J.J. Devine's Blog, page 28

I know it's Monday, but it's my Thursday!!!

Good morning, everyone!!!

​Yeah, you may be dragging your feet today because it's Monday, but it is my Thursday so yes, I'm ready for this day to get started :)

​Yesterday was a nightmare to say the very least. Thankfully I have a wonderful boss who shared in my headache long enough to help me get things figured out. Which of course threw me off track on getting done on time again, but at least I managed to get things figured out with her help and finished up the other things I needed to do.

​I spent a little while enjoying my porch swing after I got home. Which was a much needed quiet time after my morning.

​I was bound and determined not to let the morning ruin my entire day :)

​Today I deal with the final Coke order before River Rally, Ducktail Run, and James Dean. Now if he will just cooperate we will be good :) Pray that he understands the importance of this weekend for us. Because otherwise we will be running out of Coke product before the weekend is over. If so, then this red head will be contacting his boss come Monday.

​Hubby will be home most likely tomorrow (possibly late tonight). So his long weekends (Tuesday through Friday mornings) start up again :) Then I will be off Wednesday and Thursday this week :) We've fixed my schedules so I can be off when he's home for a few days. Which of course I like. This way we can spend some time together without me having to set alarms to get up way early :)

​When I get back to work at the end of the week our big festival weekend will begin. I'm actually looking forward to it. I love how busy we stay the entire weekend. I have to stop up at the bike shop and get my new shirt from them before heading back to work on Friday. We are allowed to wear River Rally shirts this weekend as part of our uniforms!!! This is a first for us. We've been trying for years to make this happen and feel like we're actually making the company understand a little bit about this small town and what it means to be involved in things in the community. The bike shop was kind enough to give us enough shirts for our entire staff from last year's logo. The boss and I decided we would also pick up shirts for this year's logo just because it is the right thing to do.

​When you live in a small town and work in a small town, it is best to stay involved with the community. Even if the company you work for is a big chain. Small towns are much different than big towns. Everybody knows everybody here. We're the only store in walking distance between two small towns. So, we get a LOT of business during this time. We have lines that go to the back of the store, out the door, and all the way around. We have to registers opened, because that is all we have. We keep one person on duty to clean and fill product. We do our best to ensure the same quality service we give when this is not going on. Why? Because we're small town friendly.

​Most of the people who work for us, live right here and most live within blocks from the store. Because that's how small our town is. Our main street is a brick dead end street. We don't have many shops or such right now, but the town is working hard to revive our little area. I was thrilled to death that we received a little crafty shop up on our main street. She will be doing a raffle that allows the winner to pick out whatever they want out of her store, during the festivities this weekend :) I am definitely planning a trip up there this week after payday :)

​Supporting mom and pop type stores to me is one of the best ways to help the economy and small towns. I just hope she gets enough support to remain open. I would love to see her succeed :)

​Sure, there will be a LOT of noise we don't normally have once this weekend gets started. Because most of the time this little town is pretty quiet. But, hey, it's only a few days and I can sit out on my porch and hear live music all weekend LOL. Okay, so I can also hear motorcycles and old car engines all weekend too, but hey that's part of it.

​I will also get a ton of walking in which is a plus :) Last year, I walked with my daughter and grandkids over to the next town and all around our uptown. And that was after spending eight hours on my feet at the register :) This year I do books on Saturday and make sure everything is filled and cleaned before I take off. But Friday I work register :) I also put away truck and hopefully keep my sanity :)

​Well I guess I should be signing off of here and prepare for my Monday/Thursday at work. We do our scan audits today and then deal with vendors.

​Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Blessings to all!!!




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I'm awake already...

Good morning, everyone!!!

​I know the memes say 3 a.m. and my mornings on these weekends start at 2 a.m. but it is pushing 3 a.m. before I am even coherent ;)

​I'm on coffee number two so soon very soon I'll be wide awake and ready to start this day. I hope anyway.

​Bug had his football game yesterday. They didn't play as well yesterday as they did last Saturday, but I believe that was more due to how hot it was and their uniforms are black. When they came off the field after the game not a one of those kids had a dry head from sweating so much.

​I did enjoy watching him once again though. He really made me smile. I noticed all the coaches using him to assist them in demonstrations and such during their practice. He's all about keeping an eye on where that ball is at all times and his main objective is to make sure it doesn't go anywhere. I watched him toss a kid out of his way last evening because the kid was trying to keep him from his main objective :) LOL.

