We interrupt this fun bout of trip planning

...to bring you a most severe whine-fest, so I can stop carrying all these feelings around. 

- R had surgery last Wednesday to repair her knee, and the aftercare SUCKED. Thank you, stupid Kaiser, and the stupid American health care/medical insurance system. YOU ALL SUCK. I'm sure she'll be fine once she's out of pain and can resume normal activities, but this whole experience has been awful and stressful and terrible and PAINFUL for her, and I don't know how we can fix this, but it needs to be fixed.

- I deactivated Facebook last night, for the second time in two months. "Death by a thousand cuts" is a good way to describe that situation. Maybe I'm in a highly emotional state because of R's situation, but I can't handle anything or anyone right now. It's good that Hubby and I are traveling tomorrow and I can be distracted from the shit show that is my social media experience. Do we even really need social media? I'm keeping IG because H and C and R are there, and my Hedda Lettiss account, and Reddit and TikTok, of course (for educational purposes). But people I know in real life, family members, hurting my feelings and pissing me off via FB, is nothing I need, right now or ever again.

- Bright side: Monica isn't working today. 

To Do Before Trip

- Wash travel dishes/utensils in dishwasher: DONE

- Open bag of summer clothes & choose what to take: DONE

- New swimsuit (Big 5): Decided to use green tank/black bike shorts instead - DONE

- Iron flannel shirt & t-shirts: DONE

- Check weather for trip destinations: DONE

- Laundry - fold darks, wash/dry/fold lights: DONE

- Unpack from Olympia trip; set aside items to pack for Big Tuesday trip: DONE

- Check toiletries bag for missing or extra items: DONE

- FRONT YARD: Move logs, yard debris box, remaining yard debris, pots/sod so the yard folks can mow on Monday: DONE

- Pack exercise gear: New swimsuit, black flip flops, swim coverup, Keen sneakers, black yoga capris, jog bras, T-shirts, gym socks. EXERCISE - you'll be sitting in the car for hours every day!

- Pack birthday/anniversary cards & stamps to send while we're gone: DONE

- Check travel kitchen bag; take out unnecessary items: DONE

- Shopping list: Water, masks, sunscreen, green dishcloths/towels: DONE till Monday

- Finish washing French press - DONE

- Locate coolers, 1 large, 1 small - wash & dry: DONE

- Pack activities: Sewing machine/fabric/supplies, crochet project, cross stitch projects, laptop/charger, deck of cards, Phase 10, Uno, Yahtzee, puzzle book, postcards/stamps/pen

- Put together sewing/quilting projects; cut out if time permits

- Pack cemetery stuff: whisk broom, scrub brush, bucket for water/debris, good clippers, scissors

- Learn how to do the French press

- Create road menu: sandwiches, fruits/veggies, drinks, snacks

- Foods to pack: Coffee grounds, creamer, apples, peanut butter

MONDAY (Last day before trip)

- SHOP if you haven't yet: Ice, bottled water, boxed chips, lunchmeat, bread, sliced cheese, small mayo & mustard, butter, snacks (chocolate pretzels), fresh ground coffee, Frisbee

- Last load of laundry

- Last check of weather

- Make sandwiches & prep other foods

TUESDAY

- Change sheets

The Marvelous Weekend

It really was a good one.

FRIDAY: Did some housework, sat down to play Sims, and after a while I found myself DEPRESSED. Decided not to sit for prolonged periods of time anymore; my body likes activity and productivity. Sitting playing computer games is different from sitting and crocheting or cross stitching: with those I'm using my hands and creating. Drove the girls up to L's and spent a cozy evening at home. H and A and C came over for dinner, birthday cake (H's birthday) and gifts, and we had a wonderful time. I took C home by way of Walgreens - he had a scab on his leg that he was worrying about. It was nice to spend some extra time with him. Our kids are so cute. 

SATURDAY: After yesterday's lesson, it was Busy City. We turned on a movie and I ironed my way through the square basket of clothes and newly washed fabric scraps - excited to get going with those, and my closet is now full again. During commercials, I did dishes and folded clothes. Then, Hubby and I tackled the back deck, scrubbed a few dirty things, peeled off the cushion covers and washed them, rearranged everything and got it ready for tomorrow. It felt amazing.

