TheBuxStopHere

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-03T17:00:00.000-06:00

2009-10-25T11:47:00.002-05:00

2009-10-19T08:25:00.002-05:00

2008-11-08T09:36:00.004-06:00

Ted Gormley Stadium near the Tulane campus post-Katrina.

Volunteerin' Nawlins Style 2008. Word.
Making it a little better for those in need feels good. :)

Greek...YUM!

2008-06-26T19:31:00.002-05:00

Yeah I made Greek...Jealous? Should be...

People just want to go home...

2008-06-16T13:33:00.006-05:00

An angry resident that tried to drive around a
security checkpoint is stopped by law enforcement.
Rick Blazek, 54, was arrested a few moments later.

Can you blame him?

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA

2008-06-15T18:40:00.004-05:00

What a test of humanity, humility, and resilience.
Results looking good so far. Stay tuned.

Mother's Day

2008-05-08T07:39:00.001-05:00

Early Mom's Day present to you all!

NOSTALGIA

2008-04-20T15:10:00.003-05:00

My sister and I had these glasses as kids.
Now I have them again...thank you antique store in Minnesota. :)
Can you tell which one is my favorite?

I miss this show...

2008-02-09T17:44:00.001-06:00

This video is the best over AND the song by Sia is also one of my favorites. Dare you to watch it without crying.

Fine! I'll keep it short.

2008-01-13T14:05:00.000-06:00

Since none of you want to comment on my LONG post---
I'll keep them short for all you ADD/ADHD sufferers.

I tell ya...something shiny always distracts you bloggers.

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SO! On Tuesday 1-8-07 a 'gentleman' walked ( was going to say came-but changed my mind) into my store, sat down, whipped his taliban out and jerked off onto one of the chairs. Then he left seconds later for us to clean up after him. WTF?

Hmmm...I like...

2008-01-13T14:01:00.001-06:00

You Belong in Amsterdam

A little old fashioned, a little modern - you're the best of both worlds. And so is Amsterdam.

Whether you want to be a squatter graffiti artist or a great novelist, Amsterdam has all that you want in Europe (in one small city).

What European City Do You Belong In?

Catch up with a letter to my sister...

2008-01-04T18:09:00.000-06:00

Hey sis-

How was your week back to work? I suppose it still wasn’t a full week for you yet either was it? I only worked Monday for a little bit, Thursday and tomorrow this week. REALLY nice change of pace. I’ll take it. Of course the more time off the more stuff builds up.

I went to the caucuses last night for the first time ever. What a bunch of disorganized Iowa bumpkins….good lord. I have never seen it take so many people to come up with ONE count for 62 people. If that is any indication how the election process will be handled---I’m nervous.

Chicago was great but COLD. We got back from the airport and checked into our hotel. VERY small but very clean and nice ---and I’d rather have that than DNA on my remote control. We got changed and went to the show and it was GREAT! I was so pleased. I’d recommend that one if it comes to you. It’s called “Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy.” The lead singer could have been eliminated since it was really high pitched and annoying- but the physical parts of the show made up for it. Her part reminded me of Pee Wee Herman’s friends when they’d stop by the “Big House” …or “’Play’house” ---or whatever it was called. Like Dionne Warwick meets VeggieTales. But seriously…go see it !

After the show we went to a Thai restaurant called “Vang Wangs” or something—honestly I can’t remember. It was good—service was HORRIBLE. The waitress wasn’t interested in really being helpful but we still had a great meal and some good tea—though I can’t remember the name of that either! Sunday morning we went to Starbucks for breakfast and then shopped till lunch time --PF Changs & a cute helpful waiter. It makes a difference. lol

New Year’s Eve I worked and then we came home, made dinner and I was asleep by 1030pm. Apparently Scott stayed up till like 1am blogging and watching TV…and yes I put those in the right order. That’s how exciting our live is! How was your New Year’s?

Oh, and I had a fight with the post office people today regarding your gift---so I had to take it to the drug store and convince the kid to ship it for me at their postal station. Long story..but it may be a day or 2 late---but late birthday presents are better than none!

That’s all for now! I feel like this is a blog entry in itself so I’m going to post this after I send it to you. Hope u don’t mind!

Love you!

Andrew

Look what I did!

2007-12-05T08:02:00.001-06:00

The reveal!

2007-11-26T19:51:00.000-06:00

The Season Begins...

2007-11-23T16:50:00.000-06:00

Well so far this is what we have:

Blisters from the saw.
Scratches on the roof of the car.
Wet shoes from the snow.
Burnt roof of mouth from the cocoa.

AND..

