Gearing up

I'm sitting in the mall as I type this. There are shoppers lounging on chairs and walking around with giant Disney Store and KB Toys bags. The holiday decorations are up and twinkling. Sounds like your typical afternoon at the mall right?

Wrong.

Because it's 2 am.

I haven't slept yet, and I'm just getting started on what's going to be literal hell for me. 16 hours of work. 19 hours in the mall. And people are ALREADY HERE.

I'm putting in my 2 weeks at ON today though. AND I'm going to ask my manager to shorten my shift. Suck it, retail.

I don't even know if this is making sense, because I'm just now getting tired. I tried to sleep earlier but I was wide awake and no sleep came. I bought some of those 5 hour energy shot things though, so we'll see if they're any good and if they do any good. I heard they taste absolutely disgusting though, so I'm a little timid.

This is bad. I'm starting to feel like I'm going to doze off at any moment. This is usually when I go to bed. Not when I get up to go to work. Suicide is looking like my best option.

Friday rant

This Friday morning I will be waking up bright and early at 2:30 AM (well, I probably won't go to sleep the night before) to arrive at the mall at 3 AM to grab some coffee before starting work at 3:30 AM. Then I'll be working a 9 hour shift, have a couple hours of downtime (read: naptime) and then I'll be heading in to my other job from 3:30 in the afternoon until 10:30 at night.

I want to kill myself.

I think it is perfectly reasonable to expect people to wait until at least dawn to get to their holiday shopping. I do not think that people need to be waiting in line to get into a store at midnight. That's completely ridiculous. Also, I for one am not looking forward to a 16 hour workday.

Not to mention that I'm scheduled to do sales floor stuff (register, recovery, etc) at ON. That would be fine except my training for sales floor was approx. 6 weeks ago and lasted for about an hour. I don't remember how to work the register. I don't remember the color flow. But they're going to expect me to jump right into it with lines headed to hell in a handbasket.

Then after I'm done figuring out how to do my job on my own because I was never really trained for 9 hours, I get to jump right into a job that I know backwards and forwards for 7 hours. Which wouldn't be so bad if I hadn't just worked 9 hours. I'm really hoping that nobody expects me to be the most friendly barista in the world by then, because I'm expecting to be dead on my feet by the time 3:30 rolls around. Hell, I'm going to be surprised if I don't flat out fall asleep on my feet halfway through my second shift.

I understand that people sometimes work 12 hour workdays, and that's what they're expected to do. It sucks, but it can't be THAT bad, they say. Oh no? In my limited experience the 12 hour shifts are for factory workers. Factory workers that don't have to be SUPER HAPPY AND EXCITED TO BE SERVING YOU COFFEE!!!!! Because that's how I'm expected to behave, for those 16 hours. (Replacing clothing items for coffee for the first nine hours).

Suicide looks like my best option right now.

Guidelines

Just another friendly reminder from your neighborhood barista!

Keeping in mind that things will get hectic during the bustling holiday season, here are a few additional guidelines to keep handy:

1. Keep in mind that when you get into a line 20 people deep its going to take a while for you to get your drink(s). Also, keep in mind that 20 people does not equate 20 drinks. Some customers may order upwards of 7-10 beverages, plus pastries. Don't tell me I'd better stop taking orders until you get your drink. If I were to do that, I'd have a mob on my hands, and frankly, I'd direct them at you.

2. To keep lines moving, also keep in mind that you will have to pay for your drink. Refrain from ordering and then giving me a blank stare, before frantically searching in your gigantic purse for exact change. On a related note, do not hand (or throw at) me a wad of uncounted, greasy, damp bills. For starters, that's unsanitary and frankly disgusting, and second, it forces me to count out your money for you.

2b. I understand money is tight this season. Trust me, I'm feeling it too. But please for the love of the stars, do not just hand me a baggie of loose change to pay for your $8 order. Its one thing if you count it yourself and hand it to me in dollar increments. It's an entirely different matter if you simply plunk it down on the counter and tell me you don't really know how much is there. Congratulations, you've just pissed off a line of at least 20 people, and trust me, that mob is directed entirely at you.

