Tentative plan regarding the last post…

We are putting our house on the market. This is a huge step for us, but one we know we need to take in order to get fiscally healthy. This week, I will be doing a lot of cleaning around the house to set things up for those who will want to see the house.

The next steps aren’t fully clear yet, but they go something like this. The in-laws hire architect to draw up plans for adding on to their home (we’re hoping to create a huge two-family home or to create an apartment for us, depending on what zoning will allow). When our house sells we have the option of moving in with brother-in-law and wife or living in in-laws basement (which has been flooding this summer) until addition is complete.

My emotions along with my mother-in-laws emotions played a huge role in the decision, though logic had some part. The in-laws house is already paid for, so it would be easier to add on and allow us to pay for that than to incur a new LARGE mortgage for duplex in New Hampshire. Plus the two working parties of our families love their jobs and want to stay there.

So, that’s the plan. I feel overwhelmed, but I know we are making the best decision we can (if we don’t sell, it’s likely that in a few months we would incur more credit card debt to live or loose our home).

Pray for us!

A big hug to Paws! Aren't I adorable?
Ryan, two months, with Pooh who will track how big he grows each month... look for more similar photos to come.

Ever have those times where you feel you are just getting things together and then it all goes south?

On Saturday I was driving from Rochester back to Sanford (I had to get guinea pig food and the only kind they will eat is sold only at a place in Rochester) when car decided to not work properly. Am mad at car because we just purchased it seven months ago. However, we knew car was not wonderful since we purchased it for $1,200. I still felt it could last a year. Now, transmission is kaput! So, as we were steadily climbing our way out of debt acquired after I lost my job in November, we are wondering how to purchase a new car. While I am a stay-at-home mom, I did need a car to go to well-baby-check ups and for sanity. The sanity part could have been done without for a while, but with Adam working two jobs I would be stuck at home ALL the time and relying on one vehicle doesn't seem practical (I was trying to figure out a way to not spend money we really don't have on another car, but husband says impossible).

I know I'm not the only one feeling overwhelmed by money issues lately. Our friends Steve and Sarah had a baby last year and then moved in with Sarah's parents because they were drowing in debt. They were just getting it all together, considering a possible move when Sarah finds out she's six months pregnant! While they are excited for Trevor to have a baby sisiter (Madison) they aren't excited about having to continue to live with their parents and do the money juggle again.

Then to add to all of the thoughts about the car money issue, father-in-law dearest has proposed we sell our homes and buy a duplex in New Hampshire... something we wanted to do when we were first looking for a house. I'm a little unsure about the whole idea, mostly for emotional reasons. We have friends here now, we have a church we love, I know how to get to everywhere, I love my doctor and want to have more children at the local hospital, like current house, don't want to pack up and move.

Husband understanding I think through things with emotions brings his logic to the discussion last night. "Would save LOTS of money sharing a mortgage, new job (wherever that is) would not be taxed at 8 percent like Maine, possibly make more money (Maine has low wages), not as many taxes in New Hampshire as in taxation land. If we purchase a triplex (also something being discussed) we can rent third part out and make money helping with the fact that I don't want to work, but stay home with baby. Parents always nearby to help when needed. All of these things help us get out of debt faster, have stress-free life."

Me: see above on emotional aspects.

Husband: sending out resumes, leaving in God's hands. If a job offer is made, duplex idea meant to be.

Me: We have to pack all this stuff up again? Okay, so nothing has been decided yet, but still not fully sold on idea. And now to find out how late local car dealership is open (where we purchased husband's VERY reliable car. The place I purchased dead car not even in existance anymore).

Our beloved Sir Harry Oakes has passed away. It happened last night. He hadn't been feeling well for a few days and we figured he would go. Harry was an old piggy, though we aren't sure how old. We think he was between five and six years old and that's about the life span of a piggy. It was as if he had been waiting for us to come get him and hold him one last time so he could die. I'd been checking in on him all day and was glad each time that he was still alive. Then Adam came home from work and we were going to force feed him again, but he was going and we knew it, so we just sat with him. He did one last snuggle and run up my shoulders before breathing his last. Then, we buried him in our backyard at 9:30 at night. I felt like I should have been on an episode of Soporanos and hoped our neighbors weren't watching.

