tales from the (second) homefront

So Dee kind of really got to me on Wednesday night. Yesterday, she was training her new co-manager and being the fakest person I've ever seen. I kept telling Mo how funny it was listening to her when I had to run in the back room to grab something. She laughed. At one point as Dee was showing Kathy around, I was back getting some boxes (I was doing transfers) and she stopped me. She said how I just redid the bulletin boards and how I do literally everything, that she is just the figurehead. It took everything I had not to say "damn right". ha. Best part is she continued saying that the entire staff does a little bit of everything and she is extremely lucky. I wanted to go to the bathroom and throw up when I heard that. I went out and told Mo and she just laughed with me. So I dressed three newborn bodyforms, transferred about 14 boxes of old stuff, went begging other stores to give me some boxes - turns out Buckle is a good neighbor to have, rang a little, and that's it. Today I'm going to work on transfers and filling big girl shop two with new fall stuff - since I emptied some rounders yesterday that we can move the shorts and everything. An exciting day ahead I'm sure, and once again I'll be slaving away while watching my coworkers do very little. Whatever. I'm ready to feed this retail shit to the dogs.

I didn't get much sleep last night. Trying to be funny about some video game led me to an awakening. I assume too much and in doing so, probably take things for granted. Maybe it's time I do a self-evaluation for my own life and not just my real job. I have to stop some things that I do and realize it's okay to change some of my more stubborn habits. I thought I was off to a good start, but I guess I was wrong. To start with, I know exactly what I have to do after work tonight.

Off to the store again.

Backward Thinking

I don't know why, but I'm blogging first today and myspacing later. Usually it's the other way around. Not that it matters and not that I have anything to really write about. Here are some highlights over the past couple days:

IM convo w/ my friend:
Travis: you're car looks better than mine
Amy: really? (in shock, thinking he meant the truck)
Travis: yeah, I saw you on M59
Travis: but not better than my truck
Amy: yeah i was gonna say, its not better than the truck

Email from the boss:
I emailed my boss my self-evaluation (yes, I've only been there a month and a half, but something still needs to be in my final by the end of this fiscal year). She wanted my goals, strengths and weaknesses (although they call them "needs" since no one there really has weaknesses), and since I didn't hear from her on Tuesday, so I just emailed her yesterday. This is her response ~
Thanks for your self-evaluation and goals. You are such a breath of fresh air to manage (that’s poorly worded, but you know what I mean)!

Clashing with the other boss:
In my daily ranting about the state of the stockroom - and heaven forbid about one of Dee's worthless croonies - Kelly (the cool manager) said, "what are you bitching about now, Amy?" I laughed and said socks (btw, socks are the absolute dead last thing I want to do when I'm at the store) and Dee was standing right there and said, "yeah, she has been kinda bitchy lately" and she pulled on one of my curls. Funny again - I can handle that. Then she went on, "She and Dawn think we're stupid because we can't do anything the right way." I said, "Dee, it's not we think you're stupid, it's just that it's so disorganized back here, it's hard to keep anything straight." Then Dee gave me some line of bullshit that included how it would have been impossible for the moron (I've complained about this lady before on my blogger) to separate the sale socks from the regular socks because there was no more room. When the socks are on sale for 69 cents, they are going to sell through quickly and the unfortunate soul who has to refill should have quick access. Not flipping through baskets of socks for a half hour trying to decipher which ones are on sale and which ones are not. Mind you, this woman worked seven and a half hours on the flippin socks Monday night. In that time, I had three mannequins, five bulletin boards, and ten months of sales histories reorganized and done. My other coworkers had the baby backwall and sidewalls done. Something doesn't add up and I thought I was beyond getting pissed off at her (my new availability doesn't give me much time to work with her). Turns out that I have to close with her on Tuesday. Happy Fourth of July to me.

After I filled the socks and flip flops and put some missing pieces in baby girl on the floor, I barely did anything for the rest of the night. I worked up in big boy straightening and filling very little. Ask me if I care? Whenever Dawn had to say anything to Dee, she added, it's because we think you're stupid. We let Denise in our club. The really funny thing is, I haven't worked with Kelly in ages, and Dawn and I haven't worked together with Kelly. We know we get the best of Dee and yet she continues scheduling us with her. I think it's really funny, almost as if she enjoys the torture. But after last night's escapade, we might be separated again. And that would just make me really sad. Ha.

That's all for now.

2:30 am - this makes 20 hours

I got my first peice of mail from GMAC in the mail today. And it wasn't even a bill. Excitement all around.

