra for me to explain who this actress is. I loved her ever since. And I bet her and Michael Jackson are reunited in heaven enjoying the music from the angels.

Pet ad

Coworker put up an ad for her dog. (Name): 5 year old Boxer that neds lots of exercise and needs help housetraining. Rehoming fee requested.

I say: In 5 years you haven't housetrained your dog completely yet. Something not right here.

Not buying it

1st, the UN under pressure declares a no fly zone over Libya to protect the rebels about to lose and who are in control over the oil wells in eastern part of the country.



Next, a coalition of countries arrive to enforce said no fly zone and recently bombed tanks, tents, ground troops, anti-aircraft guns, buildings, etc who are shooting at the rebels, with the objective of forcing the leader out.



And now, it is defended that we are not supporting the rebels who have new hope, but to protect civilians.



I don't buy it. Where was this protect civilians attitude during Sudan massacres, during Tunisia and Egpyt overthrowing their governments, and other rebellions has spread over the Middle East. We are fighting for oil and the drive to lower the price of gasoline. If the rebels had not taken control of the oil wells and fighting battles around them, we would not care if their rebellion failed. Remember the Libyan dictator was our ally, until now. Nuff Said.

Laundry day

Washing flannel sheets, blanket, coat, and a large comforter today.

Nice communication

Had a couple customers complain they didn't receive their in-store rebate. Cashiers have no idea what they are talking about. The employees working in the secton of said rebate sign have no idea what they are talking about. Managers don't know what they are talking about. My poor customer had to direct the sales clerk to the sign cause she didn't see one anywhere. Sales Clerk brings sign down to prove there is an advertised rebate we cashiers are suppose to do. Ok, need a manager cause my transaction has been complete. My present manager is busy ringing up customers during our mad rush. She calls for another manager. Sales Clerk speaks to manager before me. Apparently there were suppose to be coupons attached to the sign that the cashiers scan to give this in-store rebate, but the company didn't send the coupons, just the signs. And I said, We were suppose to know that. No note nor verbal command on what to do when a customer complains they didn't get their rebate. Nice communication. Apologized to customer and thanked her for her patience when manager was done giving her refund.

Stereotypical Iowa in Hollywood

Watched a TV show whose detectives went to Iowa for an episode. Yeah, sterotypical Iowa to a T. They had the cornfields while showing Omaha, NE and Council Bluffs, IA as a small country town. Cameras missed the 8 lane freeway through Omaha after crossing the Missouri River in a 4-6 lane interstate. Yeah, there is a large river that separates Council Bluffs, Iowa and Omaha, Nebraska.



Des Moines portrayal was amusing to me as a series of ranch houses on quiet surburbia streets. The Des Moines Police Station was a ranch house in the middle of nowhere. Actually the Polk County (Des Moines and surrounding cornfields) Police Station is in the center of downtown surrounded by skyscapers and a huge courthouse next door. I guess the Newton small town part was fairly accurate though we don't have many ranch houses in any Iowa town, most are old 2 story houses with a few newer ranch style. I was surpised the actor who played the Des Moines cop pronounced the city name they way we do instead of the non-native way. And Des Moines cops wear navy blue uniforms not gray. And they don't wear gray cowboy hats. In fact the cops I've seen don't wear hats at all. The white SUV's were correct, I've give them that.



But you can't expect people in Hollywood to know much about the places they film about.

Fun with cats

I'm flinging a favorite ponytail holder like a rubber band for Frodo to chase across the room. Then one shot hits him in the face. He squints for a minute, shakes his head, and is ready to continue playing. Such a trooper.



Then walking in the dark, I step on Precious's tail. He hides in a corner and Frodo licks his face. Then I sit down and Precious in my lap for a cuddle session. Cats are so forgiving.

Interesting news bit

Broadlawn's psychiatric wing here in Des Moines found bedbugs in several rooms. I wonder if they believed the patients that claimed there were bugs crawling on them!

Weird day

I wake up to read an email declaring a wire transfer request has been denied and click here for a full report, signed Federal Reserve Bank. I think it resembles the weird messages from the FBI and Secretary of State sharing I inherited money from England or Nigeria. If in fact my bank has declined any wire transfer, why is the Federal Reserve contacting me by email instead of my bank informing me of this by other means. I deleted the email.

Then watching TV, I hear children speaking in non-English and laughing in the hallway. I get a knock on my door followed by footsteps running away (do these kids really think I can't hear them). I do get up and check the peep hole to see a girl taking photos with her cell phone of my neighbor's door and leaves. I do open my door to check if my welcome wreath was still as I couldn't see my neighbor's wreath. Now I hear them talking outside.

Dealing with Demetia

Read an article in a magazine about the biography of a nightmare boss who got demetia and how it changed lone employee's outlook on life. First Maria Shriver discussing demetia and now this lady. Articles like this would have nice when I was dealing with a grandma with demetia. At the time, I searched bookstores and internet all over to find an ideas how to deal with people with demetia: and found nothing. Maybe these stories can help someone else so I will do my bio on my grandma.

Grandma was born in 1914 on an Iowan farm when WWI was raging in Europe and America liked being neutral. German was her first language at home and spoke English when they went to town to buy groceries and animal feed. Church was a place called Germantown who conducted their services in German. The official name was St Paul Luthern Church. As America entered the Great War, German Kindergarten was outlawed and churches tossed the German changing their services to English. Many were outraged at this change cause they did not know how to sing songs or say prayers in English. My Grandma's Grandpa from Prussia came to America 60 years before as a young man, fought in the Civil War, and announced they were Americans now so from then on, they speak English at home.  The war ended and Prohibition began making my Grandma's father a bootlegger. Grandma said she asked why he was illegally making wine in a wash tub and he answered that everyone else was doing it too.  The Great Depression followed with the end of Grandma's one room school days at age 13 to help her mother take care of her 4 brothers and sister. She said once that her mother cut short a woman's dress to fit her and she was so humilated wearing an old lady's dress that she arrived at school late. And then nobody noticed her ugly dress.  She loved to doodle birds from cards attached to baking soda boxes.  She once got into trouble at school for not paying attention while doodling and when the teacher saw her birds, he said nothing more.  During the Great Depression, Grandma said her siblings and her would walk out in fields like hunting dogs to scare rabbits out so her father could shoot them.  Whatever he hit, was what they had to eat. Her father lost the family farm to foreclosure and her uncle bought it at the auction so they didn't have to move.

Grandma got her first guitar from her father and she was the only one who played it. She would play for parties and church talent shows with her sister singing, until she married and then only played for the family.  She liked to replace our names in nursey rhyme songs (Jordan had a little lamb), sing Christmas carols, and folk songs like Oh Susannah. She learned to play from a book and yet never learned to read music so she played by ear. I told her she should play for 4th of July talent shows, but she never did. I was sad at her funeral when the preacher never mentioned her guitar in the sermon of her life. It meant so much to her and she was delighted I was interested in learning to play, but she didn't know how to teach me. He did mention how Grandma tried to get a cow out of a mudhole and refused to leave after it began to rain making everyone else run inside. She tugged on the rope alone until it got unstuck and walked it to the barn.  Grandma met Grandpa through people and got married at the courthouse. They came home w/out any wedding photo and no party to have Grandpa get sick for a week. Grandma said she wore a blue suit and Grandpa gray with his cousin as the driver. On their 60th Anniversary, they renewed their vows complete with big dance party and family potraits. Grandpa had told the preacher that he wanted to remarry Grandma in a church to do it right.  My father was born and they lived in a house on Grandpa's great uncle's farm where he was raised from age 10. Later they moved in with great uncle, great aunt, and their their daughter. There house contained 4 rooms: kitchen, living room, bedroom, and attic.  My aunts followed my father as did WWII.  Grandma's 3 brothers fought in Europe knowing German with the 4th brother too young to fight. Grandpa was drafted, completed his physical, ready to ship out to basic training, and then the war ended so instead of saying good-bye to Grandpa, they all celebrated in town.

The 50's brought the deaths of great uncle and great aunt so Grandma suggested Grandpa working for the railroad instead of working a farm by himself.  They moved into town in a new house sold in a auction.  Grandma said my aunts were so terrified of this huge house they huddled together in the same room.  My father and his sisters got their own rooms and Grandparents slept in another room.  Sometime Grandma's mother got multiple scerlosis and Grandma took care of her in her house. When my Mother met her, she could not speak, feed herself, or even hold up her head. But when you walked in the room, she could smile.  Soon my siblings and cousins were born in the 60's and Grandma let us win every game and took pictures of us in her flower beds she adored.  She once had a bedroom full of plants nobody could walk in.  Her favorites were ferns, African violets, Christmas cactus, spider plants, and peonies which she called pie-nees.  My favorite was her magnolia tree my cousin and I used as a playhouse. Grandma saved everything and my cousin and I would dress up in old dresses, high heels, gloves, shawls, hats, and tons of bead jewelry. 70's brought me and 80's brought a motor home for my Grandparents to travel America with the family. I had to wait until age 9 to go on such a trip. 90's brought my graduations and the 60th Anniversary party. Then Grandma started having strokes that effected her memory.  At the hospital she recognized nobody and then at home suddenly remembered everyone.