SUNDAY (Mother's Day): Hubby, B, and the little girls made waffles, eggs and sausage for all of us. I goofed around a lot, slept some, cross stitched, played Sims (but not for too long). Later Hubby grilled chicken and he and B made mashed potatoes and corn on the cob and brownies. H and C came over for dinner and Maya and I were given many fun gifts. Afterward, we chilled out on the front lawn and the little girls played with the pups. Life is good.

Recovery Day

Yeah, it's already a much better day (9:42 AM) than yesterday. Two happy things have happened so far:

1) I've been watching the webcam pointed at the beach at Lincoln City, Oregon (I used to watch Seaside, but for some reason the cam isn't working right now). Today, I SAW WHALES. Their spray was visible several times and there were a couple of breaches as well. It was magical!

2) A campus coworker, Renn, recently had top surgery. We bonded a couple years ago over being in the LGBTQ+ and allies community AND from conservative religious backgrounds. I saw Renn at the Take Your Child To Work Day event here, and they mentioned that they had leftover supplies from their surgery, and asked if I knew anyone who was undergoing top surgery anytime soon. I happen to know two, here at the bookstore. Today Renn brought in their bag of supplies, and handed them to my coworker here, whose spouse will be going through it next month. It was very touching. Spouse couldn't believe that someone they don't know would be so kind to them. I love this community. 

In surgery news, Kid #5 will have surgery on her damaged knee next Wednesday. The plan for Hubby and me is to go to Olympia that morning, be with her and H during surgery and after, then check in to a hotel and spend the night with them, so we can help take care of #5 and her poor little after-surgery self. Reaching their dorm room involves descending a long flight of stairs into the basement, and she wanted her first night to be comfortable and happy. So we're taking next Wednesday and Thursday off (I'll be working two days that week). 

Swim lessons went extremely well. The girls enjoyed the whole thing, except that Little C was not a fan of being separated from her sister (they ended up in different classes). Looks like we have a couple of little swimmers on our hands. I couldn't be more excited. Hubby is excited too about possibly getting a membership to the community center. I'd be up for that.

Today's events include coffee with Angie after work, and dinner with Taylor tonight. #3's birthday is tomorrow, and we'll be celebrating that with him and A on Friday. Life is good.

VENT POST: Heavy is the Head

...that sees the ugly mug who called her "Hittler*" last year, back in the bookstore. PUKE. Go away, lady. Why haven't you graduated yet? 

Just like last time, she spent her entire time here talking on the phone to someone, and Ryan said that this time, she and her phone partner were planning some church event. All of us employees: "YOU go to CHURCH???"

Also, Kid #5 told us this morning that she is having surgery on her dead knee next week. THANKS, CENTRALIA. YOU ALL SUCK.

Aside from that, things are fine. The grandchildren will begin their swim training today. Yesterday we shopped for suits at stupid Wallmart*, and unlike last time, I did not leave the store enraged. Is it just me? Like, why am I mad at everything?

I promise, I really am having a wonderful life, but today has been kind of sucky. Ryan had to deal with a rude customer who vowed never to shop here again. (Promise?) It's just been that type of day, when you're told to expect nice weather and wear sandals to work and GUESS WHAT STARTS FALLING FROM THE SKY ON THE WAY HERE.

It's a good thing I love being here so much, and have dear coworkers who joke around with me until I feel better. That is a huge win, especially for someone who depended so heavily on her former religion for friends and community. Having friends here has been everything. I'm so grateful for my work family.

Now, back to griping: 

Kyle went home sick and I had to cashier by myself until Ryan showed up (okay, Dan and Heidi had Hannika come up and help me and she was very helpful). 

Two weeks till the Big Trip and I'm so ready for it. Like, right now. I'm ready NOW. Think I'll go home and start packing immediately. 

*purposeful misspelling

Happy Birthday to Kid #2

When someone becomes a parent, they can only hope that their kid will turn out to be an awesome human being, but like so many other things in life, it's a big ole crapshoot. 

Today I'm looking at this 30 year old person and thinking back over the years, and feeling like Hubby and I really got it right. (high fives with Hubby)

Kid #2, you're wonderful and amazing, and I've had the thought many times that it's a privilege just to know you - but I have the absolute honor of being your mom. What a lucky girl I am. 

We love you so much. Happy Birthday!

Smooth Brain Day

I had a pretty massive therapy session yesterday and am feeling delightfully drained today. Nothing is happening inside my head. It's so nice and quiet. 