The best tree in town ready for decorating!

Stay tuned...It's all worth it!

The Christmas Tree

2007-11-23T16:38:00.001-06:00

HILARIOUS!! I think maybe my mom made a video!? Love you Mom!

Three LITTLE words.

2007-11-17T16:53:00.000-06:00

Ho!

There you have it. Time to start shopping-which I did today. Oh and you should know:

I hate parking lots. I hate the mall. I hate window shopping. I hate children and parents. I hate lines at the Pretzel Maker. I hate perfume counters that smell of old lady. I hate seeing mall "Santa" eating at Subway. I hate spending money I don't have on people who don't need things. I hate Target's security guard at the door who weighs 87 pounds. I hate check out lines. I hate prices that ring up wrong at the register NOT in my favor.

Happy holidays everyone. Ho Ho Ho!

Books

2007-11-03T13:59:00.000-05:00

I currently have 4 books I am reading or am going to read:

First:
Verdict: Not finishing. SERIOUS snooze fest. What a great write up.
I was tricked.

Next:

Verdict: Haven't started it. I'm sure it's good. However looks like
a kindergarten kid bound it.

Two more to follow:

My Newest Toy

2007-10-10T09:30:00.000-05:00

My newest toy arrived via Fed Ex a few days ago.
I've spent the last 3 days converting all my digital music and all of my CD's into iTunes to be transferred to the iPod Classic.

The result is my fully loaded iPod with room for 18, 728 MORE songs. Yikes! Jealous?

Picky Poodle

2007-09-29T22:29:00.000-05:00

Let Me Borrow That Top

2007-09-25T07:45:00.001-05:00

Could this be any funnier? Goodness!

My Sunday...

2007-09-23T15:21:00.001-05:00

Plastic bags at the discount grocery store... 10 cents.
Driving to 2 other stores for everything on list... 3 dollars.
Total grocery bill including food and poodle goods... $234.23

Rushing home to transfer money to the account to cover it...
PRICELESS.

Some things you can buy with Mastercard...my bank wants CASH.

How many words are pictures worth?

2007-09-22T16:55:00.000-05:00

25 Pictures of randomness. Can you caption them?

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Crazy White Kid

2007-09-07T17:49:00.001-05:00

I'm not saying I necessarily want to dance like this (on camera)...but I kinda want to BE ABLE to, ya know without spraining anything.

Impossible Day Off

2007-09-06T11:34:00.000-05:00

OK, here's the deal. I do not know how to take a day off. Sounds strange doesn't it? Well, it's true---and I know this because I've tried to do it MANY times.

I get up almost every day around 630-7am. Most of those days I have to be to work around 8 or so (salary...so who's keeping track?) So, those days I'm able to leisurely get up and eat breakfast, check email, surf the net some, and watch the Today Show-which I'm crazy addicted to... "Live from Studio 1A in Rockefeller Plaza...."

Anyway, now my dilemma: On days when I don't work or am on vacation (like this week-with no place to fly to...) I still get up at the 'normal' time, go though the routine, and by 9am I have no idea what to do with the rest of my day.

I know what you're all thinking: "Whatever....I'd kill for a whole day off with nothing I have to do." ..and I hear you...but it still doesn't make it any better for me. I think maybe because I have always worked since I was 12 years old--from paper routes, garbage trucks, and grocery stores, to babysitting, mowing lawns, and cleaning offices---that I have no idea how to NOT WORK. I have always worked-sometimes 3 jobs at once.

The advice of find a hobby, take a walk, read a book, plant a garden---none of that has worked over the years either. It boils down to me having a deep sense of guilt if I'm not working...so much so that it leads to a full day of anxiety. Crazy I know. :)

So today marks day number 2 without working (since I worked on Tuesday for a few hours...gulp!) and I have no idea what to do. To top it off it's humid as hell out and here's a shot out the front door:
Yes it just rained out so now it's too muddy to take the dog out and too humid to enjoy a damned picnic. What to do...?

ITCHY AND SCRATCHY

2007-09-03T10:29:00.001-05:00

To stay or to go...that's the question. It's so itchy...is it worth it?
You decide.

How BIONIC are YOU? Be honest.

2007-08-26T13:33:00.001-05:00

See What You're Made Of - Visit The Official Site

2007-08-26T10:09:00.000-05:00

Back Yard Dreams...

2007-08-26T09:43:00.000-05:00

Well this is what the almost end of summer brings. The realization that the back yard STILL looks like THIS!

Yes, we have a dog but I don't think that means the yard HAS to be trashed. Don't get me wrong, he contributes in a huge way to the mud hole and bare spots.