At the DHM today, I finished everything on my to-do list. At least I have it all typed out. Since I have no printer driver on my laptop again, I couldn't print anything out. And the email server was down today, so I couldn't email as attachments to my boss for her approval. Blah. I don't care. I have to figure out some goals I want to accomplish over the next few months to a year. Nurturing my employees will be one, gaining confidence to give orders will be two, familiarizing myself with further company policy will be three, striving for marketing for the Dossin will be four, and being hired full-time will be five. And wow, I just thought of those as I typed them out. Maybe I need to do that more often. My being hired full-time is my bosses number one priority on her goal list, by the way. I've made quite the impression early and she always tells me how pleased she is at both my thoroughness and time-effiency. But no need to brag, I guess.

At the store tonight, I only had to dress three mannequins because most of them are due on the 7/6 floorset. The girl was a little bitch and I very clearly let her know that. Good lord was she a terrible monster to put together. Maybe I had some horrific issue with the uniform thing from my own past, but this one doesn't look anything like what I ever had to wear. Grrr. Then I had to change the bulletin boards in the backroom. Five altogether per company regulation. It was interesting, especially when I had to work behind the door and people kept pushing it open with force. I eventually put up a sign that asked them to be careful when opening the door because I was working right behind it. I heard something that I hadn't heard from before Cari left and that is that I got that job "because I am a teacher." Ha. It's also because Dee knows my attention to detail and that anything I do is done well. Then I had to transfer all the monthly paperwork history into their own plastic bins. That was annoying, but I got through it. Believe it or not, it took me seven hours to do all that. Then I took the trash out with Denise and then we left. We were out of there by 1:30 or so. I was home by 2 and decided to do some quick blogging before I pass out for the next ten hours or so.

I have to work next Tuesday. Retail knows no holidays. I figured this would happen, especially since I don't work weekends anymore. But I think the mall closes at 5 or 6 at any rate. How fucking unAmerican. I hate commercialism most of the time.

I'm on my way to being awake for 21 hours, but I really want to be asleep before that becomes a reality. Gnight

'Cause there's something 'bout a Sunday

I got ten hours of sleep last night. It was awesome. Hahaha. Hopefully I can do something close to that tonight since tomorrow will be so dreadfully long and painful. Sigh.

Got a new blogger template since my other one broke. And I even had time to work on it this morning.

I closed down the Dossin in ten minutes yesterday and the Main in fifteen (but it took me a few minutes more to shut down the exhibits). I was Superskip. I wanted the VSAs to get out of work and enjoy the weather. After I got home, I did the same, but I was in bed by 8 and asleep by 9. Ha! I needed it, my eventual crash was bound to happen sooner or later.

We had 50 people at the Dossin yesterday. I was excited about that. That's the highest number I've seen since I started there. I don't know what made them all come in, but I'll take it! There was a strange man from Det Public Lighting who had to come in and do "stuff" in the basement yesterday. I said, you can wait until 10:00 and then come back. After he returned and was still sounding shady, I had to call my boss and fill her in on this situation. Apparently they are working on a building down the street and all the power runs through the buildings together. They needed access to the museum to shut off the breakers that connect through to the other buildings. Another festive Saturday morning!

Do not read while driving

My mini vacation is over now. My dad got home last night and so my time of peace and quiet around the house has come to an end. But the good news is that mom's still gone until Sunday, so I have a couple more days of not being hassled by her. Not that I will enjoy it, seeing as I have to work full days for the next three. And then there's Monday. I have a feeling that I will come to a new understanding of what it feels like to be Jack Bauer, as that will undoubtfully be the longest day of my life. I don't even know if undoubtfully is a word, but alas, I am too lazy to look it up right now. If that's the only grammatically error of the day, then it's okay with me.

Yesterday was a day off. Kinda. I scheduled an early morning meeting with my boss at the museum to discuss everything. I have to think of "goals" for the next year that I want to accomplish because it's the end of the fiscal year and with that, time for evaluations. Since I haven't been there long, I have to create a list of goals. Yay. Nurturing my employees is the top of the list. Then I went to the Henry Ford Museum yesterday. I remember some of it, but barely any of it at that. Good stuff. And my front desk staff handles people much better.

And I've decided that if I'm in the situation to get kicked out of somewhere, I think I'm going too. Not because I'm such a horrible influence, but because it makes saying good-bye easier. It's not fair anymore and it eats me up inside, so the more kick outs, the better. At least for right now. Maybe. But don't listen to me. I'm tired and haven't had caffeine yet. ;)

Speaking of which, it's a Tim Horton's morning. So I have to get moving toward the line.

Not much new

I have a meeting at the museum tomorrow with my boss to discuss the personnel issues. I don't know what is going to come of it, but me learning the company's discplinary policies is almost a certainity. I'm choosing to go early in the morning so I can just get it out of the way and still enjoy the rest of my day off. I'm beginning to think that not having to wake up to an alarm clock on a day off is overrated. But lord help the people that have to interact with me on Tuesday if I don't get a chance to just sleep after my 20 hour Monday. There will be hell to pay.

