This is just a short update at what's been going on lately. I know it's not as good as updating regularly, but oh well.
Last Sunday, Apr 24, I photographed a friend's wedding. I had not been looking forward to it because the groom basically insulted me. Don't want to get into the particulars, but that's the nutshell. But, day of the wedding, everything was just fine. And everything seems to be smoothed over. Only real problem was the freezing temperatures and the snow shower. The pictures look like a winter wedding. Everyone was freezing, I couldn't feel my feet, and I could barely change my film because my fingers shook and didn't want to move. I got a little bit of money out of it, so I am happy about that part of it. Oh, it was an outdoor wedding. In an april snow shower.... so the snow doesn't dust off, it's mixed with rain. You are soaked. Bleah. I worried and worried about the pictures for the reasons of the lens. I had to wipe the lens a million times. The pictures are nice. For the circumstances that I had to work under, They are fucking fantastic.
Wednesday, April 27, I sat down with my General manager and basically told him that I was done. That I didn't think that being a shift supervisor was what I needed to do anymore. I didn't feel that the pay was worth it, and I didn't want this to be a nasty thing, but a very gradual process. I would find a job, I would give my 2 wks at that time, and he *would* give me a great reference because I am a great employee. He told me to wait before telling the area manager.... I said fine, just as long as he knew where we stood.
Thursday, April 28, I made a kick ass dinner of chicken alfredo and herbed italian bread. I fucking rock. Of course, I didn't eat any of the alfredo, but Mike says it's really great, Lady hi-fived me over it, and Troy ate it like it was going out of style. So, I have to think that it was pretty good.
Friday, April 29, My Area manager calls me on my cell phone. I debate taking the phone call. But, I figure I should just get it over with. He asked me why I was still wavering. I explained some things again, and made sure to mention that my health is not all that great due to the high stress and ridiculous situations. That I was tired of working harder than people who made 3-5 times more than I do. I was tired of being offended and feeling like I have to beg for schedule requests. When I was all done, he apologized and told me about 15 times during the whole conversation that he didn't want to lose me as a manager. He asked that I hang on until June 1st so that he could move people around, and that he would move them in whatever way that he had to move them if I would stay. I was flattered, and I told him I would try to hold out, but that my patience was wearing thin.
Tonight, I am going to another store for an emergency situation and running a shift for them. This is a huge vote of confidence from my area manager and another way that I prove exactly how valuable I am. And another way that I am going to ask for more money when I negotiate my salary.
Also.... it's a miracle... I have all of next week off. I didn't even have to ask for it. It was just done. It just goes to prove that when you are assertive and you take care of yourselves, you get more respect.
So that means, I'll be in Michigan either Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon. But I warn you guys... I'm kinda tired and run a little ragged, which is why I'm not leaving earlier.
I'm hoping to fight off this cold and get enough rest to be a functioning human being.
ciao.
x
I'm absolutely furious.
I just found out that I have 2 weeks of vacation time as part of my shift supervisor package. I am exceptionally furious because I could have, and would have used that time to go to Detroit for the whole time that the Michiganders are together. As it stands they are working me 30 hours in the three days before the trip. and of course, the last day is a close, so that I can not leave until the last possible minute, cutting out even more time with them. I am even more agitated at the fact that I called my area manager about 4 weeks ago to ask about how a shift supervisor takes vacation, and he never called me back.. had he called me back, I would have known in time.
I could have worked the whole year, and never would have known that I had vacation, I would have lost it.
So done.
They fucked themselves.
Furious furious furious.
Just for the record, I have Thurs Fri Sat and Sun off for the weekend of Kim's wedding, I should be there mid Thurs Afternoon. Possibly earlier depending on what I work on Wednesday.
Not too much longer........
Allright vinehumpers, I command you to get your hands on the song 'P*ssy Control' and learn it, live it, love it. I swear, Prince is a fucking genius.