Work is going well, too - before work, I ran into Dan (not literally) at a new coffee place we talked about a week or so ago, that we both learned about on Tick of the Tock. I was behind him in line - he was riding his bike. The mocha was so great and I will definitely be back again soon. 

Someone left a cute note on my desk that has a drawing of a little man and says, "HI N, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY". I suspect Rowan of this. P.S. It's Halloween, because it's the most unselfish holiday, and it's just fun as hell to dress up, carve pumpkins, eat and give out candy, see the costumes, etc. I love the community-ness of it. 

Also, someone here posted a poll for the students and staff, asking whether folks liked Dutch Bros or Starbucks. I added the new coffee spot and added votes for Dan and myself. 

THREE WEEKS TILL THE BIG TRIP AND I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!

The M Word

She's not allowed to take up any more of my time, or my words. We're just done. 

Except to say this: she said something to Heidi today that alluded to the idea that she thinks no one in the store likes her. The irony is, if she just treated us politely and professionally, she wouldn't have to worry about it. Instead, she bitches about us to our supervisors - which gets back to us - and then acts fake-nice to us when she's with us in person. 

But I'm not making great choices about her, either, as long as I keep talking about her. I've decided to stop spreading toxicity, and just be done with her.  She doesn't deserve any more than that.

IN A WEST END TOWN, THE DEAD END WORLD

... currently the song on the PA and I am happy about it.

Kyle's been sick for two days and I'm sick of THAT. Hurry up and get better, Kyle! Dammit!

Workplace pranks abound. On Friday, Ryan hid my computer mouse, and yesterday, I had to text him to find out where it was, since I couldn't use my computer to do any work. Didn't matter that much, because of KYLE. With him gone, I had to assume the cashier position and actually ring people up at the register. GEEZ, KYLE.

Anyway, to get back at Ryan, I found a file folder, placed a stupid picture of Dan's head inside, and put it on his desk with a sticky note from "Monica" saying "Please review this and see me ASAP". Apparently it did the job - he was pretty freaked out. It mostly made up for being alone for TWO DAMN DAYS (THANKS KYLE). 

(Next song was Ballroom Blitz)

We just counted all the Dan pictures we have hiding around the Clubhouse (Monica literally called our cashier department this, not in a complimentary way) and we're up to eight. EIGHT. 

The Very Small Friday

Due to R's spring soccer schedule, her last, I asked Ryan if I could work a 7:30-9:00 shift today so Hubby and I could catch her game in Centralia. Originally it was scheduled for 11:00 AM, but now is happening at 7:00 PM. I didn't tell Ryan, though. I'm fine leaving at 9 and going home early.

It's been a tiring week - not only because of the longer hours of rush week, but also because Hubby's had some weird little things going on that have required him to take the car to work most of the days, which has resulted in my walking to bus stops, the library, etc. All the unexpected physical activity took its toll - I just collapsed into bed yesterday afternoon. I'm looking forward to a mostly restful weekend with some free time to work on the house. The poor little storage unit must be missing me. It'll be nice to have energy and free time at the same time. 

The next check will be great, though. 

THIS PLACE IS CURSED

It's starting to remind me of that episode of The Love Boat when they held a vow renewal ceremony for a couple who'd sailed on the Titanic (and were jinxing the crew).  All the cast members attended this couple's wedding wearing various medical aids (eye patch, neck brace, etc). 

We have the broken ID computer, the non-working Pepsi cooler that ELECTROCUTED DAN (he's okay, just had to go get an EKG test), and then Register 2's computer decided to be a poop. And NOW, Register 4's scanner is refusing to work! I'd wonder what's about to break next, but I'm afraid to hear the answer!

Yikes.

 We had a spicy customer earlier in the morning and it kind of messed with my mood. 

LATER: Damaris has learned about the ID computer situation and he's throwing an epic (and hilarious) fit. Some quotes: 

- "God gives the toughest battles to the stupidest soldiers" 

- "When I'm running races, you know what I like? More hurdles"

- "This is reaching Mr. Krabs level of stinginess"

I'm patting myself on the back for hiring him last summer. YES. Go me!

In other news, Hubby is off to the dentist's office again for his ouchy mouth. Poor Hubby, I hope he can find some answers and relief from the pain today. It's been getting pretty bad. 