On that note, I just have more pics to post.





Grand Circus Park People Mover Station with Scoop, Jeffrey, and Lindsey. Pick the siblings.












15 years and two cylinders makes a lot of difference under the hood of a car. I think I actually prefer the gritty old parts, but that's just me. I'll let you know that because of all the work I did the to the Corisca, it was really had to close that hood one last time. :*(

It's Been Five Days

Here are automotive things I've learned in the past five days:

• A four-cylinder is different than a V6, especially when accelerating onto the freeway or changing lanes and also when running yellow lights. Adjusting to this will be an ongoing learning process to hide the possible regret of getting the smaller, weaker engine.
• Driving in a torrential downpour in a light car is much different than driving through one in a heavy car. Adjustment is necessary.
• I wish every freeway was like I-96. Express lanes would be my best friend.
• Deer on the walking on the side of the road in the pitch black make me nervous. Especially when driving exhausted.
• I remember how nice cruise control is. It burned out in the Super Chev awhile ago.
• CD players are also nice.
• An 11.9-gallon gas tank empties quickly, though the gas mileage is great. 28 miles to the gallon between the first two fill-ups.
• I drive 65 miles round trip on Sundays. I get paid for 18 of those miles.
• Maui Blue might be hard to keep clean, or I still might be cleaning off residue from factory plastic.
• If I worked normal hours, I would totally be one of those people who washes their cars every single day, but all I can settle for is whenever I get the chance. While giving the baby a bath tonight, one of my neighbors came out and told me she could tell I got a new car because I was outside polishing it up and everything. Then she said it's just good when you take care of things. Ha, thanks gram.

Here are business things I've learned in the past five days:

• I need reliable and responsible employees on the weekends at my museums. Case closed. I don't even want to relive the nightmare that was Saturday morning again. If the director of the museum hadn't walked in when he did, it's very possible I would have severely injured the VSA on duty. And if things are going to fall to pieces, might as well be in front of the Big Boss, right? He told me that day that I handeled it well. Later I found out that he told the COO the same thing. :)
• I can vocalize my weekend personnel issues without being afraid in front of the COO without my supervisor there. In many ways, I think was easier on me to talk to Michelle without Kathleen there. Michelle and I share similar perfectionist personality traits and I think she understands where I'm coming from. I've been told that impressing and being liked by Michelle right away is not an easy accomplishment, and that I've done both of those things. Rumor has it that by October, I'll be asked for more hours. :D
• I can survive working in an empty nautical museum by myself, during a thunderstorm, on Belle Isle, and with people trying to get in the doors because they see lights on. It was fitting that I was taking inventory of the gift shop stock - most books of which deal with Great Lake shipwrecks.
• I have no problem playing favorites and making the Dossin the one I favor more and babying it more than the Main. Since it's only open on weekends, I can make claim to it.
• I was told at the store today that I was an excellent worker and probably the best worker they have on the team. And no, it wasn't even from the store manager.
• I worked through 102 boxes of shipment in 7 hours, enough to leave the night crew with today's 71 boxes.
• I have a doubleheader next Monday. As if working eight hours in an office isn't bad enough (along with getting up at 6:30 to do so), I have to work at the store Monday night for the new floorset. That shift is 6pm-2am.

And my general thought of the day:

• I think the winning team's goalie is an easy scapegoat for the Conn Smythe trophy. While I'm not denying Cam Ward's achievement, I don't think he earned it. Considering the Oilers were the eighth seed and made it to the finals, fought back from a three game deficit to force a game seven, it should have been one of them, particularly Pisani or even Roloson. No, Rollie didn't play the whole series, but he was their man through the first three series. He got them through the first seed and the rest. And Pisani was a consistent player throughout the playoff run for the team. The Conn Smythe is awarded to the playoff MVP, not the game or series MVP. Consideration must be given to both sides. I hate that it isn't.

As Promised

Side by side. The Super Chev is longer by the size of its trunk.

Another pic with the new car. Note the enthusiasm of the proud car owner.

No fake smilin' here. I love this car; it was good to me.
Some souveniers for the ages.

It's Carday! and 7am

I'm up at 6:30 today, can't imagine why though. You'd think something major was happening today. I have about 2 and a half hours before I could leave for the museum to get my stub and I'm wondering what to do. I could try and go back to sleep, because I know it's going to be a long day. I could find a monster survey for myspace and fill it out. Or I could just sit here and blog about anything that pops into my head.

