Crazy glue

I've determined that I'm a magnet for crazy people while working. As I blogged prior about the screaming lady in line, last night I had a pregnant woman come up with about 10 candles and candle holders, but she forgot her 20%off coupon. It was our scratch-it day, but she only got a 15% coupon. She then asked if I'd put her items on hold and she left.

About an hour later she returned and THEN proceeded to tell me that she is in ACTIVE LABOR!! As she says this, she leans on the counter and takes a deep breath. I'm assuming that she was having a contraction. Then she says, "my water hasn't broken....YET, so that's a good thing".

Yes, lady, please have your water break on my floor!! CLEAN UP @ men's registers!! Never being in labor myself, I realize that there is lots of time before baby arrives, so I'm not flaming her. I just realize that I'm the crazy glue at work.

Bottom of the Barrel

Last week I had a crazy lady in my line at Kohl's, so I decided to tell my online friends about it in a funny post on a message board. This board is made up of all moms who've experienced infertility. I've been a member of this group since 2000, so it's been almost 10 years. Some of the women I've met, others I have not. We've go through our IF (infertility) struggles, IVF, IUI, shots, tests...etc.

ANYWAYS, I posted a funny and a woman with the screen name Twingles completely flamed me! I was completely backed up by the other women on the board, but I thought I'd share what was written by me and her:

Me:
Tis the season where you are more than likely stand in a line while shopping. Just a few tips from those of us who work in the retail field:

1. Don't stand in my line shifting from one foot to another sighing loudly. It doesn't make me work any faster.

2. See #1 and add the folding of your arms to the mix. It doesn't make me work any faster.

3. See #1 & 2 and add talking loudly about needing more cashiers. It doesn't make me work any faster AND I have no control over who's working where in the store.

And finally,

4. Don't stand in the middle of the store and scream at the top of your lungs: "EXCUSE ME!! CAN WE GET ANOTHER PERSON TO CHECK US OUT?" It doesn't make me work any faster and now I'm just laughing at you - and so are all the other customers standing in line.

Also, when you declare loudly that you are leaving the store and I've just lost a $50 sale, please note that a large retailer is very sad about your $50 especially all the people in line have double or triple your purchase. Your 3 pair granny panties and fugly valor sweat suit will be waiting for you at Good Will in a few months.

Completely true story that happened to me last night.

Twingles:
For some people, a fire under their arse wouldn't make them work faster, and that says more about them than any customer's antics.

Also, the attitude that someone's $50 purchase doesn't matter is something that has put many a retailer out of business. ANd it's that fugly but your store is selling it? Hope they don't require you to wear their clothes!

I did laugh when I saw you work at Kohl's - every Kohl's I've ever been to has the rudest, slowest help I've ever encountered. Do they train you to be that way? LOL. I do love Kohl's though. THey are the only store that still gives out boxes too, and lots of them!

Me:
OUCH!! That was a bit rude. Maybe you've been trained that way. The LOL after your comment didn't help the sting. AND every store sells FUGLY stuff, doesn't mean that I'm going to buying it or wearing it. EVER.

Twingles:
Well, I live in one of the top 100 richest zip codes in the US, but then again the closest Kohl's is 20 minutes away so maybe you're right, LAUREN.

Give me a break. Are you freaking serious? Maybe it's where I live???

Retail workers are the bottom of the barrel anymore. Misery breeds misery. Hence the surge in online shopping. Then we don't have to deal with the mutts of the world.

Seriously, this original post was one of the rudest I've ever read, but not the least surprising, unfortuntely. And I'm sure she's wondering why she can't get ahead in the world. That's what kills me.

Me:
Twingles? Was that you the other night? Huh, thought I smelled the stench of wasted space.

It's too bad that you have such a narrow mind about the world around you. There is always someone who has to do the work that makes our daily lives easier and I'm sure that most of those people are proud of the jobs they have and the work they do.

My original post was made in jest, more of a funny than a b1tch fest. It was more about the crazy lady that was in line yelling in the store. I'm definitely NOT going to tell you about my background or why I'm currently working retail. It makes no difference to your comments. You think what you want, but Karma is a b1tch, and b1tch, she's coming for you!

So, there it is folks. I'm the bottom of the barrel and apparently a mutt of the world. Trust me, Twingles was completely flamed after her posts. She's been on the board for a while and is consistent with stirring up trouble.