So, I've been listening to a lot of hip hop dance music lately. I've had a lot to do, and it seems like this is the best thing to keep a pace with. I'm enjoying Mina a lot (my mini Ipod) as I get around in my own little musical world. Set her on shuffle, and I'm set. Not to mention that I get an exceptional amount of satisfaction at the gym while I work out. I'm listening to all sorts of naughty lyrics that the proper little pigtail sporty goody goody next to me would have to whip out a dictionary to fully appreciate.
Spring cleaning in the house, the store, and the yard is what has been keeping me away from journal-land. My hands are so dry and split from all the washing and chemicals I've used. Even using gloves, the powder dries out my hands.
Next week, I get to spend a few days with Mike. He and I are going to go mushroom hunting, and go looking around the Dayton area.
I am considering a new job because I think that my job is screwing me around and trying to wait and see exactly how long they can keep me waiting before promoting me. Not to mention that I plan on asking them for a ridiculous starting wage for the next level. I don't expect them to accept it or pay, perhaps they'll think that I'm trying to play the negotiating game, but really, I won't accept less than 34K. But I'm truly not willing to wait 6 more weeks for the possibility of them saying, 'we'll promote you mid august.' I told them I didn't want to stay in this position for that long. I'm going to get out before they screw me.
My chariot awaits.
Amazing what a little rest will do for you. On the days that you can't allow yourself to sleep in, there's a soy-cafe-mocha that will certainly keep you going.
Yesterday, Lady and I did yard work. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous. We started early in the morning. 9:30 a.m. is early when you went to bed at 3:30 a.m. I grabbed a rake and raked the entire back yard, pulled the old decayed leaves out of under the rock lillies, and picked up branches and sticks.
Because of the huge ice storm that we had in December, branches are a plague to everyone. The ice laid so thick on the branches that even the large limbs bowed under the weight, and many broke. Many broke over power lines. We had one huge limb fall from a neighbor's tree, snag the gutter over our garage, and laid in such a perfect way, that we could not get out of the back yard. I played the damsel in distress, and wouldn't you know that nice state worker removed it when they were out trimming the trees and cleaning up the aftermath of that storm.
Anyhow. The back yard was my project. I helped lady with the front yard. We laid down some black yard material that helps keep weeds from growing up through them. We had to cut little sections out of it to gently put around our daffodils. Then we put mulch on top of that. We planted my heather plant in the planter at the foot of the steps. It truly makes a huge difference in the appearance.
Dusty arrived later, and I showed her my superior method for putting yard waste into a garbage bag. She immediately adopted it. Pretty soon, it will be a plague. Everyone will use my method.
I am taking over the world. Just wait.
Ahem.
In the back yard, we are getting the place ready for seedlings galore. We have inherited a good amount of seedlings from Dusty and Alisa. The backyard seems to have a lot of promise this year.
I still have to go to the store and get a bunch of paper bags to put the rest of the sticks in. I'll be baking bread today. So, I guess I should try to pick up a pair of bread pans too. Dammit, I wish I could find mine. If I can remember, I'll take a few pictures of the backyard so that there is a good comparison.
Our friend Dave, with the huge acreage has already started plowing his field. Lady and I are going to tend a plot.... I believe Dusty wants in on this action too.
Anyhow, I can't wait to see what we grow this year. I plan on taking lots of pictures of the progress of this growing season.
I am so glad that spring is here.
Last night, my beloved came over and we had a lovely visit. When we finally decided to head out of doors, I convinced him to take a ride in Isabelle. My car. Then we went through the drive thru at my work and were completely obnoxious. I rather enjoyed that. We went for a little drive afterwards. I wanted to show him that Isabelle isn't this terrible little vehichle that he thinks she is. And when we arrived back at my house, He conceded. Yes, Isabelle is a good little car and has a little pep.
He showed me some of his Mammoth Ivory carvings. He makes them into pendants, wraps them with silver wire, and they are just lovely when he is all done. Unfortunately, it was so late in his visit that I was falling asleep sitting up when he was showing me the technique of how he wraps the silver wire. Also we were discussing a necklace design for me.
