Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thanksgiving
We had a lovely Thanksgiving. Marko and I both worked on Wednesday so mom took Jayna, Mark and Joe and they stayed at Zac's. While Dad took Tony and Karlee and stayed at Nana and Poppy's. I was told they got in about 6pm. We on the other hand did not arrive until 11:30pm. Thanksgiving morning we got to re-meet the new generation of cousins. Averi Isabelle and Lauren Gail were only 8 months old the last time we saw each other. They are now like Jayna, 3.5 years old and the cutest smartest lil identical twins ever! We had a blast playing our day away. Mom, Jayna and the gang arrived about 11:30am. Lunch was delicious and our gathering barely left any leftovers!! We enjoyed veggie soup for supper that night. As well we made Black Friday plans. Jake, the twins dad wanted a 50" big screen tv so Marko and I agreed to go save one for them! Marko and Jake talked the night away about their buisnesses and their future career dreams. Marko and I finally got Jayna to sleep about 1am!! We had to be up by 2... but I slept until 2:08 so we were a little later than planned, but we got to WalMart about 2:30am! There was a guy and gal already there awaiting their big screen. They had 4. Marko and I had agreed the night before that if we could only get one it would be for Jake, Vicki and the girls but if we could get two I would allow him to use my vacation check to buy his dream: a big screen! By 3am the final bigscreen had been claimed. Tehn the couple we were with earlier plotted that one of us should be on each side so Liz and I waited on one side while Marko and Brandon were on the other. It was obvious come 3:30 it was getting busy, the crowd was growing and it was time for reinforcements! So at 3:45am I called Jake. Jake and Izzy went to pick up Manda and they all got to Walmart a little after 4am. We again plotted. Jake would grab his tv as he's nice n big n strong, Marko would grab his, I would grab a 40" tv for Izzy, Izzy would get the Barbie jeep for the girls, Amanda would get the computer then Izzy would go for some cameras. It worked like a dream! We all got exactly what we wanted. While we waited for Izzy to get her stuff in electronics with Amanda Jake and Marko waited with our already 3 carts of stuff up front. I ran to get some small things: robe and pj set for Jayna, nerf gun set for my nephews and tony, a vacuum, and a Hannah Montana barbie and clogs for Jayna! Everyone left with what they wanted minus a dvd or two that had been on the list. We were done loaded by 6am! Izzy treated us to breakfast at Shoney's all you can eat Buffet! By 7am we were back home and back into bed. Jayna allowed me to sleep until 9:30 and then we were up and playing for the day. I let Marko sleep in exchange that I could sleep on the way home while he would drive!
MY BIG ACCOMPLISHMENT: I convinced Uncle King to do the MS 150 ride with Dad and I next September!!
We left Friday afternoon. Once we were home Marko immediately unpacked his tv! Then we headed to Walmart for a stand for it. A bit pricey but we got a nice one and I got Tony a pj and robe set.
It was a great Holiday!! Not to mention in 6 years together this was our first big splurge. Sure we bought a house and a van together (ok so we are still paying on it!) but the tv wasn't needed plus we paid it all in cash!! No credit debt for our splurge!!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Born an Angel, Ma'Khi Antonio
One of my fellow managers gave birth to an angel, Ma'Khi Antonio Hayes at 33 weeks. He was born still, yet amazingly perfect and beautiful. Please keep Jasmine and the baby's dad Maurice in your thoughts and prayers, as well as Jas's mom Jill (she is a fellow BK RGM). It's a heartbreaking story and no real answers, just a million questions.
A Letter to Mommy
Dear Mommy,
Before we said our first hello,
the time had already passed.
For when you held me in your arms,
I had gone to heaven to rest.
I felt angelic tears down my cheeks,
and I watched you as you weeped.
I wish I could of changed it all,
Your tears touched my soul so deep.
But mommy when you are sad,
Please be assured I know.
For death cannot take away your love,
it will only continue to grow.
Time and distance cannot erase,
a love and a bond so deep.
There is no bond that can compare,
and in your heart I'll keep.
When you are feeling far away,
and missing me so much.
Close your eyes and feel my wings,
their soft and gentle touch.
Or at night as you sleep,
I will join you in a dream.