Grandpa had to learn to take care of Grandma. He was very proud at doing laundry and baking his first chocolate cake. Grandma insisted nothing was wrong with her and demanded to drive herself places. After slipping on ice and breaking her hip, driving was out for good. Then Grandpa's diabetes got worse and he finally died of pnemonia/staph infection, whichever it was. Grandma came to live with my parents and rotated with my aunts and uncles.  Her memory went backwards and once claimed it was 1937, Roosevelt was president, and she had dinner with her mother the day before.  Grandma's sister and brother also got demetia.  Grandma always wanted to do something, go somewhere, and call someone. My mother took caring for Grandma the hardest since she has to be in control of everything in her house and Grandma's demetia was one thing she could not control.  My mother tried so hard to ger her to remember things to only fail miserably. She was embarrassed when Grandma acted strange in public cause then people would think she was crazy. I assured my mother that people can figure out Grandma was not normal fairly quickly. Grandma got bad enough in her demetia to look straight at me and asked who I was.  She went on tirades walking to her mother's house she believed was over the hill. My father and uncle had to retrieve her. She would enter my parents' bedroom and wake them up so they learned to lock the door. Going to work, I had lots of crazy Grandma stories to tell. Others shared theirs. The funniest was a coworker's grandma called her in the middle of the night to complain football players jumped out of the TV, had party in her living room, and used up her toliet paper. She told her grandma to go back to bed.

Grandma eventually landed in a nursing home, something she dreaded, when she had another stroke and could no longer lift her arms to dress or eat.  Grandma's sister followed her into the same home and they enjoyed talking to each other. Grandma's brother went to another nursing home and often take trips to visit his sisters.  The nursing home was celebrating Grandma's brother's birthday when Grandma died. I visited her 2 hours before she died and sang to her Christmas carols since it was 3 days before Christmas. I was so disturbed watching her struggling to breathe I had to leave after 10 minutes. I stopped at a gas station and parked on the wrong side of the pump. My mother called me to say Grandma died.  It was almost more relief than sadness.  We joked that if Grandma lived to 100 (she lived to 90) that it would be a contest to see who was more crazy, us or her. At least now she is with her parents and her husband she longed to be with.    

Happy Birthday to Precious

Precious is 5 years old today. That is about 33 in human years.

More babysitting

Babysat sick niece again. She looked an angel as she slept.

Babysitting

Got to babysit niece who sent home from school with a fever. Poor girl missed the Valentine's Day party.



Gave the cats a Valentine's present, a piece of my chicken strips. Not much, but muchly appreciated. Frodo ate so quickly he started wheezing and I feared he was choking. Lungs expanded so not choking and eventually stopped. He is fine now.



Now off to bed.

New Domino Theory?

So with Tunisia and Egypt overthrowing their leaders protesting for reform we have Yemen and Iran having protests for reform. Proof that America does not need to invade countries to give people freedoms they desire. So in the future world history books do we call this a new domino theory where one leader is overthrown and next countries over overthrows their leaders. Perhaps to use the football term, Wave of Reform or perhaps Tidal Wave of Change. Just a thought.

Happy Heart Day

Happy Valentine's Day to one and all. I'll be home with two cats.

My goodness

What does it take to get the income tax form from the unemployment? My address has not changed and  I received my W-2 forms from my other jobs. I complained once so if it doesn't show up tomorrow, I'll lodge another complaint. Next time I'll ask if I need to come down to their offices to pick it up.

Babysitting

Babysat niece and nephew today. Nephew was well behaved, until I left the room then he ran all over the house w/niece tailing him. Then I come in from all the racket and threaten to send him to his room and he calms down mighty fast. He knows what's behavior is acceptable by now.

Valentine box

Today I dropped off my Mom's Valentine assorted chocolate box and her reply was: "There are so few". (Sorry but 7 pieces for $2.50 is about all I can afford right now) She gave a donation for my cousin and wife's baby gift so I forged her name to the card. I got 2 monkey outfits and neatly stuffed them in a large envelope the best I could.

New addition

We have a new addition to the family. Cousin and wife had their long awaited baby at 7 lbs and 14 oz yesterday. Baby and mother are healthy.

After a day of thinkng, they decided on Jaxson Paul.

Need a laugh?

OK, email pal, who lives in England and staunch atheist with a few Wican friends, receives a knock on the door from a Jehovah's Witness. He invites him in and offers a cup of coffee. Then asks what the guy wanted to talk to him about. Guy said "Damned if I know. I never gotten this far." Ba da bum. Like it?

Operation Winterstorm

For 5" of snow, and lots of wind, we got the State Patrol and National Guard out rescuing people today trapped in ditches. I got 12"-18" blown against my balcony. I didn't work today (I do tomorrow) so I sat at home enjoying kitties in my lap. Once one gets off, the other gets on so I can barely feel my feet anymore. I had no idea I was so comfy. Did have to leave my warm haven to deliver my rent check. I walked over for that and about froze. Talked to Mom tonight. She played cards with her new buddies tonight. Aunt in Omaha is going stir crazy being trapped in her house while waiting for the snow plow to come by. I said Aunt needs to take up skiing (maybe snowboarding too). Niece and nephew stayed home from school. Many let out early yesterday and closed today. Nephew is learning about Valentine's Day. We have so many holidays in America you know. Well nothing else to add.

Blizzard, again

It is so cold and snowy today that the birds and squirrels stayed home instead of eating on my balcony. Guess they don't want to dig for it either. 6 inches and counting.

Where were you?

Where was I when the Challenger space shuttle exploded this day 25 years ago?

I was in the school library watching it happen on TV. We followed the contest for the 1st teacher to enter space. Updates of the winner learning to live on the space shuttle were broadcasted to us. When the smoke from the rockets resembled a catepillar, we were confused if that was suppose to happen. The TV announced the shuttle exploded and all the astronaunts were assumed dead. My teacher turned off the TV and we walked back to class in silence. Somebody got me a poster of the astonaunts photo taken before take off. I had up on my wall for a year before taking it down.

New one

Got an email stating I have inherited a safety deposit box that could be filled with millions of dollars, but we can't tell you who the benefactor is. Now just confirm you name, address, phone, number, fax number, and your occupation and we will tell you where to pick your safety deposit box.

I wish there was a No Contact List for emails for scammers to obey. It should called the "I'm Not Stupid List".

Forwarded message

I got a forwarded message from a friend I would like to repeat. Though I'll sum up.




Before complaining about the taste of your food remember some of us are hungry and would love to eat it for you..



Before complaining about your work commute remember some of us are walking with our feet or riding the bus that same distance.



Before complaining about your job remember some of us are disabled and/or jobless and would love to work it for you.



Before complaining about how small your home is remember some of us don't have one.



Before complaining about your spouse remember some of us are searching for a companion.



Before complaining about your life remember some of us left too soon and have loved ones who wish they were here.

New scam

New scam on the news: Call people posing as cops stating relative is in jail and need to wire money through Western Union to bail them out. Someone lost $11,000.

I thought arrested people were entitled to a phone call and people had to appear in person at the police station to bail someone out.

Yoga time

I played a new yoga to loose weight video. Instructor talked too much waving her arms while walking in a circle as others did the exercises. Strength, Core, Glutes, Biceps, whatever. It was hard see what to do next facing the floor hearing only technical yoga terms I didn't understand. Then had us doing donkey kicks and push ups using different words. I can do that w/out a yoga video. Even better I got to inhale cigarette smoke from the neighbors. Apparently video not for inflexible beginners as video and instructor said leading me stop the video. Perhaps I'll try again later when more flexible and watch first, then do exercises.

Amazing

I get a message from a friend stating her cell phone bill has an added charge for something she didn't sign for. A 3rd party company sent a text to them and if my firend did not reply not to subscribe then she was charged for whatever thing she is being charged for. Is this legal? Apparently the cell phone company is refusing to remove the charge because it is a 3rd party company they have no control over.

I had a similar problem with my landline company and I complained endlessly, threatening to cancel my serivce, and used the word fraud in my emails that they finally backed down after 3 months of fighting with me. I had a phone operator I complained to tell me to just pay the extra charge cause the 3rd party company will continue to charge me anyway. They call this customer serivce?