Then, the two of us were drawing on an envelope the designs for our future business cards.... Yeah, we are going to have a wee art business. Hopefully not so wee, in the not too distant future. I'll have a separate business card for my wedding photography, but it is all going to be one business. We are already discussing that when we search for a home, that we must have a garage/ and or basement. The two of us being artists, and wanting to make a business out of all of this, we are going to need lots of space and lots of storage. I've threatened to organize his stuff.... But I don't think I will. I think that I may try to help him in some way, but, I don't want to hamper his creativity.
It's so nice having someone that is so similar, openly affectionate, creative, continuously giving, humorous, that you love, that loves you, has a goal to be a part of something bigger than yourselves, and wants to share that with you.
Sorry Dooboo, I'm bragging again.
In December I went into management. It is approaching mid April and I am only just now starting to adapt. After I decided to just let my body sleep until it naturally awoke I noticed a clarity of mind I haven't had since... well, November.
It's been annoying because I've either been ill or exhausted (or both) and unable to complete any errands or chores unless it was my day off. Which leaves the feeling of always working and not having any time to calm and center myself. Which is very important if I don't want those people in my head to start talking to me again. :P
So, I run whatever errands possible and clean whatever needs cleaning right up until I must get ready for work. By doing so, I can wake up whenever I like on my day off, grab my crocheting and a cafe mocha and sit on the back porch.
Guilt free. Nothing in the back of my mind saying, " You know you really need to get these things done."
Reading the above paragraphs will make you understand why I call my calendar/planner the 'Other half of my brain.'
Dusty and I went for guacamole yesterday. I made the mistake of calling her before the morning monster had left my vocal chords and she was like, "excuse me?" Then we went to Maggie Moos where I enjoyed passionfruit sorbet, squealing like a little girl that there was something that I could have there.
I have been experimenting with making whole wheat tortillas and a bread that is based on a batter instead of dough. Bleah, on both accounts. Not impressed. Either it's me (unlikely) or it's the recipes (likely). In the long run, stick with what works, and what you know how to do best, Whole wheat bread.
I have finally figured out why I do not like the shape of flip phones. They remind me of maxi pads. The only thing missing is that *whsshhhhht* sound letting everyone in a 15 foot radius know that you are openning one.
That is all today.
xx
A mixture of rotini and bowties are my favourite pasta. Previously it was linguine and angel hair. But I am female and inclined to change my mind. Often. And I will. Often.
I made vegetable soup yesterday. I make damn good veggie soup. Yes, I am tooting my own horn. Since no one is here to taste it, I will tell you that you like it already. It is your favourite veggie soup that you've never had.
I usually make 2-3 gallons of this stuff. My roomates and I put away quite a bit of it last night, and there was no complaint at all for the lack of meat. Unfortunately, I baked 2 full heads of garlic in a garlic roaster, with just a bit of olive oil. I didn't bake it quite long enough, but it was still good. Unfortunately, it was much more potent than sweet. (the longer you bake it, the sweeter it becomes... something I learned from Madame Calima) Seeing that I had no energy to make it the day of her bday, I made it the day after. My roomates maybe ate a few cloves. I ate the rest.... Oh boy am I paying for it today. My taste buds have been reset, and I fear permanently so. Everything today has a queer aftertaste that reminds me of dairy products, and the association is turning my stomach.
I rented Galaxy Quest last night. Lady had never seen it before. This was not acceptable. I joined Hollywood Video just for that rental.
In other news 2 men behind the counter of Hollywood video were strangely annoying. I hate it when someone who has no tact displays their interest in you. "So, how do you feel being over 30?"
Assholes.
The pathetic attempt was further supplemented by more pathetic attempts. Upon reviewing my Kentucky Drivers liscense:
"How do you like it DOWN here?"
"Considering that Columbus is 2.5 hours NORTH of Florence, I like it UP here, just fine."