"Boy, are you dumb."

Monica strikes again, acting like a TOTAL GENIUS about this ID computer debacle. 

Since she couldn't see paying for a new computer or new software or a new camera for the ID room, in which we job-description-ingly create IDs for the students, she decided to partner with Security to create IDs with their computer, camera, and software. Since the bookstore makes money from each ID made, she doesn't want to let them handle the whole thing completely. 

So this is her stupid solution (there's no other word for it):

When a student comes in to the bookstore and requests an ID, we have to check the student's enrollment status here on our computer.

Then we fill out a ticket and take it to Tara in Security (who only works Monday through Wednesday). 

On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, Tara will create the ID. On Thursdays and Fridays, it will be done by one of our cashiers. Damaris and Rowan will train on the software first, along with Ryan. 

If they want a bus pass (provided free by C-Tran for the college), they have to come back to the bookstore and have us set that up for them with their new ID.

It's beyond dumb and as I was just saying to Rowan, she is the thorn on the rose that is this workplace. WITHOUT FAIL, she always chooses the stupidest possible solution to any situation. 

I've worked with people who were obtuse and heartless before, but no one has ever been this dumb.

NOT MUCH LATER:

She is universally mocked at each of our homes. Rowan says her name has become a verb at their house. 

Spring Rush 2026

I can tell my legs will be tired tomorrow. It's nice to have lines of people, though. Also, the ID computer situation has been addressed (somewhat) and will hopefully be resolved sometime in the near future. 

Doughnuts!

Rowan the Rock Star brought doughnuts to work today, like an absolute HERO. So good. I'm so glad I started drinking coffee early enough in life that I can enjoy it with a doughnut, and late enough that I remember the days when coffee was absolutely wicked, and I would go straight to Hell if I ever drank it. Coffee is that much more enjoyable now.

I normally don't work on Fridays, but Spring Quarter starts on Monday, and apparently they decided my presence was necessary, so here I am. No complaints out of me, though - there's doughnuts!

Later, I'll be swinging by home to pick up M and the little girls for a trip up to L's house. The girls are spending the night and having Easter Saturday with L. We'll be picking them up tomorrow. Tonight, Hubby and M and I will be at Costco, buying big poofy Easter dresses, a ham, and other delights. 

HAIR UPDATE: It still looks fine from the curlers. I just brushed it and came to work. Probably tomorrow I'll wash it again with the purple shampoo, and roll it up. We're gonna un-yellow the HECK out of these strands!

Why does it feel like Tuesday today?

Weird.

I have a long day of work today, with an extra hour tacked on to the end of my shift, AND a training here on campus. No playing for me today (not sure what that would look like, anyway, but it would probably have involved a storage unit). Kyle is out with a migraine and he is missed. 

Hubby has been battling a sore mouth for a long time and is going to see the dentist this afternoon. We'll see if he feels up to coaching at practice tonight. 

11:03 AM: On break. Quietly, the front end staff have acknowledged that Monica likes to pile on the Receiving work without asking, or paying us Receiving wages, and my feeling is that no one should voluntarily take on projects (Rowan was being sweet and restocking for Kayla today). If Monica wants to physically bring a project up here and ask us to perform a task, that's one thing, but no more of this taking stuff on out of the goodness of our hearts, or our boredom. She has SERIOUS problems with boundaries, and commandeering our cashiers is a huge issue for her. 

12:02 PM: Hubby visited and grabbed the insurance card for his appointment. Here's hoping it goes well. Poor guy has really been hurting lately. 

I have 28 minutes left in my shift and it's been a pretty fun one, minus the usual irritation someone (see above) always brings. Quite the thorn on the rose, she is. 

HAIR UPDATE: The rollers worked well, as did the purple shampoo, mostly. There's still a big yellow streak in my bangs, but maybe several shampoo applications will take care of it, as long as I continue to avoid the curling iron. 

THIS IS NOT AN APRIL FOOL'S DAY JOKE POST

 It absolutely is not. It just seems like one. 

What happened to March? March 2026 was a lovely month, with a minimum of drama. It just scooted away, quick like a bunny. 

Feeling totally like an April Fool's Day joke is our now-penniless state here at the bookstore. The pennies are gone from the tills, and from now on, when we give change in cash, it'll be rounded up to the nearest five cents. So, what do we do with our pennies now? Do we accept pennies from customers? Rounding up just feels wrong and weird. Hopefully the next POTUS will pull a Mormon Prophet and change everything back to the way it was when the current guy goes out. 