Learn something new

I read an article from a friend about something call The Green Book published during the Great Depression until The Civil Rights Movement listing lodgings, dining places, and gas stations that would serve African-Americans. Later it included beauty parlors and shops in all 50 states, Bermuda, Mexico, and Canada. When the Civil Right Movement gained the right to visit any business w/out being refused service, the book ended pulicaton because it was no longer needed.

I was a history major in college and never heard of The Green Book. Learn something new every day.

Unemployment notice

Got a note from unemployment office announcing they will have a hearing on reinstating my unemployment benefits. Guess I need to inform them that I got a new job after receiving my last employment check. Plus the note threatens the possibility of overpayment and I may be forced to pay back some of my last unemployment benefits because they didn't do their job the first time. Nice. If my mohter was not paying my bills I would be living on the street in a cardboard box and these people threaten me with overpayment. Is it just me or is unemployment more burden than benefit?

Interesting messge

I got an interesting message on one of my blogs from a woman looking for a good man to proceed giving me her email address. Excuse me, last time I checked I am not a man and listed as a woman on all my blogs. I think some people send out messages w/out reading anyone's profiles. Weirdoes.

Digging out of snow

Spent a good 25 or so minutes digging my car out. The snow plow was so kind pushing knee deep snow against my driver's side door that I had to enter my car through the passenger door. 6 inches of snow on top of my car with ice to be scraped off underneath. Had to take a break after removing snow before worked on the ice. Then had fun rocking the car back and forth to get out of the snow drift surrounding my car. Rocking means reverse, drive, reverse, drive for those in warm climates. Finally get the car to able to park in a plowed spot after buying more cat food and Kleenexes. Oh cold go away, it's been 4 weeks. At least I got Precious outside for his 6 minute walk. Very cold and wet. Cats have severe cabin fever this time of year.

Laundry day

Went over to sister's for laundry as usual. Had a conversation with nephew about what he did at school today and he is making new friends. They had indoor recess because of the snow, but did play in the snow afterwards at the babysitter. They both love playing with niece's Baby Alive and later drew pictures on the dry erase boards. Niece must learned to trace hands at school cause she traced both their hands and feet. Nephew decided to clean the board with his foot until I took his markers away and made him use the proper eraser. Niece drew my apartment complex and announced that when she grows up, she will buy an apartment like mine and get children from China. So sweet. She probably will end up in an apartment until she's rich enough to afford a house. My place is better than her house of course since I got the pool in my backyard. Then it was time for bed so finished folding laundry and hugged good night. Had to share.




Precious is enjoying jumping in the snow and getting my couch all wet when he decides to nap. Frodo sniffs at the snow, but hates wet paws. Cats have been depressed since I took down the xmas tree and they no longer can snack on it. I never figured out how to explain to a cat that plastic is bad for them. We got 4.8 inches of snow today. Tomorrow we will have 6 inches. And I will be watching from my sofa with a mug of cocoa since I don't work until Saturday. Can't wait for Easter so I can start working more normal hours when business picks up again.

Snow is coming

Snow is coming down now and more tonight. I wonder if sister's conferences are still happening to still need me babysitting. Oh well, can do laundry tomorrow when the snow finally stops.

Laundry day

Have to do laundry today. I'm wearing my last pair of clean socks. How did that happen? Now have to go get quarters.

Family xmas

Got to go to the extended family xmas with cousins, nieces, siblings, etc today. My cousin's baby is 7 months and adorable. I hestitated holding him cause I didn't want him to catch my cold. 2 weeks and it still won't go away. I managed not to cough on him. Wasn't much for conversation other than explaining, Yes I have a new job and it's right down the street. People asked if I was still looking. Not really, stores are letting go of holiday workers not hiring more. How do you explain the tiny amount of jobs available to retired people. If getting any job was so easy, nobody would be living in tent cities. So I sat quietly listening to everyone else talk about going on vacations next summer. I was exhausted from lack of sleep from coughing all night, every night, so staying awake with a stuffy nose was an accomplishment. I have no money to go on any vacation unless someone else is paying for it so can't add to the conversation. One mentioned an absent person had a daughter who just lost her job last Autumn so need to hold back on spending to help her family out. Yes, some of us are being supported by our parents when we lose jobs. In fact my Mom is still supporting me. She once asked why I need money when I have a job. $200 a week and now will be $30 a week does not pay all my bills.

Got to meet niece's boyfriend. I swear this girl will get married before me. How depressing. He seems nice and they kept holdings hands so I hope it works out. Well better go. I need to sleep.

Happy New Year

Took kids home after forcing them to help pick up. Nephew about lost all his toys refusing to pick up. I placed them on a high shelf and explained to sister that they can give them back when they choose.



I will be sleeping at midnight, was up all last night coughing so am very tired now. I have to get up early to go to work. Happy New Year Everybody.

Adventures in babysitting

Picked up niece and nephew and loaded the car. Took them grocery shopping and they were so well behaved I bought them doughnuts and new books. They both pushed the cart while I guided. Nephew wanted to push by himself crying endlessly, but I stated that they both push or I push. They packed their xmas toys and enjoyed playing with my collection of toys too. They watched a couple movies nephew hasn't seen before. One niece had not seen before. I worked on my xmas village houses and they watercolored. Niece thought they were going to help me with xmas houses, but I said they are not touching my houses. Nephew is better at drawing and writing his name. Niece did well writing with a paintbrush, until nephew knocked over the water and ruined her work. Bedtime was quiet with me sitting nearby telling them to shush. All is quiet.

Sister in hospital

Sister apparently caught a bug (virus or bacteria?) during her trip to China and its keeps inflaming her system. She is coming home today so will babysit the kids overnight to give her rest. I intended to go shopping on my day off so they will have to come along. Kids are so funny about packing. They pack a ton of toys, blanket, and pillows. I have a ton of toys, blankets, and pillows so all they need is clothes and toy they sleep with. Perhaps they can help bake my cookies and cream brownies for the big family xmas Sunday.

Night shifts

Started working night shifts this week. Usually I worked day shifts in the holiday rush. Very quiet at night while daytime is busy. I would have thought night would be busier with people getting off work. Guess they come on the weekends instead. Guess housewives, nightworkers, and retired people outumber dayworkers. Oh well, started putting xmas things away. Got to finish my xmas village houses before putting them away. I will get plenty of days off next week so here's hoping my cold goes away. It's been 2 weeks and still lingering on.

Had a Lovely Christmas

Spent Christmas day with Mom and my brother. Mom came early in the morning so answered the door in my robe and jeans. Mom made herself comfortable while I finished dressing. She turned the volume on the TV a little loud and I prayed the neighbors were not home to hear it. How do you explain to people that I have neighbors who might not like the high volume of my TV, is everybody in the family deaf? Then I had to toss the garbage and stop at Walgreens for more cold med. When will this cold end, it's been a week already. Next Mom helped me set a proper table and prepare the ham. Brother came as ham was done cooking and so we ate. Opened gifts next. Watched movies on TV until supper time and watched more TV. Quiet time I appreciate or we end up fighting. Then Mom went home so hugged good-bye (see I have manners). Brother and I watched more TV until bedtime. He slept on my guest bed with flannel snowman sheets and snowman blanket. He woke when I did and ate breakfast together. When Princess Bride was over on the TV he went home.    

Meowy Christmas

Meowy Christmas to one and all.

Important visitor

We had an important visitor at my store. The Governor wih his son. Many whispering to point him out.



And BTW, when a sales clerk asks a customer if they want gift receipts and customer says nothing: Does that mean yes or no? Some want them and others don't. How am I supose to know which.



I have the same problem with a family member. This person won't answer questions, just goes along with the flow of other people plans w/out a word from said person. And then said person complains later. Excuse me, do you not realize you have a voice. I really don't know what you are thinking, until you speak. Now do I buy cinnamon rolls or not? Pick one.



Later.

Ah-choo

Which is worse, a migraine, a cold, or both at the same time. I feel terrible. But nobody is going to do my laundry so have to do it myself. And have to go shopping for more cold medicine. Being single sucks. Medication gets me by.

Well managed to do laundry, paint on my xmas village high school and post office, shopped for xmas day dinner, and now cuddling with a cat in my lap. He wanted to play, but I was too dizzy after my adventures. I need rest.

Quite a day

Had the pleasure of being placed on the opposite side registers than I was scheduled so my breaks and departure time were not on the list of the managers in charge on the new side. Had to flag down a manager every time my break came up (good thing I had that memorized). 2nd break I was told I could not go because other people were taking their break. Ok, I'll wait. One gal was sent over to the other side to relieve someone and behold, she came back to me cause I was the person she was suppose relieve (I was just on the wrong side). So got my break anyway. Had a splurge of customers right when I'm suppose to leave (no overtime this week) and I'm in front so everyone lines up in front of me. Manager took over my register so I could go. And in 8 hours I get to do it all over again. I notice many customers wishing me a Merry Christmas after I say, Have a good day.