You will see me standing close to you,
and we'll be lost within my wings.
So my dear Mommy,
as you go from day to day.
Find comfort in the knowledge,
I am never that far away.
Angel Whispers
Lori
In God's hand he rests, born stil 11/21/08
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Kaden Michael
Kaden was born on September 24th. You may remember me posting about this and asking you to pray for this sweet angel baby. He was born with a hole in his diaphram allowing his organs to go into his chest cavity and even prevented his one lung from developing. After a long hard battle, Kaden was called home to Jesus at seven weeks old. His whole life was a miracle and answered so many prayers even showing us the power of our God. Although I know it is God's will Kaden died on 11/16/08.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Happy Halloween
Prior to Halloween, the kids had their "Noah's Ark Parade" at school where each child dresses up like either Mr. or Mrs. Noah or an animal. Since Tony's symbol for his name at school is a tiger he wanted to be a tiger... after he got over the fact Darth Vadar is NOT an animal! So what better tiger for a kid named Tony than Kellogg's Tony the Tiger! and to follow through with the theme, Jayna was a chicken (yes I KNOW same as last year) but she had to be Corny from Corn Flakes- lol! Enjoy their pics as Corny and Tony and the "parade" Then we have some of them jumping in leaves... literally... the trampoline is covered with a huge leaf pile and they love it!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Slightly Amusing
So last Tuesday I was sick yet was training a new- very annoying- guy. He was driving me crazy not staying in position and wondering off. His gf came to visit in the middle of lunch- UGH! So the truck comes and he begs to learn truck so he knows where everything goes... I just want him out my face so I allow him to do truck with one of my most honorable employees. I quickly notice he is being a lazy slug. So I take my good employee aside and see if what I see is the whole story- it was! So I go outside and truck driver is like whats wrong with you today and I start whining about lazy employees, employees who do no work and have social hour with their girlfriends etc. The new kid gets mad and says he needs to talk to me in the office. So when I feel like it (not right then) we talk in office and he says I don't need to call him out like that. I said you don't need to be lazy and have your girlfriend here. He gets mad. I told him his girlfriend needs to go. He gets madder saying she is his ride. I say fine go now. He gets all up in my face and continue to stand my ground. He makes a scene after throwing his hat at me.
Friday is his next scheduled day and I had already decided to let him go. I only furthermore KNEW it was the right choice after Bran called me Thurs night after he picked up his check saying he was bragging about telling me off and putting me in my place.
So Friday I come to work early just to let him go. He catches me in the parking lot tries to apoloogize. I said that's nice but you are lying I know how you felt last night when you were in my store running your mouth, so why now are you sorry. I tell him it isn't going to work out. He's pissed. Asks if I want the uniform, I do! He gives me it and as he pulls off he tries to hit me with his car. My girl on backcash saw the incounter and comes running up front to see if I am ok, I AM.
Of course I tell hubs and everyone about psycho kid! But at 12:30 1 hour after this incident he calls to see "is there any way I can have my job back" HUH!? no way!
well last wed hubs was at my store fixing a register and ironically he came to try to con my ast mgr to allow him to have his job back- NOT HAPPENING! But Marko catches wind of what is happening. He waits for the boy outside- NEVER touches him but sets him straight and trust me it takes Marko some REAL self control not to touch him.
So Friday he found it fun to call and harrass me while my dm is there so I tell dm the story and not only am I in NO trouble we have banned him from ALL BK properties owned by John!!!!
Then as my luck is guess who I ran into at the mall Saturday?
Friday is his next scheduled day and I had already decided to let him go. I only furthermore KNEW it was the right choice after Bran called me Thurs night after he picked up his check saying he was bragging about telling me off and putting me in my place.
So Friday I come to work early just to let him go. He catches me in the parking lot tries to apoloogize. I said that's nice but you are lying I know how you felt last night when you were in my store running your mouth, so why now are you sorry. I tell him it isn't going to work out. He's pissed. Asks if I want the uniform, I do! He gives me it and as he pulls off he tries to hit me with his car. My girl on backcash saw the incounter and comes running up front to see if I am ok, I AM.