We purchased Harry along with Moxie and Malty from a pet store near Fairview Heights. They were our one year wedding anniversary gift to each other. Harry's name was to remind us of that... Oak is a tree and paper comes from trees and paper's what you're supposed to give on that first anniversary. Anyway, Sir Harry Oakes was a famous Bahamian baronet and he was originally from Maine. Harry was OUR piggy, while Moxie was Adam's (named after a horrible Maine drink) and Malty was mine (named after a yummy Bahamian drink).

The remaining pigs are divided among us. My Moose died last year. We still have OUR Chesterand Goldie, Adam's Bear and Moxie are still around and I have my Malty. I considered Harry MINE, though I knew he was OURS. He was my buddy and I will really miss him.

When Moose died a year ago, we wrote an obituary that we posted on the Cavy Forums. I have posted one there for Harry also. We tried to make them fun, as if they were human. They were both part of the family. Anyway, I am putting Harry's here so you can read that too. It gives a sense of who he was and what he was like.

Sir Harry Oakes, Maine

Sir Harry Oakes died on Sunday, July 9, 2006, at 7 Piggy Lane, McGee Residence, Maine.

Sir Harry Oakes’ birth date and place of birth are unknown, but to us he was born into our family shortly after June 8, 2003, when we rescued him from a local pet shop. Harry was the husband of Moxie and he remained faithful to her for the three years we owned him. Sir Harry Oakes was employed as a psychologist, often listening to the problems and good events that took place in his human parent’s lives. Harry first lived with Moxie and Malty until the discovery that he was a boy and he was moved to his own apartment. He later lived with his two sons, Moose and Bear. After the boys grew up, they moved to their own place and Harry once again lived alone, though his house was just next door to Moose, Bear, Moxie and Malty’s homes. He spent a short time living with Bear and Chester, but decided he liked living alone and moved back to his house where he could see all of his family, but still live in peace. Harry loved floor time, cuddling, and nipping human face parts as a sign of affection. As a younger pig, he did lots of popcorning and as an older pig he did a lot of running to show his enjoyment of time on the floor. Harry loved food. Some of his favorites included parsley, carrots, apples, strawberries, grapes, oranges and green peppers. On warm days he enjoyed lying in his hammock. And on cold nights he enjoyed snuggling in his pigloo.

Harry was preceded in death by his son, Moose.

He is survived by his wife, Moxie; son, Bear; daughter, Goldie; sister-in-law, Malty; and adopted son, Chester, all of 7 Piggy Lane, McGee Residence, Maine; two human parents, Adam and Kris; and a newly acquired human brother Ryan.

Ryan all dressed up with Dad and Mum
Ryan with his godparents, Vince and Kris
Adam, Ryan, Vince, Kristin and Kris

Weddings are fun


Our friends Vince and Kristin were married this weekend! They have been dating for seven years, so it was about time. We were all so excited for them. The wedding was wonderful and we had a lovely time. Ryan stole the show a little since he is the godchild of the bride and groom. On the way home, Adam and I admitted to each other that attending their wedding was the most fun we had had in a little while. It was good to be with lots of people our own age and just hang out, dance and have a great time.

The funniest part of the wedding was when the girl who caught the bouquet had to put the garter on the leg of the guy who caught it. Then, the DJ said he had to wear it all night or he'd be buying everyone drinks. It was so funny! The look on the guy's face was priceless. I wish I had taken a photo of that.

When we left, my feet were so sore from dancing the night away with Adam's friend Charlie (Adam's not a dancer, unless the song is slow enough for us to do the box step). The high heels I had on were, well, HIGH. We got home around midnight, after leaving Manchester shortly after 10 p.m. and we're still tired! But, it was a great weekend!