Bob Feller gone

Guess Bob Feller won't be renting cars from my old job anymore. I won't be missing him.

Customer comment

Ringing up a customer, I get the comment: (my store chain) is a store where they treat the customers like gold but treat the associates like crap. She must be judging another store in the chain because my coworkers who have been here for years do not share that opinion. I even asked them.

Question of the day

Am I just too senstive being horrified viewing a tied up dog outside alone at an apartment complex in the frigid cold jerking on the rope while the poor dog paced back and forth. Poor thing. TV said it was 7 degrees today.

Blizzard warning

Wake up while it's still dark to find a blizzard warning to the west of me on TV. Ok, I'll deal with that driving home. It is raining outside, light drizzle. No big deal. Then after the sun emerges, the rain turns into ice/sleet. I leave work to find my car is covered in ice and doors iced shut. I kick/hit doors and scrape ice away with keys for 25 minutes before I finally pry one open. It is quite the feat to kick a door several times and not slip on the ice while doing it. A manager comes out with his remote start key fob and starts scraping his windows. My de-icer is frozen in the can so I do my best to get the ice off. Manager comes around to help scrape my windows. How nice. My frozen face squeaks out a thank you. I'm ready for cocoa.

We had a corporate visitor come by very late than expected. I greeted him at the door and then ran into him again as I went on my break. Oh, hello again. I think some coworkers are testy about my constant joy at working. Who wants to deal with a grouchy sales clerk, I ask you. Besides I'm sure they don't really want to hear about my money struggles, my papercuts, my migraines, or my bad knee that never heals. Let's just say I'm always happy at work (especially after being unemployed 7 months) and leave it at that.    

Feed the birds

I once saw a plague or t-shirt that had a squirrel dressed as a bird w/sign that read Feed the Birds. Well in feeding the squirrels that enjoy scampering around my balcony, some of the sunflower seeds I left outside are going to the Chickadees who also discovered them. The squirrel ears have gotten fluffy the past 3 days. I call the smaller one Gizmo and the larger one Gremlin.

Kitty stories

My store captured the tabby stray cat meowing in the ceiling tiles for 2 days. The animal shelter came by last night to pick up the cat and their humane trap.

In other kitty news: Took Frodo for a ride when his claws got caught in my sweater. He was playing with a loose string as I was petting him, and then I suddenly moved away. He landed safely on the desk and I unhooked him.

Semi-official

It is semi-official, I am hosting the xmas day dinner at my apartment for my Mom and brother. Now I have to clean my apartment. I feel like Pieces of April.



Have to get confirmation from brother who hates my cats so much he is now saying he is allergic to them. Excuse me, he has been around my sister's and my cats for about 12 years and now he is allergic to them. Well my brother-in-law who takes allergy shots every year was allergic to cats that they owned and this year, the allergy test said he is no longer allergic to them. They say allergies are pyschsomatic. I noticed since I moved into this apartment that my alleriges virtually disappeared. Funny isn't it.

Arguing w/customers

Had several arguements w/customers today. One had stated he wanted to exchange a pink dress he had bought for a purple one of a larger size. I can only do even exchanges of the exact same item with no price difference at my register. He debates both dresses are the same, just different sizes. Pink and Purple are not the same, he must go to customer service for his exchange. He don't want to walk that far and wait in line. Too bad. Next customer please.




Then I get a guy who fails to understand the question, Do you need gift receipts? A yes or no is enough of an answer. He goes into an essay answer how he doesn't have any gift receipts because he is buying these items, not returning them. I am aware of that, Are his items gifts for other people? No, he is keeping them for himself. Fine no gift receipts, that is all I needed to know. What are gift receipts? They are separate receipts printed to give to gift receivers so they do not know what the giver has paid for it until they return it. Oh. He never heard of that.



Next I get into a debate over a price that is wrong. And lady tells me this after the transaction has taken place and I wait for her signature on the keypad. She refuses to sign it because the price is wrong, what's wrong with us, this is horrible customer service to have a wrong price in our computer. Well, if she mentioned this before I swiped her credit card, I could have gone backwards to alter the price. But explain instead she needs to sign to continue on and I will call for a manager to do a price adjustment after the fact. To do a void after the fact requires a manager also. While I wait for a manager to appear (this is not a video game where people appear in 2 seconds), I start ringing up the people behind her setting aside her receipt and sack. Lady keeps asking when this manager is showing up cause she is waiting and as I look for said person coming, a man almost walks out the door w/out paying for his merchandise I just rung up. Even better, he is a thick accent foreigner who doesn't speak English well. Sir, I holler out, your total is $$$. Oh, he has to pay for his stuff now in a bag in his hands (I can sick security onto you or you could just pay). He gives me the money and I give his change. Page for a manager for the 3rd time. After the 4th time, someone comes up behind me to explain said item is not on sale. Oh yes it is, lady argues to the death and will not leave until she gets her way. Lady and manager both go to the said signed display and oh, said item is not on sale. Now lady doesn't want said item and demands her money back. Manager gives an extra percentage off for her long wait, which pleases lady. Void transaction and rering her items she is willing to buy.



I think this is long enough. Sorry if I appear to be complaining as many family members think I am. Actually, I'm just telling stories and not looking for advice to change jobs. I like my job. I skipped the stories of people telling I'm suppose to smile when they come to check out or get mad when I ask for ID when they wrote See ID on the back of their credit cards. LAter.

Xmas shopping

While working it snowed for several minutes with us poor workers nervous about removing a ton of snow off our cars when we leave. No fear, it melted after a hour. It was just a sprinkle anyway.

We had a sale I had to jump into the excitement shopping for xmas presents. I know I am broke and can't afford to buy food w/out borrowing from Mom, but I didn't buy gifts last year so want to buy something. Trust me, I'm spending more on sweaters, shirts, dress pants, and shoes for work. Now I have to start replacing make-up. My store doesn't have blue mascara so have to try another, less glamorous, store.

Now if my adult family members were not so picky I would enjoy this more. We were raised to say "Thank you" when our relatives gave us presents. As adults it is all: You got the wrong size/color/brand/style, your gifts are so cheap , why did you think I would like this it's so ugly, why do I have to buy you a gift in return, and my favorite, You don't know me to know what I like. Well whose fault is that. Complainers don't talk to me about anything other than my job, we don't do things together, and they don't read my emails cause I'm not interesting enough. And they can't figure out why I can't telepathically know what they want for xmas. And if you don't want to return the gift gesture, then don't. I don't have to buy you anything either, I just enjoy giving to people. I have no husband or children to spoil so you people get to be the objects of my affection. I cut out friend gifts this year and only buying for immediate family. Maybe next year I'll cut out family and mail packages to friends who say Thank you.

Xmas or Christmas letter 2010

Merry Christmas to all my family and friends. My year started badly with the sudden death of cousin Tammy after 2 ½ months of fighting pancreatic cancer. Then on to the family Christmas at Mom’s house (last one there) where Great Aunt Katie had sent a cd of old photos we watched on TV. Niece Annika loving the Barbie Swan Lake video I gave her decided she wanted dance classes and sister Sylvia found someone to start her at midterm. Soon sister Sylvia’s family cat Scout died from ingesting a toxic substance which lead to kidney failure. Perhaps I was still in shock when my company’s owner decided to sell out and we had to interview to keep our jobs. I was dismissed. I should have won an Emmy for my last day performance pretending nothing was wrong in front of customers I helped. The next day Sylvia took me out to dinner and I entered a drawing for a free week at a local gym to actually win. A couple days I exercised with my friend April explaining my routines based off high school dance lessons. While unemployed I babysat Annika, did sleepovers with her, and removed my things from Mom’s house. Next had Easter with Sylvia’s family and later visited Mom’s chosen retirement home.


After that my uncle Bob died after 2 years in a nursing home from having strokes. Before long Niece Abby graduated college with honors to become an English teacher and Niece Tory graduated high school as Salutatorian to major in Psychology. Cousin Brian and wife Kathryn got us excited when they blessed our family with their son Daniel Brooks. Then it was time to take Mom to the cemeteries, Annika’s dance recital, and Niece Alex’s dance recital. As expert former ballerina I was assigned to twist Annika’s short hair in a bun. It eventually fell out. Annika and I bonded more as her parents held a garage sale and I took her to the beach at Gray‘s Lake in Des Moines. The 4th of July brought a family reunion on Mom’s side where it rained all day. Had to wait for the next day to see fireworks. Soon found out a friend I knew from work, Jackie, had died after a 2 year battle with colon cancer. Next discovered my great aunt Katie died. Mom with her sisters conducted a cemetery ceremony since her funeral was in North Carolina and her casket shipped to Iowa. Better news came when Sylvia and husband Lance left for China to pick up their adopted son Lukas Grant Xinke. While they were away, we held the estate auction removing the last items from Mom’s house and settled her into her retirement home apartment.

