Stater 35

HB!

2011-12-13T00:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to the Cylon/tl;dr woman--she's an easy 45 years old. ;-)

Shazam

2011-11-17T21:36:00.000-08:00

The Cylon/tl;dr woman lost it today. I was in the middle of my first sweep, and she said to me: you don't have to do it, someone just did it. I said: well, yes, I do, and, besides, it will only take me a couple of minutes to finish, anyway.

When I finished, she said: you're off sweeps, and I thought: Shazam! I have to work hard at sweeps (particularly on a day when spills are rampant) and I would much rather not do them. Things went a lot easier (even though I had to fill in some of the stuff my replacement failed to do.)

So, I lucked out, and the moron helped me (even though it was not her intention, I'm sure.) ;-)

Me and Bobbie McGee

2011-09-29T01:01:00.001-07:00

I wish she'd just ball me, and get it over with. ;-)

And, yes, I am speaking of the Cylon woman.

"I took an act-like-an-asshole pill before I came in..."

2011-08-12T01:19:00.000-07:00

A young lady came in shortly before we closed looking for a particular brand and type of Mexican cookie. (I sent her to the correct aisle to look.) A young man who was working Reset for SB, recently arrived for his shift, tried to help--he attempted to take on the role of judge-advocate for said customer, who, incidentally, needed no such help. I mean, if we do not carry the item you are looking for, what good does it do to re-state over and over again what you're looking for? We don't hide merchandise from customers--never, ever.

But the man who thought he was acting like such a stud made SB look bad. There was no way we could completely fill the customer's desire. Yet, he raised her expectations (unnecessarily, and I think she suspected that), and made me and my co-workers look silly. So, the person who took the pill I mention in the title did nothing to help SB or himself. We ended up looking like jerks thanks to him.

We tried (I looked all over the shelves for the particular brand of cookie; it turns out, we simply do not carry it), but the pill-taker?--just running in doing-nothing-useful mode. He spent zero time looking for the item on his own--just doing his asshole act (and, really well, I might add.)

Children of the Corn

2011-07-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to one young man whom (I hope) is the exception, rather than the rule.

After I had been at work for a while yesterday, someone pointed out a young man we should be watching: 14 to 15 years old, backpack, pimply. In short, a typical (hungry-looking) mid-teen. (They were worried he was going to shop-lift.) After some time, I thought: who the fuck cares? (well, about any potential shop-lifting.)

We should be concerned about:

why is he alone and unsupervised during the day?
why the hunger (the unfed look)

Whinge all you want about a Caylee's law, but to me, this is a real Caylee, because we as a society have seriously failed him. And he deserves better.

Presented as an anectodal story that saddens me.

Moron award

2011-07-03T01:07:00.000-07:00

What someone said to me today: Can you do the go-backs (merchandise to be returned to the shelves.)

Muttered: and don't do them one at a time.

[I nominate this as best of the month, possibly most stupid, venal thing I've heard all year. ;-)]

Reset observation

2011-04-08T06:10:00.000-07:00

Reset Crew: a group of people who come in to do a major move of merchandise, usually not part of the regular employees.

Personal observation: reset men and women almost always look and act like a bunch of carnies. They keep to themselves, are generally unfriendly and unsociable--maybe it goes with the territory. After all, they have no opportunity to bond or form long term relationships with anyone except themselves. But they sure are a nasty bunch.

If someone said to me: want to join reset?, I would ask: who I did I piss off. ;-)

Anastasia

2011-02-23T01:01:00.000-08:00

This is difficult for me, but I want to get it on record:

A few nights ago, Anastasia and I locked horns. It was not pleasant: I arrived at work, and she announced: I need you to stay up front. I nodded, and proceeded to do what she asked. but it seemed nothing I could do could or would please her.

It wasn't until much later in the evening that I realized: this woman was acting like a bitch (only at this time, and God knows for what reason (I have my suspicions but email me if you want to discuss)--because she could act as a bitch (and wanted to), later in the evening, it was all sweetness and light, as if nothing had happened.))