I just want to figure something out that isn't a TON of money and that doesn't take 2 years to do. What should I do? Any advice and offers for help would be appreciated.

And if you can figure out how to make it look like this easily, I'll take those comments too!

Poodle Exercise with Humans

2007-08-25T07:49:00.001-05:00

Bailey, I think we need to sign you up for this...it'll build strong...um...

Mid Week in British Columbia

2007-08-07T08:18:00.000-05:00

It's 6:20am and I'm all ready to go! Today we're headed out on a boat from Bellingham, WA (near my parents house) going through the San Juan Islands and over to Victoria, BC.

We'll be touring all day and hopefully get to go to The Castle there too! Tonight is dinner on the cruise ship! Can't wait! See ya!

VACATION

2007-08-06T12:39:00.000-05:00

Well this is the view I'm looking at right now. Isn't vacation great?

Mmm...MINE.

2007-07-14T14:11:00.001-05:00

Follow this link for the complete story... :)

TAXES...

2007-06-25T07:26:00.000-05:00

"In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes." ----Benjamin Franklin

I hate taxes. What's worse though? ---Taxes that my neighbors actually vote FOR. Don't get me wrong-I think it's important to update our technology and keep facilities up and running.

With all the taxes we're already paying for EVERYTHING why are people actually casting a YES vote to pay MORE taxes rather than demand their officials to redirect the money already being taken-to the right causes?

We're raped and pillaged for taxes at every turn yet all over the place my neighbors decide, "Oh yes, PLEASE take MORE of my money so you can update schools they built 50 years ago.-- Oh and buy more computers and shit too, so my sons and daughters will know EXACTLY how to get on the YouTube."

Phooey.

I love this!

2007-06-24T17:39:00.001-05:00

Nice Outfit!

2007-04-26T12:08:00.000-05:00

Seriously, get this outfit off me!

I mean it, I feel ridiculous. Get it off.

Lady, just because your boyfriend doesn’t want to settle down, doesn’t mean you should pretend that I’m a real baby in hopes that he’ll play along in your twisted game of “house”. I promise you’re scaring him off, and it makes you look insane. Think about it, you dress me like a Gap employee and tote me around like a damned fashion accessory. It’s disgusting, and you need to get your shit straight. Meantime, you can stop force-feeding me Altoids, you bitch.

While I’m on the record, there are some other things I could do without, you psycho. Yeah, as it turns out, I don’t really care for the ylang-ylang oil massage. It’s not relaxing; it actually hurts and generally creeps me out. In fact, it’s damn close to rape.

Oh, this just in, I’m not actually a fucking vegetarian. Do you honestly think that I prefer couscous and tofu over my lamb and beef nuggets? Lettuce wraps? Are you fucking serious… what is your damage? I would rather eat my own shit, and guess what, when you’re asleep, I do. Then I lick your whore face and laugh about it.

Don’t even get me started on my name. Louis Vuitton? You superficial bitch. Do you have any idea how embarrassing that is? I’m already wearing the gayest sweater since the "Cosby Show", but you insist on naming me after an expensive line of European handbags. Seriously, fuck you. You make me look like a complete pussy and I hate you for it. For real, the next time you try to gel my hair, I will tear a hole in your windpipe. I swear to God I will.

Not that you’d ever fucking notice, but you continue to place me in dangerous situations. Just yesterday at the dog park, I could feel the cold hard stare from a Doberman through my Kenneth Cole double-breasted pea coat. Shit, even the French poodle called me a fag, and he was wearing a beret.

Do you have any idea what would happen to a dog like me at the pound? You don’t even WANT to know. I step in there with even a whiff of CK One on me, and it’s all over.

It pisses me off that you don’t pull this shit on the cat (Although it’s probably because she’s a lesbo). I am really tired of the smug looks I get from that butch-ass feline. Just once I’d like to see you put an ascot around her neck and let her feel what this shit is like. Then she’ll realize it’s not funny, and I’m in real pain here. At the very least you could throw a flannel shirt on that dike and even it up here, you owe it to me. I promise I will end all nine of her lives if I ever get a chance to chase her without these miniature Steve Madden patent leather urban utility boots strapped on my paws. Not that I’d get far; even without the shoes I still have to battle these Italian micro suede chinos.

Listen lady, I’m at the end of my rope and I’ve been doing a lot of thinking (Yes, there’s a lot of time for that while you watch E!, thumb through your copy of People magazine, stopping occasionally to read the text message on your jewel-encrusted Sidekick). I have decided that I’m running away. I’m going to take my chances on the outside. Tomorrow morning, during doggy yoga, I am fucking gone, baby – and there is nothing you can do to stop me.

