I think I wasted taxpayer money today...

But I wasn't the only one, plus I cannot figure out which was more valuable, my time (and possible extra sleep--or even a sub assignment which would equal $ as would the fuel I expended getting to and from) or the taxpayer money because six government people were in the room with us for an interesting interview with TSA, and we are not talking low level people in the SLC office...

Oh well, I decided that yes, while it was an interesting experience, it was still a waste of time. They "dismissed" me more or less, like I am not good enough, but that's okay, I didn't want to work for the dumb government anyway!

That being said, here is some potentially good news...

I think Archiver's is going to hire me. I went this afternoon to fill out a form so they can do a background check and make sure I am not a criminal, I said, well if I can pass the background check for subbing, I think I am okay (though I did mention my credit is waaaaayyyyyyy SUCKY!) The sweet lady who is the manager, made a face, like who's isn't. It's nice to know there are people in the world who agree with me--like my credit says what kind of employee I am... DUH!

So tomorrow I should hear from them, YAY!!! And hopefully I can start next week, I'll be doing store set up with them too, cause they had to close temporarily since a major pipe broke in the middle of the mall and they received some of the damages. Woo Hoo, chance to see more stuff and put it away.

But I have to be careful and I cannot buy anything even though I have a 30% discount, cause we are so beyond broke right now.

I don't even want to get into that, cause it's depressing and makes me have unhappy thoughts.

Well, I just had to get this out of my system...

Until next time...

The Continuing Saga of the People at Taco Time

Okay, I said I would fill you in...

I stopped at the store Monday not at 10 AM, but at 4 PM (just before mister Richard was leaving).

• **On a side note here... this is not the same Richard "Cheesy" that I worked for before, but, he seems to be about as bad and I would almost prefer "Cheesy" and his mother to this new guy.** Okay back to our regular message...

I pulled up (with mom, in her car) and he was outside smoking a cigarette (ick!) he was also on the cell phone--have I ever mentioned how much I hate those things? So he gets off the phone and asks me to come in to the store. I go in and he clocks back in (I am not totally understanding this, I thought he was salary, but apparently they want to clock his time? I do not know). He also gets a paper, now as soon as he had the paper, I figured he was writing me up. Okay, I can live with that. I mean I didn't show up and I didn't call... Whatever. So he starts reading me what he has listed on the form...

He checked absence, he checked tardiness (although he did state it is difficult to be tardy if you are absent--DUH!!), breaking company rules, carelessness, refusal to obey orders. Then in explanation of offense wrote, "I held a store meeting that was mandatory you failed to make it to the meeting or to call." (Now I see a gajillion things wrong with the sentence as well as the violations he checked, but whatever...)

He also wrote under manager comments, "Because this meeting was mandatory it was also a team building exercise I need every member of this store to become part of the team, If this happens again you will be at least suspended and possibly terminated." (Again with the grammar).

There is a space for my comments and well, I could have written a book, but mom was waiting and the car was running and we had other places to go. So, I wrote, "I was upset for a variety of reasons and when my husband got up--he shut off the alarm, so I did not get up." (Okay lame put off onto James, I know, but it's true, I do vaguely remember him kissing my forehead before he left, even came to my side of the bed to cover me up better too, I think--I was semi-incoherent after all).

He also tells me that if it weren't for the fact that I was such a good hard worker (my strong work ethic) he probably would have just fired me. When I told mom this, she said I should have told him not to do me any favors--no kidding.

When I came home to tell James about all this, he asked me if I laughed at him the whole time. I told him I didn't laugh, but I had this enormous grin on my face the whole time. It was crazy, you know how when you smile for a long time, like really huge, and your face starts to hurt and feel like it is going to crack, yeah, well that's how it was. That Cheshire cat grin, that just won't go away... So, yeah, to me it was pretty funny.

