Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Two of my favorite shows...



"The Real Housewives of New Jersey"
(actually ANY "Real Housewives" show) and "Two and a Half Men".

Is it me, or does anyone think that Caroline Manzo and Angus T. Jones could be twins?
(canyoutellI'mbored?)

Uh oh.

I'm screwed.

Robin announced that she wants to start a blog of her own.

Me:  "That's great!  I'll help you set it up.  What will you write about?"

Her:  "You.  Sweet sweet revenge."

Gulp.

I don't feel well again.

And Mom?  I'm pretty sure you should be very afraid too.

So happy to be sick today. And tomorrow.

We have had A LOT of rain for the past 24 hours.  Flash flood warnings all over the place.  I got caught in it yesterday and haven't felt well since.  That's a picture of me in my HT uniform.  I had a friend take it and email it to me.  Could NOT get warm last night.  Robin said she could fry an egg on my forehead.  (I think she meant that because it was hot, not big.)

I am scheduled to be off tomorrow.   Follow up doctor appointment from Septemeber that I've canceled twice because I never went for lab work.  Still haven't gone for lab work.  The reason I am happy to not feel well today is because I was "on call" again.  Like a doctor.  No drinking before 11:00 a.m. for me on days like these.  See, the profession of being a cashier is a very important one and should be taken very seriously. When I called at 11:00 and was told I was not needed, I sighed a sigh of relief, changed my PJ's and settled in for the day.  It's still dark and pouring and is very cozy up in cheer.

But here's what (Andy Cohen, I know)...I watched the "TODAY"  show.  They have a segment called "Jill's Deals and Steals".  Had no expectations whatsoever, but OMG.  I found a perfect Christmas gift for Robin.  Originally was $135ish and they're selling for $25.00.  Talk about a steal and a deal!!!!  So excited because she is oh so hard to buy for.  Who knew about this Jill person?  I will be stalking her for sure.  Plus she was selling $89 teeth whitener for $10.  "Go Brite" - it's good stuff.  I know because, uh, a friend told me.  A friend with nice white teeth. 

PS:  I lied about changing into clean PJ's.

PSS:  I'm feeling better, but don't tell Robin.  Got a couple hours left of milking to do.

Monday, November 29, 2010

This was my fault.

Hendersonville police seek man in connection with Harris Teeter robbery


Published: Sunday, November 28, 2010 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 10:51 a.m.

The Hendersonville Police Department responded to a call that an elderly woman was assaulted and robbed Friday outside Harris Teeter on Spartanburg Highway on Friday, according to a news release.


Police say they are looking for Matthew James Taylor, 23, of Hendersonville, in connection with the robbery.


He is 6 feet, 2 inches tall and about 150 pounds. He has short brown hair and blue eyes. He has a tattoo of a grenade on his right arm and a tattoo of flames on his back.


The thief was outside the store when an elderly female approached the entrance, the release says, adding that he assaulted the female and stole her purse. The suspect fled the scene in a dark-colored Ford truck, possibly an F250, with the words “Harley Davidson” on the side.


The woman was taken to the hospital and was in stable condition Friday night, after her injuries were treated, police said.

Anyone with information should contact the police department at 828-697-3042 or CrimeStoppers at 828-697-STOP.
       _______________________________________________

Last Friday a customer spent $121.47 on groceries and wrote a check for $20.00 over.  I acknowledged that she wanted cash back.  We began chatting about something and I completely forgot to give her the cash back.

Delores came up to me at the end of the day and said that the lady had called.  I remembered exactly the amount of the check (was way pleased with myself for that) and said that yeah, I could have forgotten to give her her money.

Delores said it wasn't a big deal.  No worries.

The above mentioned victim was my customer on the way into the store to get her $20.00.

It was on the news and in the paper.  I had no idea until I got to work at 8:00 and a coworker asked me if I'd heard about all the excitement.  He mentioned that a lady had been mugged on her way in.  And when he mentioned that she was coming in to get $20.00 that was due her, my heart sank.

I do feel horribly.  Gonna check with Delores first, but I want to call her.  Super nice older lady.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Frasier Fir on crack and in drag

Neked (NC for naked) Frasier Fir

Ready...set....

Here he (the neighbor) comes!!!!

Waiting....



Baxter keeping a watchful eye.

"These dogs are pig begging whores"

...a quote by R. A. Hellman.

But it happens to be very true.

The next door neighbor has given them dog biscuits through the fence from time to time since we moved here.  Very nice.