I hated having to give my address for the membership. You never know how stupid people really are sometimes, that they might decide to drive by your house or something. They made a comment about knowing where the street I live on is.
I told my beloved about this, and he says that I should have added:
"Ask my boyfriend. He says I feel great."
"Yes, that is the street that I live on, did I mention that my boyfriend makes axes, swords, knives, and staves?"
He's a bit protective. But I have to admit that I love it.
They probably wouldn't know what staves were.
I finally broke down and called my area manager and begged to be transferred instead of waiting. I know that this may delay my chance of promotion. But, my health is more important. I came down with another illness this past week. I have been sick for weeks, and I only get better for a little bit, and then I get hit with something else that's going around. I blame my job for the high stress, the laziness of other managers ( I have to take up their slack, and they like to stick me in the position where you do the most running.) And the fact that I get no breaks. Before anyone goes off about it being illegal, I can't find it in Ohio law anything that says that you are supposed to have a break. Only minors are required a break. Not saying that I'm right. Just that it's not been found yet the piece of legislation that I can stand on.
So, I tell my boss, I'm miserable, sick, exhausted, and not getting better..... and apt to look for something else if they don't move me somewhere that I can get a break so that I may eat a proper meal and stay out of the french fry bin. I explained to him that I already told them, before I was promoted about the neccessity that I eat every 3-4 hours, because of my hyperinsulinemia. He said that he didn't want to lose me as a manager. I don't want to have to find something new. I'd like to continue and get promoted so i can get that money.
But money isn't going to do me a damn bit of good if I am exhausted.
Going grocery shopping at walmart, pushing the cart all around the store, loading the groceries in the cart, unloading them at the house, just about wore me out. I did my easy work out tape today, and I had difficulty getting through it.
So, I bit the bullet. I asked to be transferred ASAP.
In other news. It looks like I may be moving in with the staffmaker. Sometime around August. That's just about right for me. We both would like for it to be sooner, but there are some things that he still has to take care of, and it gives me time to start planning for a new household.
Okay, it's absolutely gorgeous outside. I'm going to sit on the back porch for a few hours and crochet until I have to get ready for work.
xx
Thank you everyone for your Birthday wishes. I much appreciate them.
Today is my day off and I am decompressing. I have been having issues for the last 6 months adjusting to my new schedule. Or lack of shedule. Whatever you want to call it. Basically my job is fucking with my circadian rhythm. It feels like I have jet lag all the time.
My job has it's good points. I work 10 hour shifts for 4 days a week. The bonus is the 3 days off. I have tried to approach this as I would jet lag, DO NOT GO TO SLEEP UNTIL YOU SHOULD. DO NOT GIVE IN TO THE URGE TO NAP.
This isn't working. So, I am going to start napping. I hate the whole mental aspect that I get with napping. I feel like I am wasting time. Like I am wasting life. I am certain some of this attitude was developed when I had to stop napping when I was depressed. In depression, I was sleeping my life away. But, I'm not depressed anymore. I'm TIRED. Rightfully so. My 10 hours a day are almost non stop. Last night, during my nap, I dreamed about bagging orders at the drive thru.
This is happening all the time. Work is getting into my sleep. Not to mention that I closed on Wednesday (left Thursday morning at 2:30 a.m.) Dropped off a coworker at their house, drove home, was in bed asleep by 3:20a.m. I woke up at 8:00 a.m. and went back to work at 9 a.m. That's right, in six hours, I was back at work. This is weekly.
At 5pm, my shift was over and the manager that was coming on duty starts putting on gloves and all but pushes me out of position. I am startled. Why would she do this? "Linda you are scheduled till 5p today. Didn't you know that?"
No, and I certainly didn't realize what time it was. I came home talked with Lady's 3 daughters for a couple hours and ate. Within 15 minutes after I ate, I was falling asleep at the table. I took a one hour nap. (it was supposed to be 1/2 hour but that snooze button is soooo tempting) I felt one hundred percent better.
Ok, enough of this for a while. I'm gonna go take a nap. :P