I found out some devestating news yesterday. Unfortunately, it is top secret and I can't share it yet, not until it becomes public knowledge. When I say I have connections, I'm not lying about it. And I still don't know how to accept it other than the fact that the destination has friendly faces. It's time to clean house, come October, it will be a brand new group.

I spent my shift yesterday reorganizing the stockroom. I loved it! haha. And tomorrow I get to go into work as early as I want to work on transfers. We are FINALLY getting rid of big boy denim. Woot!

Talking to my brother early in the morning is fun. Ha. He's going to buy my Super Chev and get an alarm on my new car to make up the rest of the cost. Or that's for my birthday. Any rate, it's pretty sweet and will drop my insurance again. Lots to do. And the good news is that Super Chev can continue to go to Kevin's. My brother wants to fix the lock ASAP, which is understandable.

I'm a little nervous about going from a V6 to a four cyl. But with the little body and small engine, it should balance out enough that I might not know the difference. Or if I do, it won't take me much time to adjust to it.

On my way home from the museum, I'm going to stop and vaccum my car while I still have a plate on it. Then I have to clean it out. Then I have to remove the plate. And I'll do my best not to start crying again. HA! I'm such a dork.

I think I'm gonna go bum around the internet now until I think it's a good time to leave for a quick trip downtown.

I'll have pics tomorrow! Bye!!

Enjoying the downtime

I'm one step closer - I have insurance for the Aveo. I've shed some tears over losing the Super Chev. I've pitched it successfully to my brother, so at least I can go visit and know it's in good hands. No, President Palmer, I don't mean with Allstate either. Sorry.

I sat outside for an hour this afternoon and found some last minute info from my dealer. Turns out I get an extra 400 bucks off because I'm a recent college grad. Too bad they don't give more for grades, that would be awesome. And I finished reading my Templar book (finally). Now I'm going to start on a series that Dee gave me to read awhile ago. I feel bad that I haven't read this yet, so I'll start when I find a few minutes to spare.

The next 24 hours are going to be a mad rush that will result in me going to work, coming home, sleeping, going to the museum, getting a new car, going to Pine Knob to see Rob Thomas, and making the return journey. Hopefully I can do all of that and still manage to enjoy myself and keep my blood pressure steady. I'm crossing a milestone moment in my life. I should be savoring these moments.

Happy Flag Day!!!

One Step Closer

I'm running against the clock. Here's a quick update.

I'm approved with slight hold-ups for an awesome GMAC loan, their rates are unbeatable. With insurance, I might have the car on Thursday. If not, it's going to be Monday night. At any rate, I'm going to have a new car.

The salesman was nicer at Buff Whalen than at Moran. He gave me better prices too. He was worried about me driving in downtown by myself and also called me Aim. Damn my long name. hahah.

My dad voted to call it the Baby Chev after I was sad that I'd no longer be able to call it the Super Chev. Ha.

I'm excited. And I have to go to work now.

See ya!

Weekend Catch Up

Let me say that I don't think there will ever be a dull moment during my tenure at the DHM. Honestly.

Before I begin my saga, let's just say that I'm a native Detroiter. I'm not stupid about my city. I know where to go, where to stay away from, and to always use an extra layer of caution. I was also three weeks away from graduating when Columbine happened. It is in my mindset to be cautious and to question suspicious activity. September 11 brought this out in all of us to an extent. Those of us who still remember still act this way. I can't help it and I don't think anyone else from my generation can either, it is how we grew up and it is just how we think. And I don't think I'm going to far out on a limb when I use the collective "we" either. So with this in mind, let me begin....

Because it was the Festival of the Arts in the Cultural Center this weekend and the main was well staffed, I was stationed to the Dossin. This museum is on Belle Isle. I got there about 10:15 Sat morning, after having gone to the main to pick up the necessary items needed for the weekend. Fine. I got there and there was a man in a red Ford pickup truck in the circle drive. I thought it was odd. I waited for a minute, kept my car running, and had my cell phone in my hand in case I needed immediate help. Then, he backs up his truck and blocks me. Thoughts running through my head were: take the money and the laptop, I don't want to die, I'm going to die, and I am so quitting this job. He slowly came up to my window, which I just barely cracked. He asked if the building was opening and that he was Mr. Dossin and needed to work on Miss Pepsi. History lesson: The Dossin family owned the Pepsi packaging company in the Detroit region. Miss Pepsi is the famed Hydroplane that won countless races on the Det River. Dossin also funded the Great Lakes Museum that has his name. I said the museum opens at 11 and Miss Pepsi would be open around that time. I wasn't going to go running to open the Pepsi case. Any fool can tell me they are Dossin and are there to work on the boat. After he left, I turned my car around. Quickly hurried inside the building with all of my crap. Turned on the lights and exhibits with shaking hands and a pounding heart. I was most uneasy about opening the curtains in one of the halls. They are glass windows right on the River and I was expecting CTU units to be there ready to blow through the glass. (I know, too much Bauer for Amy.) At the very least, I thought he would be there with a gun pointing toward me or something. Seriously, it is not often I get thrown of my tracks like that, but after I called my boss to clarify that the Dossin family comes to maintence the boat and grounds (he cut the grass too - makes it look less like a haunted house and more like a running business), I felt slightly more calm. When he backed his truck up and blocked me in, it scared the shit out of me. I won't deny it. Talk about an asshole. Even when he came back inside the building I felt like kicking his ass. I figured it might not be such a good idea. His namesake and all...