Okay, back to counting my penniless tills (it's just so strange).

9:34 AM: Watching the Lincoln City webcam on my computer monitor - it's stormy over there today, so it's mostly gray and wet-looking. Bleah to that. 

I think I'll write a March recap. (type type type) Okay, done.

11:57 AM: Boss Lady was ON ONE today. Kyle left early, he was so angry. Damn, woman, you're amazingly good at pissing off your employees! 

After reading that my curling iron is turning my white hair yellow (and my brown eyes blue), I decided to stop using it, and go back to using the purple shampoo that's supposed to brighten my hair. I came home from work, chatted with the kids, and hopped in the tub for the shampoo - I'm supposed to leave it on my hair for 5 minutes and doing that in the shower is a pain in the butt. We'll see how this goes. 

March Recap

We had a nice month. For Hubby and me, the month began in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was attending a work conference and I tagged along. Unfortunately, I caught the family virus two days before we left, hacked up a storm on the plane, and spent most of the trip in bed. Oh, well, it's more fun to be sick in a hotel room. I also worked on craft projects, watched a lot of TV, played Sims, and hand-sewed my first quilt block, and felt majorly cool about that. We also ate a lot of great food, when I was feeling well enough to leave our room. 

My work schedule was cut down to the nub, between that trip and the yearly scheduled campus closure, during which I worked on the house and we took a trip to Lincoln City, Oregon, and stayed in a rental home. It was FUN and so relaxing. 

Between trips, I've begun to employ the newly-acquired (in February) storage unit that we rented to hold Hubby's parents' things until we could incorporate them into our home or give them to the kids. It's become a staging area for the extra stuff around our house, so I can decide what to keep and what to get rid of. I absolutely love having it to declutter into. As well, I've been donating stuff and throwing things away and shredding papers and sweeping and cleaning and dusting, and it just feels good. Happy Spring to us. 

Meeting Day

In order to cover for our leadership team's monthly meeting, Kyle and I have been pressed into service for an extra two, two and a half hours and we both resent the HECK out of it! How dare Ryan use us like this! (Actually it's been a pretty fun day.) Kyle said he's fine working as long as he doesn't have to help people. I said, there must be a job like that here, isn't there? He responded yeah, Monica's job.

Angie and I are meeting for coffee after work. Angie has been getting into genealogy and it's one of our favorite things to chat about. I can't wait to show her the weird thing I added to my journal: a list of my ancestors with their ages at time of death. I worked on it all last weekend like a major geek. So far, at the tender age of 56, I'm doing pretty well at outliving folks - of course, the younger die-ers died from now-treatable or preventable stuff, like smallpox and tuberculosis and Spanish influenza. Science is a good thing. No one's getting near Neenaw, who is our clear winner at 101 years old. Frankly, I'll be fine not achieving 101. 

Tomorrow is my dad's birthday, so after work, WHICH ENDS AT 11:30 AM, SQUEEEEEEEE, my plan is to buy flowers for his grave and head down to the cemetery. Then I'll head up to Shmick's Shmorting Shmoods and pick up my new bike. Woooooot! Here comes the bike portion of my life! I should probably find my helmet and bike lock and clear out the back of the car tonight. 

Also, I need to check on the college's baseball and softball teams' schedule for this upcoming season, so I can start attending games! Woot again! Life is getting exciting.

HOME.

Why is today different from any other day? It just feels different, I guess. I feel like I finally get to settle in and be a human being with a home. Working full time was messing with my head, apparently. So strange!

Last One.

Whew. Sitting here at my desk enjoying coffee and the Seaside webcam - somehow the weather is even more boisterous than yesterday's.

I keep thinking I should de-personalize my workspace, now that I'm going back to Retail 2. It feels like a time to calm down and make things simple. We'll see what happens. 

I'm looking forward to the new schedule, spending more time at home and with M and the little girls, and pursuing more of my own interests (like cleaning the house).

Hubby and I have a busy February coming up, so I'm glad the job will be taking a major backseat to everything else. I love the workplace, but less time spent here will be a good thing. 

9:02: Ugh, so sick of that woman. Can't wait till I'm only here four hours at a time.