Is this morally reprehensible? IMHO, you betcha--the reason for this post.

So, Anastasia: Fuck You. Please don't ever give me the chance to return the favor, because I will--in spades.

[Want to know real names?--no problem, just email me. ;-) ]

Inadvertently stupid product names

2010-05-07T04:16:00.000-07:00

Bimbo Bread

News

2010-02-02T02:03:00.000-08:00

We had a unsuccessful hit-and-run in the parking lot--we prevented him from leaving.

A customer had an apparent stroke (or diabetic event--we don't know) in the store. Emergency was called, and we assume she is OK. I was a little afraid the woman was going to die on me, but even though she was in some distress, it did not appear life-threatening. But, I am not a health care pro.

For the still alive woman, Johnny X and Brian Hood:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

2010-Feb-05: update: Cathy (the customer) was in the store yesterday, and is doing fine.

The Two Princesses and the Groomsman

2010-02-01T02:40:00.000-08:00

A Fairy Tale
Any resemblence to real life people is strict coincidence.

There once were two princesses: there names were Princess Sin and Princess Soak. They endeavored to run the palace as best they could but there was one problem: they constantly picked on a handsome groomsman called Everyman. This harassment puzzled Every, because he was having trouble understanding why they would do this.

He knew Princess Sin had recently emerged from a bad relationship, and he suspected (but he didn't know) she confused him with the person she was trying to break up with. Princess Soak, on the other hand, probably had not been in a relationship in a number of years, and had a weight problem. None of this had anything to do with the groomsman, but he was increasingly convinced that this is what occasionally drove the two ladies.

tbc

"Go'way, lazy old man."

2009-08-24T23:30:00.000-07:00

That's what I was told today by a coworker, a;lkjdf;ajfd (name not published, email me if you're interested.) This was the end of a discussion we were having about a problem he had with me not being there when he felt I should be. Instead of talking about it, he chose to call me names, and a particularly insulting one, at that.

So, here's my answer: I hope your father or grandfather are never treated as disrespectfully as I was.

RIP: Alfonso Lopez

2009-01-16T15:05:00.000-08:00

(Courtesy Clerk.) He went into the hospital in December, and never came out.

Me and the lady who has no time...

2009-01-01T03:16:00.000-08:00

To read this, please ask for an invite in email and then go to the real blog.

You can simply log in as guest (for 30 days) if you choose, but you still have to have an invite, no matter what.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

2008-12-25T13:59:00.000-08:00

Hoping you're enjoying it with loved ones.

In the pipeline:

Two cans of beer and some sundry items
Me and the lady who has no time...

The Great Balloon Caper

2008-12-18T22:00:00.000-08:00

A Southeast Asian man came in to buy a Christmas balloon. He initially wanted one that was not already blown up (not sure why, I think maybe because he thought one in the package would be better.) After we made sure there were not, we settled on a nice, red, festive one (or so I thought.) Can we put some more gas in it, he asked. Sure, I said, warning him that too much would not be a good thing.

So, we filled it a little more; we verified the price ($7.99 plus tax); and he fiddled with it to make sure it was not leaking. We have to have a way to fill up the thing--there is a little vent hole at the bottom that allows you to fill the balloon occasionally. It self seals, and I have not seen it leak, but he questioned me closely as to its possible leak problem. I said it rarely does, although I did mention that all balloons leak, it's the nature of the beast. Those little helium atoms just naturally slowly get out, and nothing will hold them in (not in a balloon, anyway.)

Therein followed 5 or 6 minutes of close inspection of the balloon, as he searched for leaks and poked and prodded the thing. I thought: he's not going to buy this. But he got on line to pay, and then proceeded to try to put it in a large plastic bag he had brought in with him. The balloon was too big, and we don't have any bags large enough. It was hard for me to see the value of putting it in a bag.

He went outside, and returned. After a while, we determined it deflates slightly when he goes outside. I realized this was probably due to the temperature difference. (It was evening, and somewhat unseasonably cooler outside (45 or 50 degrees versus 70 to 75 inside the store.) I explained, but there was no way I could review (or teach) the physics of gases expanding/compressing in detail. I had already gotten a fair number of blank looks, and that was what I got on the temperature explanation.