The last thing you’ll see is my puckered little asshole as I’m out the door, but not before I leave a hot, soft and juicy turd pile right on my miniature doggy yoga mat – and I’ve got a half a pound of espresso beans and 3 bran muffins for breakfast to make sure it’s a good one.

See you in hell, bitch.

A birthday, some cake, and a trip to Vegas!

2007-04-03T17:45:00.000-05:00

Well it's coming...almost here...am I supposed to be worried about it? Well I'm not. I'm turning 30 years old on April 23rd and what's the big deal? I do have this strange feeling though. I remember waiting so long till I finally turned 20 years old and was finally out of my TEENS...and then my 21st birthday so I could leagally drink.

Of course once I turned 21 I actually drank less so it wasn't that big of a deal. Then when I turned 25 I was excited because I was finally going to get lower insurance rates! That's been about the excitement attached to birthdays. So now what? What do you "realize" or become when you're 30? I know so many people my age who are still trying to figure out what they want to be when they grow up and while I don't have that 100% figured out.. I think I was busy doing that in my early 20's...

So for my birthday I am headed to Las Vegas with Scott, my parents, and my sister. They are flying from Seattle and New Jersey to meet Scott and me in Vegas. We'll spend 4 nights there and I will be going to the Skywalk at the Grand Canyon---which I'm so excited about. I'm not a person to be afraid of heights etc..in fact I think more than anything I want 30 to be the year I'm not afraid of anything anymore...how about that?!? No wait....spiders. Nevermind...I have to hold onto a few things from my childhood.

That's it for now. I'll plan on many pics of my trip and make sure to put them here in a few weeks.

Favorite Foods!

2007-03-04T13:15:00.000-06:00

If you know me, it's no secret to you that I LOVE food!

I love to make food, eat food, buy food, and even save food (right, Scott?). What's my FAVORITE food you may be wondering. Well that's tough but I'd have to say Chinese food is right up there at the top of my list. You can do so many different things and variations with it...and even are allowed substitutions in some restaurants!

My LEAST favorite food: By far, it's BAD Chinese food. I got the pleasure of experiencing this on Friday night. It's now Sunday afternoon and I'm still scared to get too far from the house--for obvious food-poisoning reasons.

Diet 7-up, plain toast and water...the food of champions. Blech!

Grand Canyon Skywalk

2007-02-17T17:39:00.001-06:00

Ok, I have been watching about this 'skywalk' at Eagle Point Grand Canyon and now that it's almost open to the public, I really want to go.

MY chair.

2007-02-17T17:33:00.000-06:00

It's comfy and I like it. Nuff said! :)

Book Report!

2007-02-14T21:32:00.000-06:00

I don't know when I decided I actually liked reading but it came on all of a sudden. So here's what I'm currently reading...

It's by Augusten Burroughs and I think he's my new best friend. For some reason I love reading memoirs or at least books that in some way I can relate to or can 'experience' along with the author. This guy writes that way and now I own all his books and am working through them. I have already read Running With Scissors and Possible Side Effects and after this one I have Sellevison and Magical Thinking.

I think he's so messed up and crazy that it's fascinating and no matter what situations/experiences you've ever encountered---you're normal compared to him. Definately worth the read and check out his blog too: Augusten's Blog.

I'm back...listen up!

2007-02-10T13:12:00.000-06:00

Well hello there! Nice to see ya...if you're all still reading. My last post was a little over 3 weeks ago. Why? Honestly, I got bored. That's the only way I can describe it. All I know is: that I like to write, I like to read and I like to know people are reading what I am writing. So there really needs to be a good combination of all of those!

So what to write about? How about some odds and ends? Great! It's settled then, here I go!

Number ONE: This dammed weather-year round!

It has been that kind of cold (ZERO degrees and MINUS 25 degree wind chills) here in Iowa that, for some STRANGE reason, I always forget about. I always think all Spring (which lasts 4 days here) that "THIS" is why I live here-the weather is so perfect. Not too hot, not too cold...and then Summer hits. GROSS. I HATE Summer here and usually find myself hibernating indoors in the air conditioning. See, the thing is: I Sweat.

So as to not gross everyone out I'll just leave it at that. When I'm getting ready in the morning-the usual routines..apply antipersperient, put an undershirt on, put my shirt on AND within 5 mintues I'm already sweating through to the outter shirt. WTF? I've tried "No Sweat" roll ons... should be relabeled "No Sweat, But Itch Like Hell". Guess it wouldn't fit on the bottle though. Anyhoo, that's why I hate Summer here. That brings us to Winter (since there's only 2 seasons here). I ALSO sweat all winter long so it's a never ending battle honestly.