Of course, here's the kicker, I call last night to make sure the schedule was changed and to see if he had scheduled me on a different night other than Tuesday. Kyle (the dopey kids who I thought was an assistant manager, but now they've hired a new assistant manager, who's really a manager in training--I swear, these people are clueless) he answers after a lot of rings. He tells me no, as far as he knew Richard hadn't changed anything... he had only told Kyle, I would be in later, I said NO--I CAN NOT WORK ON TUESDAY!!! (I just don't understand what part of this they are not getting). So Kyle asks, so you're not coming in tonight--no (duh!). Well, then he just blows me off and essentially hangs up on me. I tried calling today after I subbed and after my other interview at Archiver's, but the line was busy (and for only 75¢ I can have qwest keep trying for me...). After that I fell asleep, for a much needed nap.

Since I didn't get to talk to anyone today, I was considering on my way home from my TSA interview tomorrow I would stop at the corporate office, it's somewhere in the other valley. I hate talking to Klint (who I keep calling Kevin cause he spells his name with a 'k' instead of a 'c') on the phone because he is constantly distracted. We'll see what happens...

Until next time...

Was I a little childish? I don't think so, you tell me...

Okay, here is the deal...

I was supposed to have attended a "mandatory" crew meeting for my part time job with Taco Time. I am already beyond frustrated with this job as it is, but last night when I was there for my shift, well, there were a few straws that finally broke the proverbial camel's back.

I checked the schedule for next week. I was scheduled Tuesday (my availability states I am not available on Tuesdays). I was also scheduled to come in at 3 pm on Friday (my availability states I am not available until 5 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays). The same dumb manager who did this schedule has also scheduled me previously on Tuesday. I told him I CANNOT WORK ON TUESDAY!!! I also told him I CAN NOT WORK UNTIL 5 PM on M, W, R, and F. For some reason he just does not get it!!!

So I figured since he can not seem to figure out my "mandatory" availability, "Mandatory" must not mean the same thing to him as it does to me, so I would go by his definition, that meant I didn't have to go to the meeting, right?

So, then, when I go in for my shift tonight at 4 pm, I get asked why I wasn't there, I told them this (mind you the manager in question was not there). However, said manager left instructions to send me home at 5:30 pm, I suppose as "punishment" for not coming for the meeting. Also tells them that I must come talk to him at 10 am on Monday morning, HEL-LO, why am I not available until 5 pm, because I substitute, duh! This guy is a real creep, and to make matters worse, he's younger than I. I am thinking I don't care for him more and more.

My first impression of the guy was bad anyway, I went in to speak with him on his first day. I was actually hired by the departing manager and began working the weekend before this new one started. So I go in, well first I have to wait around, because he had gone to the bank. Then when he does come, he really doesn't have "time" for me and basically blows me off. ARGH!!! The second time I speak with him, I am coming in for a shift, I am a little early and I was getting a quick bite to eat. He sits down while I am halfway through my soft taco and asks how I am liking it... So I tell him, I am frustrated because I really do know what I am doing and do not appreciate being "babysat" so to speak by a manager who was in diapers when I had my first management position, because he is too busy "texting" on his rotten cell phone. I really could've gotten into more, but dufus manager here wants me to call him the next day to remind him that I have GJ the following week on Wednesday. I explain, I am busy Thursday, doing a wedding cake for a contest. He's all, well you have a phone don't you? I'm like, yeah. He says, so can't you use it, and refers to Thomas Edison as the inventor of the phone at which point I correct him and say no, it was Alexander Graham Bell (DUH!!!). He also invites me to make him a cake for his birthday which is on Friday (it did not occur to me until later that I should've said great, it'll cost 'X' amount of dollars). This is the second time I have seen him and he wants me to make him a cake. OH MY HECK!!!

Then when you figure in, it took like two weeks before I got a shirt and apron to wear for work. I still do not have a visor or a name tag. These people are making me crazy. I think there are actual health code violations in some regard in different areas of the restaurant, and then to top it all off, when I got there today, there's a flocked, fake Christmas tree, that evidently got wet and then MOLDED, the boxes the ornaments are in were molded as well, sitting on the counter. COME ON!!!!!!!!! The tree needed to be tossed as soon as it was retrieved from storage, sorry it got icky, but that can happen. I don't know if it was in storage above the walk in fridge and freezer or if it was down in the basement.

Speaking of basement, I believe that is where the grease trap for the store is... and it is in desperate need of being cleaned out and thoroughly flushed. It also could use some of those special enzymes that "eats" septic or sewer line "stuff." I've had customers complain to me about the smell. I even noticed it really bad the other day when I went in.