12:49: So happy for not having to stay past 11:30 (most times). I think I'm still getting over this cold and I'm just tired and goopy in the head today. A nap sounds outstanding, but I'm here till 3:00. GROSS

1:19 I mean, seriously, this afternoon could not drag on longer, could it? Maybe I shouldn't ask.

Stormy Seaside

...is catching my eye as I perform the paperwork tasks here at the work computer. The Seaside webcam is showing prolific rain falling along the prom, smearing up the orange-yellow light from the street lamps, making it look like the prom is on fire. 

As must be obvious by now, I'm back at work, and I'm happy that today is my second-to-last day as the interim Cashier 4. Nothing could be finer than leaving this chapter behind(er) in less than 48 HOURS. 

Though I spent the day recuperating, I had a good time yesterday, preparing for upcoming travel. Salt Lake City and Atlanta are looming large for next month, and the Alaskan cruise in August, with inevitable little trips here and there in between as well. Flipping through our national parks passport book (thanks, Lori C!), I noticed that I added the wrong sticker for the Golden Spike NHS - there's a national sticker and a regional sticker - so I ordered a new national sticker for it, as well as a pouch for the passport book. Squeeeeee!!! :::geeks out in Map and Journal and Office Supplies:::

Also, I spent some time checking out our hotel in Atlanta, and was disappointed to find it's one from the hotel chains that have been housing Shmice, those lawless freaks who have been murdering folks and wreaking havoc on Minneapolis. I don't say this a lot, but shmuck them. 

Still, it's a mostly free trip to Atlanta, I have absolutely no control over where we're staying, and I have little room to complain. 

My supervisor texted me close to 8:00 and let me know that my cashier called in sick today, so here I am up front, just blogging away between customers. Business is quite slow, but I'm loving the cozy alone time. 

Sick Days

On my birthday, I thought it might be happening, but thank goodness it didn't materialize until the next day: THE FAMILY COLD. Seems like we've been passing this thing around since before Christmas, and finally it was my turn. 

I went to work yesterday, opened the store, and was waiting around for Ryan so we could do a last bit of training, but my coworkers told me to go home, so I did. Hubby (working from home) picked me up, and we grabbed more Shmadvil Cold & Sinus from Shmalgreen's and came home. I spent the rest of the day in bed.

I figured I wasn't going to be much better this morning, so last night I told Ryan I'd be taking today off as well. And now you're all caught up. 

I must say, for a week I was NOT looking forward to working (just because I knew it would drag out and be the longest week in existence), this is turning out rather well. Too bad it took a virus to make it bearable, but isn't that just the way sometimes? 

By the way, my birthday on Sunday was epic. I demanded a beach day including Fultano's pizza - the chicken pesto is my favorite - and was not disappointed. Hubby, M, the little girls and I visited two beaches, our favorite pizza place, our favorite arcade, and our favorite antiques mall (bought a new-to-me Fiestaware cup and saucer for drinking coffee and being fancy at home), and enjoyed time in the sand and fine weather. Brother E drove down from Astoria and joined us, which was so fun. 

Summary: #56 was a great time. 

So many email addresses

 I need to pare some down, I think

gutted, but alive

Yesterday's therapy session was quite thorough. I'm still digesting things my dear shrink said.

Today is going well and I'm grateful to be here with these nice people. I'm also very grateful for my sweet husband, children, and grandchildren. 

Life continues.

THEY DONE BIRTHDAYED ME

When I figure out how to add pictures from my phone to this blog, we'll be in business. But yesterday, my coworkers decorated the hell out of my little desk for my upcoming birthday, and it was the best surprise this morning. I love these people - they're the best. 

My shrink rescheduled my appointment from MLK Day, when it was originally scheduled. 

STUPID WORK

 is what we're calling it for the next SEVEN SHIFTS, including today. wooooooo

Yesterday was MLK Day, and it was especially great this year. Hubby and I had the day off. Our hired handyman Josh started working on installing our new garbage disposal (Day 2, which is today: DISHWASHER) and rebuilding our cabinet and counter. I washed dishes until he arrived, then played Sims all the live-long day. Had Wendy's for lunch. 

After Josh left, Hubby and B brought in the new dishwasher from the garage. We can hardly believe that we'll be like "normal people who own a working dishwasher" again! We've lived in this house for over seven years and it feels good to be able to do something substantial to it - not as substantial as a new kitchen wing or entryway or front porch, but we'll work with this for now.