Took Nephew Lukas to the zoo for his 6th birthday and he was eager to hold my hand. I had plenty of opportunities to baby-sit the kids taking them to the park and my apartment swimming pool. School started before we knew it and Lukas got accustomed to Kindergarten. Annika in 1st grade is a very good big sister and started dance lessons again, which Lukas enjoys watching. I received my last unemployment check making me dependent on Mom’s generosity to keep me from living in my car. Went to a pumpkin patch with Sylvia’s family and helped Mom list her house for sale with a realtor. My apartment got smoke from a grease fire downstairs causing me to hastily remove my wheezing cats just before a job interview that resulted in another rejection. But finally, after 7 ½ months of searching and interviewing, I got a temporary holiday job as a cashier at Kohl’s. Thanksgiving was eaten at Sylvia and Lance’s house with an extra honor of Annika’s birthday. Sylvia and kids made a Barbie cake together. Christmas soon upon us the family will celebrate it at Mom’s apartment community room. Next year Cousin Brent and wife Shiela are due to have a baby in February. So you all have a Merry Little Christmas and Happy New Year.

Seasons Greetings.
Jordan
Precious and Frodo say Meowy Christmas.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone. I am thankful for Mom supporting me so I didn't have to live in my car after losing my job. And thankful I found a new job to tqake the stress off Mom. Can't have HER go bankrupt before I get back on my feet.

Tis the time for the usual Christmas threat. Tell me what you want or you get scented soap/lotion/candle set. That always gets a response.

Who says cats are dumb

Who says cats are dumb never met mine. Tonight my Precious laid down on my signed xmas cards and placed a paw over my unsigned pile. Gave attention fest and go back to signing cards. Two paws get placed over my unsigned pile. Another attention fest was in order and I was not signing cards w/out a fight from Precious.

Happy Birthday Niece

Happy Birthday to my niece. Today I will give her gift after school and stay for supper. Big party with Barbie cake and family is at Thanksgiving.

Finally happened

It finally has happened. I get hit with an overdraft fee b/c Mom's checks didn't get deposited fast enough. Well, the bank can wait til payday on Friday to anymore money from me. I had to call Mom twice begging for money this weekend and not eager for a rerun so soon.

Prince Williamand Kate Middleton engaged

Congratulations to Prince William and Kate Middleton. Hope you will be very happy. If I thought they would receive any engagement gifts I would send, but I know they would be thrown away by their staff so I will write it here.

To Kate: Read America's Queen from Sarah Bradford about Jackie Kennedy Onassis. She was a classy lady who learned to deal with the press, public expectations, and yet followed her own heart. Read the book and learn from her.

To William: I remember you, a little fuzzy, but I do remember you as a lost boy after you mother's death and heartbroken when I picked up the phone and didn't know who you were. I still have your mother's 10 pence coin and visited England in 2002. Hampton Court had the most beautiful gardens I've ever seen. The most important words to say in your future marriage are as follows: I'm sorry, I'm scared, and You are the most beautiful woman in the world.

Again Congratulations to you both.

My feet hurt

God my feet hurt. I bet it is the new shoes.

Saw a visitor from corporate at the store this morning. The guy actually said Good Morning to my coworker and I. Most corporate people from past jobs never speak to the riffraff so this was nice. Past jobs the corpoarte visitors only speak to managers, talk about sales numbers, customer surveys, and presentation of things. You are lucky if they reply when you say a simple hello. Usually they just stare at you as if thinking "Why are speaking to me?".

Had a lady come in the store with an exchange. Ok, go get what she wants to exchange and I will do it for her. She returns with the exchange item w/out the original item. Oh, she thought you just switch items and walk out (on what planet does this occur?). No, I scan her receipt, scan the returned item, and scan exchange item to give her a receipt for new item (and not f*** up inventory numbers). Oh, that's how it's done (at every store I been in). She gets the return item and I do the exchange. 

Had another lady walk through the alarm panels with her arms full of stuff and set it off. I ring her up. Oh, she didn't know we had inside tags that resemble a clothing label. And yes, she was walking out the door if that alarm had not gone off. Thieves play stupid or really obnoxious when caught. We know better.

No walk for Precious. He hates rain.

1st 8 hour shift

Did my 1st 8 hr shift today complete with lunch break and 2 snack breaks. This retail job schedules your breaks to make sure you get them. We have a breaker come by when it is busy (new coupon came out in the newspaper so it WAS busy) to give us our breaks. I like this job. Other retail stores let you pick your break between customers. And when really busy or coworkers refuse to cover your area, you often don't get them at all. Or managers scream how you left your area unattended and I defend back I have to take breaks (they dock your pay for break times even if you didn't take them b/c it's illegal not to give employees breaks). I like my store. 

Precious walk

Guy stopped his car to ask to take a photo of Precious on his cell. He is the biggest cat he's ever seen. Yes Maine Coons are the biggest cat breed. He doesn't pose well, but hope he got his pic. People think it's hilarious to see a cat on a leash.

Prohibition on Fast Food

Is it just me or does anyone else think a prohibition on fast food is coming, after all America had it with alcoholic beverages and we all know how that turned out. French fries just might become a controlled substance under control of the FDA at this rate. These people already ruined McDonald's fries I use to love so much, now with the nutritional oil they tasate like garbage. Now they work on destroying the Happy Meal. How will explain to my niece and nephew they are not allowed to eat French Fries with their hamburger?

I want my French Fries. 

Call from sister

With Daylight Savings Time giving me an extra hour of sleep, I still sleep in late and missed my sister phone calls requesting babysitting. I did an overnight w/them on Friday night, give me a break. Neighbor can have a turn. I got my window open and heat off. Precious likes this weather.

Adventures in Babysiting

Got a call from sister asking to pick up the kids from daycare and feed them at my place.You mean like an overnight. Yes, that would be good. She is sick and got off work early to come home. Of couse, she can ready a bag for them and I'll swing by before picking them up. I have leave now so bump off Frodo napping on my lap (he is so cute when he sleeps I hate disturbing him). Sister is on the couch and had not packed anything. She tells me where everything is and gives me food to take. Pack tomorrow clothes and jammies with underwear and socks. Grabbed mac and cheese, vegetables, and snack. Pick kids up. Darn I forgot the sleeping bag. Kids stay in car w/ me taking their school bags inside and grabbed sleeping bag.

Got home and went straight to the Strawberry Shortcake dolls I said I got new. I have only one Shortcake doll and found a couple more only an extra inch taller so got them. Clothes were mostly interchangable. Old tights a little short on new dolls but exceptable. Showed my new kid movies and niece wanted to change her birthday gift to the Care Bear Movie instead of Princess and Frog. I said Grandma took me to this when I was little. I assured her any of my movies can be borrowed and only 1 movie for her birthday. She wondered why it was not wrapped and sitting with the other movies. It wasn't her birthday yet. Her secret gift is way up high in the closet so she will not be getting into it. Made them watch the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving specials to explain the holiday to nephew from China.




When done we watched Bolt, of course. Then Niece saw a human action Peter Pan and wanted that, but Nephew wanted Bolt so Bolt it was. I can put Peter Pan in the suitcase to borrow for the week or two. Nephew had to watch me make their meal though I didn't let him do anything. Baking chicken and mac cheese were not Nephw things. I heated veggies in the micro so he closed the door. Ate their food so Niece got brownie and Nephew gummy treats. Play in the living room with Barbies, keyboard, blocks, and Strawberry Shortcake. Last time they were here I said if they take out toys, they have to play with them so this time, they controlled the urge to drag everything out of the toy box and dresser drawers I keep doll clothes in.



I got on the computer to write on facebook I got the kids overnight and ended up looking at my photo albums until they got bored. Nephew wanted to work the strange mouse and both touched the screen so worked on not doing that. Auntie does the mouse and don't want fingerprints on screen. When movie finished, got ready for bed w/dragging feet. I have a cup and said no throwing water b/c I don't have extra clothes. Nephew said he won't throw water. Read 2 stories and then had to sit on the floor to keep Nephew from laughing, fake snoring, and talking to Niece making her reply. After 30 minutes of my presence and bathroom break, they settled down. Cats came in to eat and rub against me. Nephew petted Precious and remained quiet. Niece thought I should get a bed for Nephew. Sure I can get a bigger one and both can sleep together. She wasn't sure about that. I said Niece can sleep in the sleeping bag and Nephew can have the bed. She wasn't sure about that either. Now all is quiet. Well better go to bed.