Ok, odds and ends number 2: Days off. I hate 'em!

Now, you're all thinking the sweat thing I get-the day off thing though...what? Are you crazy? Well I think I've already answered that-but let me elaborate, nonetheless. I just don't understand what to DO with a day off. I'm used to getting up almost every morning between 4am and 6:30am so on a day off it's usually no different. How can anyone just lie/lay (no idea the use of those either) around in bed wide awake and do nothing? I can't do it. All you dirty thinkers are thinking "I can think of something to do in bed that isn't sleeping!" -And I say to all of you: that isn't always an option either, mmkay? Most of the time on my day off I spend the early part of the morning drinking coffee, being online, and watching the Today show. That wastes a good portion of my morning, then I sometimes go take a nap-lame I know-and then usually I start thinking about what I might make for dinner. Wierd huh? The thing is I love to cook and love to plan even more so the two get combined together and that usually becomes the purpose of my day off. If for some reason I'm not feeling very culinary well then I have the worst day off of all. I usually do a round of cleaning-the kitchen, the bedroom, maybe some laundry, and mindless organization which I know will only last a few hours or a day at the most. The thing is though, at least I'll have SOMETHING to say if someone tomorrow says "So, what'd you do on your day off...Hmmm??"

For some reason I have inner-feelings of guilt if I'm not working. I don't know what it is. Maybe it comes from the fact that I have ALWAYS been working, and many times I had to work 7 days a week to support myself---or to support my spending habits, I should say. So, I think when you do work all the time you are teaching yourself that it TAKES that much work to be 'sucessful'. That feeling never seems to go away and in some ways, I don't want it to. Don't get me wrong-I love vacation and don't feel ANY feelings of guilt when I am ON vacation. it's just everything that leads up to it and afterward that I have to deal with. Who knows...I'm just wierd--am I the only one?

What else?

Odds/Ends Numero 3: Anna Nicole. What can I say?

I loved the train wreck that she was and am actually sad that she's dead. No one deserves to lose a child or a mother at the age she was. It's a pity it will be played out so dramatically by the media--but then again that's what 'we' all ask for isn't it?

Alright, that's it for today. I'm going to TRY and enjoy the rest of my day off today...wish me luck. *GULP*

Ooo....WATER! Scary stuff!

2007-01-17T16:38:00.000-06:00

Hmm, help me please understand this one:
OK, so there is a woman in California who just died because she had 'aqua over-hydration'. OK, I made that up, seriously she drank too much water and died. Let me back up and say if this was a friend of mine or a family member, obviously I would be really sad and etc...and I'm sorry for their loss...yadda yadda yadda... -insert politically correct stuff here- and all that. But aside from that...what the heck!?!

I was thinking that I had heard of this before, but in my mind I remember thinking that someone would have to drink like 100 gallons or something and it would be nearly impossible. One of those things that COULD happen but doesn't-because nature would make it's call long before and that would be it. All better.

It turns out this 28 year old woman was drinking water and not voiding her bladder (kewl doctor's-way of saying it eh? ) and she consumed over 2 gallons of water (or 32 8-oz glasses of water). AND THAT KILLS! Holy shit.

So lemme tell ya a little story about the "Century Club" of 1997 (ish) I was living in a college town about 2 hours from where I live now at the ripe age of 20. What do you do when you're 20 years old in a college town and you don't have to work, you might ask? DRINK! (Actually, even if you do have to work--you drink!) So my, who would later be, roommate Mark-his girlfriend-her roommates-some people we didn't know-a few from down the hall-someone's half sister's second cousin half-removed and about 10 other people all decided we would do 'the club' at about 3pm in the afternoon.

So the way 'the club' works is simple. Rather than me explain, follow the jump and check out the third item under "Rules". Well, we didn't allow this one. So afte rit was all said and done-of the 15 or so people that started our Century Club only 3 people finished! Me, Mark and one of his roommates. Everyone else either quit, threw up (disqualified), or -gross to say- pissed themselves. I drank a total of 16 beers in 100 minutes without going to the bathroom...safe? I think not. Necessary at 20 years old?...absolutley!

So in the end I had 1.5 gallons of beer in a very short amount of time and didn't pee. By the way I DID pass out and wake up about 3 hours later like nothing happpened---bizzare! Anyway-This woman in California drank 32 more ounces than that-but it was WATER! I think that's utterly (wait-that would be milk) CRAZY!

