Chix Chat

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’m sorry I didn’t write yesterday.  I’ve been so busy and last night our computer was down! GRRR!!

Anyway, I’m pressed for time today as well, but I thought I would send you some pics of my sweetie!

I hope they go through okay! Thats his kitty, Samanatha with him.

I will write you a longer e-mail soon, I promise!

Until next time, take care and God bless!

God bless the USA!

Ok everyone,  here are my reviews of the last six movies I’ve seen in the theatre (from first to last).  I know …. "who cares?", right? (lol)

1) The Lord Of The Rings- by far and away one of the BEST movies I’ve seen in quite awhile!  THe music … the special effects … the acting is all first rate.  Three hours wasn’t enough for me and it left me wanting more!  If you haven’t seen it yet and are thinking "well, I’ll just wait for it to be released on video"  I urge you to SEE IT IN THE THEATRE!!

2) Not Another Teen Movie-  You know the saying "If I could do it all over again…"  well, I would finish that sentence with … "I would not have wasted my money on that movie!"  It was just stupid and very sexually vulgar.  Ok, movies like "Scary Movie" and "Scary Movie 2" were quite risqué, but NATM, was just ridiculous!  There were a few funny moments, but they were very few and far between.

3) Vanilla Sky- I was quite disappointed in this movie as well.  It’s only saving grace was the acting (Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz in particular).  I left the theatre with  this huge ? hanging above my head!

4) The Majestic-  After seeing NATM and VS, The Majestic was a wonderful breath of fresh air!  It was a very lovely movie and Jim Carrey was very good in it.  Its only downfall was it was a bit slow moving in some parts, but that aside it’s definitely worth watching.  It’s so wonderful to see a movie without any sex or violence.  I left the theatre with a longing in my heart for the "good ol days" and yet there was a peace in my soul.

5) Kate and Leopold- another very enjoyable movie.  I was swooning over "Leopold".  *Sigh!*  Now why can’t the men of today be like that?!  Anyway, as someone who likes romantic comedies,  I thought this one was very sweet.  FYI= Sleepless In Seattle, is not only my favorite romantic comedy, it is probably one of my all time favorites.

6) Oceans Eleven - another enjoyable movie.  A great cast including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Julia Roberts (the first three are not too tough on the eyes, especially George Clooney!).  Fast paced and a witty dialogue.  I haven’t seen the original Ocean’s Eleven yet, but I would like to.

So in ascending order how I liked them (from least to most):

Not Another Teen Movie, Vanilla Sky, Oceans 11, Kate & Leopold, The Majestic and The Lord Of The Rings.

just thought I would share that with you!

Michele

**The opinions expressed here are solely my own and are quite humble, and shouldn’t influence someone’s movie choices in any way! **

Oh, yes, Halloween. We didn’t pass out candy; we didn’t get any trick-or-treaters at home or at work. I only saw one kid dressed up as I drove home yesterday. Did you see the full moon last night? Here it was quite clear and lovely.

At that Cross Daily site, it sure is quiet! A few weeks ago, my mailbox there kept filling up. This week I don’t recall getting any new mail. It’s no big disappointment, though, since no one that’s written to me meets any of my criteria. And, hello, I listed them on the site. If I read some guy’s "ad" and he said he wanted "a petite, blond, model, early 20’s" would I think, "I’m sure those are only suggestions"? No, I would dismiss that guy as a shallow creep who isn’t worth my time in the first place.

Work today has been okay. I did work for them and work for me. (Insert innocent smile here.) Doing their work, I chipped a nail and it is catching everything.

I can imagine that you didn’t want to go to work! I guess it is a small comfort to you to know that the business Nora had with you is over now. It is *so* ironic . . . if you were a mean catty person, you could sneer, "Gee, you said I was doing such a terrible job. It’s funny how I didn’t get fired too." But, it’s good that you are going to let it go. I guess all of you there really need to be pulling together to overcome that.

I would have cried talking to Mary too! That is insane, firing people that have worked there for two years for something like that. I could not believe how their "shopper" was acting. Banging on the door and swearing? You’re right, I would *not* have let her in. I’d have threatened to call the police. That is so crappy/crazy/unbelievable though that those three lost their jobs over a $1.99 card and over doing what any one of us would do, which is not open the door for some angry freak. I thought that those secret shoppers were supposed to be average customers; I didn’t know they were supposed to be way out of the ordinary and then expect you to just take it!

And they fired Ed for getting quarters?! My sister does that too - gets state quarters and replaces them with others.

Your attitude about work sounds like mine; I half-wish they’d close this business so I’d be forced to find something better. I’d hate to leave them and my comfort zone, and I don’t plan to for a while, but still, ya can’t help wondering …

It’s good that you’re remembering how constant God is. Weren’t we talking about this not too long ago, about trusting God in everything? I believe we did mention it, because I remember us saying that even if our worst "what if" happened, it would be okay because God is still in control. Plus, who could forget my favorite saying? "Everything happens for our good according to God’s plan." I absolutely believe that 100% because I have seen it to be the case so many times, as I’m sure you have too.

In other news, it is crazy weather here. It’s been less cold; some would call it warm. It is a balmy 75 degrees outside and it’s cloudy like a storm is coming. No big surprise there.