3. This is an important one, I cannot stress this enough. Our tip jar, while debated on several occasions, is not a take-a-penny jar. It has bills in it. No, you cannot just "take some change". No, you cannot make change with it. That's not just my money in there, but the entire staff's money. As mentioned before, these are some tough times. That extra $20 a week pays for gas to get to work, and it isn't just me you're offending. There's about 20 of us so...yep. Another 20 person mob directed entirely at you. Please, keep your paws off.

4. As it is our busiest time of the year, we have quite a few drinks to make. The one I happen to be making at any given moment may or may not be yours. So please refrain from leaning into my space and shouting directions at me. First, I know what I'm doing, and second, you look stupid because I'm making a drink that doesn't remotely resemble what you ordered. No whip on that iced drink? Don't worry, I'm making someone else's hot chocolate right now. Chillax.

5. Unfortunately we cannot do anything about the endless long lines. They're actually very good for buisness, so we really don't want to stop people from lining up for some delicious coffee goodness. I apologize, but no, you cannot sneak around and order from behind us. And no, you cannot come to the side entrance and order from there. I don't care if you're Madonna, you have to stand in line just like everybody else.

5b. Reminder #5 also applies to those that just want a cup of water. You'll get it in due time, and since you haven't actually purchased anything, I'm not going to break into a sweat running to get you something to drink. The exception to this would be if you were feinting or possibly dying. Otherwise, sorry to break it to you, but you have to wait in line like everyone else. This also applies to picking up your water. It will get to you in the order you stood in line. Also, please do not complain about the size cup it comes in. It's a free cup of water. You get what I give you. If you really need 24 oz of water that badly, we sell bottles of it in the refrigerated case. It even supports charity.

6. Being a special time of year, we'll be stocking special merchandise for your shopping delights. We've taken great care to arrange them to be absolutely appealing in every way. I'm sorry that you disagree with our marketing techniques, but please do not rearrange everything as you see fit. The same still applies to the refrigerated case. Do not rearrange that either.

7. I understand that this is the time of year to spend with family and friends. Communication is key in arranging events and get-togethers and well, just plain catching up. But please, refrain from using your cell phone at the same time you're trying to order. If you get to the register, you're expected to place your order and move along to the pick-up line. If you hold your finger and indicate that I should wait, holding your place as head of the line, while you gab on about some personal buisness that frankly, I don't want to hear, I will skip you. You are clearly not ready to order your beverage, and I will move along to the next person that IS ready to order and move along to the next line. No hard feelings, it's just that there's a mob of 20 people behind you giving me death glares. I prefer to keep all my limbs intact, thank you.

Also, using your cell phone while ordering and carrying on that oh-so-important conversation about what the dog ate and pooped out, the risk of you ordering the wrong drink skyrockets to an unbelievable 99.9%. I have no idea what you meant by "that chocolate drink". Hot cocoa? Perhaps a mocha latte? Iced mocha? Mocha frappe? One of our delicious chocolatey holiday beverages? You didn't specify, so I'm going to have to take a stab in the dark. And, new rule, if you don't specify size, I'm going to automatically assume you want the large. You seem like you're on top of the world, you deserve a large. Yeah, its gonna cost you around five bucks. Oh well, you should have told me you wanted a small. I'll fix it, but now you're paying attention, which was really my only goal here.

8. In the interest of time and subdueing that mob behind you, please know what you would like, how many, what size, what flavor, and give me your pastry order. In your pastry order, please have an idea of what you would like, and how many of each item. It's a pain for both of us and the 20 people behind you, if you order 5 drinks and 5 pastries and I have to repeat "What flavor, what size, how many, what kind of pastry, how many" for EVERY ITEM. Please, just don't. I implore you.