Happy Election

Happy Election Day. Go vote b/c the outcome will be determined only by the people who actually do. Polls mean nothing when people never cast a ballot.


I'm so good at telling people what they want to hear. I won't be voting today. I see neither political party with a plan to solve problems, I see a power struggle to win control. Whoever wins or loses will have no effect on me. I will still be broke and working a job that pays about half to where I was before I was let go from my job. I will still be begging Mom for money to just get by. And like last year I will very unlikely buy Christmas presents b/c I'm broke with no savings and no hope of this suffering to end. Every time an economist says the recession will end this or last year, a company discards hundreds of workers and economy just gets worse.

Happy Halloween

Have a great Halloween. Saw a witch and Superman pass by as I walked Precious last night.

I hate my clothes

Tried on clothes I bought yesterday before washing. I know I should do this after washing but was eager to try them to see if they fit. I don't try on thngs at the store anymore from invading security cameras. Jeans are a little tight (how tight will they get after washing), but at least I could squeeze into them.  I know supertight is the thing so get use it. Shirts were horrible. Hard to get on and off from being so tight. Then even worse if I'm wearing a lace bra, everybody can see the pattern on the lace. I guess the prostitute fad of sheer and supertight fabrics is still in fashion. Shame on me for having a job that demands I look professional, like a lady instead of the mistress. The long shirt I got to go under Ms Britney Spears for Candies crochet shirt was a nightmare. Sheer, except the line wear the buttons were, the pockets that stood out, and I guessing military stripe on the shoulder could be seen. Went online to fine a better shirt to go underneath. I do like this crochet shirt that much. Had to get shoes too so here's hoping this is the end of my shopping for work clothes. The only positive thing is the shirts are longer and tuckable. I have waited years for this to appear. My boss never liked my midriff revealed every time I reached for a pen, but had justify my short waist shirts as being the only thing in the store. Now boss can complain my bra is showing.   

Born to shop

To use gift card and coupons, I went shopping for clothes and other things. I ended up in the Junior's Section b/c clothes were just prettier and guess the new fashion is long sweaters that cover my butt. I despise showing people my underwear when bending down. I bought a Britney Spears by Candies crochet sweater. Too bad it didn't come with a long shirt underneath so had to search for one. Found tapered jeans. I was so happy. Guess destructed jeans are going out of fashion or they were bought up. Found nice gray suits, but not in my size or they had pants instead of my desired skirt. Every jacket I saw had open sleeve cuff and despise cold drafts up my arm. Made somebody excessively honk their horn, but I found a close to the door parking space and not about to lose it. Somebody can honk all they want.



Saw shoes I liked but none in my size of course. One store had shoes thrown all over I ran over them with my shopping cart. I heard one lady whine had rude it is to make such a mess. And I bet she is one of those ladies who leave right shoes all the same size in a straight line marking the path they tried on shoes. Complainers are always the worst offenders. Nice people who put shoes back where they found them, pick up shoes in their way. Which I found myself doing when got tired of running over them at the risk of people thinking I work here and call me a bitch when I explain I don't.



Stopped at a grocery store I hadn't visited before. Gave myself a tour while looking for things. Gir asked if I needed help and asked for crackers. Told her, Oh good haven't passed by them. Then I leave a sack behind and the cashier chases me down as I am driving away. I need to pay more attention. Another grocery store, bagger put the little things in first and separate bag for large things. Who teaches these people? Big items go first, so small things go in the cracks. Plus eggs go on top.

Babysitting adventures

Went over to sister's house for laundry as usual. Except we have a pumpkin to carve after supper. Niece drew the face and then got back on her YouTube videos. Nephew and I removed the gunk and seeds. I carved the face and then placed it outside. Niece got off the YouTube grudgenly to see the lighted jack-o-latern. Then back to YouTube. Sister made her get off to color in her book while nephew works on his writing homework. The reason for so much homework is b/c he refuses to do it at school. Sister reminds herself niece neds new winter things so she goes shopping and I babysit. We sang songs as they watched me color in the book. Taught them new ones. Nephew made up his own words following the same tune. I was so proud. All was wonderful, until I checked laundry.



Nephew and niece had to help me fold my clothes. "I" fold my clothes. Nephew gets on a stool and turns on the washer. I shut it off and scold him that we do not turn on the washer when there are no clothes inside. Then they watch me finish folding my clothes and nephew takes out my socks. Niece requests a movie. No, it's time for bed.



Get their snack and he finishes first. He locks niece out of the bathrom and I threatened no stories. He opens the door. Then while brushing their teeth, nephew tosses a cup full of water at niece. No stories for nephew. Niece picks 2 stories to read and nephew sits on my lap. Sister comes home with new coat and scarf for niece to try on. Couldn't find the right size for snowpants. Explain nephew gets no stories and later w/ kids in bed tell sister why. In front of kids just said we sang songs together.



Then after babysit report, went home.

Amusing

I find it amusing that some people refuse to celebrate Halloween for being a pagan holiday and there many Christian churches that have Halloween parties. Ironic, don't ya think?




In other news start 1st day of the cash register. I did quite well despite confusing the order the steps. A computer prompt is always helps.

Quite a day

Heard the smoke detector from the neighbor. I knew those suckers were loud.


Got a call to babysit tonight so sister can get work done (I missed her email). This time I get to buy a pumpkin and carve it for them. Hope there are some left at the grocery store.



Later sister came home to discover her husband is there tonight. So don't need me for babysitting. Oh well, carve pumpkin later when I come for laundry Wednesday.


Tonight Precious chased a rabbit which crossed the street and I screamed as P approached the road. He stopped on the sidewalk and looked a me. Whew. Frodo got hungry for my chicken lunchmeat I nuked in the microwave and grabbed a few pieces for himself. Yes he had to share with P who also smelled meat. Now F is chasing his tail. He is so cute, I have to play with him.

Now off to bed.

Newsflash

The people who started the grease fire a couple weeks or so ago are out. Saw a new guy move in, college age I guess. Hope this doesn't mean insane loud music in the middle of the night. Cats don't like loud noises, it hurts their supersonic ears.

Interesting sister

Get a message yesterday on my email from my sister stating she needs babysitting last night because she is attending a show with a friend. Ok, she didn't know before now that she was going to a show. Sister never plans ahead driving me crazy stopping my life to help her constantly. I even developed the habit of yelling "no more babysitting" everytime the phone rings. I visited my niece and nephew 4 times last week, they wore my welcome mat out. Just because I'm not busy doesn't mean I want to babysit and run errands for her at the drop of a hat.

Ok, enough complaining. So I email her back saying sure I can babysit and tell her when I will come by. Go out shopping and come back to 2 mesages on my machine. Sister didn't bother to check her email and wants to know if I am coming or not. Call her back and she is not going to the event because she couldn't get anyone to go with her. Alright.

Continue talking how I saw a child laptop with games to teach computers to children, but held back getting an early xmas gift because they watch so much TV and play on the family computer I doubted if they would play on it much. We get into a discussion how her children are dysfunctional when not watching TV or YouTube videos. I don't recall us acting like this and we had TV in color then later a VCR. I know my other nieces were dysfunctional at a house w/out cable and we had to force teach them to play. I will always remember a niece asking what does she do with a doll. They see toys on these videos and want them, but they don't play with the toys they have already. Niece and nephew interrupt the conversation so we end the call.

I have plenty time for xmas shopping.

2nd day

Went through the computer training episodes. The ear phones were murder. One ear worked and if move the cord around the other ear will sorta work. Plus I had ear damage when the airport replaced their speaker system and PA's came out booming so very sensitive to high volumes. I got the volume down as low as I could, but still a little loud for my ears. But got through it. Saftey, loss prevention, smile at customers and how great this store is were the topics. My Mom can't comprehend people stealing, but from my retail experience I say people will steal anything not nailed to the floor. A manager said they had a lady who tried to walk out with a cart full of stuff this week and luckily she was stopped.




Then afterwards my fellow trainee and I went to the cash registers in training. Had to tell everyone who wanted rung up that we were training. Then I had to stop to help my fellow trainee not as used to cash registers (modern computerized ones). Yes, she is much older than me. I zipped right through it until time to go.



Next week get to follow a fellow employee learning my section of the store training.

Employee Orientation

Went to employee orientation tonight. 5 of us filled out paperwork, got the dress code, and got a tour of offices and stockroom. We met the store manager who on vacation when we interviewed last week. I get to do 4 hour Train on a computer this week and then 4 hours Shadow Training where we follow an employee in our duties next week. Then week after that we get more of a schedule. It's a start.