Coutning our blessings

Our day started very early today. I can almost say yesterday never really ended for me. We were at the McGee household for father's day and got home around 9:30. Adam started feeding Ryan while I took a shower and got ready for bed. When I was done, I took over for Adam so he could get to bed a little early. Mr. Ryan never actually went to sleep. He moaned and groaned all night and eventually started crying and could not be consoled. I couldn't figure out what was wrong. As long as we were holding him, he was fine. We even tried letting him "cry it out" just becuase we had no idea. And then at about 3:30 this morning, it dawned on me that, hey, the little man might be sick. So, we took his temperature and discovered he was running a fever of 100.6, which is a bit high for a one month old. So, off to the hospital we went (after talking on the phone with his doctor).

We were at the hospital for a long time... from 4:30 till about 1:30 this afternoon. They ran so many tests... the poor little man has had his heel poked, arm and hand poked -- all three for blood samples. He's had his temp taking quite a few times, had his eyes, ears and throat looked at. And, he had a spinal injection thingy to test for meningitis. Oh and he had a shot of an antibiotic just in case! Plus he's had a few doses of fever reducer. It's so hard to watch your baby suffer, though I will admit, this time I wasn't as an emotional wreck as the first time he had to get a needle. Adam was with me, which was so helpful. We took turns holding Ryan and taking a nap on the hospital bed. I'm glad Ryan isn't whimpering or screeming anymore and that, so far, all the tests have come back negative (they have no clue what's causing the fever).

The two male nurses at the hospital were wonderful! I love SMMC... they have the best staff... well, except for the guy who gives entrathecals. Anyway, the experience was a good one. I can't imagine how it would have been if the nurses were jerks.

I am glad Ryan was healthy for Father's Day. He loved being with his daddy. Together we made him a card for his first father's day and told him how much Ryan loves spending time with him. It's so cute how his eyes light up when his daddy comes home and how he loves to just be next to him. And I'm sure every wife says the same thing, but Adam is a wonderful daddy... he even impressed the nurses with his baby handling skills today.

And admists all of the stress today, I can still see that we are truly blessed. We have a beautiful baby, who is so good... this is the first time he's cried for anything more than wanting a bottle (and most of the time, he doesn't cry for that either, he just sucks on his fingers). And we're feeling blessed that this hospital visit happened while I still have my insurance that we consider "good" and not the one that starts next month with a super high deductible. While we're really tired, we're just counting our blessings today.

World Cup marks an anniversary

So, World Cup started on the 9th and we've been watching as many games as they are showing on ABC. We have no cable tv, and this is the only time I think we've really wanted it, but we're happy that ABC is carrying some of the games for us to watch. Adam's only seen one and Ryan and I have watched three of them. Ryan really likes them, or at least that's the way it seems. He gets wicked excited when goals are scored and makes grunting sounds when bad calls are made. I think sometimes he just likes watching Adam getting all upset about things.

Anyway this past week we celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary. We were in Ireland to celebrate World Cup that year. We wanted to be in Germany for World Cup this year, but having a baby changed that whole plan. Seems we are centering big life events around World Cup... I wonder what big life event will take place in four more years, though at this point, I won't speculate. Why we like soccer so much is beyond me. Maybe it's because it's more fast-paced than baseball, though I like going to baseball games, too. Go Cards! (yes my loyalties still lie in St. Louis where I saw my first baseball game in a staduim. Plus, Red Sox tickets are wicked expensive and it takes too long to travel there). I like hockey too, though mostly because you can expect an all out fist fight easily within the first three seconds of a game.

Anyway, back to the anniversary. It was weird leaving Ryan behind. My parents watched him for us, though I left strict instructions that he remain at home and not be taken anywhere else. It's not that I don't trust them, it's just that I'm nervous... he's so little and he's baby number one... it's expected that we be over cautious, right?