​Just like any other time we're getting ready for anything big at work, our ice machine keeps acting up. It's not so much the machine as it is the outlet it is plugged into. It keeps blowing and we keep telling them we need a knew plug. Hopefully, they take us serious before too much longer because the message of NOT allowing the ice people to deliver did not get passed along and so guess what, our ice chest is full again, errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr......

​I was so tired by last evening I did end up going to bed before dark again. It's okay though because I never seen any light once I closed my eyes and sure didn't know a thing until hubby called at 2 a.m.

​Today I put in the final big order before the festivities :) I'm hoping to get out of there on time and get home to get a few things done before I hit the sack tonight. I go back to my normal get up at 4 a.m. tomorrow and back to my normal work schedule. Tomorrow the new dress code also goes into effect :)

​I did let myself get a bit aggravated yesterday, but I also let it go more quickly than I would have normally. I'm of an age where I know you can't change people. I've also lived long enough to realize if you can't change it, let it go.

​The sad part is I hate to see others suffer for the lack of compassion from those who are supposed to love them. Which is where my aggravation comes from. I guess you could say I'm fiercely protective of the feelings of those I love.

​This often times brings out a side in me that just wants to make up for the lack of to those I adore. Which probably isn't so good either, but hey, I just want those around me to know they are worth loving no matter how someone else makes them feel. Because it isn't an issue with the one I love but a warped issue with those making them feel unwanted and unloved.

​Just showing up isn't what it is about. Being present in the moment, letting that person know you are proud of them, proving to them you are there no matter what for them. That's what its about. Everyone needs some validation in life. To know at that single moment in time they are solely the one in your thoughts. The object of your attention.

​Life is busy for sure. But we each need to take time out once in awhile to show the ones we love how much they mean to us. Let go of our own needs and wants for just a second, to let them know their needs and wants are important too.

​I've lost enough people in my life to know life is shorter than we think. I know personally, I never want those I love to ever doubt for one moment that during my lifetime I truly loved them. I want them to know I loved them with my entire being for who they are, not what I expect them to be.

I love it when people pass down judgement when they're only present when they decide to be and that presence is only there to judge when they are available.

​What you see when you chance to be around for that moment is probably NOT what it truly is. Just sayin'...

​It is the day to day that determines what is not an off day. So if you find yourself witnessing something you thought was different, maybe you should give it another try, on a better day for the people you are judging.

​People disguise judgement as opinions. Opinions are formed by seeing. However, judgement and opinions also need more than random to figure out. Just a thought...

​Well I guess I should step down off my soapbox and get this day underway.

Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Blessings to all!!!





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I survived Friday...

Good morning, everyone!!!

​As you can see I survived yesterday. It wasn't easy seeing as I was buried up to my eyeballs in 527 cartons of cigarettes that was delivered to our store. But I did manage to get them all put away before I headed home last evening. Only took me my entire shift once truck came, but I did it.

​I also survived three stacks almost as tall as I am (which isn't saying too much considering I'm pretty short) of organizing and putting away BIBs (bag in the boxes). One more delivery of a double order on these babies and I think we'll be almost ready for our weekend next week.

​I am doing the early early early shift the next two days and putting in our final truck order for Tuesday's delivery before the festivities begin on Thursday.

​The weather has perked up around here. I'm hoping it remains this way throughout next weekend. It is so much nicer when people don't have to deal with the cold and the wet during these festivals.

​I've been there so much this week I've had customers asking me if I ever go home, LOL. I just laugh and tell them I have a bed in the back LOL. There's just so much to do to get ready that the boss and I have been on overdrive for the entire month. Then all the changes they've thrown our way have also made it pretty difficult to find some sort of balance on our busiest time of the year. But we've managed and we will survive next weekend because we have one kick ass crew.

​That is one thing I can say about the people we work with, everyone takes their job seriously. Sure, not everyone does everything the way we do it around there, but everyone of our people have their really strong aspects that balances out one another.