My birthday is in five days and I feel like we'll probably be too kitchen-poor (and happily so) to do much of anything. Maybe I'll have people bring me food and play Mad Libs and we'll watch movies. We could also run up to the river and goof off - my kingdom for a dry suit and a bike. I guess there's always the Neenaw money I've been squirreling away. Doesn't Neenaw want me to have a dry suit? I think so, but it's probably better that she's not here to wear it in front of - she wasn't a fan of skintight clothing items. Oh, Neenaw.

I'd love to go to the beach even if just for the day, but again, money. Silly old money! Hence... stupid work.

9:09 AM: Yawn. I'm so glad I won't have to think much after this. Also, mocha doesn't count as coffee.

9:27 AM: Kyle is listing off the Super Bowl team possibilities, for Jello-making purposes. Looks like the colors/flavors might be: 

1. Seahawks - blue/green

2. Rams - blue/yellow

3. Broncos - orange/blue

4. Patriots - red/blue

10:56 AM: Due to an email argument, the legitimate work thing I could be doing to keep myself busy right now, i.e. web refunds, is unavailable as a possible task because the bosses can't agree on who should perform it/them. I did one, and then was asked if there was anything I could possibly do instead, because we're all trying to make a point that the web department should be doing web refunds (I guess - I'd rather be busy, but that's just the kind of worker bee I am). 

12:01 PM: Started journaling about this telephone conversation but had to come back from lunch. Unsatisfying! In other news, Hubby says that we'll be getting a butcher block countertop over the new dishwasher, since Josh was unable to find any laminate resembling the stuff on our counters. I suppose at some point I'll care what they're covered with, but today is not that day, as long as I don't have to do dishes by hand anymore. 

12:55 PM: The countdown toward the end of this shift begins (like, literally - I set a timer on my phone). Hubby has sent me a couple of photos of the progress at home. I warmed up an onion/butternut squash tart from the bakery and had it for lunch - it smelled heavenly. Tasted good, too.

2:26 PM: Zzzzzzzzzz. Ready to go home.

The Last Friday

 Every Last Thing In This Role Will Receive Its Own Designation and/or Post.

(Not really, but if it comes to mind, oh hell yeah.)

As was stated yesterday, I have three full-time days of work next week, and four, the week after that - again, who's counting? 

I must begin making plans for my future free afternoons. 

9:53 AM: I'm so tired and there's no reason for me to be here. I've done all the tills, deposits, paperwork, filing, mailing, and now I'm watching the Lincoln City webcam and wishing we could all be there. It's a beautiful clear day - probably cold, but who cares. 

Maybe I'll take my 2024(?) Mad Libs page-a-day calendar and go bug B. He's sitting at the security desk probably also with nothing to do. Culinary is closed on Fridays and that's as good a reason as any to call it a day and go home.

10:24 AM: We had a nice little mid-morning rush of Culinary students, coming in to buy their caffeine, and now we're bored again. I've taken on a new habit of doing ten squats every 45 minutes, so that helps break up the time. It's so funny how, on the first day of a new quarter, we're shocked by how busy the first couple of days are. Then it slows down, to... nothing. We have weeks of this pace, and then BOOM it's a new quarter again. 

10:47 AM: Played a few Mad Libs with Ryan and Dan. Lizbetta is on her break. Life is pretty relaxed.

11:45 AM: Dan and I headed down to H@nn@ Hall for refreshments. I was hoping for a pastry type item but had to settle for coffee #2 of the day. How long before I occupy the ceiling tiles? 

January is the month

 ... that will cement in fire, crazy glue, brick mortar, salt water taffy, peanut brittle, and every other sticky/inextricable thing, my decision to not apply for this job. 

It's been one thing after another with HR and Payroll, not to mention some of the students and one coworker. 

Again, I DODGED A BULLET. Yikes!

I have one more Friday left (tomorrow), then three days next week because of MLK Day, and four days left the week after that. My last full time day is January 29. That's eight (8) full time days left. I can do this!

Everyone cross their fingers for me.

"Perfect Until Proven Otherwise"

This is my motto from now on. My coworkers are absolutely perfect and I'm grateful for them. Until I learn otherwise, I'm going to assume they're the most fantastic people in the world and never, ever speak of them any other way. (See previous post - there will never be speaking of any kind ever again, hee hee.)