We didn't go far from home, but not because of Ryan, it was becasue Adam doesn't get home until 6 and if we had to drive a half hour, wait a half hour for a table and then eat and come home, it would have been rather late. I wish now, that I had agreed to meet him at the Steakhouse in Wells. We ate at the Back Street Grill here, which has ALWAYS had good service and great food, except for this night. All of our food (bread, appetizers, main course) were over cooked, which made it just that tiny bit unenjoyable. The wine, however, was great - Monkey Bay was the brand and it was a white wine, but that's all I remember. I didn't even drink it all because I am breast feeding, but it was good for the toast! Another note on the bright side was that we were able to talk alone and be together and that the Shain's of Maine ice cream was wicked yummy in the tummy. And we ended our fourth anniversary by watching some pointless show on television, but are looking forward to many more years to celebrate, hopefully with better food and always with Shain's of Maine =)

Our cutie gives a small grin for the camera! Isn't he just adorable?
Daddy reads to Ryan. It's "Go Dog, Go!" a great book read to Ryan while in the womb and now before bed.


Week three of motherhood has begun. I think I'm getting the hang of doctor's visits and night time feedings, two of the things I've struggled with in these first few days. My parents have been here, so Ryan gets to visit them early in the morning while I try to snooze a little before the day begins. Poor Adam has been struggling with the sleep aspect, but I think he's getting better at going to bed early and not waking up at every noise the little man makes.

It's been really neat to see Ryan just growing so much in the past few weeks. His face is getting fat and some of his clothes are getting too small. He eats like no other, but I'm told this will calm down soon. I know he's going through a growth spurt, so it's okay.

And surprises keep coming in the mail, for which I am so grateful. Cards and packages alike make my day so exciting. Thank you to all who have sent things recently!

Good test results

Being a mommy is getting easier. Now that I am not so sleep deprived the world is looking like its usual beautiful self. My parents arrived this weekend and have been a great help to both Adam and me so far. Having them look after Ryan from 9 p.m. to midnight has been wonderful. Sleep has been great! In addition, it's nice to see that kitchen floors can be clean again and that meals consist more of "real food" than things like frozen pizza and meals that come in a can.

In addition to having the parents around, it was also good to have a quick blood test for Ryan on Tuesday, which consisted of one poke and not 10 to my cutiepie's arms. It was also great to find out the results were normal. No blood test for the little guy for another month. But, he had his first shot and screamed about that and was kinda fussy about it for the rest of the day. Oh well, the world can't be perfect all the time, but we can count our blessings, no matter how small.

Friends are a good thing. Yesterday was a wonderful day for me. I got up and fed Ryan at 6, took a nap and then my friend Lyn stopped by with breakfast! We had a lovely time visiting together. We hadn't seen each other in probably a month, so it was nice to get together. We always seem to get togther over food, which, in pregnancy, was great and after pregnancy still is great!

While Lyn was here, Ryan pooped all over me. He'd taken a shot at daddy the night before, but missed. He's been on amoxicillin and I think it's given him explosive poopy. So, Lyn was lucky becuase I was just about to pass Ryan off to her.

Then, my friend Kristin came over. She and Vince are getting married in just a few weeks and they will be the godparents to little Ryan. She took me out to lunch at Backstreet Grill -- oh so yummy! And then spent the day with me. She fed Ryan while I pumped, chatted with me, helped me do grocery shopping and took me out for a DQ Blizzard!

Oh, and Kim visited also. It was great to have friends stop by. Mostly, it was good to have such a wonderful friend in Kristin who would take her day off to spend it all with Ryan and me. This is the kind of thing a new mom needs. It's good just to be with someone else and not all alone with baby for millions of hours (Adam worked both of his jobs yesterday and wasn't home until 9:30 p.m.)

And I can't forget my other friends who have written in response to my "On being a mommy" post. I need them to "be there" just as much as the people who are physically here. It's all about knowing people care and are there to support you, whether through a phone call an email or a promised meal if they could only be here.