But now whenever I let them out, they run to the far back right corner of the fence and sit there and bark until the man comes outside with treats.  It's embarrassing.  If they were kids I could explain that you just don't do that.  Like when I was little and would go to Mrs. Blitz' house and ask what present she had for me.  She always gave me stuff, but my mother explained to me that I couldn't just expect things.  It's rude and it's wrong.

How do you explain to a wild pack of dogs to quit acting like crack hos?

Brady's the worst.  He jumps up and down and barks his little girl bark.  Baxter's bad too.  He barks and barks and then when the man offers him a treat, he sniffs it for a minute as if he thinks it may be poison.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Decorating in the COLD!!!

It was 30 degrees here this morning!   I HAVE to get a coat.  Not another hoodie.  Not a jacket.  A coat coat.  I have a beautiful long navy hand me down from my mother that would fit if I lost 20 pounds (story of my life) but I can't wait that long.  I need a coat like yesterday.

Having said that, we are getting our Christmas tree today!   My tree has always been my favorite part of the holiday.  When we needed to evacuate in Florida due to hurricanes, I always took my special bin of ornaments.  I survived 27 Christmas' in Florida and my tree is super beachy-esque.  Think we will be adding a few new NC ornaments this year.  Like a bear.  They're big around here.  Oh ~~ maybe I can find a goat ornament!  That'd look cute next to my manatees and FL Santas.

I worked on Thanksgiving until noon.  Robin and I were going to skip Turkey Day, but the day before, along with all the other idiots, she went crazy and bought a turkey (whole turkey, not just a breast) and everything else.  We had a feastivus!!!  Today I will be trading in all my fall and Thanksgiving brown and orange decorations for all my red and green and tons of pink decorations.  Not having a fireplace, I will miss my mantel.  That's OK.  It's cold!  It's all about the trade off.

I worked Monday through Friday this past week and have the weekend off.  I feel like a person.  Last night was the tree lighting downtown.  It started at 5:00 and we were supposed to go.  Wound up not going because it was too cold.  Wouldn't have been too cold had I had a coat coat. 

I have got to get a coat.  I keep putting it off.  Seems like a waste of money.  Do I really need one?  It's not like I'm outside much.  House to car to work and home.  Maybe I can put it off until I lose that 20 pounds.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

It's official. My "career" as a cashier is coming to an end.


But hear me out.

It's two days before Thanksgiving.  Not one cart had less than $100.00 worth of groceries in it today.

At the end of my shift...

Them:  "Kim?  Can you turn out your light and come to Customer Service?"

Did as asked.

Them:  "Kim?  Has anyone talked to you about wait time?"

Me to myself in my head:  "Are they going to say something to me about my weight?"

Me to them:  "No."

Them:  "Well, HT has a policy that no customer can be rung up in longer than a minute."

Me:  "Even with a very heavily loaded cart?"

Them:  "Can't take longer than a minute.  It's policy."

Me to myself:  "Where's the effing candid camera?  Am I in a SNL clip?" 

Me to them:  "How is that possible?"

Them:  "We've been watching you.  You're great with the customers.  Very engaging and always smiling.  But your scanning technique needs improvement.

Then they demonstrated a swim like technique.  Fine.

Them:  "You don't need to even look at the item for a UPC code.  Just keep twisting your wrist until it clicks."

I had ALL I could do to bite my tongue.  Being in the world of workers' comp for 100 years, I could still be there talking about how wrong that is on many levels.

I did figure out something that has been timing me longer than it should.  I don't "secure" my register like I should.  All that unsecuredness counts as time. 

My mom is afraid someone from work will read this blog.  No they won't.  There's no time to socialize and make friends. 

All these little crappy things are all gonna just be a chapter in my book one day.  And I won't care who reads it.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Home from dinner with Iris and Joe.

They leave for Florida tomorrow for the winter.

Went to a new restaurant and the waitress asked us to be patient with her as it was her first day. We were seated in a booth, Robin and me across from Iris and Joe. Robin and Iris ordered Shrimp Fra Diavolo, Joe got the trout, and I ordered flounder. The waitress came back and every order was wrong, except for mine. So it all went back - mine, too, to keep it warm. No problem. We were all very nice to her, but I'm sure she cried a litte.

As we waited for the real dinners, Iris noticed a man staring at her. Of course we all looked and he was. Then Robin started in.

Robin: "He probably wants you to take your shirt off."