These are just some rough guidlines to keep at the forefront of your mind this holiday season. If followed, I can guarantee you'll have the best holiday shopping coffee experiance all day.

Thank you.

Macbookage

I was just browsing around and I saw a sidebar ad for the new MacBook. It features an aluminum case and black outline around the screen, as well as a black keyboard.

I just want to say that I'm sooo glad that I got my Mac before this...thing was the only one you could buy. Not to mention it's super ugly, it also comes with a higher price.

Thank the Ebay gods I found mine for $600 used.

Because yes, part of my requirements in a computer is that it look good. I have to be able to WANT to use it. This new ugly thing...ew. I'd rather own a much cheaper PC and deal with Windows than use that ugly Mac.

I love my old, all white MacBook. Just sayin'.

Done

I'm just making a quick rant about job #2 before I head off to job #1.

I called in sick yesterday and today, because...well because I'm sick. Yesterday I called but nobody answered, because apparently nobody was there until 8. So technically it was a no-call no-show. Whatever. So one of the managers calls me today and tells me that because I called in sick, I need a doctor's note. No. I'm not going to the doctor for a cold. First off, I can't afford it until at least Friday, and second, what is the doctor going to tell me? "You have a cold." Seriously.

So I called in the only two days I'm scheduled this week. That makes a total of 6 hours per week, maximum. Now, I was told before I even applied for the job that I'd probably get 15-20 hours a week, which was fine. But 3-6? Not worth my time, and not worth the stress on my body that getting up at 6 am once a week does.

Then I was told that the head honcho manager does the schedules now, and unless I "prove" myself, I won't be getting any more hours. So I'm vying for attention among 8 other new hires for a measly 6 hours a week? No.

On top of that, I've had so many run-ins with people that are either A) rude or B) have absolutely no idea how to do their jobs correctly, that I'm pretty much just done. I'm handing my 2 weeks in either today or tomorrow. I'll be nice and not leave them high and dry for Black Friday, but after that, no more.

I've dealt with bad management, bad pay for the work I have to do, and rude co-workers enough in high school. I quit that job for a damn good reason. I'm not putting up with it again, especially since I have another job, a job that pays better, and treats me like an actual human being. I love that job.

Speaking of which, I'm now headed off to that job.

Have a good night everyone.

Guilty

Ok, I know I haven't posted anything in a long time. I guess its just that time of year when I find myself doing eighty things at once. Its surprising I haven't given myself an ulcer yet.

I'm a Shift Supervisor at work now, which is nice but its a lot more stressful. Especially with Black Friday looming over the horizon. Not only that, but my training was one long cram session, and I'm not sure I absorbed everything. But, C'est la vie.

I haven't started any of my holiday shopping, but I plan to get most of it done online. I'm just broker than broke right now. In fact, we've gotten our first "CALL ME NOW" note from our landlord tonight. Fantastic.

I highly regret going to Iowa. All it did was throw a huge wrench into my life and my happiness. I'll be paying for that short jaunt for at least another three years. Literally. My credit card is just about maxed out because I didn't get paid for two and a half months. (Thanks Iowa).

Sorry. I'm trying to be a less negative person. It isn't working.

At least things with The Boy are coming along just splendidly. Seriously. Its wonderful. I'm trying really hard to stop coming on here to vent my frustrations with him. I know I need to throw some positives in there. I just have this mindset that negative things should be brought to light and resolved that way, whereas positive things are quietly acknowledged.

Also, I'm really aware that I made this huge deal about this not being a personal blog and blah blah blah but really I don't have much else to write about. And blogging helps me to clear my head most of the time. Oh well. It is what it is.

I don't know if I'm going to finish NaNoWriMo. I'm severely behind, on account of non-stop work and life obligations. I did start something though. Something really good. Probably the best I've ever done so far. I really want to see this one through to the end. But, I'll have to find time to write it. I've been trying to write things that are modern and trendy lately, but they're just no good. I guess I just have to stick with what I'm good at: horror, romance, and gothic fiction. Fantastic.