​Our fall charity drive is coming up. I love how everyone pulls together on this and really does amazing jobs helping us keep this afloat for the entire month. All our people are doing raffle baskets for the event this year. We have some teaming up, we have some doing their own, and the boss and I have come up with an idea for a special one just for the store. That month we are talking of doing hot lunches Monday through Friday, that seemed to go over pretty well for April's charity drive. Then of course our normal bake sale :) I will also be donating a couple of books again this time for the drive as well as some apple butter which seems to go over very well :)

​So the house will smell pretty yummy for a the month of October :)

​Well I guess I should really hit the shower. It was really warm yesterday when I went to bed and let's just say I really need that shower this morning.

Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Blessings to all!!!






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Not my Friday quite yet...

Good morning, everyone!!!

​Yep, you read that right, it may be Friday but it isn't my Friday. My Friday will actually be Tuesday this week. However, I will surely hear a LOT of TGIFs today at work :)

​Tomorrow will start my two days of early early EARLY shifts. Be there at 4 a.m. leave by 10 a.m. then a busy day after that.

​Bug is playing football this year. Definitely a sport this grandma knows nothing about. Sure, I've been to football games and such, but I'm not a huge fan of spectator sports. However, I do support the grandchildren in whatever makes them happy.

​The first day he went to football camp for the first time, I looked at my daughter and said, "This is his sport." From the moment this child stepped onto the field, it was like it came naturally to him. He amazed his football camp coaches with his abilities. He brought a smile to my face watching him in his element.

​Last Saturday was his first game. Oh my goodness, it was so thrilling to watch one of his coaches recognize what I saw. The man could hardly stay on the sidelines for jumping up and down watching our little man play. The excitement in that man's body was so evident as he watched our little guy tackle like a pro :)

​My daughter called me after practice yesterday and told me the main coach now sees what the other coach sees. I told her, see, I told you this was his forte.

​As for the sport of football. Well, I know I'm from Indiana and should like it, but I'm still not a fan. However, I am a fan of that little defensive tackle :) He's amazing on the field. He's in his element and even if this grandma doesn't know a damn thing about the game, I will sure as hell be there cheering him on.

​My daughter told me I needed to start watching football. I laughed and said, nope, what I need to learn about the game Bug will teach me :) All I need to know about it is that he loves it and he's good at it :)

​In other news...

​Hubby will be home Monday or Tuesday this week. Then we have two days off together :) Of course, like any other time hubby is home we have a whole mess of things to be done. An appointment on Wednesday another appointment on Thursday and hopefully some fun thrown in there during those days as well. We've already decided to hit up a couple of stores while we're in Kokomo on Thursday :) Then possibly a trip to the orchard on our way home. We'll see :)

​This new scheduling at work has the boss and I so confused. She thought she was going to be way into overtime this week, then we remembered the pay week ended yesterday so she won't actually be into overtime. Yeah, crazy when they change things up on us.

​A few weeks ago they announced we would be changing paydays from Fridays to Wednesdays. So this week we received a four day paycheck. Not too bad, but we had not been given enough notice to really prepare ourselves for that kind of hit. I keep telling myself next Wednesday is not all that far off thankfully :) But I didn't do too bad grocery shopping yesterday thankfully. It just seemed odd doing the shopping on a different day.

​The boss and I feel a bit overwhelmed with so much coming up in such a close proximity of one another. We have our big weekend, which that one is just making sure we have enough product to last us throughout the insanity. Which that alone is NOT a big deal, but then throw in an audit that has been changed up to where we have to have everything in the store separated by not only brand but each product has to be separated into their own little sections, and that brings on the pressure.

​All of this of course must be ready to go by 7:30 a.m. on the Monday morning following our insane weekend. So, we will be in there separating products throughout the night to ensure everything will be ready when they get there.

​Most of it isn't an issue, we keep a LOT of this already separated and organized. However, with the up and coming weekend next week, we have triple the amount of 20 ounce pops. Pray we sell almost all of them. So getting our cooler and back stock ready for this audit is what I am dreading most. It will get done, there are a few of us way too OCD about this area of our store not to have it ready, but man, just thinking about it 'having' to be a certain way, really exhausts us mentally.

​I planned to be out of there at 2 yesterday. However, we had issues with our safe so I ended up waiting on the safe man with a window of 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. At 3:30 I told the girls, I'm going home call me when he gets here. Of course, that's when he walked in. So I ended up being there until after 4:30. Then it was off to find black jeans (because starting Monday we can wear black jeans as part of our uniforms). That's not an easy task let me tell you. I only have one brand of jeans that I like the way they fit and of course in that brand I can't find black. I was almost on a first name basis with the lady at the fitting room by the time I was done yesterday LOL.