To the park

Sister calls me up at the last minute (sister never plans in advance) to babysit her kids so she can get her house clean. She can't clean well with them there. Gee, did my Fall Cleaning announcements rub off onto others. Well, I was intending to finish my cleaning with the master bedroom and bath today, but it wait til tomorrow (I'm in no hurry to clean). So say yes. This will be the 4th visit this week.




So they arrive and nephew wants to go to the park. Later. Play with toys first. He don't want to play, he wants to turn on all the lights. It's daytime so don't need lights. He wants to push all the buttons and open every drawer he finds in the apartment. No, play with toys in the guest room. Niece has a ball changing doll clothes and see what I grabbed from Grandma's house. Niece asks which grandma's house. Which one do you think? My mother, her grandma. I didn't grow up in my brother-in-law's house so nothing of mine there.



After play, when nephew is getting antsy about the park. We take Precious for his walk outside. Nephew is bored and so is niece. They take turns holding P's leash. Then nephew starts trying to open car doors, open trunks, and gas tank covers. I yelled at him for releasing a truck door on the back and what does he do after standing terrified of me. He tries to open car doors, trunk doors, and gas tank covers. I keep yelling at him through the whole walk not to touch other people's cars. He recognizes my car and tries to open it so he can go to park. Door is locked. Then Nephew gets the idea to drop a pile of leaves on niece's head. So when she does the same to him, he cries and runs to me. If he gets to toss leaves at niece, then she can do the same to him. They both drop leaves on me holding P and I return the favor to both. P gets tired of leaves being dropped on him and goes inside. Nephew cries he don't want to go inside. Too bad.



Have a snack and off to the park. Drive around trying to find it and when we get there, nephew wants to go home, eat supper, and Mom will come back. Mom ain't coming for hours so go play. He bugged me to death to come here so we are playing. He clings to me as niece runs amok. Slides, swings, and steps/ ladders we clown around until I need to go fix our supper. Nephew throws a fit the whole time wanting to go home to Mommy, wants a snack, wants water, just because he is bored from not playing. Not yet. So it gets late and we return to my place to eat. I refused to let them watch any TV until they started playing. They got exercise so they have a movie while I get theire meal cooked.

I gave niece more ice cream because she ate more supper. Eat, put away toys, and call Mommy to see when she is coming. She just said after supper.



So sister comes and picks them up. Niece and nephew couldn't wait to tell her what we did.

Errands with Mom

Went out with Mom to the realtor to fill out paperwork to finalize listing my childhood home up for sale. The signs will be in the yard by tomorrow. Sure it is sad to say good-bye, but got plenty of pictures to show future children what it looked like. Then off to inspect the paint job and house cleanimg service. We noticed they took out the master bedroom rug, there is space between the trim and floor to show it was there.




Then off to bank, insurance company, post office, charity, and grocery store. Then took Mom to her apartment.



Later.

Pumpkin party

Had sister, niece, and nephew here to help carve pumpkins. It is Nephew's 1st Halloween. We ate supper of KFC 1st and had to ask not to drop food all over the floor cause I just vacuumed recently. Nephew is learning manners like not to open every drawer and door in someone else's home. I had the place dark to show off my Halloween tree lights and light up witch crashing in the wall decoration. Nephew had to turn all the lights on. I'm getting use to saying "Paws off" and "No" when ruining his exploration. Nephew loves pointing out my cats. He calls cats Sammie, which is their cat's name. Big cat meowing to go out is Precious and one running away under the couch is Frodo. In the bathroom, Nephew keeps dropping my hand towels on the floor when he is down with them.




After table cleared, I ask Niece to get a towel since sister forgot the newspaper. She gets my bath towel from the bathroom. I meant my makeshift linen closet of open shelves in the hallway. Niece draws a face on one pumpkin and I do the other. I do jig-jag design at the top to their amazement. I'm not Daddy who does a straight circle. Daddy also carves 1st, scoop out later. I scoop first and carve later. I explain again that I'm not Daddy and sister explains people do things their own way, just differently. That's okay. Then the kids don't want to get their hands dirty and icky. Niece wants to draw all over the pumpkins cause she's bored, and wants to watch a movie instead of this. My sister says she did not drive clear across town to watch movies. Nephew enjoys the scoop and shares with Niece. We try to say It's fun to get dirty and messy. Nephew wants to carve instead of scoop. I sharply say no. We get most of them done when time to go. Bedtime is soon. I finish up and stand proud of my pumpkins.

New job

Got a new job at a retail store. Yippee! It's pays 50 cents above minimum wage, but better than starving. Provided nothing goes wrong I start week.

Pumpkin patch

Sister called today to announce they are going to a pumpking patch and I am welcome to come along. I have never seen children so terrified of hay bales, vines on the ground, or getting dirty.I told my niece, next time wear pants when walking through a prickly pumpking patch. We got a large pumpkin and some squash. After sitting on a hay bale dressed up to resemble a horse, niece got on to pose for a picture. They had another hay bale dressed as a catepillar. The barn had a big hay pile and a loft the kids could jump off into the hay. Niece refused to jump down with the rest of the kids. She just stood there in terror watching the other kids having fun. We saw goats with a mini horse. The baby goat was held back from approaching us by the mother goat. They had toddler yard toys niece and nephew enjoyed though they were too big for them. They had battery cars w/out the batteries so brother-in-law and I pushed them until we became tired. Then it was time to go home.

Adventure day

Wake up, feed the cats, and call the store again to set up my interview to find the guy is in a meeting. Lady will give him a message when he comes out. Minutes later the phone rings and it is a company I never heard of who pulled my name off the internet. Set up an phone interview for a job lacking a description. Take a shower with the handset on the toliet so I don't to miss Mr Interview's call. Reading email, I get a horrible smell in my apartment and can't find the source. It is like plastic burning. I live near railroad tracks so maybe there is a chemical fire. Look out the windows and step on the balcony to find nothing. Now my cat Frodo is wheezing. He never wheezes. I'm choking with a rag over my face from the smell that has filled my apartment. The spray air freshner is not working. Thinking maybe something outside is burning so close the windows as I hear neighbors doing and turn on the A/C to recycle the air.



Sirens are wailing outside. Aha there is something going on. Then they park in my parking lot. I see people outside so shout down if they are here for that awful smell. The fire department tells me to get out of my apartment. I explain I have cats. Chase Frodo from behind the couch, under the cat tower, and outside to the balcony. Frodo then jumps through the railing, lands on the roof above the door, and jumps downs to run up a tree. I manage to get Precious into his carrier and carry him outside into the fresh air. Fire apartment set up fans to get rid of the smoke. Ask a few people to help me get Frodo out of the tree. Later, their concern is the grease fire they just put out. Funny, I don't recall a smoke detector going off. Oh, they were smoking a cigarette when cooking so they probably had the batteries removed from the smoke detectors. Ok, we will wait. Ask again as a truck leaves about help with my cat. Guy is afraid he will climb higher if they try so leave me to coax him down myself. Frodo can climb down, he just refuses to. And he is like handling a tiger.



All this time, I am holding my handset making sure it works at this distance. Mr Interview never calls. I ask if it is safe to return to my apartment. Bring in Precious and put carrier away so Frodo will come down. He won't come down and turns around to place his butt towards me. I have to get to an interview. SO get ready and hope I don't stink. Frodo still won't come down and now a lawn mower is making the rounds so he won't come with all that noise. Call the store again and get my interview scheduled. Finally.



Go to interview and do an assessment test. Do 2 interviews and hope for the best. I swear more and more companies demand drug tests as a condition of employment along with the threat of a background check. Excuse me, but wouldn't a background check show drug use better than a drug test. Drugs leave the system after so many hours. I gues they don't want anyone with an ounce of self respect who would refuse one even she has never taken drugs beyond Advil and Benedryl. Why? It is a bad sign of a rotten employer with high turn over rate. I'll be jobless forever.



So come home and Frodo is out of the tree, but where is he. He answers me with his squeak, but I can't see him. Finally find him on the ground by a tree trunk. Pet him and he rubs against me. Then runs away. He is not escaping me again. Grab him and carry him to the door. He runs upstairs and jumps into the apartment. Precious doesn't want his daily walk even though I got the harness on him. Oh well. My eyes and nose still burn.



How is your day?

Another call

Call back the store back to hear Mr Interview is not at the store today. Will call tomorrow. Receive a call from another store and set up interview tomorrow. Have to do a personality test first before the interview. Is this a test to see if I answer the test the same as I did before. Or maybe a more lengthy one. Here's hoping good things.

Yippee!