So ANYWAY the DJ's got fired along with 7 other employees because this woman died. Ya know what is sad? That they fired these DJ's for a PR move---to save face at the station. That would be a whole other post, but honestly this was a 28 year old woman in charge of making her own decisons-which she did and she died. The DJ's, in my opinion, weren't negligent or misleading in any way. I'm sure the argument will come down that the station and it's employees failed to inform her on the risks etc...BULLSHIT.

It's sad to me that in this country, we don't actually have to have personal responsibility anymore-we can just blame the evil corporations of America. Put it in the same file with the clowns that sue McDonalds for making them fat-or the people that sue amusement parks when the 200,000 pounds of man-made steel in a roller coaster-that sits out 24/7 for years has a bolt come loose and someone gets hurt. We take risks everyday of our lives in everything we do....

Stop suing companies and stay out of the water if you can't swim with the sharks...

So wrong....but SO funny!

2007-01-10T20:56:00.001-06:00

Seriously, Youtube is FULL of mostly crap...or maybe that's just what I stumble upon. HOWEVER, this video is so funny...SO politically incorrect but you can't watch it without laughing! Enjoy!

Gypsies, Tramps and Lawyers

2007-01-10T17:22:00.000-06:00

Well, update for today anyway...the entire matter has been turned over to our legal department since she threatened to sue for "defamation of character" and said she is "taking it to the media".

Apparently our customer service department offered her a $15 gift card (5 times the value of her purchase) and their apologies. She said that was an insult and a slap in the face and she wants more money than that AND a written apology from the store manager (me) and one from my shift manager.

Guess what's NEVER gonna happen? 110% guaranteed that I will not/would not/COULD not apologize for something that I didn't do. Nope!

We tend to be one of the most hated/loved companies in the world so I'm sure we have good attorneys.

What's funny was, today my boss stopped in because he HAD to (his job) ask if I, in fact, did call her a "FUCKING BITCH"...which he whispered-but it was funny as hell listening to him say it. Of course I never used that language or anything close to it-so we both laughed and commented how crazy this lady must be.

More to come I'm sure...

Some high heels on this thing and she's important!

2007-01-09T22:03:00.000-06:00

Well, it's official 2007 has started off with me saying-ONCE AGAIN- "dammit, I hate retail!!" You want to know why? No? Well who cares I'm talking-it's my blog.

I don't hate retail for the obvious reasons: the shitty hours, the standing on my feet for 40+ hours a week, the have to find time to take a piss in a the 32 seconds when someone helpless doesn't need something, the going into work when there' s a crazy-ass (one of my favorite descriptive phases) snowstorm-and the roads are buried- and anyone sane is still at home all snuggled in bed WAITING for the snow plows to do their work. It' s not because of any of those things-in fact that's why I like it, always a challenge.

It IS because one stupid douche bag customer who THINKS she's more important than everyone else ruins 'it' (my day and my happy existance) in a split second. I'll elaborate because I know I got ya now...

Sunday, I'm working... like I do every other Sunday...doing my thing, making sure shit is going smoothly. I'm thinking fairly happy thoughts. It was my sister's birthday and I knew I'd call her when I got home from work and wish her a happy birthday and find out if she opened the gift I sent. Also, Scott and I always spend Sunday nights together at home---a nice dinner, some wine, a little conversation (I just thought of Elvis for some reason) ANYWAY---just how it should be. It's just about noon 'o clock (remember it's MY blog) and I'm assisting one of my employees when I hear a woman loudly correcting him. NaturallyI step closer to see what the problem was.

"YOU people never do anything right here, I'M TIRED OF IT! Everytime I come in here YOU people mess my order up. What is wrong with you?!? Don't you know it has..."

She proceeds to verbally assult (is the term I'm using for it) one of my employees for making her order 'wrong". I step in to investigate and find that he's doing everything to standard and she's just wrong in either what she ordered or how she thinks something should be made. Our policy is to make our customers happy so I start to TRY to do that and she starts yelling at me!

"Who are YOU? The manager? Well, LET. ME. TELL. YOU. SOMETHING...I'm not trying to be SNOTTY but you need to train these people-they aren't even competent in their jobs!"

Ok, so by this point she's pissing me off...but my training tells me....be nice, all she wants is someone to vent to. When she gets what she's mad about off her chest I can see how I can make this better for her and everything will be all happy again. Sometimes I am SO wrong.

I wait for her to finish, I try to get a word in by asking her how I can make this situation better for her---she wants nothing from me and just continues to point her finger at me and tell me how horrible this store is. She then begins to walk away and stares into my eyes and says,

"I guarantee you, I will be talking to YOU tomorrow." (Douche bag storms out.)