I spent the day counting inventory for the gift shop. I got through one cabinet because I was counting and entering data onto my computer. And then I kept finding things that go together in separate places. This is a problem I fight with at the store also. I just don't understand what is so difficult about keeping everything together. It is beyond my ability to comprehend that. If there is already a spot with outdated calendars, then for pete's sake, keep them all together. It's not rocket science, it's simple organization. Is it really that difficult?

At 3:30 more excitement at the museum. The power went out. Luckily, no visitors were in the building, so I didn't have that to deal with. I called the Main and let them know what was going on. I turned the breakers off and locked up as I normally would. Knowing that there is no lighting available makes it a much scarier place in the dark than it normally is when I can just flip a switch and ta-da, let there be light. By that time my boss' boss was calling to check on things. She happened to be on the island and said the whole island was without power. We had an issue with the alarm, but through her being on the phone with Guardian, we got the building set and everything was okay to go. I got out only about a half hour early and had a nice evening afterward.

Saying goodbye not only sucks, it's not fair. And I don't know when it's not going to stop not being fair. Eventually, maybe.

I was rushing and speeding through St. Clair Shores and the Grosse Pointes on a Sunday morning because I thought I was running late (speeding through the City does not bother me...knock on wood). Well, all the rush for nothing. Still no power at the Dossin. And my VSA didn't show up until 10:35-40. I know it's only five minutes, but when I'm going nuts trying to figure out my next move, it's really annoying to keep running to the front door to check to see if she's there. If there is one thing I cannot tolerate on the job, it is tardiness. Especially now that I am in charge of people. They will know this pisses me off. And they will learn to be on time on the weekends. So anyway, the Dossin was closed today as well. In an attempt to learn if the entire island was still in the dark, I wanted to call the police. Apparently the Det Police on Belle Isle keep an unlisted number. As do the rest of the businesses there. And had I known that DTE had no report of the power being out on Belle Isle, I would have gladly called the company myself, instead of the Museum Director doing this. I just didn't occur to me because since the whole island was out, I thought that maybe something on their grids would have indicated a major problem in the area (again with the too much Bauer) and they would work on it without having been notified by the businesses on the isle. Why didn't the police call? I don't know. It was a mess, and it showed them how ill prepared I am and the building is to handle an emergency. If this had been a normal weekend, a lot of people would have been pissed off to be bothered on their days off.

And instead of being sent home after I brought things back to the Main, I had to work the table under a tent and try to pitch discounted memberships and raffle tickets. I got a few, but I was not ready to work. I would have worn pants and brought a sweater had I know I was going to be working the Festival. Oh well, I lived to tell about it. Just another day in historyland.

If they give me a chance to speak during the meeting tomorrow, I'll have a lot to talk about.

If I don't have a heartattack by the time I turn 25 either, I think a portion of Hell will freeze over. I'll update on my health in two months. Ha, would you look at that, today is the 11th. Hm.

7:30am Saturday blogworthy conversation

My brother was sent on a business trip down to San Antonio. This is his summary and it was just too good not to put in blog archives:

J: im so tired. texas sucks
A: is it really hot down there
J: it smelled too
A: ew, like illegal mexicans?
J: yes!
J: they are all so short. i felt like a giant
A: lol
J: and i heard mexican rap music. it has accordians in every song
A: awww

So that was fun

After learning that with interest rates it might as well suit me to get a new car altogether, I had to start shopping within my price range. I don't know what that is exactly, but the bigger the number, the more scared I become. I'm an American girl, grew up with Ford cars and became sold that GM is really the only car company that matters now. After the Bauermobile, if I don't drive anything but a Chevy for the rest of my life, I'd be okay with that. So the Aveo is really cute, fuel efficient, and affordable and last night I looked at a couple and drove one. This is how my evening started out:

Amy (to mom): I want my daddy to go with me to the dealer but he won't.
Mom: Yeah, he said he wasn't going to go.
Amy: I know it!
(dad enters)
Mom: I think you should go with Amy to look at cars.
Dad: No, that makes her look like a little girl (this is my wording from an earlier conversation, btw - I hate when my own words get used against me like that).
Mom: But she's your little girl.
Amy: laughing
Dad: No, she's shopping and getting an impression of the dealer.
(topic continued, but that was the highlight)

So, I went by myself to the Chevy dealer right by my house. The guy was really nice and couldn't believe that I didn't have someone to use for the employee discount. Anyway, he gave me a pitch about the car. I never heard someone talk so negatively about a stick shift. Honestly, you have way more control and get better gas mileage with a manual transmission. But who am I? He said but for this amount of money you get an automatic, which will save you money because when the clutches burn out, it's like a thousand bucks to replace. Um, no! Yes, clutches burn out, but not often (my dad got 100,000 miles before he had to replace his) AND he only paid about 400 to replace it. It also turns out that there were no sticks on the lot. HAHA. So that explained it. We went out to look at them a couple of times. The first, I don't know what for. Then the second was to test drive. He got the keys, made a copy of my drivers license, and took me on a tour of the lot. Either the information in the computer or his map was wrong, but the car ended up being at the front of the lot and right where we started. He said, I bet it's that one up there, I said I bet it is too, because you only had two four-doors in two colors and they are right there. He said how much do you want to bet? I said how about the whole car? He said I could have it if it wasn't it. I lost for the reasons I just mentioned. Ah well. He let me go on my own, which I thought was odd. I like the car, it's nice and roomy inside, but I like the five-door version better. It's sportier, cuter, and they have more color selection. ;) It costs a little bit more, but for 400 bucks, I might as well get what I really like. I got a number because he "found" a rebate for me. And now I have that to go on.

Next week, fishing around more area Chevy dealers and getting more numbers. I really want to buy it from that guy, but I have a couple weeks yet before that's an option. And now that I have a more realistic number, I might start the loan process sooner rather than later. I might check outside the metro area also, dealers in smaller towns might be cheaper - they tend to want to move their inventory quickly. And somehow, at the suggestion of the sales guy at Moran, I need to find an uncle that works in GM.

All in all, it wasn't nearly as scary as I thought it was going to be. I don't know why I thought it would be. The guy was nice enough, called me Aim almost from the start (which I just think is really funny, my name being so long and all), and we were able to laugh. He also laughed at the Super Chev, but personally, I think he's just jealous. ;) He was also impressed that I got that care five years ago and that it's even still running. ha. Not everyday you come across a 15 year old car with 271,000+ miles on it. And I decided that any small amount they would give me for a trade-in (but I don't think they would even consider it) would be an insult to me and my car. I know that if I sell it I won't get more than 500 bucks for it, but I want it to be on my own accord. And I want to keep it forever. HA. Hey, it could happen. ;)

Gotta get ready for work now.

Let the Bitterness Continue

I'm all bent out of shape today because I actually don't have the day off. I have a stupid, pointless meeting that I'm pissed off about. I don't know what's going to come of it, but if I don't blow up and tell that stupid girl what I really think about her escapade last Sunday, I'd be surprised. I may have just started there but I was not born yesterday. She is either going to follow the rules or not; she is either going to come to work or not. She can't do things in between and half assed. I don't do that and I don't like coworkers who do. Since I'm in charge there on the weekends, she'll have my dispicable work ethic to reckon with. I'll wish her good luck with that. UGH. And the bad thing that sucks about asking how to check the work email at home is that I did that yesterday. My boss asked me where something was. I don't know. Ask the VSA where he left it over the weekend and ask the people who were at the front desk for the event that night. Honestly. I am either way too logical in my thinking or people I work with just lack that ability. I don't know if putting up with all the bullshit is worth anything, but it's a hard time right now. I'll have to stick it out and wait to see how things go after the ReOpening. (I have to write it like that because it was the agreed marketing for our Museum Makeover.)

Blogger is pissing me off right now. I think before anything else gets me more aggitated, I'll just call it a post and be done with it.

Used car rates for loans suck. I honestly cannot believe how sick the banking industry is. I also cannot believe that I don't have anyone in my family who works for the Big Three. Now that I think my only option is a brand new car, I need the discount, damnit. I'm a fifth or sixth generation Detroiter in some fashion on both sides of my family. What gives? What the hell did we do in this city?