Went to sister's to have her vent frustration at my lack of progress getting a job and now have no more unemployment benefits. She gets on the internet looking for career advice on my behalf. I have read many job advice columns and call them "Worthless babble from rich people who have never been fired, broke, or homeless". The mental breakdown from shock and then deep depression that follows making you numb to all the trauma around you is never addressed in these get a job you lazy bum articles.



She concludes these internet articles from company consultants are no help at all. She checks in to get me food stamps. I didn't qualify to get them with unemployment so why should I think I would receive them now. Too many rules so she gives up. She even went so far as to ask advice from her facebook friends (I know because I'm on her friend list). I think my sister is breaking under the strain of my failure to get another job. Shame on me for walking around like a zombie with a negative attitude when I relay my struggles to her. I shall keep things to myself from now on.



Now for the Yippee in my entry title. I come home to a message on the machine from a store I applied to last night. That was fast. Will call tomorrow to make my interview for Friday. I have hope again. It's all I have but I will take it.

Interesting app

From the impending Christmas season hiring more employees in stores, I started applying at different stores' websites hoping for something to turn up. One store app hit me with 10 advertisements and asked me if I already had life insurance. Another store signed me up for a job search site. I thought I hit skip, but I guess that is not allowed. Naturally every store threatens a drug test as a requirement for store and asked at least 3 times if I am a convicted felon. Plus the more then once question asking if I am in this country legally and be able to prove if hired that I can work in this country legally. Are they trying to tell me that their company sucks so bad that only drug addicts, convicted felons, and illegal immigrants would want this job.



Yesterday I get a call from sister asking to pick up her kids and take to McDonald's so she can get things done. No problem. Picked them up, take to get their supper with ice cream, and allowed extra time in the playroom. There was a boy there tossing his Happy Meal skateboard up the tunnel slide to the displeasure of my niece getting hit with it. Next they wanted to toss down their toys down the slide. No, they will break or lose it. They had a good time. When we made it home, nephew pouted cause we were not going to the park. They spent about 30 mins in the playroom, we are not going to the park. We watched my Halloween special loans until my sister came home. It was bathtime for kids so I came home.

Add more

I can add 2 more companies to the list of Can't apply to. I get email after email stating from one company how my app is still unfinished and need to finish it in 3 days if I want a job with them. After the 4th email and 3 attempts of finishing my app I said to hell with it. Is it my fault their stupid program refuses to remember the 2nd half of my app after 3 times of typing it in.



Then I get a company who demands my Social Security# and agree to a background check before I even get to the work history part of the app. Even better, I have to complete a quiz on taxes and must remove the pop up blocker to complete it. And BTW if the pop up blocker blocks it, you are tossed back to the beginning of the app process. I don't know how to remove the pop up blocker until it blocks something, so I get tossed back to the beginning. I click to allow pop ups temporarily to have it disappear by the time I log back in and get back to where I was and pop temp allow is gone and tossed back to the beginning. Though I question all this trying to apply for the 3rd time why I have to provide my SS#. I always read to NEVER give out your SS# until their is a job offer on the table in the interview. 3rd time is not a charm since the pop up has been blocked once, I'm not allowed to continue to education, work history, and references. So elect to quit to take a survey on why I gave up. Any bets I get a nasty email demanding I finish my app today or won't be considered to be hired. If I don't know how to remove my pop up blcokers before it blocks their tax quiz, then I guess I'm too stupid to work for their company.



It is amazing how Mom has to tell everybody how much I love computers and play on it all day long. Anyone who hears has to ask why I don't get a job working with computers. Doing what? I have used a computer at every job I've had. Oh secretary, they mean. I don't type 90 words per minute so that will not be happening. Actually, I hate computers and wish they were more resistant to the pounding frustration of my mouse not working after the computer has been on more than 15 minutes. Actually when I say play on the computer, I mean getting on the internet to read email, jot in my blogs, check the want ads, apply for jobs, and read articles on weather, world events, and celebrities. Plus any apply for job interview I can find which is never helpful when actually interviewing for jobs.But how do you explain that to people over 60 who never explored the internet.

Staking claims

Y is there 8 places the cats like to nap in the living room and they have to fight over the same one. They are like children fighting over the red game piece.



Cats are staking their claims on the new cat tower rubbing their cheeks on their chosen platform. They like to scratch their claws on the fake fur (Thank goodness they like it) though only once did Precious scratch his claws on the rope. They love the view out the window.

Lovely evening

Had a lovely supper at sister's house with aunt and Mom. Had to explain again how nephew fell out of his swing and smashed his fnger in a car door yesterday. Nephew says, All better. Niece showed her cowgirl costume and then got back on the computer watching Thomas the Train amusement park in Japan. She can't understand why we want to talk to her. Nephew watched a Halloween cartoon to learn what this holiday is all about. They showed off the Halloween cards I made for them. Then went home when bedtime came. They will never go bed if exciting people are there.

Lost the battle with Paypal

Get email from Paypal saying more or less, Screw you for being stupid and purchasing an expensive item from a company you never dealt with before. Thanks for the money and we will keep your complaint on file for future reference. I bet I missed the deadline from writing 5 emails over the span of a week. Stupid me.

I cancelled my account with Paypal that didn't want in the first place.

Excitement of the day

Went shopping with 2 aunts and Mom. One aunt bought most of the things for her lake cabin. One aunt ran into a friend and friend asked if other aunt was her mother. Aunt explained that is her sister not her mother.

Then took niece and nephew to park so sister could get work done. Nephew asked for a big push. I give big push and he fell out of the swing landing on his tummy with face scratches on left side. We cuddled until felt better. Then returning home, nephew smashed his finger in the car door. Carried him in and got cold rag and another cuddle. Then he cuddled with my sister with his tiger and some Motrin. His finger has a purple bruise. Poor kid.

Now cuddling with cats. They miss me so much. 

Battle with Paypal continues

I emailed my complaint for the 3rd time about my issue with paying Paypal for a cat tower I failed to receive from My Pet Island. Jumping through hoops like a circus poodle to get a refund. Made myself a member as commanded by Paypal just to lodge a complaint (they do not communicate with nonmembers). My 2nd complaint received a copy and pasted list of rules on how to lodge my complaint. If that worked, I would not be using the Contact Us feature. Now with my 3rd email we shall see what happens. I will be sure not to buy anything that demands I pay through Paypal only again. Protect consumers from scam artists my ass. Screw You is more like their policy.

Headache I don't need Part II

Heard from Paypal about My Pet Island dispute. They do not communicate with nonmembers who do not have confirmed email accounts. In other words, I'm just out of luck until I have an account. So set up account hoping there is no monthly member fee I don't want just so these people will look into my dispute. I have to type in a credit card as my first payment and then must type in a bank account number to set up an account with them. Now I pray my bank account doesn't get hit with unknown charges cause there is only $15 in it and dislike bounced check fees from both the charger and the bank.

All of this just to demand my money back. I hate Paypal.

Viola!

Went shopping for a bracket to hold piece of cat tower still. I resisted the Halloween decorations. It is weird shopping this time of year with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas next to each other. Then viewed the $5 movies and couldn't resist the temptation. Got a Benji and Care Bear movies thought niece might like, when she detaches herself from Utube. I will be sure to tell niece the Care Bear movie is one my Mom took me to as a kid (one of the few she let me see and complained how silly it was though she was not 9 years old like me who loved it). Got The Tudors 1st season on sale. This stuff is better than porn with a plot. My sister despised it from the violence in the first few episodes. Though can't say it is more violent than the murder mysteries she loves so much. My sister is full of contradictions.

Got a metal bracket meant to hang a mirror and attached it to the cat tower. It stop wiggling so all is good. Sad I buy a cat tower and then have to fix it. Then on top of all that, my shirt has 3 holes in it. I hate tissue fabric, I need clothes that last a few years. I'm broke and can't replace clothes regularly.

Precious still won't go outside. Every time a dog barks he runs to the bedrooms. Can't say I blame him. He had a good scare being chased up a tree.

Fixed cat tower

Tried to fix the cat tower to allow more cat butt space. Why does Precious have to be so huge. I hate fake fur getting caught and twisted in the screws. Need a buy a brace or something to stop one part from wiggling. I set cats on it and poor Frodo shook on the loose part so have to fix that.



Aunt called to tell me that she is coming to visit next week. Great, just what I need. I feel like Selena Kyle in Batman Returns where she destroys her apartment and becomes Catwoman.



I'm getting so sick of telling people I"m Still Unemployed to get nonstop useless advice. Let's see: Go be a substitute teacher, be a secretary, work for a daycare center, and my favorite, start your own dog walking/petcare business. Degrees and/or experience I don't have are required for teacher, secretary, or daycare center. I have no money to start any business. Plus I'm allergic to dogs.



What does it take to get a pathetic paying, no benefits, exhausting, miserable job? Apparently I'm not good enough to get one.