​Hence one more reason hubby and I will be doing a bit of shopping on Thursday when we're in Kokomo. I'm still holding out hope that my brand will miraculously have a pair of black jeans somewhere in my size :)

​Today is truck day, which will be another HUGE one because we are still preparing for our big weekend. One more HUGE order to go before the big event which will arrive on Tuesday. We put in our cigarette order to come in today. That's my department each week, so I'm already overwhelmed with boxes and boxes and I haven't even gotten them yet LOL. But I can already envision them as they pile up in my register area later this morning.

​There is nothing worse than having an angry crowd if you don't have what they are looking for.

​Well I guess I better get off of here and write down the order for Red Bull that our third shift girl sent me via IM this week. He comes this morning as well and like I said, we definitely need to have product available for our customers :)

​Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Blessings to all!!!





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Is Thursday even a thing???

Good morning, everyone!!!

​So many days of the week have their own theme or are special for whatever reason:

Sunday, the Lord's Day
Monday, most people just hate this one
​Tuesday, hmmm, Tuesday may just be ordinary too
Wednesday, hump day
Thursday, almost Friday but not really it's own special day
​Friday, well that one is obvious
​Saturday, celebrated for obvious reasons ;)

​Maybe it is those days that start with 'T' that people just like to ignore???

​Yes, it's sad this is how my brain works some days LOL.

​Made it through yesterday. Of course Naproxen was my best friend last night before bed as well. When you throw around 30 pounds over and over and over again for a solid hour, well, let's just say when you're my age you have to have a little something to keep your body from rejecting you the next day.

My coke delivery came in, but wasn't as much as I was expecting. I really hope my Coke rep will be more understanding this week. Maybe I should have taken pictures last year so I could have something for him to visualize??? We have so much in the way of 20 ounce sodas right now that I had to spend a few minutes organizing them last evening (okay, more than a few minutes). One of the girls working came back and helped me work on the deliveries for the cooler, which we managed to get back in order :)

​This time of year drives my OCD side nuts. So much disorder that needs to be brought into order. It's a crazy feeling. But I manage :)

​There was no time for much of anything else last evening. I was worn out after a twelve hour day and all the prep work. I came home, threw some frozen pizzas in the oven, called that dinner, and then hit the sack. I don't even know if I talked to hubby when he called at almost 11 p.m. Yeah, that's bad. I found out he'd called when I looked at the last phone call on my phone from last evening. So I know I was in deep sleep when he called, and I know it wasn't a missed call so I just don't know if I thought it was the alarm and hung up on him or if I talked to him and just don't remember LOL. Sorry, hubby!!!!

​Baby Bear slept with his head on my legs. Shadow slept right next to me, wrapping his paws around my arm. This is how I fell asleep and this is how I woke up, LOL. It's like having two big real life teddy bears to sleep with :)

​I'm hoping today will be a little less insane. It's Thursday and we really don't have much that happens on Thursdays at the day job. So hopefully getting out at 2 today will be no issue at all :)

I really need an early day from the day job :)

​Well I guess I should call it here. I need to get ready for work and get this day underway.

Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Blessings to all!!!





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Midweek Ramblings...

Good morning, everyone!!!

​For most people today is almost their weekend. For me, well, it is just day 3 of my 9 day stretch :) There is also some big ass fly buzzing around my kitchen this morning, staying just out of my reach. Even Baby Bear is having issues trying to get this thing. I'm pretty sure it fly in when I had the door open waiting on Shadow to get up the porch steps and into the house. Oh well, things happen.

​Today we have a morning meeting, training after that, then an evening meeting. So today is pretty full. I also need to decide on a day I can go in and bring my Surface and help people sign up for their reward cards. I'm thinking get through the BIG weekend then make a game plan for a Saturday. Which may work out great considering we will be beginning our charity drive right after.

​I'm hoping to get hubby on board for going to the orchard on my next day off. I need to get some apple goodies made up for the winter :) You know apple butter, apple sauce, maybe some homemade apple pies :) Yep, the works. I also need to pick up some canning jars for this little venture. Which of course some of which I will be selling at the bake sale all next month :)

I did start my Christmas shopping yesterday :) Our novelty man brought in a gift idea I just had to get for my sister, LOL. Let's just say it will go with her collection LOL.