We offered to let him return the balloon, and, after a short time, that's what he did. So ended the great balloon caper.

Postscript: here's my take on this: I speak a little Spanish, but just a little, and I cannot follow a fast stream of conversation. If you were to explain something to me, I would first have to ask you to slow down, and then ask you to repeat everything. If listening again did not help, I would ask more questions, and try again. But if it looked like I could not understand (from my point of view,) I would probably eventually thank you and give up. But no blank stares, if avoidable. I know my limitations, and there is no way I could understand a bunch of really different concepts in a second language--which is what frustrated me living the above story.

English was this man's second language, and probably basic science principles, to make it worse. But I do not know how to make it better, especially in half an hour and over an eight dollar item. ;)

Full Moon Deja Vu

2008-12-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

The moon is making us all crazy (some more than others.)

National treasure: Alma.

--pjm

If you're interested:

2008-10-31T17:21:00.001-07:00

Union local (UFCW) news. Nitty-gritty detail can be found here (if you're not a UFCW union member, it will look very dull.)

Google directed ad's might actually be good for something (I have nothing to do with any of this, so the usual you-get-what-you-pay-for and the web-is-a-network-of-lies warnings apply):

UFCW Information - UFCWexposed.com - Get information

on union policy, strikes, contracts, and salaries.

--pjm

Hector's Ears

2008-10-22T00:52:00.000-07:00

On a personal note, Hector's ears make me dizzy. He had these plastic spacers inserted into his ear lobes (they look like plastic washers,) and the effect is (unintentional, I'm sure) a little comical. Haven't talked to him about it, and it's a personal bias. My feeling is: do whatever you like to your body; it's yours, not anybody else's.

Nb: Hector is on the night crew, and many of you will never see him, or the ears.

No head explosion, & a mystery visit

2008-10-16T02:45:00.000-07:00

Albert kept my head from exploding today when I mentioned while we were moving a heavily loaded Entemann's display table: "my head will explode if we have to move it back." Shortly afterward, Doyle B. showed up, and said, "move it back." Fortunately, Albert asked help from someone else.

Brian L. was in for a manager's meeting yesterday--it sure was a pleasure to see him.

Full Moon Madness

2008-10-13T13:08:00.000-07:00

No madness yet, but give it time. Jason M. on vacation, Doyle B. in charge.

Dennis P is back today; I hope he can work for a while, but Lisa H says his foot is still swollen.

Late news: Dennis is working, and seems to be able to function.

Birthdays

2008-10-08T02:32:00.000-07:00

10/7/2008:

Happy 24th Birthday, Albert!

Happy 25th Birthday, Chris!

News

2008-09-25T01:11:00.000-07:00

Magic Mario has a new rug-rat (Annette). Sorry for the r-r label, but it's true! Even if men call them that, we love 'em. Details: 6 lbs 9 oz. Mario looks like he's jazzed.

John N. (the quiet man) stops a shoplifter.

Full Moon Madness!

2008-09-16T01:29:00.000-07:00

The full moon is making us all a little nuts, but some more than others. My anecdotal evidence: today I found 3 half-empty cans of pop or energy drink scattered around the store. My usual count: zero. This, coupled with an unusual amount of junk left randomly on shelves because people just don't want it, makes me declare this a real full moon madness week.

Someone has a bun in the oven. It's probably not who you think.

PS, I really miss Brian L. and Sina A. I suspect many customers and workers would agree.

--pjm

Da Week

2008-08-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

Gang shoplifting incident: some men (we know who you are) came into the store, grabbed a bunch of frozen pizza's, and ran out. We chased them, but they got away (for now).

A Customer Died (related secondhand, as I was not working)

2008-08-26T02:28:00.000-07:00

This past Friday (8/22/2008) , a customer bought his groceries, loaded his car, and sat down in the car and tried to relax and cool off (at least, I think so.) And then he died. A courtesy clerk noticed the car door ajar, and then someone called the paramedics. But it was too late.

