Chix Chat

My back feels much better today, thank God!  It didn’t hurt nearly as much as it did when I hurt it that one time last year.  I would just like to know what the heck I did to it. Its still a little sore but I’m sure it will be almost back to normal by tomorrow. (I hope!)

Anne, have you received my package yet?  I’m sure you did but I don’t think you mentioned it at all.  I know you mentioned "Like one of the quotes in the book you sent….." I’m assuming that was the book in my "care package".

I went to that Christian messageboard and I found what you wrote.  Everyone who responded to you is giving you solid advice.  Yes, the devil tries to make us doubt our salvation.  There are some days, my CLD’s when I can almost hear the devil whispering in my ear, "How can you think God could love a loser like you?  You are not good enough.  You’ll never be good enough!"  And I get scared. But then, I feel God’s peace and I feel Him saying "Michele, I love you just as you are."

Since we were talking about Chaz (well since I was talking about Chaz) I was thinking about him.  Actually, I was thinking about a lot of the people in my old neighborhood.  I wish I could see someone, it doesn’t necessicarily (sp?) be a man a had a crush on… anyone… so when he/she asks "How are you? ANything exciting happening?"  I can smile and say "I met someone."

WHat did you get at Taco Bell the other day?  As I recall, doesn’t most of their stuff have meat in it?  Do they have a special vegatarian menu?  I can’t remember what I ate when I got sick.  I suppose I could eat Taco Bell again, but there is just that mental block in me.

Have you ever tried Subway?  Do they have Subways in Huntsville?  They sell hoagies.  Soo good!  There is a seafood & crab sandwich that is to die for!  The bread is so soft and fresh, the tomatos are so juicy…. mmmm…. I better stop or I’ll start drooling all over my keyboard!

well, thats it for today! Until next time, take care and God Bless!

God Bless THe USA!

Hi Anne!

Short note today… maybe maybe not.  Its about 7:30am and I’m debating on whether or not to call off work.  My stupid back is bothering me again!!  I don’t know what the heck I did to it!  Anyway, if I do call of work, I’ll be home to write a longer e-mail.  If not, I’ll write a longer e-mail tomorrow or later on today.

have a great day!  Take care and God bless!

God bless The USA!

(I’m losing it!  I was going to write God bless "Michele"!)

Michele

Hi, Michele!

No problem about not writing on Friday, although I was a little surprised. I do understand though.

It sounds like the weekend at the store was horrendous! I’m not surprised that people waited til the last minute to get their cards, but I’m sorry to see that it was taking such a toll on you! I’m very glad that you made it through okay. What did you do for your dad to celebrate Father’s Day?

This weekend I worked double shifts both days! Four stores in two days = zoiks! Plus I have another store tonight, one on Wednesday, and one on Friday. Not to mention two stores on both Saturday and Sunday of the next weekend. Man.

Ron worked both stores on Saturday and ran the first store yesterday, so that was kind of interesting. On Saturday, en route to the second store, he was telling us how he got a ticket three years in a row on his birthday. Curious, I ventured to ask, "So, when is your birthday?" He asked, "Why do you want to know?" I said, "Just curious." (I wish I’d said sarcastically, "I’m writing a book.") Someone else mentioned that I knew it was another ***** person’s birthday, then Ron casually changed the subject. Now I’m curious why he’s so protective of that info! I heard he was a private person, but sheesh! Maybe he thought I wanted to know the year - which I do - but I was just wanting the month and day. Apparently it’s classified!

Also on Saturday, I was wondering aloud if we’d stop and get a bite to eat - you know, since we’d probably be gone about 12 hours working both of those stores and traveling. The others told me to ask Ron. I did: he replied that he accepts bribes. En route to Taco Bell, he mentioned again that he accepted bribes, to which I responded, "I’ll buy you a burrito…?" He said, "Y’all do not want me to eat a burrito." (Talk about too much information.) Another employee was really surprised that Ron agreed to stop somewhere; they were, like, "How did you get him to do that?" I told them, "I asked him."