And love is what joins us all in friendship. As my friend Merri would say, "Love is the egg in the hamburger: it binds us all together."

On being a mommy

Okay, I am supposed to be taking a nap right now. I can't tell you why I'm not taking a nap. The most likely reason is because I wanted to write and since Ryan is sleeping, it's the perfect time.

This week has been a little tough for me. First, Adam went back to work on Monday, though he had been working his part-time job since Friday of last week. The first two mornings, I cried when he left. The thought of being alone with baby seemed overwhelming. I know that my job right now doesn't seem too difficult. The job description is to simply, love, diaper and feed Ryan and to take naps. How can that be so hard? It all comes down to lack of sleep. When you're tired, everything seems a lot bigger; more challenging.

On Tuesday, we awoke to find that Ryan had a yucky crusty, goopy eye. After calling the doctor we were scheduled to see her that afternoon. He also had to get blood work done at the hospital (they think he has hypothyroidism, but that it's because I had hyperthyroidism during pregnancy and that my meds may have given false readings on his tests at the hospital) so I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone and eliminate the doctor's appointment I was supposed to have today.

I arrived at the hospital with almost two hours to spare before the doctor's appointment, only to be late for that appointment because it took them what seemed like a million pricks in his tiny arms (they said they could collect the blood from his heel when we left the hospital last week) and about two hours. At first, I was with him. But because I almost passed out and was balling my eyes out thinking about how he was so little and how it must scare and hurt him so much, I sat wringing my hands in the waiting room for about an hour and a half of the two hour ordeal.

I wasn't happy when I arrived at the doctor's office to discover they had put the bandages where they attempted to draw blood from him on so tight that his arm was purple either. But, it was nice to be in the company of familiar faces. It's amazing how close you can feel to your doctor and the nurse after you've spent nine months visiting them. Ryan weighed 7 lbs and 9 1/2 oz at this visit, which is good. He's almost back to birth weight, so at least this breastfeeding thing is working, though I have resorted to pumping because we have latch on issues.

Anyway, the doctor came to look at his eye and said if it was infected he would have to go back to the hospital. That only got me crying more, which I think scared her a little and so the questions started about me and how I am handling being a new mom. And like I said, it all boils down to lack of sleep, but when I should be sleeping, like now, I can't and I'm doing other things like writing or watching television.

Today, we had to see a specialist for Ryan's yucky eye. He has a clogged tear duct that basically just needs some tender loving care. We left that office a little frustrated because Adam had lost a half day of work coming with me to be my emotional support and because it took WAY too long for them to see us. It's nice to know that Adam works with such nice people that when we got there they reassured us that while he may have been needed, they understand that family comes first.

On another note, my parents arrive this weekend. This means they can sit with me in the waiting room next week while Ryan once again has a blood test to check on his thyroid issues. And, I won't feel all alone while Adam's at work. I'll at least have my mom helping me figure out if I have Ryan dressed appropriately for the weather and that kind of thing.

Until then, I'll have comfort in the fact that other mothers understand some of what I feel. Babies are so little and we want the best for them and it seems hard to do just that, though I know I am doing what's best for him by tackling these medical issues right away. Being a mommy is hard, but it's so rewarding when you can kiss and cuddle your little one and know that he feels safe with you.

A baby is born

Ryan was born on Monday! While labor was by no means easy, it was quick, and I am glad to have our little bundle of joy at home. There's a very proud papa in the house who posted a huge sign outside our house announcing to the neighborhood that baby is a boy. I don't think it's really hit us just yet that we are both parents. It feels like we are doing some week long babysitting. I've had my share of roller coaster emotions this week. Adam left for work yesterday and I cried my eyes out because Ryan wouldn't latch on and he kept screaming for food. I cried when they took him to circumsize him. I was wicked excited when labor was over and that the hospital food was really good. And it's been fun to have visitors, even ones all the way from Illinois, even though they were only here for a little while.