What the fuck crazy lady?...talk to me now!! So I'm worked up, my employee who was yelled at is upset, a group of customers is standing by with their mouths wide open in disbelief, and my saga continues.

Any time someone is that nasty we have to call it in to or customer service center in Seattle and give them word-for-word account of what hapened, how we tried to help, why we couldn't resolve the issue, and if the customer needs further assistance. I give a detailed account of what happened to the gal on the phone and we conclude. Meanwhile I went back to my daily operations and make sure my employees all know they handled it the best they could and sometimes we just can't make someone happy. End of story, right?

OH, no! So Monday I emailed my boss and told him about the situation. He reiderated how important it was to go back to the employees involved and make sure they know I support them...I did and I thought it was over.

TODAY (Tuesday) at 8am I walk in and it turns out this lady is now at one of our locations across town raising hell-and luckily the one she's harassing there was at my store Sunday afternoon and heard all about Miss Crazy Douche. So he asks what he should do and I told him give her the 1-800 customer service line and tell her you're sorry we were unable to help her. He did and that's the last I hear of it and I leave for my 9am meeting about 25 mintues away. My meeting ended at 1pm and I had a voicemail from one of my shift leads...she's very upset and obviously shaken. Upon returning the call I find out that the woman (lets call her "douchey") called today to talk to me and when my shift lead told her I was unavailable, "douchey" demanded that she give my phone and my boss' phone number to her. Of course (thank you B.B.) she did not give our numbers out which made the woman very angry so she lets the threats fly:

"I will have YOUR job and your MANAGER's job by the end of the week. I recorded this whole conversation and the conversation on Sunday and I don't appreciate being called a FUCKING BITCH!"

Oh yeah...she did...."douchey"actually is now accusing me of calling her a fucking bitch! Now, I know she IS one and most of my employees know she is and I'm quite sure her family, her coworkers, her mailman, her hair dresser, her lip waxer, her shrink, her pastor, her grade school teachers and basically anyone ever in contact with her--I'm sure they all know she's a f-ing bitch but I've been in retail and dealing with the public a long time and I've NEVER called anyone ANYTHING like that!

I'm not real worried about it because-well, she's a liar- and I tried to help her but she wasn't interested.

I called this evening to get an update on the case and they informed me that she has called the customer service line twice today to tell them how horrible I was and how I called her the f-bomb. All I can say is WHATEVER DOUCHEY..bring it on!

And this is why I just may hate retail till next year again. Who knows-it's only January. :)

Take a poll...humor me...!

2007-01-04T17:16:00.000-06:00

Get Your Poll Widget

Who Killed the Electric Car trailer

2007-01-04T17:08:00.001-06:00

I think this is an interesting short on a topic we're sure to hear more of when we go boot dumba..er Bush out of office.

My Blog Birth and 100 Things...