Okay, I've rattled on and on, but I had to get this out. You can tell me if you side with me or if you think my not going to his "mandatory" meeting was childish. Like I said I was trying to make a point.

Until next time...
(and hopefully I won't rant as much)

Thankful for...

Since today is Thanksgiving (though it is ending soon) I thought I would try to list as much as I could of things (or not) that I am thankful for...

I am thankful to the Lord, for many things, many of which I will have listed below, but especially for allowing me to be in a place where I can have the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I am especially grateful for the Atonement, it means more than words can express that I have an elder brother who sacrificed so much for me and everyone... To lay down His life for us, again, no words can truly express my gratitude.

I am thankful for my family... all of my family... my dear, sweet James, my Mommy, and Jim, and Dad and Carolyn, Bob and T, RJ, Donna, Kenzie, Sassy, Dale, Cindy, Alanna, J2, Shinook, Illukini, Josh, Lindsey, Zach, baby Hunter, even Ben. Plus there are grandmas and grandpas and aunts and uncle and cousins and those people who should be family like Ro, Susie, the girls and Ray, Daryl and Rachel and the kids, I mean, I have so many beautiful children who call me "Aunt B" it's just wonderful.

I am thankful for friends, some of these people are already listed, like my Mommy, who last week said that we (meaning she and I) have a hard time functioning without the other. How many girls actually can say that and do say that about their mothers? Not a lot. I even have Jamus on this list too, cause he really is a friend, it is somewhat surprising to think that he is, but he is... I can tell him things I would never tell someone else, and while he may feign "grossed-out" well, I wouldn't let just anyone take care of me like he has done a time or two, and he doesn't complain, what a sweet guy.

I am thankful for a roof over my head, I've wondered how long that roof may stay there from time to time, but for now, I have a home. A place where I enjoy being, that is a good thing.

I am thankful for my health. I have issues, but there are so many individuals who have health issues so far worse than my own, well, I am thankful. I really do have good health.

I am thankful for my education and for the opportunity to expand my education. I am very thankful I have the ability to learn and the desire. I am also thankful that I have realized my talents and abilities, so I can direct myself to put them to their best uses. I am meant to be a teacher, that is my calling, I am glad I know that now, I wish I hadn't taken so long to figure it out.

I am thankful that James is almost done with his therapy and probation, for those of you who know, that's a great thing!!

I am thankful for my other talents and abilities, being able to decorate cakes and make people happy, that is so cool! Being able to teach others how to do the same, well, I am so glad I can. Being creative and having a desire to be "crafty" in a variety of ways, it is so much fun. Being able to listen and have empathy for others, I love that. Also being able to be a good citizen of my country, that is very important to me as well.

I know there are other things I am thankful for, maybe I didn't mention something, someone, or some idea or concept here, specifically, but I come up with things all of the time.

Maybe I'll post those in the future.

Until next time...

Catching Up...

Okay, so I am not "sick" per se, anymore, but my nose is still stuffy and runny. Maybe I should dig up some more drugs... I think I have a few nose spray thingys for allergies, like rhinocort or flonase, maybe I'll have to break them out and do it. I hate things in my nose, but if it'll make me feel better, well, ya do what ya gotta do.

I have been substituting. I've been elementary and at a high school or two, no junior high schools yet, but they will come.

I also started my WGU classes. I had to get through the orientation first, but I'll start a class this week.

I also started working part time at Taco Time her in AF. It's like the third time I've worked there, but they needed help. My issue now is I am ready to try something else just so I do not kill the kid who is the assistant manager. Yes, he's younger than me, by 10 years or better. But that isn't it. On the down times, while I am running around finding things to stock or clean, he's texting on his phone. The kid standing next to him is texting on his phone, and then the asst mgr has the nerve to ask me to do something else. It is irking because I'm thinking to myself, your fingers are obviously not broken or you wouldn't be able to text... I don't like working my butt off, for someone else to stand around and do nothing. I've got a few other ideas of where I could go or what I could do for another option for work. I think I'll go apply a few more places to see what comes up.