Some downtime

I started to make a list of things I need to do this week. Somehow I thought there were more important things to accomplish than 1) pedicure 2) Circuit City-Season 2 of 24 3) Borders (though I'm waiting on this until I get my next emailed coupons) and with question marks - 4)Bank-car loan and 5) used car lots: look. Four and five were going to be taken care of on Thursday, that is, if I had the balls to go into my bank and ask them to give me money by myself. But I can't do that now *sigh* because I have a flipping meeting downtown in the middle of my blasted day. Sorry, I said I would stop complaining about that now. This is my 15th day working and it will be 21 until the possibility of a day off (I get my schedule for next week at the store tonight when I go in). Good Lord! Well, maybe Memorial Day does count as a day off after all, in which case my count has to be modified. I may be working my life away but I don't collect any benefits. So I didn't get paid for that holiday. I have to go back to May 21st to find an empty day in my planner (not including Memorial Day).

That makes me bitter just writing about it. And even with it I can still find it within myself to be envious of my friends with full-time jobs, with normal hours, with benefits, most of them without college degrees. It used to be because I didn't work enough, now it's because I work too much. Yeah, I have a job in my field and am getting my foot in the door, but is it really worth it? As much as I bitch about working at the store, I like it and I'm good at it. And it's not an office job. But what has to give before I find myself breaking down.

The Oilers lost last night. I blame Ethan Moreau entirely. I knew the game would be shot when he was in the box. I knew the 'Canes were going to win. I think it's impressive that Carolina is in the finals for the second time in four years. They are a good team and they have decent players, it's just that they are a Southern hockey city and it just isn't right. I like Ray Whitney. I hate Aaron Ward. I'd rather see the Cup back in Canada. It's been too long since Stanley's been home. Let him go back. And do it for Rollie's sake. He's out for the rest of the series. :*(

The Monday Copper Rush

This is the only day of the week where I have to contend with heavy traffic and travel with the masses to the promised land. And it is a hellacious drive. Good grief. If I could move into an apartment or loft downtown, I would in a heartbeat, not only because I always thought that would be awesome, but because it would make my life so much easier. I would then have to invest in a bike I could use to get to and from work. And to think I wouldn't even have to give my Joe Louis!

I think the Super Chev knows I've been thinking about a replacement. It's not acting up out of the ordinary, but just enough to make me worry.

I was almost near tears this morning when I found out I have a meeting with the VSAs and my boss on Thursday. Thursday was my only day off this week. It sucks. All of it. I need a vacation. Is it August 11th yet?

Now I have to fit my list of things to accomplish this week into times surrounding my work day. Will this madness ever end? Really? For the love of pete.

Tonight starts the Stanley Cup Finals. It's about damn time. I don't know how long it's been since I've watched a blasted hockey game. I didn't get any of the Eastern Conference Finals. If the Cup goes South for the second year in a row -errr minus the locked-out interruption- I'm going and stealing and taking it to Edmonton. Or maybe I'll just hang on to it until this time next year. I wanted to still be working at the Joe right now. But I just wonder if the Wings had still been playing and I had still been ushering, if I would have let the museum job pass me by. I wonder if my life would be easier and if I would have more time to dedicate to those who need my attention more than my places of employment. It seems like ages ago since I've worked a hockey game. Good grief.

Does time really pass that quickly?

I hate how busy I am right now. I'm not even 25 yet. This can't be normal. I hate that I can't spend time with my friends and make deeper and meaningful connections with them. I'm not running away from anything; I'm not hiding from anyone. Why among the success is their remorse? Am I going to have to live like this forever? Pass up chances to be truly happy? When will the madness end and a routine settle in?

Go Oilers!

My first day alone in Historyland

Yesterday, I had managers in the building but they let me run the show. I was introduced to the youth volunteers, a program which I will be an integral part of after the ReOpening. This is fine and I think I've already talked about. I looked over the list of schools the intern contacted; it's pathetic. Yes, 81 schools is a good response, but it's not enough to go on. She also ignored nearly all schools in Macomb County, major hitters in Oakland County, and all the Downriver communities. Can't forget the true river rats in this scenario. Had I been doing the research I would have gotten a list of high schools in the tri-county area to begin with, and then made the appropriate spreadsheets. This to me would be common sense, but everyone's definition of common sense differs, as does their level of having it. I'll further discuss this with my boss tomorrow. Back to work - I went to the Dossin to open and close by myself. This was fine.

Today, I started at the Dossin. Everything was great. I even left the VSA (front desk person) with the manual to the new cash register. He got it programmed! I was so thankful and excited that he figured out how to do that. Apparently this was a much simpler process than what I was making it out to be. Ah well. I'm glad they figured it out and everything is working properly.