2007-01-04T12:13:00.000-06:00

Here I am! Welcome to my first blog entry! Read the following to learn a little bit about me! Make coments if you like and enjoy! More to come! -Andrew *Bored? ((Over 100 questions))*
[x] Part 1 -- The Basics [x]
What's your name? :::	Andrew
Birthplace :::	Edmonds, WA
Age :::	29...for another 109 days AND nights.
Age you act :::	Sometimes 12...sometimes 62...always legal.
Current location :::	Family room, My house, Marion, IA
Eye color :::	Brown
Hair color :::	Brown
Right, lefty or ambidextrous? :::	Righty
Zodiac sign? :::	Taurus
Height? :::	5'11''
[x] Part 2 -- Describe... [x]
Your heritage/nationality :::	Nova Scotian/S. American/Mutt
Your hair :::	Has a few greys
Your fears :::	Sleeping in a car moving too fast.
Your perfect room :::	Bedroom with candles, a book, & Scott
What you practically do in a day :::	What? If it takes MORE than a day I'm worried.
[x] Part 3 -- What is/are... [x]
Words you overuse :::	Crazy! or Retarded!
Phrases you overuse :::	Suprised you didn't know that!
Your first thought when you wake up :::	Coffee...Food!
Your greatest accomplishment :::	Being so incredibly smart. :)
Something you want to do :::	Have a big new house and a maid.
[x] Part 4 -- This or that [x]
Pepsi or Coke :::	Dt. Pepsi by itself/Dt. Coke in my cocktails
McDonald's or Burger Kings :::	Mickey D's
Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera :::	Both at the same time. Kidding..gross!
Chocolate or vanilla :::	DOUBLE chocolate
Adidas or Nike :::	Skechers (my feet are wide)
Black or white :::	Black
Bills or Coins ((Think $$$)) :::	Bills-but I save coins.
Burgers or hot dogs :::	Brats
Egypt or France :::	France, I did take 5 years of French.
Rock or rap :::	Rock or Hip Hop
[x] Part 5 -- Do you...[x]
Smoke :::	Not anymore
Cuss :::	Often, especially in the car
Sing well :::	Yes, and my car has awesome acoustics.
Sing in the shower :::	No, but only because there's no radio in there
Talk to yourself --a lot-- :::	No, the dog is always around---can pretend I'm talking to him.
Believe in yourself :::	Usually
Like taking these longass surveys? :::	Yes, but it's harder than I thought
Play an instrument :::	Think clean thoughts... No
Want to go to college? :::	Already did...but need to finish
Want to get married? :::	Only if it's legalized and then I'll think about it. It's overrated in my opinion except for the tax breaks.
Want to have children? :::	No
Think you're a health freak? :::	No, but I drink a lot of water
Get along with your parents :::	Of course
Get along with your siblings? :::	Very well now! When I was 8 not so much.
Think you're popular :::	Everyone likes me! :)
[x] Part 6 -- In the past month have you..[x]
Gone out of state :::	Yes, to Seattle and Chicago
Drank alchohal :::	Of course
Smoke :::	Nope
Get high :::	Nope
Done any drugs :::	Nope
Eaten an entire box of oreos :::	Never have
Been on stage :::	Nope
Gone skinny dipping :::	Nope
Been dumped :::	Nope
Dyed your hair :::	Nope
Stolen anything :::	Nope
[x] Part 7 -- Your friends! =D [x]
Craziest :::	Sue
Loudest :::	Sue
Most shy :::	Patty
Blondest :::	Sue
Smartest :::	Scott
Kindest :::	Scott
Best personality :::	These are hard...
Most talented :::	Hmmm...
Best singer :::	They are all tone deaf
Most ghetto :::	Oprah..only she don't know we friends. Word.
Drama Queen ((or King XP)) :::	Sue/Kyle/Matt
Pain in the ass :::	All of them sometimes
The one you just want to strangle to death ((Homer Simpson style)):::	I plead the fifth
Funniest :::	Matt
Best person for advice :::	I don't ask advice
Dependable :::	Sue
Trustworthy :::	Patty
Druggie :::	Are the cops reading this?
Most likely to end up in jail :::	Who cares..I'll still visit them.
Person you've known the longest :::	Ryan
[x] Part 8 -- The Last... [x]
Last dream :::	No idea...
Last nightmare :::	No idea...
Car ride :::	To work and back
Last time you cried :::	Probably watching Oprah
Last movie seen :::	The Queen
Last movie rented :::	Six Feet Under
Last book read :::	Reading it still... Possible Side Effects
Last word said :::	I have no idea.
Last curse word said :::	Fuck
Last time you laugh :::	Just now
Last phone call :::	Scott
Last CD played :::	John Legend
Last song you listened to :::	How the fuck are you supposed to remember all this shit!
Last annoyance :::	This survey
Last IM :::	Scott yesterday
Last weird encounter :::	No idea
Last person you hugged :::	Scott
Last person you yelled at :::	Scott
Last time you wore a skirt :::	Never
Last time you've been evil :::	Everyday :)
Sarcastic? :::	Incredibly
Last time you fought with your parents :::	Years
Last time you wished upon a star :::	Never
Played Truth or Dare :::	Yes, when I was like 10
Spent quality time alone :::	Try to....then the phone rings
[x] Part 9 -- I swear this is the last one! -- Randomness [x]
Are you talking to someone on AIM :::	No
Do you feel lonely :::	No
Ever TP'd someone's house :::	Yes, many times
How about egging someone's house :::	Of course
Do you not like dislike not like me? :::	WTF?!?!
Ain't Eminem and 50 Cent just fine? :::	Eminem is better
Yo Momma :::	What about her?
Ever been so hungry you felt like you could eat the person next to you? :::	No, but a horse maybe
What do you think of George Bush? :::	Lame as Mutha F*ker screwing the world up one dying soldier at a time.
Any secret fetishes? :::	Of course!
Do you like to wear chains? O_o :::	I don't believe so...but I do like the smell of leather
How many languages do you speak? :::	One and a half
Damn.. are your fingers tired? Cause mine sure are! :::	Nah
Glad this is over? ((Say yes and I'll stalk you =P)) :::	Yes Sir!