I don't have much to say, except c'est la vie.

Other news: Doyle is back from vacation, and John from sick leave (for his spouse.)

--pjm

Cranky Week

2008-08-03T12:25:00.000-07:00

This past week was cranky. Most of us (and I mean almost everyone: worker bees and customers) were acting a little out of sorts. No crazies, thank God, but just a little bit on edge.

RIP--07/2008

2008-07-11T00:55:00.000-07:00

Rose Ann, who I will miss very much, since she just did her job, which included making sure the courtesy clerks were doing their stuff.

Jackie L., just a regular checker, but steady and steadfast.

It's all very well to discount experience, but sometimes experience doesn't show its worth in obvious ways. Rose Ann and Jackie are both old-timers, and they both made sure that things happened in a nice, predictable way. Otherwise, pick chaos, and be prepared to live with it. I will miss both of these troopers.

Brian Loving, Colleen

2008-06-08T23:59:00.000-07:00

Brian L. has been promoted to bigger and better things at SB at another store, but I thought I would mention how much he is missed. Courteous and generous to both customers and crew, Brian always let you know that if he could make you happy, he would. He used his very extensive grocery experience and his just plain old good people skills to always do his best. Brian numbers among the few people that I would compliment similarly.

Colleen, our first microwave benefactor, was in today. When we employees had zero microwaves, she stepped up to the plate and bought one for us to use as her parting gift. We will always think well of her.

News

2008-05-24T14:44:00.000-07:00

RIP: Brian Loving, Elizabeth, Sina A.
Newbies: Doyle, John

Summer Time

2007-07-24T17:14:00.000-07:00

News

Jesse is our new assistant manager. Oscar and Mark have moved up (key carrier and checker, respectively.)

I have some new stories, and I will post them real soon now.

Birthdays & News

2007-01-12T21:48:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is Eva B's birthday! Our best wishes to one very extraordinary checker and all-around nice person.

In the news:

Steven D is being promoted to GM (general merchandise clerk, I guess-one of the next steps up from Courtesy Clerk.)
Yours truly got a complimentary letter and a gift from Jim Lee, SB bigwig whose wife left a purse in one of our shopping carts--I had found it and turned it in.
Shonda is RIP (moving to new store in Riverside/Fullerton.)

Happy New Year, 2007!

2007-01-01T01:55:00.000-08:00

Uneventful--praise God! It was what I hoped for, busy in the early evening hours (4 to 8 pm), and pretty dead (moderate) afterwards.

I wish you all a very blessed New Year, and I hope everyone is happy.

Corrections/updates: Adrian A. (brown Adrian) is still with us.
Simon is back from taking care of personal matters.

--pjm

Merry Christmas, everyone!

2006-12-24T23:59:00.000-08:00

Today was fast-paced, but not real busy. After all, what serious cook/provider does his shopping on Christmas eve day?

Brian cleared all of the hanging signs in the store in an amazingly short time (to keep the motion detector burglar alarm from falsely going off), and the other baggers and I provided support as needed, but tonight was a piece of cake compared to previous Christmas eve closings.

Marvelous Mario is closing Tuesday. He's nervous, naturally, but I wish him luck. We've all been virgins at some point in our lives--this is his deflowering by fire.

More Newbies

2006-12-16T19:29:00.000-08:00

New assistant manager (to replace Jeff): Maurice
New Ana person (3rd, I think, someday I'll publish an org chart as I see it): Brian
New Felipe person (5th, I think): Mario (from Produce)

I'm praying to God that I'll have more courtesy clerk personnel to report.

RIP: Ryon (who is no longer with store 35.)

Me & the Lonely One

2006-12-12T20:30:00.000-08:00

Shonda said something dumb as I went through her line tonight (yeah, she's said it before): "are any of these Upromise items?" [I haven't the slightest idea, but, then, I don't think she does either--she just thinks it's a great chore to scan the plastic Upromise card.]

My response the next time this happens: "Please don't say what's on your mind. It's mean."