I got got got got got no time

UGH, where is the time going? This is the time of year where I just always feel rushed. I have so much to do and so little time to do it. I'm even wondering what to make for dinner, cuz whatever I decide, I'm going to have to schlep 3 kids to the store to buy it. PLUS, tomorrow is the last day of school and I have to make treats for D's class party. I had a brilliant idea for D to make the teachers some gifts, but I just don't think that I'll have the time to get it done.

I rushed around this morning doing errands while I was kidless. I ran to the post office and mailed off Christmas cards, Kohl's to return a shirt and buy one for D's visit to Santa on Friday, Walmart to return things, the UPS store to send off packages, the bank and then rushed off to pick up all of the kidlets. The house is in disarray from all the Christmas stuff and Catrina's art projects for her family that her kids are making. Tonight, we may head down to the river to watch the boat parade - people decorate their boats in Christmas galore and parade them down the river.

First, I need to figure out dinner.....Hello, Domino's?

4 Winters

December 10th makes 4 years since I moved to the Pacific NW. I remember when I moved out here and people were bundled in heavy winter coats when it was 40 degree's outside. Coming from Illinois, 40 degree's in December/January is downright BALMY and doesn't require heavy winter gear. I don't have a winter coat, I've been using a raincoat/windbreaker and it has been fine.

Fast forward 4 winters, I'm FREEEZING!! Holy cow, it's sooo cold. Ok, today is only a high of 32 degree's, so I have a right to be cold, but 40 degree's is cold too!! I can't believe my 37 winters in Chicago has been sissified to believe tht 40 degree's is cold. UGH! Not only do I read labels at the grocery store to be sure that I'm getting foods without High Fructose Corn Syrup and I love farmers markets, but now I'm weather acclimated. However, I draw the line at Birkenstocks, Crocs or sandals with socks, just can't do it, I'm not THAT pacific northwesternized!

I need to go buy a winter coat.

Blogging binge

I'm on a blogging binge now, so I thought I'd at least get D's back to school picture posted. This way I can see him from year to year.

Preschool 2009/10 age 4.

Christmas Cookies redeemed!!

I went to a Christmas Cookie exchange today, and I have to say the cookies were definitely of the Christmas variety. There were chocolate mint, choc. cherry chunk, peanut butter bars, almond roccha.....mmmmm mmmmm good!! Even better is that after the party, I went to play cards and brought all of my cookies to the game. There were pretty much all eaten!! YAHOO!! Less fat on my ass for later.

Christmas cookies

I think my family is just the "odd" ones when it comes to Christmas cookies. I've always grown up with the thought of Christmas cookies as being something only had one-time-of-year. Apparently, we are in the minority. Being to several cookie exchanges in past years, I've come home with some very ordinary cookies. I was actually at an exchange where someone brought chocolate chip cookies. Um, I can make those at any time, right?

People, at any grocery store checkout line, there are Pillsbury and Betty Crocker mini cook books devoted just to Christmas cookies. It's right around this time that I miss being in Illinois. The "women" of the family would all gather at someone's house each year to bake cookies all day long. Hundreds among hundreds of cookies were made. Our rule was that you had to bring a batch of cookies made, a dough to be baked and a recipe to be made. Imagine 7-10 women baking all day long with all of those cookies!! Holy cow! It was a cookie spectacular. We would don our festive aprons and work away. Oh, lets not forget the Mimosa's and Bloody Mary's to start the festivities off.

Here are some pictures of past cookie bakes.

My sister, Karen, with David. Notice the table full of cookies in the background.
Cousin Liz (at sink), Cousin Marg, sister Karen working away.

I think I was pregnant with David here. My mom, me, cousin Jeanie

One also must not forget, Christmas cookies should be small. Eaten in one or 2 bites only.

Out of the mouths (and apparently butts) of babes

Only a 4yo can come up with this:

We were in the car today and started talking about germs.
David: "Sometimes when I pee, germs come out"
Me: "Maybe, but I know that your poo poo has germs so that's why we need to wash our hands after poo poo's"
David: "Yea, my poo poo's have germs cuz sometimes they come out of my poo poo's with their surf boards and ride down when I flush."

Yep, that's my boy!!

Time to catch up...

Ok, I know I'm a slacker. I haven't posted since August 14, so it's time to get everyone caught up.
Here's a brief scenario on what's happened....

Last time I posted Vancouver was experiencing a HUGE heat wave, so here are more pictures from other times we escaped to the coast to cool off. This trip was colder than the last, so you'll see sweatshirts...on the adults, kids could care less.