I got to the Main and turned on everything by myself. Both my key and alarm code work in that building. I wasn't even scared being in the building by myself and turning everything on. When it was 11:30 and I still had no staff, I was starting to worry. The VSA came in by 11:40. She was frazzeled and told me right away that she might have to leave early because her son was sick. She did not ask, she told me. Okay. I'm calm, it's okay. She was on her cell phone before doors opened (they are not supposed to have cells on them while on the clock). At 1:00 I left the building to go flyer cars in the Cultural District, I got back in 1:15. She was on the other side of the desk and said, Amy I have to go take my son to the hospital, etc, etc. I said, first of all, you have to call Deprina (3rd VSA) and ask her if she can come in and cover the rest of your shift. Luckily, she was able too and I didn't have to bother Bob (manager for today) at home. Tiffany did, however, call Kathleen continuously - who was at church and on her day off - and made her worry. She called the museum, I explained everything, she said I handeled it well. Phew! One major personnel glitch on my first day and I was able to handle it with flying colors. I may have this manager thing down better than I thought. But I know I couldn't have handeled that had it not been for my experience at the store, so I'm off to myspace my manager and thank her for being a good example. And no, it's not even to kiss her ass - she already likes me the best (haha) - but as a sincere appreciation. Okay, this sounds bad...I'll just shut up now. :D

But the thing that bothers me the most, and the issue I will have at the meeting tomorrow is this: Tiffany knew about a problem at home before she came to work. She shouldn't have to work. She should have called and found a replacement. She should have called me and let me know. I can only imagine in the smallest measure what it is like to have a sick child at home, and that only because I've had long-term babysitting gigs and have gone to work/school with them at home. But she made a choice. Her choice was to come to work. She was distracted and not doing her job. Lucky for her and for me, it wasn't busy. I could afford to let her go as soon as Deprina agreed to come in. Out of the three VSAs, this is the one that I foresee the most issues with. And after September 29th, I better have confident, focused, and able VSAs sitting behind that front desk. Or there will be hell to pay.

Later in the day, there was a group of 35 come in the museum right when I was leaving for the Dossin. But the staff was able to handle it. When I got back to the Dossin, Ray and Brendan programmed the cash register. Opps, I already talked about this. Sorry for being redundant. I got back to the main and was putting things away when I realized the deposit was still on the desk at the Dossin. So after I closed down the Main, I went back to Belle Isle and then back to the Main. Yes, I'm a dumbass. That was classic Amy for ya. But it's okay, because now I've learned my lesson. Hahaha. I would have gotten home a half hour sooner had I not been the dumbass that I am capable of turning into on occasion. It didn't matter that much and a half hour isn't a big deal, but I would have liked the extra time. It's already 8:00 and I have to do at least one load of wash before I go to bed so I can have something business casual to wear to work tomorrow. Blah.

Next weekend is Festival of the Arts and while I am working, I still don't know what my capacity will be. I'll find that out tomorrow.

I like the idea of calling the museums "historyland." I was almost going to grant them sharing rights to "the office." We'll see. Suggestions are still being considered.

:)

This is my spare time

I almost, almost don't know what to do with myself. I find myself in the middle of getting home and settled from work and going out for the night. And the only thing I can do now, since I've checked email and myspace, is blog. It's a rather pathetic confession, but since I haven't written in a couple days I thought I would catch up on the mundanity that is my life right now.

I've spent the past two days at the store. I'm not sure what exactly I did yesterday, but I worked in big boy and I filled some hot sellers. It all runs together when I'm having so much doing it. Ha. Today I started working on the polo table and it was a madhouse as soon as doors opened. I then spent the majority of my time on the register. It's fine; I don't mind that task as much as I once did. But holy cow were there a bunch of crabby ass customers today. The full moon isn't even until a week from Sunday. Good Lord! But I ignored their bad attitudes, did my job, and at 3:02 finished the polo table. I left one stack of shirts to be refolded and put on it, but other than that, it was finally finished.

The new H&M opened today in Lakeside. They have a kid's department and people might go there at first, but the clothes are cheap and for a cheap price. Or so I hear. But our customer base is pretty loyal, so it doesn't matter. There are other kids stores in the mall that we tend to compete with and we still make our numbers. It's not a worry, at least not right now, not to me.

My boss at the museum wanted to get in touch with me yesterday. I called before my shift and after and couldn't get a hold of her. So I finally talked to her today and she just wanted to fill me in on the scoop of things. She'll be there at the Main tomorrow, but I am going to the Dossin by myself. I have my own set of numbers programmed into the alarm now. There is a youth volunteer program tomorrow morning, which I will be introduced at. Kathleen wants me to make me an integral part of this after the Grand ReOpening in September. Not only is this because they will be working mostly on the weekends with me, but it is because I have on my resume how I relaunched Phi Alpha Theta at U-D in my last year and because she thinks I'll have a better rapport with them since I'm younger. Off the record, when I wanted to be a teacher, I wanted to be a high school teacher. This is an exciting aspect of my job; I'm looking forward to it.

Time to get ready. Bye!