Iris: "That's OK."

Robin: "Would you take your shirt off and eat dinner for a million dollars?"

Iris: "Yes."

Robin to me: "Would you?"

Me: "Yes."

Robin to me: "Oh really? Would you sit here naked and eat for a million dollars?"

Joe: "No! Chest alone is one thing. Nothing lower."

Me to Joe: "Right."

Joe gave a quick stern nod as if to say, "Glad we're on the same page."   I acknowledged it with a purposeful blink.

Me to Robin: "Would you run naked through Walmart for 20 minutes for a million dollars?"

Iris: "I would!"

(Was asking Robin, not you, thanks.)

As Robin was deliberating, the older lady behind us popped her head between Robin's and mine.

Lady: "Excuse me, but I didn't mean to eavesdrop."

Oh shit. I keep forgetting we're in North Carolina now and people here are decent and nice.

Lady: "I think streaking through Walmart is a little too risky."

So then we had a nice conversation with the very conservative appearing couple about what we would and wouldn't do for money.

Our food came, it was great, and when we left and were outside, Robin stood outside their window and lifted her shirt. Joe, not seeing her because he was paying the bill, came out and did the same thing.

The good news is, they both had shirts on underneath. Or at least I hope so.

Got called into the manager's office last night.

I think I've mentioned this before, but I like to consider the physical part of my job as a fringe benefit.  (BTW, down 13 pounds as I type!!!)  I've always been a good cardio-er, but have never liked lifting weights and refuse to do so.  I am taking this opportunity to do so...lifting turkeys, gallons of milk, cases of soda isn't so bad.

12 packs of soda are always on sale.  They rotate between Coke and Pepsi products.  The sale is buy two get three free.  It's a good deal and about one out of every three customers buy five 12 packs of soda.  That's a lot of soda I'm lifting.  People tend to put it on the bottom rack of the cart.  I was told early on to use the hand scanner for things like that.

I don't like to.

First of all, by the time you get the cases turned around to where you can scan it, you  may have well have lifted the damn thing to the real scanner.

Secondly, I'm working out lifting all the soda.

Delores was staring at me last night, waiting for me to finish with a customer.  When I was done she came up to me and said, "Miss Kim?  I have noticed that you aren't using the hand scanner.  Do you know why we want you to use the hand scanner?"

"Uh?  To prevent injuries?"

"Yes, ma'am.  Now can I get a commitment from you to use the hand scanner from now on?"

"Yeah."

I finished out my shift and overheard the manager say, "I need to see Kim in my office when she's done."

CRAP.

I went in there and said, "What'd I do?".  He was very nice and told me I hadn't done anything wrong.  He said that Harris Teeter is really focusing on employee safety.  All the employees have to sign a "Commitment to Safety" letter.  I signed mine.

Then he went on to explain workers' compensation.  How reducing on the job injuries saves the company tons of money, means more money in our own profit sharing...stuff like that.  He went on and on and on.

I just nodded.  Then he did tell me how well I'm doing.  Said that I seem to require a lot less assistance than the other new hires, and he's not the only one who noticed.  Yay for me.

I told him I appreciated hearing that since this is my first cashiering job.

"Oh really?!  Well, you're doing a great job!!   What'd you do before?"

"I was a workers' comp adjuster for about 20 years."

He turned beet red.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

The dogs are driving me NUTS!!! Pun intended.

I am a big time animal lover, except for rats.  I am now starting to hate squirrels too.  And that makes sense, because as Carrie Bradshaw once said, squirrels are just rats in better outfits.  I hate them because they taunt my dogs on a daily basis, many times a day.  Front windows as well as back door.  The dogs go crazy barking and jumping and scratching and jumping over each other.  I can't take it any more.  Don't squirrels hibernate or something?  When?  I'd volunteer to help them find nuts just to send them on their way. 

I was trying to watch a movie before it's time to go sell turkeys to old people, but I decided to come downstairs, download some Beatle music (you can do that now - couldn't before the other day), and try to write something on my blog.

Um...the people look different here.  Men as well as women.  I wish I had a dollar for every time a customer said something about me looking like I just came from being on vacation.  There are many tanning salons in this small city, am I the only one who goes?  I did see a familiar type face the other day.  A lady looked liked she was visiting from Aventura.  For those who don't know, Aventura is a city lodged between Miami and Fort Lauderdale.  Every single woman there has had extensive facial (and probably other parts) plastic surgery.  This lady had big duck lips and her face was so tight, I had to resist the urge to try to bounce a nickel off it.