In other news: Had a phone call at work from Brother B. He doesn't call often so I hopped on that phone, thinking someone must have died. Nope! It was good news. Someone is moving out of our mom's house and we couldn't be happier about it. She's probably not happy, but now we can visit her, so that will be a much better situation for everyone. 

GRRRRR

 A thing happened between me and a coworker, multiple times (harmless but unnecessary and after a while, annoying, and then concerning). 

Other coworkers have noticed this coworker's "thing" happening, with me and with other people. They pulled me aside to ask me about my experiences.

I stated my experiences.

I was encouraged by a coworker with authority to tell this coworker's department head, as the department head has supposedly been keeping track of incidents with this coworker and their "thing". 

I met with the department head. I made sure to state that I was there because the coworker with authority had encouraged me to, not because I wanted to get anyone in trouble.

The department head acted as though this was a one-time occurrence, and rather than document my experiences as I was told they would, they decided instead to handle it right then with this coworker. An email was emailed. 

Then another email, saying, "See, this has been handled," from the department head. 

GREAT. Now things are gonna be weird. Instead of adding to the information this department head was "keeping track of," I've been thrown under the bus, it feels like. I know this was not the department head's intent, but it STILL SUCKS.

Just keeping my mouth shut from now on. Pretty soon I won't even be working at the same time as this concerning coworker, thank gerd.

Detoxing - does blogging count?

Happy end-of-holidays. I enjoyed the holiday season for the most part, more so than I have in a long time, and I find myself looking forward to next Christmas. This is unheard of, so you know it was pretty good. 

Some updates:

Ryan was hired for Cashier 4 - hallelujah. I'm almost done with this damn gig. May HR rot in hell. (Obviously this experience has caused a few feelings.)

We enjoyed our late-November trip to Utah. I could've done without the Temple Square immersion experience, but the rest was great - especially the time at the genealogy library. Driving with Hubby is always fun, and we did our usual postcard-a-day journal thing. Did you know Nevada doesn't sell postcards? We think it's because Nevada is illiterate.

Utah Trip #2 is coming up next month, to help move MIL out of her apartment and into a long-term care facility. She is still in the rehab center at the moment.

Plans for the Atlanta trip are solidifying - we now have plane tickets. SWEET. Now it's all about what to pack for winter there. I'm excited to go, especially for the food, and wondering what national parks we'll be close to. More stamps in our national parks passport!

Also, it's been decided that Hubby and I are going on an Alaskan cruise at the end of August. As much as I love the water, I've never had a desire to go on a cruise. Who knows? Maybe I'll love it. We'll be sailing from Vancouver, BC, and I can only remember being in Canada one other time, so even the preliminaries will be fun. Hubby is beyond excited to bring his camera. 

With these upcoming trips, in the space of twelve months, I will have added three new states to my travel history: New York last August, then Georgia, then Alaska. Thanks, Hubby's job, for the opportunity! I get to add those states' stickers to my bullet journal, which is giving me an unbelievable amount of satisfaction. 

In the interest of travel shopping - and since I've been awake since 3 AM and have decided to stop soothing myself to sleep with social media - I just online-bought a pair of swim shorts. When they get here, I'll take them out to look for cute swim tops. 

(This is important to mention because 1) I'm cheap; 2) I've gained weight and am not a huge fan of my appearance, yet here I am planning to swim, and that makes me happy; 3) I've finally discovered a swimsuit style I like and that also makes me happy; 4) it's exciting to get things for upcoming travel; 5) it feels like self care. I'm becoming the person I needed when I was younger, and it feels good.)

We bought a new dishwasher and garbage disposal, which will be installed next weekend. Finally we can be like regular dish people. We bought this house seven years ago (this is the longest amount of time I've ever lived in the same house!) and our tiny dishwasher has worked well maybe a handful of times. We're beyond relieved and grateful that the end of hand-washing dishes is in sight! 

Yes, I'm trying to be good and stay away from most social media apps. Tick of the Tock is especially damaging to my mental health, and of course, the most addictive. So here I am, blogging again. I feel safer here, anyway. Reddit and Pinterest are allowed, since the information and inspiration are definitely worthwhile.

That's it for now - wishing a happy Sunday to us all.