Should be interesting, as I do intend to be as discreet and quiet as she is.

Moan & Groan

2006-12-07T22:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Moan and Groan Day. I think we all do a little of M&G all the time but yesterday was the time when we might go up to a perfect stranger, and moan and groan about something. No big deal, except that perfect strangers are rarely able to make substantive suggestions.

MG #1: you know, that's really very unsanitary.
MG #2: I didn't get helped alot, and nobody asked me if I needed help.
MG #3: How come there aren't more handicapped spaces, checkers, insert-your-favorite-item?
MG #4: Why aren't there more baggers? More checkers? More managers? I need more whatever-I-need-right-now-to-get-out-of-here right now.

Today: spillies, meaning there were a lot of spills: milk (a gallon,) water, unknow liquids, all of which needed to be cleaned up.

Newbies & A Full Moon

2006-12-04T22:14:00.000-08:00

A new assistant manager arrived today: Maurice.

Ericka is our new checker. (She was promoted.)

I wish both of them much luck in this time of the full moon.

The Checker Team from Hell:

2006-12-02T23:59:00.000-08:00

Marilyn Monroe
Ms. Tries-Hard-But-In-All-the-Wrong-Places
Ms. Newbie
Ms. Gonna-Do-What-She-Wants-No-Matter-What

(This is what we had in the late afternoon/early evening today.)

RIP: the French Legionnaire (moved), white Adrian (unknown reason), brown Adrian (unknown...), Simon (death in family), Brianne (unknown...), Ana V. (previously noted), Ed S (unknown...).

Hell Week

2006-11-18T02:22:00.000-08:00

This is it—the countdown to Thanksgiving Day, in which we all gorge ourselves on large quantities of turkey and the sides. People who are cooking a frozen turkey should be defrosting today or tomorrow. For those who can't stand the thought of consuming turkey leftovers, I recommend a turkey roast—it's boneless and a lot more manageable quantity. Don't shop on Wed., unless you have to.

A Tale of Two Managers

2006-11-14T20:37:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago, I went to the first manager. "We're going to run out of bags," I said. "Bwahhh, that's the job of the receiver person!," and then nothing.

Next day, I said the same thing to manager two. "Oh," he said. "what kind are we out of?" A couple of minutes later, I was told bags were in the night's order, and there was no problem. (He checked with the receiver guy.)

So, who's the team player here? Who would you want on your side? A special non-prize to whoever correctly names the people I'm talking about. (Please, no public disclosures; send email to info1 at kwisoft.com.) Yeah, I'm a little disgusted at the first manager's behavior.

News

2006-11-12T13:48:00.000-08:00

Jeff is going to the La Paz store; today is his last day.

Ryon was in yesterday as a one-day loaner (he was transferred a while ago.)

Sina's mom is back home after a brief second stay in the hospital.

RIP: Ana Vasquez, Christian

2006-10-31T20:50:00.000-08:00

11/8 Update: Ana will be with us through Thanksgiving. The wheels of really big companies move slowly and grind exceeding fine. New RIP: Jeff. More details as I get them.

11/2 Update: Ana's move is on hold. The current estimate is two weeks, for unknown reasons.

Ana will be going to another Stater store on Mon. We will miss her (a lot!). Friendly, efficiently competent, and always willing to do whatever was needed or necessary to make customers or co-workers or underlings happy (raises hand,) she will always be remembered with respect and affection.

It's been an honor to serve with you! is all I can say. This comment is not made lightly, and is not a complement I would give lightly. To me, it is earned.

Christian has quit. This won't matter to most people; but I thought he was OK, the quality of his work was fine, and I thought he quit more for personal, valid reasons than for any good "management-issue" reason.

NB: No, no, no one is dead.

Our Prayers Are With Sina

2006-10-28T23:53:00.000-07:00

11/08 update: Sina's mother is in the hospital again. She seems to have an infection, which they are working to get under control. We are all praying for her.

10/30 update: Sina's mom is home. She was taken to the hospital with convulsions, and released today, but they are trying to determine what the cause was, and she is a little better.