I lied to my nail tech today and I really have no idea why.  He asked me if I'm ready for Thanksgiving.  Rather than go into the whole thing about already having it when my mom was here, I said, "I guess so.  Never cooked for 25 people before, so it'll be interesting."  Then some yentas overheard and were like, "Oh my!  25 people?  How big of a turkey did you get?"  I lied again and said, "A 50 pound turkey."

Did they even have 50 pound turkeys?  I felt like a jack ass.  Probably will never see them again.  Until two Saturdays from now at 10:00.  Great.  This lie will go on forever. 

Naa na na na na na na na, hey jude.

That's it.  Gonna go beat the dogs.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Lounging day turned productive...

When Robin wasn't up by 10:30 and I was still in my PJ's, I figured it'd be a good day just to lounge around the house. Maybe I'd get dressed, maybe I wouldn't. When Little Miss Sunshine finally arose at 11-ish, I suggested the lazy day idea to Robin. "Can't", she said, "Iris is making us get flu shots".

This one really needs to be blamed on my own mother. Every day she was here, she tried to make us go and get shots. We always got around it, but the morning she left, I overheard her and Iris on the phone. Since we didn't do it when my mom was here, she passed the flu shot baton on to Iris. So as one of the loose ends Iris and Joe have to tie up before they leave on Monday, flu shots it was.

We got to their house and they insisted we come in. Joe gave me their house key. Doesn't trust Robin. Iris gave us plant watering instructions. Said they're turning the water off, but there's a gallon of water in the kitchen. Told us to bring some from home when it runs out. Robin told her, "Thanks for telling us that. We never would have thought of that on our own."

Joe, in his usual fashion, kept interrupting. Finally Iris lost it and said, "Joe, if you don't stop interrupting, I'm gonna tie you up in the friggen closet.".   Didn't stop him.

In the meantime, I handled some well overdue banking business and switched over my car insurance. Premium is HALF of what I paid in Miami!!!!

Once updated on how to handle their household while they are out of town and given everything from their pantry and frig, we piled in my car to go get the shots. Joe always sits in front with me and gives directions. This town is not very big and I'm pretty sure I know my way around. We get in the store and the pharmacist's name is Dick. Iris had something to say about that. Then something was said about it just being a little prick and this sent her into hysterics. We all had on long sleeves and had to roll them up. Except for, you guessed it, Iris. She practically took her shirt off, flirting with Dick the whole time.

They insisted on taking us to dinner at 4:00. On the way to drop them off, something was said about a plant...kudzu. I didn't believe it was a plant because they are always trying to mess with me with dirty Yiddish words. I thought it meant the female body part. So for the rest of the way home, Joe did a Charo impression, "Coochie coochie. Coochie coochie."

Just got home and Iris called. "Did you girls remember your sunglasses from the restaurant?"

With all their craziness, bossiness and micromanaging, I really will miss them.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Too lazy to go all the way downstairs, or there'd be a picture attached...

But...

A customer today had something I'd never seen before. It was a small walletesque type thing that alphabeticalized your credit and grocery store cards. Very cute. Said there's a website...cardcubby.com or something like that.

Good Christmas gift, doncha think?

I really would like to blog every day.

But sometimes there's just not much to say. Robin is outside blowing leaves. I just woke up from a nap and ate a sandwich.

See what I mean?

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Ahhhhhhhh.....

I think I'm starting to feel like myself again. I have the day off and by noon, I had gone grocery shopping, cleaned the house, done two loads of laundry, made homemade spaghetti sauce and cleaned a trunk I'd gotten at a flea market when my mom was here. It's super cute - red and black plaid. Since I started this job, I really haven't had energy for anything, so I think maybe I have turned the corner.

I think I may now go through the Sunday paper and clip coupons. It is amazing how much money can be saved with coupons. Especially when combining them with sales. Some of my customers have really inspired me. Speaking of work...there is something wrong with the farting bagger. It's not obvious and I can't figure it out. One of the ladies at work told me to be careful with him. Couldn't finish our conversation cuz of a stupid customer, and now my curiosity is heightened. The other day a lady was buying bunch of frozen food. She told me something about not being lazy, but she was about to have surgery and her husband doesn't cook. I guess she thought I was judging her. What the hell do I care? Anyway, Fartboy kept asking her what kind of surgery she was having. He asked her like six times. She just ignored him. Then some man was buying a "Maxim" magazine and Fartboy said, "Ahhhh....I know why you're buying this". Yesterday a lady was buying dog biscuits and he told her that she probably eats them and he started barking. This kid has no filter and makes me very nervous. Last night a lady was buying fresh clams and they smelled like, well, fresh clams. I felt Fartboy start to smell them and before I knew it he said, "What smells like"....Before he finished his sentence, I quickly interrupted and said, "What are you gonna make with these?". (Linguini with clam sauce.)