As we left Sunday’s store, one lady in the van told Ron, "Well you’re six years older than I am, but …" and then whatever else she was talking about. I was intrigued; Sara whispered that Ava - the lady who said that - was either 42 or 43. So Ron is either 48 or 49!! Whoa! Sara also managed to ask yesterday, "Ron, do you have any kids?" to which he replied, "H*ll no." Sure, *that* he’ll share.

Mood-wise - I was down a lot of the weekend. This morning I woke up okay then got to work and was down a bit. It’s a veritable roller coaster ride. (Hopefully I’ll soon learn from that not to trust my feelings, but to go by faith!) I *know* I think about it too much; I’m really trying to trust God and not worry so much. As I keep saying, the Bible tells us over and over to not worry/be anxious. Still it’s tough to do sometimes. I don’t mind at all that you told Bob; I need all the prayers that I can get! You asked about that Christian message board - it’s the "community" link at the www.wayfm.com site, which is a local Christian radio station’s site. That was the one that did have a lot of great forums, but they deleted most of them and left only three basic ones.

I had forgotten all about the test until you mentioned it! With all of that work this weekend, I was so glad to not have any homework. I plan to read the next chapter this evening before the gig, so maybe I’ll be ready.

I can relate to your feelings about Kristin; heck, who couldn’t? It is annoying bordering on infuriating when someone gets special treatment at work just because of friendship with the boss, especially when they’re not carrying their weight and getting away with it.

Well, I’m receiving email on my work computer now, but it’s still acting weird. For one thing - the monitor isn’t working right: pictures aren’t clear and everything on the screen is much bigger than I’m used to. Plus, it takes a looooooong time for the thing to boot up.

So Bob is going to visit in August? I’d say it’s very normal for you to be nervous about meeting him. I hope that you will both have an open mind and be optimistic about meeting; if you do that I don’t think you’ll have to worry about disappointing each other. About his "expectations" - I really hope he doesn’t expect anything during his *first* visit, for sure!! Still, I know what you mean about having those feelings and worrying that you’ll give in. But don’t sell yourself short! I will definitely pray about this for you.

That’s all for today. Talk to you soon! God bless!

Anne

I am sooo sorry I didn’t write to you on Friday!  I had went out with Shelly in the afternoon, and by the time I got home I figured you were finished working.  Bad Michele!!

Anyway, we saw Scooby-Doo.  It was cute.  Matthew Lillard (Scream, 13 Ghosts) plays Shaggy and does an amazing job at it!  He sounded just like him! The theater was pretty crowded, mostly kids and their parents.  I looked at Shelly and mused, "I think we’re the only adults here who don’t have a child with them."

Anyway, how are you?  I hope you had received my package by now, and I hope it lifts your spirits.  That Christian messageboard you posted a prayer request on, what is the address for it?  Yes, to simply "trust Jesus" is sometimes best.  I told Bob about it ( I hope you don’t mind) and he said "Well, Anne will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers."

I hope you did well on the test, even though you didn’t feel confidant about it.  I’m sure you did well.  I don’t think you ever failed a test since you and I started talking to each other over a year ago.  Me?  I’m the queen of cramming!  I waited until the last second to study for a test, and somehow I always managed to make A’s & B’s on them… well, except for my 10th grade history class.  Jeeze-Louise, that class was tough!  I shamefully admit that I cheated on a test or two just to pass the class with a low C.

Yes, Kristin is the same one whose friend was attacked (that was the Labor Day incident).  I can tell that Kristin is one of Nora’s "favorites"  I mean, I’m not trying to sound like I’m jealous and I do like Kristin and Nora but think about it, If Nora didnt like Kristin, she would have been gone after the first time she didn’t show up for work.  THey just seem so "chummy" with each other.  I try not to let it bother me, and for the most part it doesn’t, mainly because Kristin doesn’t use it to her advantage.  I know I can talk to you about these things because I know you would probably feel the same way if you were in my shoes.

Also, me and Danielle were talking last night and well, rememer the whole "you don’t do your work" incident last October and then a few weeks later Mary, Ed, Sue, and Audrey were fired?  Well, I think I told you when the "you don’t do your work" incident happened, Mary was in the back with us, and as Nora was berating me, Mary just stood there.  Didn’t come to my defense or anything.  So when she was fired, just a teeny-tiny part of me smugly thought "good."  Was it wrong for me to feel that way?  I mean, I know this happened over 8 months ago but I think about these things from time to time.  Mary was definitely Nora’s pet.  I mean, even to this day she willl go on and on about how wonderful Mary was.  Mary was nice and everything, but I didn’t see how she was so great.  Oh well.  I shouldn’t dwell on it, huh?  I just thought I would get that off my chest.