Sina is worried, but hopeful.

Sina A. was busy tonight taking care of her mother. The last I heard was she was accompanying her in an ambulance (presumably to the hospital.) Sorry, no other facts or details available at this time. We can only hope for the best.

Today was a usual Sat.: (busy!,) with the added bonus of plenty of people early on, and a bunch of personal thingies later on for the crew leading to a (small) not-enough-people problem later on.

Awash In Virgins

2006-10-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

We had 2 virgins start this week: Simon and Fernando. (Virgins=new hires.) They seem to be doing OK, but, as Lori notes, time will tell (we'll see if they last.)

Crime log: Costa Mesa PD arrested someone for unknown reasons outside the store today. Yesterday, we had a repeat performance of the load-up-a-red-basket-with-merchandise-&-escape-in-a-waiting-car bandit. (He got away.)

Soon to be RIP: Ana, who is moving to another store. She will be missed.

An Exceptional Sign

2006-09-25T02:50:00.000-07:00

Handlettered sign seen on the door of the Halloween widgets place next to us:

Children must be accompanied by adults. No acceptions.

Volleyball Madness

2006-09-20T01:12:00.000-07:00

A bus full of female college volleyball players parked outside the store tonight, and they came inside and shopped for snacks. I know, sounds like someone's wet dream. All of our young studs were not in residence, and Felipe and Oscar did not appear interested. As for moi, I can admire extreme athletic trim on anyone. These young ladies looked tough.

The Idiot Virus

2006-09-18T00:29:00.000-07:00

Here's my speculation:

A key-carrier/supervisor type recently moved to another store, but, before he left, he passed on the idiot virus to Armen A. Tonight, with nothing for me to do at the moment at either of two registers, Armen said, "Bag service, Peter" as I was walking away to take care of something else. Earlier, when Alyssa called for me for help as I was gathering carts, Armen was outside on a break, and he said, "Peter, you're needed inside." (We had both heard her page for help.)

I think the idiot virus makes you think you can act stupid, and no one will notice. Well, I do, and it annoys me.

Miscellaneous

2006-09-11T01:05:00.000-07:00

RIP (nobody has died, these are people who have transferred): Ryon, Jorge (produce), Lorenzo.

I can't ignore or forget 9/11, even though it has nothing to do with SB 35, so let me relate what I was doing:

I was at Hoag Hospital, coming through a very difficult year. It was no one's fault, except genetics and maybe some bad luck, but I am alive today. So, here's my wish and prayer: may we all live in peace, no matter what the other guy's ethnicity or religious leanings or whatever. Think you can't live this? Eat me.

Back To The Shadows Again

2006-09-06T01:13:00.000-07:00

Am back on the closing shift because the person they were using is seventeen years old, and has to go back to a regular school schedule. No big deal, but I was getting used to 10 am to 7 pm or 11 to 8.

I feel like I'm going thru a Twilight Zone kind of change, 'cause the change of cast (both in co-workers and customers) is so dramatic, but more on that later... [Had to whet your appetite somehow--;) ]

Hot Times

2006-09-03T15:31:00.000-07:00

It's been hot, but then you knew that. Some news:

Joe has moved to the Newport store, and is finally on prescription drugs for his psychological problems. One hopes it will help him with foot-in-mouth disease.

Something's in the oven, and will be here in Dec. or Jan. Hint: I ain't baking a cake.

Missing: Bernie, my eighty year old who lived with her son; used to shop every week, but hasn't been in for a month. Any info would be appreciated.

Full Moon Rising

2006-07-07T20:38:00.000-07:00

We're working on a full moon, and, combined with the heat and humidity, everyone is acting a little off kilter. This, of course, includes all the people who claim (falsely) that the moon doesn't affect me. Yeah, sure.

Marilyn Monroe and the French Legionnaire were acting particularly weird, but for those of us who know them, this is nothing unusual.