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Day off...

Yesterday Robin and I had the day off together.  We had planned on playing it by ear...maybe go to Asheville, maybe take a hike, maybe have lunch at an outside cafe on Main Street.  Whatever.  The weather is gorgeous right now, highs reaching mid to upper 60's.  Figured we'd wake up and decide what to do.  The world was our oyster.

Wound up going to Walmart and stocking up on a bunch of Lean Cuisines and Smart Ones cuz we're too tired to cook any more.  The highlight of the trip was buying an egg crate mattress pad.  Since we are obviously wrecking our bodies (I mean getting in better shape), I don't feel guilty spurlging on the $17.00 pad.  We are doing much better managing our money.  It's simple.  You have less, you spend less.  The old impulsive me surfaced though.  There was a sock display.  Magical socks.  Had aloe in them.  $3.00 a pair.  What the hell.  Maybe they'd help when I'm working.  I also bought a "Burt's Bees" thing of cuticle cream.   Had a dollar off coupon, thank you.   (The job is also tough on my cuticles, but my nails are fine - WTH!) It looks just like the lip gloss.  Had some on my desk in Miami and I just loved it when the girls (Alex and her sister, Sarah) came and used it on their lips.   Ha ha - good times.  Well now the joke is on me because I can't get the damn thing open.

Our al fresco lunch plans turned into a visit to "Jack in the Box".  But we did sit outside, so that counts.  Splurged on the "Ultimate" and it was worth every one of those 20,000 calories.  Best burger I think I've ever had.  No lettuce, no tomato, no onion, no pickle.  Just burger and cheese, mayo, ketchup and mustard - they way a burger should be.  My lunch used up more than my daily allotment of Weight Watchers points, but I wasn't gonna stress over it.  I'd eat a light dinner.

Came home, put the matrress pad on.  Decided we'd better check it out.  Three hours later, after a long nap, we decided it was a good purchase.  An investment in our heath, if you will. 

Got up to find the heathens having a game of tug of war with my magical socks.  Although slimmy with dog saliva, I put them on.  Still have them on, in fact.  Have a feeling I was taken.  No magic here. 

My light dinner turned out to be another impulsive Walmart purchase.  A "Hormel" cheese and pepperoni and more cheese and salami and crackers platter.  It was inviting because everything was already cut up.  I was too tired to cut stuff up.  Very healthy eating day yesterday.

Robin works 7-4 today.  I go in at 4.  I have some projects that I could be doing right now, but I'm off tomorow.  Why do today what I can do tomorrow?

Just got a text from Robin..."Will you bring me a PBJ?"

Crap.  Now I have to get dressed and go out.  I'll make the most of it and grab a tan while I'm out.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

This job

I mean it when I say God only knows how I made it through yesterday at work. I went in feeling as though I'd been hit by a car. The store is so busy - there are no lulls. In addition to the physical demands, I am constantly thirsty. I am used to drinking something, usually water, ALL the time. Not allowed anything at the register. Toward the end of my shift I find myself wanting to kill the customers who are buying drinks.

Speaking of drinks...12 packs of soda are always on sale and they are a pain in the ass to ring up. That and the turkeys. I swear by the time the holidays are over, I will have Michelle Obama arms. Obamarms.

I am constantly exhausted and totally worn out. Oh and I want to reinvent the shopping cart. The store is different from most stores. At Publix, the shopper unloads the cart. At HT, the cashier has to do it. The bottom of the basket is slightly tilted toward the customer. That means all the stuff rolls down and I have to reach for it. Bad design. I told Delores about it and she laughed. Then I asked her who in needed to call to redesign these carts. Again, she laughed. I wasn't joking.

I don't know where you shop. But if it's a place where the cashier unloads the cart, watch how physically demanding the job is. It really is.

Having said all that.....I'VE LOST TEN POUNDS since my mom left on Saturday!!! I totally factor in the fact that I am basically working out all day as a major fringe benefit.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

To bag or not to bag...