Of course I tell hubs and everyone about psycho kid! But at 12:30 1 hour after this incident he calls to see "is there any way I can have my job back" HUH!? no way!
well last wed hubs was at my store fixing a register and ironically he came to try to con my ast mgr to allow him to have his job back- NOT HAPPENING! But Marko catches wind of what is happening. He waits for the boy outside- NEVER touches him but sets him straight and trust me it takes Marko some REAL self control not to touch him.
So Friday he found it fun to call and harrass me while my dm is there so I tell dm the story and not only am I in NO trouble we have banned him from ALL BK properties owned by John!!!!
Then as my luck is guess who I ran into at the mall Saturday?
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Halloween Sucked!
So Halloween sucked! But I guess I should count my blessings as this is the first Halloween I have missed with my kids. The store was slammed and everyone decided to call out. Tracy who is like my BK godess called frenzy and panicked asking if she could rehire a guy we fired 2 mos previous as we had no help so I hurried off to work. As 4pm approached we had a call in 1 minute prior so I let that employee go. I was ticked. It was busy. I worked allllll night. We don't close til 2pm and yet I had to be back at work at 5am so I slept on the office floor. An opener called in at 4am. I was doped up on energy drinks and even ended up with an alergy eaction to this 5 hour stuff. I survived- barely. I think Jasmine was unhappy with my work ethics but you barely get sleep at a manager's conference come home to work non stop I was just rather useless. I took a nap on my parents front porch swing. Then Hubs, the kids and I met up with our friends at Applebees to celebrate Patrick's 32nd birthday. The kids got chicken kids meals and hubs got a chicken basket I had nothing as I felt nauseated from the lack of sleep. Nealy everyone's orders were messed up. I was amused. Marko kept our kids all entertained by playing Hannah Montana tv show on his cell phone. It was nice to get together but really I just wanted sleep so I am sure I was a bore.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Manager's Conference 2008 Hershey, PA
Manager’s Conference- Day 1
Sunday I had a massive migraine so mom kept the kids and I went home to slowly pack… very very slowly! Monday I was up at 5am so I could leave by 6am to head to Roanoke. I was ALMOST on time I got to the airport at 7:30amish. I crammed several Mountain Dews into my bag and went into the airport. I saw our pilot John and told him good morning then went to the snack room to make a cup of tea. Shortly there after, the others showed up. We were to leave at 8:45am, but took off just before that. Guess What I got to do;
I GOT THE CO-PILOT SEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was awesome! I got tons of pictures and our pilot taught me several odds and ends, and I really appreciated that because although I will never be a pilot who can’t have a million thoughts in their mind with so much in front of their eyes. I learned we were going nearly 300 mph at some points. Like going down a hill whenever you go to a lower elevation you speed up. He taught me how to read the maps and all sorts of great things. We were as high as 2300 feet. As we were landing the rain started… or maybe we just got low enough to notice. Right prior to the landing strip is a large river/lake so good thing he knows what he is doing!
We got to the Hershey Lodge and I was one of two lucky ones who got a room, the others waited HOURS some not getting a room until 4pm! We got lunch, as usual I am too picky to enjoy the food here so just had cheese sticks. Then I was able to be completely bored for the next 4 hours… GUH!
The first session started at 4:30pm. The theme is Indiana Jones “The adventure continues”. I WON A HAT… yeah sure it’s a dollar souvenir but I WON IT and I beat Robert (BK’s living hero- grrr) for it. The program started with the best ever little play. It was like Indians having a pow wow cooking a Ronald McDonald clown in a big ole pot and a hungry jack head and a Wendy’s head on sticks in the background--- like a deer head is to us…. Hard to explain but that was great! Two of our stores are amongst the top 10 Guest Track Scores out of all the stores so it was nice for them to be recognized. I sat in between Peggy and John. Those who know me well know I am typically petrified of John but I am trying to over come my fear by February when we have to have our next one on one. He talked to me a lot through out the program, as though he gave a crap about me personally…. It was actually nice!
Super totally totally SUCKED. I had a small salad w/ ranch dressing and a hard cold roll. Every single other item had hamburger in it. It REALLY makes me mad how they automatically assume EVERYone likes hamburger. That’s why I was so appreciative to the MS society for making Veggie lasagna and thinking of all their participants.