For Ryon: Why I Think It's a Mistake to Tease or Taunt Anyone

2006-07-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

Why the Columbine killers did it (slate.com) and, no, I don't think we have people like that in our midst (at least not actively so,} but, rather, they have the potential for this kind of very inappropriate behavior.

Comments or questions invited, but of course I am not able to speak for Ryon.

How To Piss Off Anybody, and Get Nobody To Do What You Want

2006-07-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

Here's what happened today (early this evening):

7:05 PM: I went in to tell Mrs. Magoo I was done with the lot, and was leaving.
She said: "is the lot clear?"
I said: "reasonably" (which in my opinion, it was; not as clean as you might want, but reasonable. There were some (maybe 15 or 20 loose carts, needing to be gathered,) but not a lot.)

She said: "well, you can't leave until the lot is clear." (meaning, I guess, no carts in the parking lot.)
I called Ana V. on the intercom, and explained the situation, and asked her to come down and look at the lot for herself.

After a little while, she came down, and commented: "a little messy." I explained it was not my fault, and she said, I understand, but we need to work together on this, as we are short-handed. I said I still didn't understand why I had to stay if it wasn't my fault, and she said: "fine, leave."

Frustrated, but feeling guilty, I stayed until 7:20 clearing the lot with the French Legionnaire. The parking lot was immaculate. I punched out, and left.

Here's my beef: why couldn't Mrs. Magoo say: "we're short-handed right now, and I would appreciate it if you could please get all the carts off the lot." Even Ana was a little circumspect about the please, and I, as usual, tested her (admittedly short) patience, but, still, it was worlds more than I got from Mrs. M.

I don't mind being treated as if I were dumber than a sheepherder (we baggers are not, and I remind readers of the warning about getting what you expect), but if you want something extra from me, why not ask nicely instead of quoting rule 59 (you can't leave until the lot is clear, and, no, there is no rule 59.) You might quote a silly rule if you are dealing with a 12 year old, but I am not.

I invite questions and comments.

Hot Times

2006-06-28T23:55:00.000-07:00

This is the third or fourth day of continuous high heat, high humidity stretch. I think it's making us all a little cranky. Kind of like being in a sauna if you move at all on the really bad days. (Doing carts yesterday was particularly nasty.)

In Memoriam: Royce Fassler

2006-06-09T00:21:00.000-07:00

I'll never forget Royce's quick smile, and friendly words. We were never close friends, but I will miss him.

[Royce passed away on Memorial Day.]

Update: 6/15/2006
Irma (Royce's widow) is doing better. Her doctor has given her a sedative to take, and she seems in better spirits.

Update: 6/29/2006
Irma still doing fine. There is a minor problem with Royce's relatives, and property that is jointly owned, but I do not believe the relatives have a promising case.

The DaSlater Code

2006-05-30T23:58:00.000-07:00

Picture a crowd of anxious shoppers, and a lone register beeping as Lori W. scans as fast as she can. All the other registers are manned and ready (including customers in line), but due to some unknown technical problems, they are stopped. But everyone is waiting, hoping.

Is this the vision of the 21st century? I hope not, and to everyone who dealt with this disaster at SB #35, thanks. A special award should go to Lori, for performance way above and beyond the call of duty. Kudos, Lori!

Mrs. Magoo Speaks & Torture Day

2006-05-08T23:59:00.000-07:00

[Mrs. Magoo speaks:] "There aren't many go-backs anyway."

Meaning?:

"I don't know, I was just talking off the top of my head."
"You and the boy don't both need to be working on it, and you're too dumb to know that."
"I'll take care of it."
"Go-backs will magically get done, and you don't need to worry about them."

I was left alone with the two woe-is-me checkers tonight. This was sheer torture.

Demanding Day

2006-05-04T21:43:00.000-07:00

Customers were pretty demanding today, almost as if they felt they needed to be that way. By the way, we are all customers at one time or another, so I'm not excluding employees. Was also a spill day, when an unusual amount of merchandise is spilled or broken. I wonder what makes us act this way.