Update on baby

Monday marked my last day at work. While I am thrilled to be off of my feet, I do miss the interaction with customers and staff members. I feel a little spoiled by them and know that I work for and with wonderful people. Everyone kept asking when I was punching out, which made me a bit suspicious, but thankfully only a few people were around to wish me good luck (I really hate being the center of attention) and to give me a beautiful basket filled with items for Little McGee.

Tuesday was yet another doctor visit for me. This time I am about 2 1/2 cm dilated and 50 percent effaced (my how things change from doctor to doctor). I am confident that if I keep walking, Little McGee can still arrive on Adam's vacation week so the three of us have some alone time together to figure each other out. I also had a non-stress test yesterday. It was neat to see the contractions and the heartbeat charted on the machine.

Today, I get to go back to the doctor for a test they forgot to do and which needs to be done before I give birth.

As for my time off of work, I've created a list of things to do before baby arrives. I was told I won't get them all done, but at least I won't be bored and wondering what to do with myself. And if anyone wants to do lunch or anything, I'm game.

Yay for baby


Just a quick update to say that we are thrilled the ultra sound we had today showed that little McGee is head down. While I could identify other body parts, I had a hard time seeing the face adn fingers stuffed into his or her mouth, but Adam did not miss out and thought it was cute. I just couldn't figure out what it was I was looking at this time. Oh well, at least baby is ready to come out.

Bummed about a little bum

So, today was the weekly doctor visit that I so look forward to, especially knowing that baby can make an appearence any day now. I think I'd rather have gone on blissfully thinking about my last visit than have the news I had today. I now know how my friend Sarah felt after being 3 cm for weeks only to be told on her last visit she was only 1 cm dilated (she gave birth that same evening).

So, what was the news that was so disappointing. Well, not only have I regressed in the dilation department, from 2 cm last week to only 1 cm this week, my doctor is almost sure that Little McGee has his bum in the downward position, rather than his head. *Sigh* As she was feeling my belly today, that's the last thing I expected her to say. And after an internal exam, she still felt the same way. So, that hard lump we've all been touching, thinking it's the baby's back or something, might very well bed the head. I hope we haven't dented it or anything of the sort.

On Thursday, I make my way to the hospital to have them do a position check via ultra sound. Here's hoping the doctor is wrong. Needless to say, I am bummed that baby's bum might be in the wrong direction. As I drove home, I thought about it all, the possiblity of a c-section and how this was the one thing I feared, knowing my grandmother's babies were all breech babies.

I guess there's no use worrying about it, especially since we'll know in a few days where little baby rests. Until then, I go to work and hope for a good day.

Predictions about baby

This weekend was a busy one. Adam and I worked to create new cages for the guinea pigs. We finally finished last night around 10:30 and put them inside. Harry was really happy to be wedged in a cage between the girls and the boys and everyone seems happy with their new place. Now, to paint the room they were living in and clean it up (they are in the basement now).

We spent some time on Saturday at Nick and Vanessa's place working on their basement renovations. I didn't do any of the work, but the guys worked really hard. They hope to have it done next weekend, but I think they always under estimate the time it takes to do the work.

One common theme this weekend were the predictions of when I'll go into labor. Vanessa will be in New York next weekend, so she predicts May 7 as the day Little McGee will make an appearence in the world. Nick says May 10 (a number I think that was randomly picked out of a hat). My mother-in-law simply says I'll go into labor a week early, to coincide with Adam's vacation. My friend Sarah simply says it will be earlier than later. And my friend Lyn gave the best prediction, but I think she's wrong on a few aspects. Lyn says I'll have baby on week early, it will be a boy, weigh 7 lbs 7 oz and be 21 inches long. I don't know who will be right, but I'll certainly have an update tomorrow after my very early morning doctor's appointment.