Next was the OPS Challenges. They are always fun, although frustrating and annoying how we are always the cruddiest lowest scoring district.
Then everyone went to the bar, and so here I am… in my room. I feel so sad now. I don’t really PMS so I guess I get the “pleasure” while on instead of before(yup that’s right started this afternoon—can it get any worse?)… I am lonely, I am frustrated, I am bored, and this food so completely SUCKS! I hate being alone. And although I am not social I hate never fitting in too. It reminds me what an outsider I am and how I will never be like the others and will always have my own lil pace and my own lil thing and never enjoy the happy social life everyone else I know not only likes but almost feels the need for. I do long for that fulfillment a social life could give, but I HAVE ALREADY COME TO ACCEPT THAT IT IS NOT FOR ME.
Day 2 started early at about 5:40am and I was at breakfast at 7am. Then we had classes all morning, a crappy lunch, more classes and more speeches that ran WAAAAAY over into our freetime! We got ready for the formal and had a crappy supper but had an outstanding speaker!....
Our main session was "Don't Fire the Guest" teaching us how to handle complaints with water not gas. It was a nice refresher and eye opener. Then we had Rapid Fire: 3 15 minute sessions. The first was on employee loyalty. It was ok, but being I have the company's lowest turnover it should have been better for me but to me it was almost like... how to get walked over by your crew. Then we had a session on burgularies in which again I am not sure I fully agree with... If your ast manager and crew were up front and a robber came in would you the store manager hide/stay where you are in hopes of not being seen or would you make your self known? I would HIDE --- it was staying hidden we were in the office and the robber didnt know... but they said as the RGM it was my responsibility to come forward and make myself known.... sorry Charlie you are on your own! The last session was on customer loyalty. Then we had a LONG BORING group session that ran over an hour. Parts were a tad interesting like the new products they are testing--- but most of which we will never see- and then they go over our sales our profits BKs in other countries and different scores and stuff too long too boring! I sat beside one of John's copartners... He co-owns with John some Northern VA stores. He too was bored out of his mind hahah! That left me an hour to eat (remember I don't like their food and the cocoa puffs for lunch had LONG wore off!) and dress for the formal. I had a quesadilla--- it was ok but not that great! I dressed and went. I looked decent for a change even if only briefly. They served us more gross food and then we had a GREAT speaker. I wish I could remember her last name... her first name was Kelly and she was hysterical! We were taught when we hear the phone ring don't roll our eyes and get annoyed simpling remember ring ring cha ching cha ching the person on that phone helps your paycheck!... amongst many other short yet valueable lessons. It was enjoyable!
Day 3
instead of going to class I went to the chocolate factory with my room mate! Most our group had already left on flight 1 or would miss class as their flight would leave in the middle of it so. After that I hung with my roomie until main session. It was the OPS IQ Challenge. The lady who won will go to Vegas and compete against the other winners at the other conferences. And that was the end. We were starving now so we ate at Friendly's. If you have one near you EAT THERE! It is DELICIOUS! Then we went to the outlets very briefly. SUPER neat! Then our plane ride home. My ears were killing me. Not sure why. It was so clear outside even 23000 feet up you could see it wasn't like every other trip where all you could see is clouds.
It sure was nice to be home though!
Sunday I had a massive migraine so mom kept the kids and I went home to slowly pack… very very slowly! Monday I was up at 5am so I could leave by 6am to head to Roanoke. I was ALMOST on time I got to the airport at 7:30amish. I crammed several Mountain Dews into my bag and went into the airport. I saw our pilot John and told him good morning then went to the snack room to make a cup of tea. Shortly there after, the others showed up. We were to leave at 8:45am, but took off just before that. Guess What I got to do;
I GOT THE CO-PILOT SEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was awesome! I got tons of pictures and our pilot taught me several odds and ends, and I really appreciated that because although I will never be a pilot who can’t have a million thoughts in their mind with so much in front of their eyes. I learned we were going nearly 300 mph at some points. Like going down a hill whenever you go to a lower elevation you speed up. He taught me how to read the maps and all sorts of great things. We were as high as 2300 feet. As we were landing the rain started… or maybe we just got low enough to notice. Right prior to the landing strip is a large river/lake so good thing he knows what he is doing!