Marilyn Monroe Does the Rude Thing; Light-fingered Louie Day

2006-04-22T23:59:00.000-07:00

Marilyn asked me to get a few items for her personal purchase, with not a single please or thank you ever uttered. Was she raised in a barn, or by people that didn't care?

Several shoplifters were discovered and chased today. Someone speculated that it was because of the pressure of tax time. Also, paper bag requests seemed to be up. To me, this is a sign that something is up, but I don't know what.

Staterback Mountain

2006-04-16T02:03:00.000-07:00

"Pretty Boy Floyd was in the employee lounge, and was about to put a large, plump weiner (in a bun) in his mouth.

"I prayed for a camera.

"--Cowboy Bill"

The Mayan Dowager's Tale

2006-04-13T22:46:00.000-07:00

Homer doesn't like to do carts, so he comes in frequently when it's his turn. While bagging at a checkstand, when he sees a large order coming down the belt, he announces he has to go outside to do carts, and immediately walks off.

Me and Mrs. Magoo

2006-04-09T23:10:00.000-07:00

"Is the lot clear?" I was asked.
"No," I answered, "there were too many carts for me to do, and the lot started out messy"
"Well, you should have told me there was a problem. Now, go out and clear the lot." (Which I did.)

What's wrong with this picture?: The messenger was being punished for the bad news. I take some minor responsibility for not informing Mrs. Magoo about the problem, but it's not my fault I can't do more than several hundred carts an hour (no exaggeration.) To say I was mildly irritated is understatement. Comments?

Going Postal

2006-04-06T23:23:00.000-07:00

An (ex) co-worker lost it the other day. Didn't know him real well, except that he was well-spoken and didn't like his job very much.

For what it's worth, my prayers are with him.

[A leaflet with photo posted at the store today:]

Missing Person
Sergio Escobedo
Is on medication and doesn't know who he is.
His mom is looking for him.
Contact Patty (714)xxx-9523 or Jose (714)yyy-5573

(Please contact me if you need to speak to either of the above people.)

NB: checked with one of the above numbers on 4/26, and was told that Sergio has been found.

Bits & Pieces

2006-04-01T13:41:00.000-08:00

Best one liner (said by a middle aged gentleman, looking about at the current young crew): Did they get rid of all the old people?
Footnote to above: Ed S points out that maybe he was referring to experience, which makes it less funny.

Hottest gossip: something's in the oven.

Happy Birthday!

Note to Self Day

2006-03-10T19:25:00.000-08:00

Said by one of the sup's to me today:

Version 1: "hey, gruntling, I know we've been busy and you're a little tired, but could you please check that empty box and those baskets lying around the front end."

Version 2: [with a cool voice, and the faintest trace of criticism for maybe standing still for a moment] "hey, gruntling, would you check that empty box and those baskets lying around the front end, please."

We're all managers (moms, dads, in-charge-right-now, please raise your hand) and worker bees in some part of our lives, which version describes you? Being at the butt end of V2 today annoyed me and inspired same to think of a nicer and more productive way of accomplishing same, hence the note to myself title.

--pjm

Run Your Ass Off Day

2006-03-05T01:53:00.000-08:00

It was busy. Someone said we did over $100,000, and I can believe it.

Helped a morbidly obese customer (over 400 lbs. I would guess) with a bunch of things, but I kept silent as I thought: get a grip, man, stop eating or die.

--pjm

Cranky Day

2006-03-04T01:16:00.000-08:00

Today everyone (at least, among the grunts) was cranky. I've seen this one before, but never so universally present. The only ones not affected (and, no, sorry I didn't interact with everyone) was a normally cranky person already (his initials are Jeff). There was a battle over lunch times that I missed (this was before I got there,) and then yours truly had a minor skirmish with Ana V. and Lori W. over times I could go to lunch. Now, I think the main problem here is one of scheduling. I find it annoying that a few minutes before you plan to go, the sup's do a manpower asesesment, and start worrying about coverage and other important things that are primarily their responsibilty.

As for my own (personal) problem with Ana, an apology was offered and accepted. I don't think it serves any useful purpose to give details.

BUT I do invite any and all comments.

--pjm