Speaking of work, its been a pretty hectic weekend.  Yes, people as usual waited until the last minute to buy their Father’s day cards and gifts.  Unbelievable! It wasn’t as busy as it was Mother’s Day weekend, but I was really stressed out.  I even felt dizzy a couple of times and I was short of breath, a couple things that happen when I’m about to have a panic attack.  Thank God I calmed myself down and didn’t do anything embarassing like scream or pass out!

I think my anxitey is also stemmed from thinking about Bob coming here in August.  I’m just scared that I’m going to disappoint him somehow (and vice versa).  Also I’m worried thinking he might have certain "expectations" from me, you know, sexually?  He assures me that he respects my wishes and would wait forever for me, but I get scared that he might eventually lose patience with me.  I’m afraid that in moment of passion I might let things go to far only to feel horribly guilty about it afterwards.  I mean, before I had someone I could firmly say "I won’t do this or that before I’m married" but now that I do, and we will soon be in each other’s arms, it isn’t so easy.  I don’t want to do anything to disappoint God, and yet I’m painfully aware of all these feelings I’m having. Anne, could you please pray about this situation? I really would appreciate it!

well, that’s it for today.  Until next time, take care and God bless!

God bless the USA!

Michele

Hi Anne!

I absoultly did not want to go into work today.  It doesn’t even feel like the same place anymore.  Nora came in at one and she and I were in the back, both crying and hugging.  She was sobbing.  She told me that she would just quit, but she needs the money.  I want to just quit but I wouldn’t do that to Nora.  How sadly ironic that now I will prove to Nora just how much of a hard worker I really am.  Whatever happened two weeks ago is forgotton.  I’m mature enough to let it go.

Okay, I’ve got some more info as to why Mary, Ed, Sue and Audrey were fired.  One night it was Mary, SUe and Audrey who worked.  Mary locked the doors at 8:55.  We always lock the doors five minutes til closing time.  Anyway, about 8:57 or 8:58 this lady started banging on the door.  Mary said, "I’m sorry, but we’re closed"  and this lady was screaming at Mary, "All I want to buy is a fu*^ing card!"  And she kept on banging on the door.  Now, tell me, Anne, would you let someone in who was banging and kicking on the door and screaming at you?  As it turns out, this person was one of those "secret" shoppers and she reported this to Bob Ritter.  So even though Mary was the one who locked the door, all three of them were fired.  So basically they lost their jobs over probably a $1.99 card.

And how Ed was fired?  You’re never going to believe this one.  Before I tell you why I have to this.  Ed collects the state quarters, so sometimes he’ll open the drawers  and fish through the quarters and when he finds some state quarters, he’ll take them out and he’ll exchange them with money from his wallet.  He always does this when someone else is up front with him and he shows what he’s putting in and what he’s taking out.  And I know Ed would never take a penny from that stupid store.  So one day, after he waited on a customer and the drawer popped open he did one of his "money exchanges" and that customer just happened to be one of those "secret shoppers" and she (or he) saw this and reported it to BR.  So that’s why Ed was fired.  Is that fuc*ing ridiculous or what?!

Mary called me tonight and we talked for about half an hour.  SHe just wanted to tell me goodbye and it was nice working with me.  I started crying.  I mean, I have worked with these people for over two years (except for Audrey) and now just like that it’s done.  Over without warning.  And Mary and Nora said exactly what I was thinking: something else is going on.

I’m not worried, Anne.  Like I said before I’ve been toying with the idea of quitting for months now.  I’d quit now, but I’m not going to do that to Nora.  I just wish the store would close down so we all would have to find other jobs.

And through it all, it makes me realize more now than ever how God is constant.  That peace in my heart is always there.  I know as long as I have GOd, my health, my family and myself, I can handle just about anything that comes my way.