In the meantime, had an interesting week doing my civic duty. Can I just tell you there are some people in the world that, well, they really should have considered going with Satan and his dominions as opposed to coming here to this earth? They may look all good on the outside, but on the inside they are rotten to the core. It's kinda like the book and/or movie The Picture of Dorian Gray. They can con the Eskimos into buying ice cubes, but when you really get to know them or get into their inner circle, you begin to see them for what they really are, liars, cheats, frauds, scammers, need I go on? I really cannot say anymore than that, but just be careful of those in the world who might try to scam you for whatever reason and remember the old adage of if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is!

This week, Mom and I are working on our entry for the Utah Chocolate Show. They are holding a chocolate wedding cake contest and we are entering. I am sooooooo excited! We have to set up our cake Thursday and we have a lot to work on. There is a VIP night on Thursday where they will announce the winners. The rest of the Chocolate show is Friday and Saturday! I'm supposed to go Thursday for an interview with TSA (aka as the Transportation and Security Administration). I may reschedule it because of the cake thingy. I'd rather do the cake than the TSA. But that's an aside...

James is doing well. He's mostly tired all the time, but he's alive and kicking. Hopefully, the weather will be okay and not do too many weird things, that's what tends to make him bad. That and the awful inversions we seem to have. Our air quality can really suck sometimes.

All that being said, I really am going to try harder to keep up better with all of this. That way everyone knows what I am doing. That and I can blog in the middle of the night, where I cannot make phone calls at those times.

Until next time...

I Can't, I'm sick

I was talking to Bob last night and he said Donna was sick. He told me about Teresa having made some chicken noodle soup and trying to get Donna to come eat it, Donna's response, I can't, I'm sick. So I decided I'm going with that too.

I can't, I'm sick.

I finished the Pirate Princess cake for my friend's daughter, after staying up all night and driving to Park City to set it up and finish it. I figure it took me 30 hours-ish to do the cake. But staying up all night was not a good thing.

I've got some kind of cold or something now--I suppose it is only fair as the weather was trying hard to give us our first snow in the valley. It only makes sense I come down with something. That and we turned the heat on, so that first few times the heater kicks on, it always wreaks havoc on me and my sinuses.

So here I sit, trying not to fall over, cause my ear hurts, popping my ears, and trying not to gag on whatever is draining from my sinuses down the back of my throat.

In the meantime, I think I'll go back to bed. I think it will make me feel better, although at some point I'll have to wash some of James' work clothes, as well as the whites. Oh, that reminds me, I think I have towels in the washer, hope they aren't mildewy, I guess I'll have to run them through again.

For you in the meantime, check out the latest cakes on the Sweet Sue Honey B blog.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, Donna did eat her soup, and then she asked her daddy what he was eating (he was actually cutting up his antelope). He told her he was eating meatballs and held out a piece to her, at which point she again said, I can't, I'm sick. But when he took a bite from his cookie, she said, oooh cookie.

Until next time...

Feeling a little like a slug

I just realized I have not posted in what seems like forever... UGH! Had I let it go three more days it would have been a month.

I guess that goes to show that no one really cares too much about what goes on day to day in my life, at least to try and bug me about it, so I'd write more often.

At any rate, I am still alive and functioning, albeit, it feels like barely (especially on days like today).

I have a cake to work on for a little boy's birthday. His brother had his birthday last weekend. He had a cowboy cake, he turned 5. This week the boy will be 7 and he is having a pirate birthday. I'm excited, mostly cause the 5 year old last week was so excited and LOVED his cake, so I am hoping the 7 year old feel the same way.

Next week, I'm doing a cake for a friend's daughter. It's a sweet 16 and the theme is pirate princess. It'll be pink, black and white, with skulls and crossbones, it's gonna be cute. In lieu of a cash payment for that cake, my friend is getting me a Cricut machine--I am so excited!!! I've been wanting one, but haven't been able to bring myself to buy one, so I'll finally get one!

In other news, I am still looking for work. I swear, I don;t think I am going to get a job unless I reduce myself to food or retail. But I am scheduled to take the Sub orientation Nov 6, then I'll be able to substitute teach in Alpine district. I also get to start my classes soon, I hope!!!

I guess I'm gonna go work on the kitchen some and then work on cake stuff... Lots to do for these two cakes.

Until next time...