​My blood has been boiling a bit this week. My son and daughter-in-law have been having some issues with some thieves. To the point they needed to bring their camper over here. Now, bringing the camper here isn't an issue, we have a lot more space to park it than they do. BUT, to HAVE to bring it over because of lazy ass people who would rather take what someone else works for instead of going out, getting a job, and working for your own shit, well, that really gets under my skin.

​This aspect of the real world just drives me insane. We had issues with people like this when we lived in Florida and they always chose to take from one of the hardest working women I've ever met. I get it, it's easier to take something from someone than to work your ass off for what little you can, but it makes the crime even more hideous to me.

​The up side is I got to see Little Zoe :) That little girl makes me smile :) Well, so does all my grandchildren. Each for different reasons.

Lil Miss is my flower child granddaughter. I love her outlook on life. She is such a peace, love, and find beauty in the world kind of girl. She is that constant reminder that even in this high tech world, there is still beauty in the simple things in life. Such as treasure hunting, taking walks, and just being for a few minutes. She reminds me it's time to take a break and enjoy the moment.

​Then there's Bug. Deep thinker, concerned about things no 11 year old should even think matters at this age. He looks for reasons why in the happenings of life. Often times, he's much to serious for a kid his age, but then off he goes to grab a stick and pretend it's a gun or a sword and I see the little boy inside. He reminds me to think about things thoroughly before acting.

​Garden Weed is 'that' girl. Always striving to be the best in whatever she does. She has qualities to be a leader, but the confidence to become the leader is still yet to come. She's the 'A' typical girly girl. She reminds me that it's okay to be who we are, to strive for the best, and once in awhile it's okay to have a spa day and focus on ourselves.

​Then there's little Zoe, :) Adventurous, outgoing, knows no fear. And all of this in her first year. Can you imagine what she'll be in a few years? Wow, to have that spirit flowing through you. She reminds me it is okay to take risks, to look for things to get into, because you may just find you like it there.

​I've always said if you watch children and really listen you can learn so much. I learned a great deal from raising my own children. Now, I'm learning even more watching my grandchildren grow up. It doesn't matter your age, there is always something to learn in this life. Teachers come in the darnedest places.

​I managed to get in a bit more writing last evening while I soaked these aching feet. Sometimes you just have to grab the moment when you can. Things are slow but sure, and I am really wanting to get this aspect out of the way so I can do a read through and figure out what needs cut and what needs to stay :) Then it is on to the next one :)

​I also need to get some files set up for a few future projects. I'm hoping to get that in order very soon. Maybe on my next day off :)

Well I should probably get off of here and get ready to start this day. Lots going on and I need to prepare for it.

Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Blessings to all!!!




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Time to wake up...

Good morning, everyone!!! It's time to wake up!!!

​Yeah, it is hard to wake up when the weather starts getting cooler. All you want to do is hang out under the blankets because you know the moment you get out from under them it is going to be cold.

​Yes, I have heat in my house. No, I don't want to turn it on yet. Turning on the heat is a sign summer is behind us. So yep, I'll just toss on the sweats over my pjs and call it a morning :)

​Early mornings have become my thing these days. I truly don't mind the early hour, but I've found myself wanting to just hang out under those warm blankets a bit longer the last couple of days. It doesn't help matters when my bed is also lined with two very large furbies who sleep rather close to their momma :)

​I made it through day 1 of my 9 day stretch. I did get a bit irritated when I dealt with our Coke rep. I guess he is not fully aware of what happens in a few weeks and making him understand the magnitude of it, well, he's just not grasping. He and I will have another run through next Monday and I won't be so giving then. I will only have one delivery left that week before our chaos falls down upon us. So, he will have to suck it up.

​I spent a little time sitting on my porch swing yesterday afternoon. It was so relaxing after a day's work. Of course, while I was out there I also watered the plants and swept the porch :) I found a few leaves are beginning to fall which is something I'm not quite ready for just yet. But as with everything in life, this change of season is on its way.

​The leaves are beginning to turn here. I noticed on my drive the other day with the daughter and grandkids there is some brilliant orange and yellow leaves beginning to appear. Ahhhhh.....