History

Forget that last blog. Just forget it.

We're witnessing history here.

Our first president was elected by only white men. Our next president has been elected by men and women of all colors and creeds. We have truly made progress as a Nation, as a people.

This has been my first election. The first time I've voted. The first time we've elected an African-American president.

I feel tremendous. I feel part of something bigger than I am. And I am proud, for once, of my country and my fellow countrymen.

I wish everyone peace and happiness. I am so full of pride, I'm going to cry.

Candidate

I'm watching the numbers roll in. So far, Obama looks like he'll come out on top. Here's hoping.

Anyways, something that I've been hearing about, from voters, is "how will this effect ME?".

I think that's the wrong way to think. I think when a new leader is elected, the voters should think, "How will this effect US".

I think that we need to get rid of this me me me attitude and look out for each other. Seriously.

Duty

Please, please, please vote.

And don't bitch if you don't vote. You had your chance.

I haven't blogged in forever. Shoot me. Well, since its 1 AM and I have to be up at 6 for work, and I'm wide awake, I'll update everybody.

...Except that nothing exciting has happened recently.

I'm doing NaNoWriMo, which is short for National Novel Writing Month, which lasts through November. So far I haven't really written anything, and I've changed the story entirely three separate times. So much for serious writing.

I'm also doing a Twilight the Movie craft swap, which I'm really excited for, because Gods know how fond I am of THAT book series. Actually, I managed to coerce The Boy into taking me to the premier. I have yet to convince him to go to a midnight showing with me, but he's consented to take me at least the day after it releases. And Best Friend wants to go in a small group, so I'll end up seeing it twice. I'm tres excited.

Lets see...what else?

Oh, I'm thinking of adopting a cat. That's going to be a ways off into the future, because The Boy wants to adopt a kitten, so that we can have more...sway...in its behavior. I still don't think there's a problem with adopting a full grown cat, but I see his point. And not only that, we still live in a technically no pets apartment building (except I know people have pets; one apartment has a cat and another has a dog, we have gerbils, and we think Bike Guy has a snake). The other benefit to having a kitten would be training it to leave the gerbils be. Though, they're all in tanks and on shelves so I can't imagine how a cat would get at them. But like I said, we're still planning.

I would also like to add that tomorrow is going to be the worst day ever. I have to work at ON from 7-10 am, then I have to wait around the mall for 3.5 hours until my shift at the bux. Seriously, I only have 6 hours this week at ON. If this is going to be a consistent thing, then I'm not sure I'm going to keep the job. I mean, I would make the same amount of money in tips every week. Not only that, but if I cut out ON that means I have more time for the bux. Which is helpful.

And sadly, I had my nose stud replaced with a clear flexible plastic stud. I had to lie and say that I had the piercing for 3 weeks longer than how long I've really had it. And accordingly, they had trouble getting the stud in my nose. Apparently though, the guy that orders the jewelry keeps ordering the flexi-plastic instead of the hard plastic, which creates difficulties. So the guy came over and more or less re pierced my nose with the plastic stud. So now it aches, but at least its a smaller stud and won't poke my septum anymore. That was very very irritating. And this way I don't have to stick a stupid band-aid over my nose every day.

Ugh. I'm not even close to sleepy or tired in any way. Thank goodness I planned ahead and laid everything out for myself. My only fear now is that I won't hear my alarm and sleep til noon (which is entirely possible). Then again, hate to say it, but I really don't care enough about that job to be worried. I'm already doubting the value of the job to begin with, and I don't really think I'll be staying on after the holidays anyways. I'm looking at this as a seasonal thing, and I guess I'm just going to have to play it by ear. I'll be making way more at the bux, especially if I (FINALLY) start shift training and get more hours. Which was the only reason I got the second job to begin with. Ugh.

I'm going to stop ranting now and try try try to fall asleep.