I hope you have a better day at work!  Yeah, I know how it feels having a busy day and trying to get everything done on time.  It’s like you can’t wait until it’s time to go home!

I started packing.  Whoo-hoo!  Danielle and I finally made it to the mall today and I got all my last minute Disney things.  I have a horrible feeling that I’ll forget something, but as long as it isn’t my money or i.d.  I won’t be too worried about it.

My period is winding down and I know I’ll be finished with it by Saturday.  Praise God!   Can you believe only two days left?!

Did you pass out candy tonight?  Me and Danielle did.  We didn’t get too many kids this year.  Maybe because of what’s going on in the world today.  What a shame that kids can’t be kids and enjoy themselves.  We just bought our halloween candy today.  That’s the best time to buy it- it’s all on sale! Olivia (my kitty) is so funny.  She just stood at the door and meowed at everyone who came up on the porch.  I didn’t see any outstanding costumes but the baby next door (Maizey who’s about three or four months) was dressed as an elephant and she was adorable!

Well, that’s about it for now.  Tomorrow will probably be the last time we’ll get a chance to write to each other!    Till next time, take care and God bless!

God bless the USA!

Michele

Hi Anne!

Today was strangely surreal.  I don’t even know where to begin.  I guess I’ll start from the beginning.

Danielle and I were just about to leave to go to the mall when the phone rang.  Danielle answered it and said "It’s Shelly."  Shelly was at work.  I thought she was calling me to ask if I wanted to go to the movies with her tonight.  No, she asked me if I could come into work ASAP.  She said to me "You can’t believe what’s going on here.  I’m here by myself with Susan."  Btw, Susan is the Supervisor for all the ***** Shops.  Anyway Shelly continued, "Nora went home early she couldn’t take it."  COULDN’T TAKE WHAT?! My mind screamed.  Then Shelly said, "Ed, Mary, Audrey and Sue were all fired." !!  Anne, I almost dropped the phone!  Shelly didn’t know any details beyond that and as you can imagine my mind was racing trying to think what they could have done!  I mean, I can understand AUdrey but Sue?  Ed?  and especially Mary?!  I reluctantly agreed to come in.  When I got there Susan and I went in the back  and she told me what happened.  Apparenttly, Bob Ritter (who is like the head honcho) hired "secret shoppers" to come into the store and you know, check us out.  THey came in over the course of two weeks in the morning and at night.  Well, some of the people got bad results and that’s who got canned.  I cannot believe this!  I mean, I feel as if I had dodged a bullet.  THat God truly is watching over me, because it could have been any one of us, but at the same time I feel horrible for my co-workers.  ANd Nora!  My God, she must be sick about this!  But you know what?  I think it has to do more than the whole "secret shopper" bit.  I mean. why don’t just give out warnings?   ANd this happens right before holiday open house!  We’re short staffed as it is and now we lost four people?  I know the store is losing money.  I think eventually all of us are going to be fired and all new people are going to come in.  I don’t know what the logic in that is, but I just have a really wierd feeling about it.  To think, two weeks ago I was on the verge of losing my job and now I’m probably the one person Nora needs the most (the other people who are left after this "massacare" are Dolly, Wendy, Shelly, Kristin, and Cindy).  Something fishy is going on here.  I can feel it.  You know, part of me wishes that the store would just close down so i can just find another job.  Oh, I know how they would get rid of me- because I’m going away next week and taking your vacation during holiday season is a big no no.  oh well.  That store isn’t my life.  I might lose my job after all!

you’re welcome about Angel.  Remember, I’ll be away next week so I can’t tape it.  I would just set up my vcr to tape it, but I’m planning on taping the entire week of Days Of Our Lives episodes, and I don’t think Angel would fit on that tape too.  Sorry!

Maybe I will stick with Yahoo after all.  I am getting used to it.  I hate Outlook Express!  It always gives me problems!  It must like you more!