I don't know which is worse...not having a bagger or having to bag the groceries myself.  My store has about four or five baggers.  They seem to appear when I have a customer with four or five items.  They all disappear when the major shoppers come around.  There is one bagger who I detest.  I'm sure he's a nice kid and all, but he has a problem with flatulence.  He's a chronic farter and quite honestly, I'd rather bag my own groceries, thank you.  I can't stand to see him coming around.

Then there's an old guy bagger.  Worked with him for the first time yesterday.  Don't know his history or how he wound up being a bagger, but he acts like he owns Harris Teeter.  I could not believe the way he was ordering me around yesterday.  Then a lady had a question about the price of the fancy bread she bought, customer service came over and adjusted the price, and when the transaction was over, this bagger told me how the customer service guy had handled it all wrong.  Then another person bought the same bread and the bagger told me to look at the receipt so he could show me what he meant.  I glanced at it, said I couldn't find it and he said, "Well you sold it, didn't you?"  The customer asked if there was a problem and he said, "No, I'm trying to teach her something."  OMG...who is this little old man?  I ignored him and went on the the next customer.  I am too old and too under paid to take shit from some old man bagger.  

I had a very attractive older lady come through.  She was classy and preppy.  Looked like she came from New England.  Had a Louis Vuitton purse.  I was shocked when she paid with food stamps.  I am also amazed that probably 50% of the people buying groceries pay with credit cards.  Not debit, credit.  Sign of the times, I suppose.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Past two weeks

The past two weeks have flown by.  (Speaking of flying, I am now flying solo on my register.)  My mom and Kyle (brother) came to visit last Monday and left on Saturday.  I had taken that time off in advance, so we had some good quality time.  I was working when they arrrived in town, so Robin, being the gracious daughter in law that she is, entertained them until I got off....by taking them gambling.

Monday night I had prepared chicken and dumplings, so that was quick and easy and a good dinner after their eight hour trip.  On Tuesday we showed them around H'ville a little bit.  Also gambled a little bit and lost a little bit.  I will honestly be happy when these seedy gambling shacks close down in December.  I can only handle one addiction at a time.  Wednesday we went to a huge flea market in Pickens, SC.  Got lost on the way home.  Every time we thought we were on the right track, we passed the same damn waterfall.  The first time was good.  Got out of the car and took some pictures.  But the fourth time we passed it it was more like, "Oh shit".  Finally found a convenience store.  There was a lady outside holding a stick of some sort and Kyle shouted, "Ask her!  She's got a stick!".  Not sure why, but that made us all laugh hysterically.  It's a total 'you had to be there moment'.  Wednesday night we went to the dive bar (with excellent food, BTW) for dinner.  Iris and Joe treated.

Thursday was our Thanksgiving dinner.  It was perfect, even with 13 people.  The food was great and everyone brought awesome sides.  We decorated the tables very festively.   It was going just as planned.  Robin made a nice toast to our families and new friends.  Then we sat down to eat and my friend, Wally the Wackadoodle, who was seated next to me, took a couple of bites and had to excuse himself.  He went outside for fresh air, came back in and announced that he had to go home.  Not sure what made him sick.  Something he ate, or being seated next to me.  He now thinks I'm mad at him for ruining Thanksgiving.  He reads this blog.  So, Wally, if you're reading this, thanks a lot for ruining my Thanksgiving.  Just kidding.  You don't have to avoid me any more.  Glad you're feeling better.

Then there's Friday.  Robin had to work.  I took Mom and Kyle to Asheville.  Ate at my new favorite restaurant, "The Mellow Mushroom".  I wondered what to do to kill time until Robin got off work at 4:30.  I decided to take them home the scenic route.  Two and a half hours later, we were very very lost high in the mountains.  At first it was a little cute.  Then it turned not so cute.  We crossed county lines, and being new to the area, I had NO idea where we were.  Then Kyle had to announce how many miles we had til we ran out of gas.  At first it was 60 something.  Higher and higher we went.  We made up a country song about no guardrails, no gas, just guts and God.  Finally we saw a sign that said "Asheville".  We made it to a gas station with nine miles left.  Robin beat us home that day.

They left on Saturday and I was sad.  Still am.

On the work front, I find humor in something every day.  Yesterday an Asian woman came through my line.  Bok choy, tofu, snap peas, soy sauce...wonder what she'll make.  THEN she had about 30 cans of cat food in her cart.  I am always leary of Chinese food and this didn't help.