​I guess it is almost time to get my little desk ready for the cooler weather writing time. It is something I've been avoiding, but know it is coming soon. I may hold off a few more weeks if I can :)

​It is day 2 of my 9 day stretch at the day job. Today is Pepsi delivery, truck day, and adjustment day. So most likely I will be there until 3 to ensure I get everything put away. Pepsi won't be nearly like it was on Friday. But at some point this week I need to organize all my 20 ounce bottles so they are in rows of just one product. I only received 54 cases of 20 ounce on Friday and have several more being delivered today. More of a normal order today though :) Thankfully, our Pepsi lady has been there done that with us before :)

​I will be getting my t-shirt for River Rally hopefully in the next week. I truly want to show our support for our community. I feel it is very important when you live and work in a small town to take pride in what happens in your area. You need to get behind and welcome new growth and also support the happenings in your town.

​This weekend we have Old Settler's Day. Which is a celebration on the founding of our town. It's not a very big event, but it takes place at our local park and the log cabin is opened up for people to see. It is very interesting and educational for all generations, but I like that the younger generations can go see what it was like back in the day :)

​It is sad to think (coming from a historical romance writer's POV) that eventually if things keep going in the direction they are going in this world, our children will lose the aspects history has to teach them. History is for learning from your mistakes and keeping life going in a forward motion. The good and the bad. The good aspects show us how things can be, the bad aspects show us what we don't want to go back to.

​Over the course of time, I've seen so much forward motion. So, much positive come about in the manner of acceptance. However, this is not what people today wish to see. I remember crosses being burned in front yards. I remember seeing them with my own eyes. This image was burned into my soul for all eternity as an image of our past I do NOT wish to see in today's world. However, with the divide I see happening around me once again, I feel like we've gone back 50 years in some ways. Soon I would not be surprised to see these images again, something that should NEVER happen again in this world.

I remember a time when mixed families were whispered about, looked down upon, and criticized. Today, not so much. Mixed families are just like any other family, as they should be seen. More are accepting than the world wide news would let on. It is as if they want to see divides in our world, not peace and contentment with one another.

​Culture is what makes our world go around. Embracing the unique aspects of one another versus find hate. Some say, it is bringing things that have been out into the light. I say, watching the young people of today and how easily they accept differences in each other, that this is grasping at straws. Maybe, the light that has been turned on is that of the past, the past some have not learned from quite yet.

​I know in raising my own children, there is an acceptance in people being different from this generation that has not been seen before in this world. They have a diverse group of friends, who they call friends, are friends with, and it doesn't matter to them the color of skin, religion, or even sexual preference. This can't just be in my world. Because I've seen it in many places.

​Acceptance is taught at home then spread about the world around you. I love the introduction to new cultures and new ideas being placed upon my world through open eyes and hearts. I enjoy watching the children I raised embrace the world around them in all it's glory, not just little pieces they chose to be 'normal'. To them 'normal' is allowing people to be themselves.

Just a bit of thought from this old rambling writer this morning.

Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Blessings to all!!!






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Back to the grind...

Good morning, everyone!!!

​Time to get back to the grind of every day living. Today is day one of my nine day stretch at the day job. Which is fine, this new schedule will give me the days off I need when hubby is home, so it's all good :)

​I did manage to get some work done around here yesterday. Got my housework done. Worked on some writing. I also kept tabs on my family in Florida who have stayed behind.

​So I guess you could say I'm calling this weekend a good one for getting things accomplished. Now it is time to accomplish what needs to be done the rest of the week.

​At the day job we are preparing for River Rally, Ducktail Run, and James Dean, which I'm sure you will hear me talk about this over and over again in the coming weeks. It isn't something we can just be ready for, but something as the only store in town, we must prepare ahead for. My shipment of Pepsi products came in Friday, so I have a back room full of 20 ounce bottles. Today, I put in my order for Coke products, which should arrive on Wednesday.

​Then there is the fountain pop cups, straws, roller grill, ect. to get ordered and find places for over the course of the next two weeks. Yeah, it is going to get crowded in our little store's back rooms :)

​We get to wear River Rally t-shirts this year, which thrills us to death. This will be the first year we've been allowed to do this. So I am hoping for a good deal of participation from our workers.

​Wish me luck today...

​Everyone have a lovely day!!!

​Blessings to all!!!