I guess I’d better think of anything I want to say to you by tomorrow, or I’ll have to save it for a whole week. So when will you be back again? Monday the 12th? Zoiks!

That’s it for today. Talk to you tomorrow. God bless!

Anne

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

Yes, that is surreal, all of those people being fired clear out of the blue like that! That does sound very suspicious. Like you said, why not just give them a warning? Why fire them for this first offense? You don’t sound worried; I’m glad. As one that has lost/quit many jobs, I can tell you for sure that there are plenty of other fish in the sea.

Here, I have been trying to put together the necessary paperwork for our new employees in CA and I am drowning in it. My boss keeps having petty projects for me; he must’ve decided that I have too much free time. That’s how it is here though some days are dead, but then on the busy days, everything has to get done right away.

You hate Outlook Express? I love it - to each her own, right? Like we were saying, it’s just whatever you get used to. When I get used to one and then try to use another, I think, "Well they are doing it this way and this is wrong! It’s supposed to be done like the other program does it."

I understand about you not being able to tape Angel next week, really. Believe me, any help you can give is greatly appreciated!

I know this is a remarkably short letter today, but as I mentioned, I’m swamped! Now the boss wants me to go to Office Depot and simultaneously get this paperwork ready to FedEx to CA. Plus, I’m sure you’re busy with packing and stuff, so that works out okay I guess

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

Anne

God bless the USA

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, Michele!

Oh yes, did I mention? Thank you! I really appreciate you taping Angel for me. I have a feeling that I will also ask you to tape another ep for me.

How is your yahoo-ing going? My advice about that situation would be to try it for a week or two - after your trip perhaps. Then if you still don’t like it, just get another hotmail account and maybe use the yahoo one for storage. When I started using yahoo, it took me a while to get the hang of it. At work I use the very user-friendly Outlook Express. With yahoo I had to search every time I wanted to do anything. When I’d read a message, I’d wonder, "Okay, *now* how do I get back to my inbox? D’oh!" Now, I like the yahoo account at least as well as the work one.

I can relate to your customers-are-so-clueless story where you were struggling with the shelf and that lady was totally oblivious to it. She probably expected you to drop everything to help her - literally! When I was waiting tables, whenever I had both hands full of plates to deliver or take away, some schmoe would be handing me their dirty plate to remove. I’d want to sarcastically say, "Sure, I can get that one too, just stick it in my apron pocket."

That reminds me - sometimes older men customers would try to stick the tip in my apron pocket. (Pervs!) I believe they had the [restaurant] mistaken for a completely different kind of establishment! Let’s stop to praise the Lord that I don’t work there anymore. Woo hoo!

Anyway, no I don’t have any of Jeff Foxworthy’s albums, but I like what I’ve seen of him. I even used to like his sitcom - did you ever watch that? That "I see dead people" kid played one of Jeff’s TV kids, and Bill Engvall was his goofy TV best friend.

You’re not packed yet? Well, girl, what are ya waiting for? I am the same way. Do you ever have those dreams where you’re leaving for a trip and you haven’t packed anything? I usually have those when I’m going somewhere for a visit.

Speaking of dreams, I had a great dream about Keanu Reeves last night! I was over-enthusiastically hugging him and kissing his cheek and, well, his face. I was gushing on about how tall he is ("I like tall men," I cleverly said.) and how handsome he is (Yep, I said, "I like handsome.") The only bad thing was that he seemed to be stealing money from my check book. Hmmm. What do you suppose that means, symbolically?

I can see the packing difficulties because of the temperature difference. I would probably wear layers that I could peel off as the temperature increased. I have before done like you, start off with a long-sleeved shirt or light jacket and then end up with it tied around my waist. If you’re going to the hotel first, you can always change into shorts there. Do you wear shorts? I admit that I wear jeans most of the time, unless it’s about 100 degrees. I would probably wear shorts in Florida; I can handle strangers judging my lily-white legs.

I did hear that rumor about another terrorist attack. Every time I hear that stuff I think, "This is crazy!" I would think if those so-called intelligence guys knew that there was an attack "tentatively" planned, they would know where the bloody planned target is. I *really* do not think that you should worry about your trip though. My bosses have flown safely to Los Angeles and New York several times in the past two weeks. My boss, KA, just got back from New York yesterday and he had no problems. Still, as you asked, I will spend extra time in prayer for both safety and for the Lord to calm your fears.

Did I tell you that my professor is out of town tomorrow? So I will have only one class this week. Woo hoo! AND he only gave us two short problems to do AND I’ve finished one and started the other. But we do have a test coming up, and I absolutely need to start ASAP and prepare for it.

Did I also tell you that my boss asked his friend’s daughter to come sit here while I went to class yesterday? (My boss was out of town, as he returned from New York.) She was a typical teenager, just about everything I said to her, she would look at me blankly like, "Whatever." She said the phone only rang one time and it was her dad. She asked if they would need her every Monday. I replied that I didn’t know. She probably thinks I have the easiest job ever. It’s true, the job is really easy most of the time, but sometimes I do have actual work to do.

That’s it for today. I’ll talk to you soon! God bless!

Anne

God bless the USA!