Nice dream you had about Keanu Reeves.  As far as him stealing money from your check book, who gives a sh*^?  I don’t know what that could mean symbolically.  Maybe it’s a connection to your comments to him.  Maybe it’s your subconcious warning you not to compliment a man unless he does it first, because he might steal your heart.  I don’t know. Just my stupid analysis

I wear jeans most of the time too.  First of all my shorts always seem to ride up my butt!  And no, I don’t wear short shorts!  ALso my legs are pale also.  I don’t have the time or patience to go tanning.  I tried that sunless tanner lotion once and I ended up all orange and streaky!  I’m packing a few pairs of jeans and a few pairs of shorts.  I hope it’s cool enough to wear jeans!

Thank you for easing my mind about flying.  And I cannot thank you enough for your prayers.  I really do feel you praying for me!  I’m sure other people are praying that we have a safe flight as well.

Well, it’s getting late and I have to go to work early tomorrow.  THat is if I still have a job! (lol)

see you later!  Take care and GOd bless!

God bless the USA!

Michele

 Hi Anne!

Well, I taped Angel for you!  I tried to get the picture as best as I could.  It didn’t turn out too bad.  I will hold it for you, as you requested.  You didn’t have to send the postage out to me, but thank you anyway.

I laughed when you mentioned Nora putting down the crack pipe.  Now that’s all I can think about!  Once again last night I worked my ass off!  We had to take a whole card section down because we’re starting to put out our Christmas merchandise (gosh, so soon?).  I was sweating like a pig by the time everything was finished!  People get on my nerves so bad sometimes.  I mean, here I was, struggling with this big, heavy shelf, trying to put it up and trying to concentrate and everything and this lady walks up to me and goes "Where are your get well cards" (or whatever she asked me).  I wanted to say to her, "Hello?!  Can you not see that I’m a little busy here at the moment?  Why don’t you ask Cindy or Sue or why don’t you just try to find what you’re looking for yourself?  I mean, the store isn’t that freaking big!"  Of course I didn’t say that.  I just pointed to where she needed to go and grunted an answer.

I have a question for you.  Danielle and I were discussing this yesterday.  Ok, put your thinking  cap on.  Ok, say you live like in Alaska or somewhere that it gets really cold in the winter.  ANd you’re going on vacation to say Hawaii.  Ok, say the the day you leave for your trip it’s like 10 below zero where you live and it’s like in the nineties in Hawaii. So how do you dress.  I mean, you need to dress warm when you go to the airport but once you get to Hawaii, you’re going to be sweating your buns off!  Danielle suggested that someone would just wear their "Hawaii" clothes under their "Alaska" clothes and when they get to the airport, they just run into the bathroom and whip off their "ALaska" clothes and give it to the person who drove them to the airport.  That sounds like a pretty good solution.  ANy more ideas?

We’ve never really had that problem when we went to Disneyworld.  Last time I went I wore a short sleeved shirt and jeans and a long sleved jean shirt over the short sleeved shirt.  When we got to Fla, I just took the long sleeved shirt off and tied it around my waist.

Speaking of Fla, Did you hear on the news or something that there MIGHT be annother terrorist attack sometime over the next week?  Anne. I am VERY SCARED about this!  Please say a double prayer about our flight!  I mean, part of me is really calm, feeling God’s reassurance, and the other part of me is just freaking out!  And So many people I know have been flying these past few weeks and everything went okay, so why shouldn’t it be okay for me and Danielle?  As I keep thinking about September 11th, I angerily wonder "Why the FU*@ did that have to happen!"

I just got Jeff Foxworthy’s latest concert album- "Big Funny."  I love him.  He’s halarious!  Do you have any of his albums?

Well, I got to get going now.  Danielle and I are both off work today, and we’re off to the mall to get some last minute Disney things.  I haven’t even packed yet!  Yikes!!

see you soon.  Take care and God bless!

God bless the USA!

Michele

Hi Anne!

I don’t know if I like this yahoo mail so much. I might just get another hotmail account and use the same name, *****. Yes, I know I’m driving you crazy!! I’m just so used to hotmail and I’m not very good with change. What do you think I should do?

The CLD continues! Brian came over here a little bit tonight. I just felt so … well, left out. That’s the only way I can describe how I was feeling. THen my dad will unknowingly say things that really hurt me. For example- Brian bought danielle yet another stuffed animal ( our house looks like a toy store!) and my dad commented, "He better start saving his money for a wedding." I know my dad doesn’t mean to hurt me, but whenever he says things like that, it’s just a painful reminder that I don’t have anyone. I think according to my dad, I’m perfectly content with being single, and believe me, IM NOT! I mean, just because I’m a content person, it doesn’t mean I don’t long to find my soul mate and get married!