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Weekend off...

Good morning, everyone!!!

​I've split up my weekend off to ensure I am well rested for the week ahead. Yesterday I went to the grandson's first football game and did my shopping (which I forgot laundry soap so have to go back today), then spent the day relaxing :) Today, I'm cleaning house, making chili, and doing laundry.

​Since there's really not a whole lot of cleaning that needs done I will also be working on writing today. Nothing like working on writing and smelling a batch of chili cooking :) And then the smell of fresh clean laundry as well :) Yeah, the simple things in life excited me :)

​It's pretty cool out there today so I've been inside more than outside this weekend. I spent the afternoon yesterday watching movies and dozing in and out :) So you could say I'm definitely caught up on my sleep :) I did tell myself I was only allowed one day to do this over the weekend, because I have to get back into my routine of hubby being gone for ten days at a time again. So, today is writing day and catching up on all things writing along with some housework. Because let's face it I am a multitasker LOL.

​Well I guess I should hit the shower and get ready to go grab that laundry soap I forgot. :)

​Everyone have a lovely day!!!

​Blessings to all!!!




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Waking up...

Good morning, everyone!!!

It was hard waking up this morning. Why??? I have no idea. I just know I did not want to get out from under those blankets this morning for nothing.

​Finally, I told myself, this is your last early morning for a couple of days. Which basically, translates into no alarm clock the next couple of days but I'll still be up early LOL.

​It was a long work day yesterday. Right before time for me to get off work we had the lady who does our food audit. So, I stuck around for her final review. Then came home for a few hours before heading to one of our other stores to watch their register while they had a team meeting.

​Hubby took me out to dinner afterwards so I didn't have to cook :) Which was very nice. I really needed that last night. We headed into the store to do his shopping for his trip out west. Not one of my favorite aspects in life because shopping while dodging children is NOT one of my favorite activities. Parents that seat in the cart was put there for a reason. They even have those really cool carts now where you can actually put more than one child in the cart while you shop. Believe me, you would be able to get your shopping done in half the time if you didn't have to chase those youngens around so much, just a thought.

​That is my biggest pet peeve about shopping. I might enjoy it more if it wasn't for so many kids dodging in and out of isles, running in front of your cart, acting like the store was a playground versus a place where people buy their groceries.

​I am the mother of three, grandmother to four, and I babysat numerous children over the course of my kids growing up. I often took kids to the store in my lifetime. So yes, I know what it is like shopping with kids. However, when I shopped my children stayed with me, did NOT run around acting like they were in the wilderness or at the local park. If they threw a tantrum, well, we left the store. We only had to do that one time when our kids were little. Because it wasn't an empty threat it was a fact, and if we said it, well, they knew we meant it.

​I told my husband last night, this is why I hate shopping. Kids scream, cry, throw tantrums and that is fine. I get that. However, I don't get parents just giving in and letting them run wild when they act this way. Keep them in the cart, they're safer there. Sure, they're a bit noisy. But you know I am sure more customers would rather hear them throwing a fit for having to remain in the cart than running over them when your child darts out in front of them when they are coming off of an isle. Besides, eventually those fits will cease because your child knows it isn't working.

​Yes, this advice is coming from the mother of the queen of fit throwers from way back. You think your child can throw a tantrum, LOL, you should have met my girl when she was two. Whew!!! Her headstrong personality started at an early age :)

​Sure it wears you out. Sure you may have to listen to that nonstop screaming. Sure you just want to quiet them down. I get it, believe me I do. However, sticking to your guns a few times is going to have a more lasting effect than giving in every time.

​As an assistant manager of a convenience store we get our share of wild and wooly youngens. I've managed to deter some of these children from such behavior by interaction with them while their parents shop. The experience for both the parents and myself it is a lot more peaceful. Now some of these kids will see me out and about at other stores and will be the first to strike up a conversation with me :) One little fellow even wanted to help me with my shopping the other day LOL. I just adore him :)

​What happened to that headstrong young lady I raised? Well, she's the mom to two, mother of an angel, works full time, goes to school to better her career, keeps her kids busy in after school activities, and when she takes her kids to the store you will find those children right beside her and the cart. When they were smaller, you would find them in the cart helping mommy with the shopping.

​Well I guess that is enough of a rant this morning...

Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Blessings to all!!!




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