We got to the Hershey Lodge and I was one of two lucky ones who got a room, the others waited HOURS some not getting a room until 4pm! We got lunch, as usual I am too picky to enjoy the food here so just had cheese sticks. Then I was able to be completely bored for the next 4 hours… GUH!
The first session started at 4:30pm. The theme is Indiana Jones “The adventure continues”. I WON A HAT… yeah sure it’s a dollar souvenir but I WON IT and I beat Robert (BK’s living hero- grrr) for it. The program started with the best ever little play. It was like Indians having a pow wow cooking a Ronald McDonald clown in a big ole pot and a hungry jack head and a Wendy’s head on sticks in the background--- like a deer head is to us…. Hard to explain but that was great! Two of our stores are amongst the top 10 Guest Track Scores out of all the stores so it was nice for them to be recognized. I sat in between Peggy and John. Those who know me well know I am typically petrified of John but I am trying to over come my fear by February when we have to have our next one on one. He talked to me a lot through out the program, as though he gave a crap about me personally…. It was actually nice!
Super totally totally SUCKED. I had a small salad w/ ranch dressing and a hard cold roll. Every single other item had hamburger in it. It REALLY makes me mad how they automatically assume EVERYone likes hamburger. That’s why I was so appreciative to the MS society for making Veggie lasagna and thinking of all their participants.
Next was the OPS Challenges. They are always fun, although frustrating and annoying how we are always the cruddiest lowest scoring district.
Then everyone went to the bar, and so here I am… in my room. I feel so sad now. I don’t really PMS so I guess I get the “pleasure” while on instead of before(yup that’s right started this afternoon—can it get any worse?)… I am lonely, I am frustrated, I am bored, and this food so completely SUCKS! I hate being alone. And although I am not social I hate never fitting in too. It reminds me what an outsider I am and how I will never be like the others and will always have my own lil pace and my own lil thing and never enjoy the happy social life everyone else I know not only likes but almost feels the need for. I do long for that fulfillment a social life could give, but I HAVE ALREADY COME TO ACCEPT THAT IT IS NOT FOR ME.
Day 2 started early at about 5:40am and I was at breakfast at 7am. Then we had classes all morning, a crappy lunch, more classes and more speeches that ran WAAAAAY over into our freetime! We got ready for the formal and had a crappy supper but had an outstanding speaker!....
Our main session was "Don't Fire the Guest" teaching us how to handle complaints with water not gas. It was a nice refresher and eye opener. Then we had Rapid Fire: 3 15 minute sessions. The first was on employee loyalty. It was ok, but being I have the company's lowest turnover it should have been better for me but to me it was almost like... how to get walked over by your crew. Then we had a session on burgularies in which again I am not sure I fully agree with... If your ast manager and crew were up front and a robber came in would you the store manager hide/stay where you are in hopes of not being seen or would you make your self known? I would HIDE --- it was staying hidden we were in the office and the robber didnt know... but they said as the RGM it was my responsibility to come forward and make myself known.... sorry Charlie you are on your own! The last session was on customer loyalty. Then we had a LONG BORING group session that ran over an hour. Parts were a tad interesting like the new products they are testing--- but most of which we will never see- and then they go over our sales our profits BKs in other countries and different scores and stuff too long too boring! I sat beside one of John's copartners... He co-owns with John some Northern VA stores. He too was bored out of his mind hahah! That left me an hour to eat (remember I don't like their food and the cocoa puffs for lunch had LONG wore off!) and dress for the formal. I had a quesadilla--- it was ok but not that great! I dressed and went. I looked decent for a change even if only briefly. They served us more gross food and then we had a GREAT speaker. I wish I could remember her last name... her first name was Kelly and she was hysterical! We were taught when we hear the phone ring don't roll our eyes and get annoyed simpling remember ring ring cha ching cha ching the person on that phone helps your paycheck!... amongst many other short yet valueable lessons. It was enjoyable!
Day 3
instead of going to class I went to the chocolate factory with my room mate! Most our group had already left on flight 1 or would miss class as their flight would leave in the middle of it so. After that I hung with my roomie until main session. It was the OPS IQ Challenge. The lady who won will go to Vegas and compete against the other winners at the other conferences. And that was the end. We were starving now so we ate at Friendly's. If you have one near you EAT THERE! It is DELICIOUS! Then we went to the outlets very briefly. SUPER neat! Then our plane ride home. My ears were killing me. Not sure why. It was so clear outside even 23000 feet up you could see it wasn't like every other trip where all you could see is clouds.