I get zits on my chin too right before my period! And I always get one right between my eyes too.

Okay, so I’ll tape Angel and I’ll send it out to you the next day. I’ll have to run out to the store before Monday and buy a blank tape. Or maybe I have one lying around here. I’m going to be pretty busy next week, getting ready for the trip. OUr flight is six am Saturday morning, which means we have to be there extra extra early! Yikes! A whole week of not e-mailing each other?! Well, if you still want to write to me every day, you can. You can just send short, one paragraph e-mails!

You should have said "you suck" in those e-mails you sent to that tapes site. The noive of them! XD

I chuckled at your "Angel acting like Ray" dream. Perish the thought! You probably wanted to find Ray afterwards and shake him and shout, "Stay away from my dreams, scumbag!!!" I can just see the question mark above his head and the puzzled look on his face!

It was another good day at work for me, Thank God. Nora said to me, "You’ve been doing so much better, Michele." Now mind you this is only one week since the "incident" and frankly, I’m just doing my job like I always do. I think that might have been Nora’s way of apologizing to me. I know some people can’t just come out and say "I’m sorry" (it’s difficult for me to sometimes!). If that was her way of apologizing, then I accept. But believe me, if if happen again, this time I’ll be ready!

—

Hi again!

It is now Saturday morning. I have to go to work at 2. After work me, Shelly and Kristin (and maybe Danielle) are going to the movies (AGAIN?!). We’re either going to see From Hell or Thirteen Ghosts. Either one I’m still going to sleep with the lights on tonight!

I can’t believe a week from now I’ll be in Disneyworld. There is so much I need to do. Knowing me, I’ll wait till the last minute! I’m not too worried if I forget something. I mean it’s not like I’m going to another planet. There are stores down in Floridia that sell basically everything I need. I think the most important thing to pack is a lot of extra clean underwear. And believe me, I have enough bra and panty sets that I can open my own lingere store

Oh yeah, I forgot one more movie when I was giving you that list: Don’t Say A Word=

So that’s what, eighteen movies I’ve seen this year? and it’s only October. That’s about an average of two movies a month. It just seems like I’ve been to the movies a lot more than that.

How’s the weather there? It is fuc*$#@ freezing here!! I can’t believe that not even three days ago it was warm enough that I wore a short sleeved shirt, and last night I wore my winter pj’s! I dont like it when it’s too hot, but I don’t like it when it’s too cold, either. And this isn’t even cold cold yet. BBBRRRRRR!!!!!

—

Hi once again! It is now Sunday. I got my period! Hooray!!! Normally I wouldn’t be so estatic to have my period, but I know I’m be safe for my trip. WHEW! Now all I have to worry about is having a safe flight!

Well, Shelly and I did see Thirteen Ghosts last night. It was VERY WIERD! Yes, I slept with the lights on last night! I don’t know why I torture myself like that. I still say The Exorcist is the scariest movie of all time.

Audrey screwed up on the registers again today! She just really gets on my nerves. I mean, first of all she’s ALWAYS smiling! You know, like "Love that Joker?" What’s up with that? and it also gets on my nerves the way she says "oh my gosh". She says it like Goofy "Oh my gorsh!" I just want to slap her when she says it, and she says it all the time. THen while Shelly and I were trying to fix Audrey’s mistakes, Audrey acts all innocent, like she wasn’t the one who made them! I just wish Nora would let her go! FYI- I had to call Nora last night and then this morning because I was having trouble closing out one of the credit card machines and she acted fine with me. Another WHEW! to add to the list.

Oh! My rating for 13 Ghosts is .

I don’t think I’ll be able to make it to the movies again until after I get home from Floridia. THen I’ll have a ton I want to see!

I was meaning to ask you, do you belong to the Crossings book club? It’s a christian book club. I belong to it and I really like it. I think their website is www.crossings.com Check it out sometime.

well, that’s it for now! I hope you had a good weekend. Til next time take care and God bless!

GOD BLESS THE USA!