Today I am 36 weeks and two days pregnant. Amazingly, the past few months have gone by quickly, though the last few weeks seem to be dragging. I am ready for baby to arrive. So, I was at least a little pleased when I visited the doctor today and they said I am 2 centermetres dilated and that baby is in a head-down position. But for those of you who have been pregnant before or just know a lot about pregnancy, you know that being 2 cm dilated means nothing. Doctors don't like to predict when we'll go into labor, mainly because they have no clue. Our bodies do their own thing.

So, when can we expect Little McGee? Sometime between today and after May 23, my due date. I get to "hurry up and wait." Since today is a beautiful day with no rain in sight, I plan to clean my car and install the car seat. Then I'm going to sit on the swing and enjoy a book I checked out of the library last night. I may get around to scrapbooking, too. Yesterday, I finished the photos from 2005 and added the baby shower to the baby book. But there's always more scrapbooking to be done. I still have wedding photos to get into the wedding album - I'm just about four years behind!

Last night, Adam and I chatted before going to sleep about interesting people. I think we could both write a book about the interesting people we have met. I know that "it takes all kinds" to make the world, but some people just cause you to do a double take.
I've worked for a big box store for the past six months and I've encountered these poeple on a regular basis. I can tell a million stories, but I'll just narrow it down to a few. Last week, an elderly gentlman wanted to pay for his purchase with a credit card. It wasn't signed, so I asked for his ID. His response: "You need to see my ID like I need a hole in my head." After throwing numerous credit cards at me that were signed and then showing me every kind of ID that doesn't count, we finally got to his driver's license. While he was throwing his tantrum I was trying to explain that I was simply doing my job and that, if I wanted to be a complete jerk, I could have just declined his sale based on the fact that the card wasn't signed and therefore not a legal form of tender. The couple behind him blurted out that they hope they don't turn out to be like him when they get old. Me too.
Then there was a guy this week whose check was declined. Now, no matter who they are, when their check is declined, they always say they don't understand because they have enough money in the bank. Telling me this does no good. I can't change the fact that it was declined just by you giving me your word. Sorry. Well, this guy was weird to begin with. He was wearing rubber gloves to do his shopping. Anyway, he steps to the side to call the find out why his check is declined and gets frustrated and says what he'll do is go to the bank and get some money to pay for the items. He was holding smokes in his hand that would have been purchased in the transaction had he paid, so I reminded him to leave them there. I watched as he put them in one of the bags and then continued to help another customer. He came back for his stuff on my break and it was then that the person who was redoing the order noticed that the smokes were missing. She assumed I had put them back on the shelf, but he said that he had already smoked them. HELLO, you stole that package of smokes! And how did you sneak them when I watched you put them in the bag?
The lady who works at my doctor's office once told me I was full of poop because I held on to her credit card as she signed it. I have to treat her like any other customer.... sorry no favorites. And becasue I know you from somewhere else, doesn't mean I am sure you aren't a theif.
And there are more people too. Those who insist that items are on sale when they know they aren't. For example, do you really think a $80 comforter set would be marked down to $9.99? Probably not. That's a heck of a loss for any company. It's just not going to happen. There are old people who have to count out the EXACT amount of money because they hate to break at $20 bill for a sale of $19.95. There are old people who always make me laugh when they attempt to use the credit card machine by holding the side of the card with the magnetic strip between their thumb and finger and wonder why it won't work. And then there are the people that amaze me. Like the blind lady who can write a check or the elderly gentleman that knows his pin number and is very quick to put the transaction through. And then there are the people who wonder how their total got to be $11 and when you say, well the cough syrup was $5, the the drink was $1 and the shirt was $4, plus tax equals $11, they still can't figure it ou and you want to scream at them.
But if you asked me whether I love my job, I'd say yes. I enjoy meeting most of the people, seeing the regulars and getting paid to do mindless work. And I'm glad to world if full of colorful people. It would stink if we were all the same. I just wish we all had brains and managed to communicate at the same level once we hit adulthood.
"We are fearfully and wonderfully made."