It sure was nice to be home though!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Boredom means: Time for a new hobby
So with DH being gone so much and boring nightsI have tried to learn some HAIR stuff... I know my lovely fans will not believe that I am getting into something so girly but with a Darling Daughter I figured I best at least make some attempt.... In fact I even for the first time since giving birth have had to buy Jayna 9or Anthony for that matter!) a whole season ward robe. I finally ran out of hand me downs and clearance deals through out the year. So Jayna and I have been practicing using make up and styling hair as well as modeling her new clothes!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Cute Poem!
'Twas the night before elections
And all through the town
Tempers were flaring
Emotions all up and down!
I, in my bathrobe
With a cat in my lap
Had cut off the TV
Tired of political crap.
When all of a sudden
There arose such a noise
I peered out of my window
Saw Obama and his boys
They had come for my wallet
They wanted my pay
To give to the others
Who had not worked a day!
He snatched up my money
And quick as a wink
Jumped back on his bandwagon
As I gagged from the stink
He then rallied his henchmen
Who were pulling his cart
I could tell they were out
To tear my country apart!
" On Fannie, on Freddie,
On Biden and Ayers!
On Acorn, On Pelosi"
He screamed at the pairs!
They took off for his cause
And as he flew out of sight
I heard him laugh at the nation
Who wouldn't stand up and fight!
So I leave you to think
On this one final note-
IF YOU DONT WANT SOCIALISM
GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!
And all through the town
Tempers were flaring
Emotions all up and down!
I, in my bathrobe
With a cat in my lap
Had cut off the TV
Tired of political crap.
When all of a sudden
There arose such a noise
I peered out of my window
Saw Obama and his boys
They had come for my wallet
They wanted my pay
To give to the others
Who had not worked a day!
He snatched up my money
And quick as a wink
Jumped back on his bandwagon
As I gagged from the stink
He then rallied his henchmen
Who were pulling his cart
I could tell they were out
To tear my country apart!
" On Fannie, on Freddie,
On Biden and Ayers!
On Acorn, On Pelosi"
He screamed at the pairs!
They took off for his cause
And as he flew out of sight
I heard him laugh at the nation
Who wouldn't stand up and fight!
So I leave you to think
On this one final note-
IF YOU DONT WANT SOCIALISM
GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
The Fame Game
Marko rarely calls me during the week when he’s working unless he needs me to check his bank account so when he called me Sunday about 10am I was confussed. He called me because he just passed an Obama fleet of buses. It was fun to share his excitement. Then shortly there after he called again he just saw the Tim McGraw bus and Taylor Swift tour bus.
Then when I was in Hershey, PA for the manager’s conference on Tuesday, as we were landing the McCain 08 and Palin McCain planes were there!! It’s funny as we just came from Roanoke Tuesday morning and the day before she had been in Salem and now we go to Hershey and they are there… are we following their campaign that closely? Haha just kidding!
Then when I was in Hershey, PA for the manager’s conference on Tuesday, as we were landing the McCain 08 and Palin McCain planes were there!! It’s funny as we just came from Roanoke Tuesday morning and the day before she had been in Salem and now we go to Hershey and they are there… are we following their campaign that closely? Haha just kidding!
Bridge Day
Bridge Day
We were able to enjoy a quick visit to WV for Bridge Day. We got to see the grandparents, Tricia, Amanda, Uncle Alden, and Aunt Chris and Uncle King, The kids were a bit hyper but over all it was a great visit. We even saw a good friend on the bridge!
You'll see lots of pictures, one is dad and I with our friend Kelvin
one is the three cousins, Beth Tricia and Karlee
one is my fav jumper the bunny pig and him and his partner jumping
you can see some of the crowd
Trish giving a piggy back ride
the kids at Nana and Poppy's on the couch and then them in front the fire watching it
Who could miss the BK RGM w/ Ronald McDonald?
Jayna and I practicing for our future career and the views
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