"I can't tell you what branch of the government I work for, but I can tell you that we're really really coooool!"

"So cool, that even ice-cream melts around me."

Failed attempts to fly a kite.
This mission is over.

Onto the Fair... next time, remind me NOT to wear a black shirt when it's going to be 90 degree's outside. I was HOT that day.

Backyard campfire...

WHOOPS!!

I should tell everyone to start at the Beach boobie blog. That's the beginning of the story.

Oaks Park

Our local small amusement park has Preschool time every Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. $6 for unlimited rides for children 6 and under. PERFECT!! One of my moms groups were going and it was a great morning. Not too hot, not sunny and no rain.

When we arrived, the power was completely out at the park. They didn't know when it would be back on - apparently a bird ran into a power line and blew a fuse. They were admitting people while waiting PG&E to arrive. It's ok, the giant slide was the only ride working and the kids loved it. I was amazed at what these little kids would brave - D went on a roller coaster all by himself!

The rides all shut down at 11:30 for milk, cookies and a story. It was a great way to wind down from all the fun!

Beach bound again

1 day after being at the beach, we decided to pack up and head there again. It was going to be a balmy 102 in Vancouver (down from 109), but still too hot for us.

We got to the beach and it was COLD and cloudy!! So cold, that I needed to go to the Everything is $12.99 store and buy a sweatshirt. Being at Seaside, OR there is plenty to do w/out putting your foot in the sand. We went on the carousel, tried on funny hats and had ice cream. Then it the beach for some kite flying, sandcastles and running from the freezing cold water!! AND, no bee this trip.

D being super cool at the beach

Wipe out!!

Busy beach boobie bee

I just realized how long it's been since my last post and BOY do I have a lot to talk about. Go get another cup of coffee or a snack - you're going to need it.

The last week of July turned out to be a record breaking heat wave for this area. We had 5 days of triple digit heat. Being that my roommate works on the weekends, we decided NOT to stay in town and escape to the beach. It was going to be 109 here and an unprecedented 85 at the beach. We prepacked most everything the night before, so we could escape ASAP the following morning.

The beach was fantastic. The kids played in the water all day!! It was that warm. I even stripped down to my swim suit and shorts.

D and I making the 10 mile walk to the water

Playing in the water - D is on the left

By this time you're probably wondering what the title to the post means - Busy Beach Boobie Bee

As we're packing up our stuff to start heading home, I felt a "sting" right under my boob. I didn't think much of it b/c all day while dunking my feet in the ocean, I was being stung by (I'm guessing) really small jelly fish. So, I said OUCH! something just stung me. I couldn't see anything when I pulled my suit out so I didn't think anything of it. WE'RE AT THE BEACH what could sting me or go wrong? Suddenly I bent down to pick up something and STING something stung me next to my belly button. Now I'm starting to panic - I'm allergic to bee stings and I know there is something in my suit. I'm on a public beach, so it's not like I can strip down and get it out. Modesty be damned, I made Catrina look down my suit to see if she could find out where this "thing" is. Just as she's looking down my suit, STING, it got me again!! Now about 2 inches below my belly button!! I grabbed my suit and felt something in my hand. So now I have the little bugger, but must make the 10 mile trek back to the bathrooms, holding this "thing", carrying a bag and tiptoeing across the scorching hot sand!!

When I got into a changing room, I stripped off my suit and didn't see anything except 3 very LARGE welts that are starting to get bigger. Then I see it - a small fuzzy bumble bee crawling on the floor. Yep, I got stung by that thing. I'm trying not to panic much b/c of my allergy. I am trying to decide what to do - go to a hospital or make the 2 hr trip back home. Everyone gets changed and I decide to drive home after stopping at the Rite Aid to pick up some Bee Sting stuff.

Luckily the stings only turned into large welts that itched like crazy and bruised. It was a great day at the beach anyways.

All abuzz about bee's

I now have a kid who is fascinated by bee's. He doesn't just wants to look at them, but he likes to catch them in his bug catcher and come show them to me!!! He's caught many many bee's and has not been stung. He catches them, looks at them and lets them go. It's kind of cool.

I'm totally allergic to bee's. About 8 years ago, I was stung on the thigh, my ENTIRE thigh swelled up like a giant mosquito bite - it was itchy, hot and painful. The last time I was stung by a wasp, my entire face swelled up.....YIKES. I don't dislike bee's or wasps, but I have extreme respect for them and give them WIDE birth when I'm outside.