Encounter in the Kroger parking lot with my bosses manager - strike 1
Incident with the barbasol (non senstive skin) - strike 2
Last night - strike 3
I'm getting ready for work last night, wife is putting up the garage sale stuff, gets to hot, passes out twice before I can get her to the couch. She's hurt her hip/back and in some really bad pain. A decision to go to the ER is hanging in the balance. The kids are getting nervous so I have several things I'm juggling at once. I call my boss, tell her I'm not coming in and why. She says: "well okay, just make sure you bring an excuse from the hospital."
If this had been strike 1, I would have let it go. It's strike 3 and I'm done. I don't really blame her, it's the management that she reports too. All in all it's probably still a good job, but I have my limits and am moving on to other plans I have.
In an effort to end things the right way, I plan to deliver my no-notice in person. I'll report back how it goes.
Wife is okay after cooling off and resting. She will have to get her hip/back checked out soon, I'm concerned she overdid it and may have some damage.
5.18.2008
5.17.2008
The Yard Sale
Before I comment on the title topic, a quick note on the Pizza Shop. I made my first delivery to the fire department this week. 1 thin crust pepperoni - an excellent choice. I pull up to the station and park carefully to avoid blocking the red giant in case there is - a fire somewhere. I get out and walk towards it noticing all the things you would expect, ladders, tall boots waiting to be filled, and a small office type area. No one is outside so I finish my close up tour of the engine and try to get a look inside the station but it's dark and I can't see anything. I do notice a flicker of light which seems to be coming from a big screen tv. I open the door and reveal the ultimate "guys room". It's a big screen all right, with 7 plush brown lazy boy recliners. At least 2 refrigerators and a kitchen. A nice setup and I'm sure they deserve it.
I don't understand my wife sometimes. She spent all week going thru boxes so that we can participate in the neighborhood wide yard sale. I understand going to get change at the bank but do we really need a roll of quarters, nickels, & dimes??? I don't want to mess with a yard sale transaction that can't be settled with paper currency. There are only 2 reasons to have a yard sale in my opinion 1) make a little money, 2) get rid of some junk. My wife just left the house to go yard selling which will cost a little money and bring some more junk. So I am here tending the sale trying to sell junk and make a little money quicker than she will replace it and spend it and I don't like it one bit and this is not the first time it's happened. It happens everytime she wants to have a yard sale. So, here is what I'm going to tell her when she gets back....
Nothing.
Yesterday was our 16th anniversary. I'm finally putting something into action that I have know for a long time. It's just not worth it. It's not worth the fight. Women are different and previous history tells me how this argument will end. So I didn't say anything to her when she left and will not when she returns - no matter what she brings back. This is my opportunity to complain. Here on my blog.
2 mexican women just asked me how much 2 books were. I told them 50 cents thinking they would pay 1 dollar total. They dropped the books immediately and looked at me with disgust and left with nothing. I hate yard sales.
I don't understand my wife sometimes. She spent all week going thru boxes so that we can participate in the neighborhood wide yard sale. I understand going to get change at the bank but do we really need a roll of quarters, nickels, & dimes??? I don't want to mess with a yard sale transaction that can't be settled with paper currency. There are only 2 reasons to have a yard sale in my opinion 1) make a little money, 2) get rid of some junk. My wife just left the house to go yard selling which will cost a little money and bring some more junk. So I am here tending the sale trying to sell junk and make a little money quicker than she will replace it and spend it and I don't like it one bit and this is not the first time it's happened. It happens everytime she wants to have a yard sale. So, here is what I'm going to tell her when she gets back....
Nothing.
Yesterday was our 16th anniversary. I'm finally putting something into action that I have know for a long time. It's just not worth it. It's not worth the fight. Women are different and previous history tells me how this argument will end. So I didn't say anything to her when she left and will not when she returns - no matter what she brings back. This is my opportunity to complain. Here on my blog.
2 mexican women just asked me how much 2 books were. I told them 50 cents thinking they would pay 1 dollar total. They dropped the books immediately and looked at me with disgust and left with nothing. I hate yard sales.
5.06.2008
Las Delicias
This is the "All n 1" with a side of guacamole from a restaurant that I normally wouldn't go into but a customer wanted to go so we went. It's really good! Today is my second trip.
Winner of "Best Guacamole in Memphis" several years in a row. They make their own tortillas and sell them in a separate store next door. There was some form of rotissere meat within view of the kitchen, the manager told me it's slow-cooked pork. And 20 seconds later a 1/2 fajita size sample came out of nowhere for my approval. They just gained some points with me. The all-n-one has steak pork, chicken and cheeses with onions and peppers. The best part is that it's a pleasant surprise from the normal mexican place. No speedy gonzales, they don't even have chips with salsa. It's inexpensive, close to work, and indeed Delicias as the name says.
5.03.2008
Friday night
11:30pm - finally going to bed... it's still storming outside... it's raining relentlessly... again.
I'm tired from battling this storm's predecessors and the only thing keeping me awake is the continuous flashes of light. It's as if there is someone important outside my window and the paparazzi is taking pictures.
Rewind 5.5 hours....
I am handed (2) 5's and (10) 1's before I get 5 steps inside. It's the usual bank used for change at the first of the night but the speed at which it is thrust at me makes it seem more like a drug transaction instead. 30 seconds later, my manager hands me my first marching orders of the night. It's a double; credit cards for both which is good for tips but bad for monsoons because the paperwork gets too wet.
The tornado threats from the afternoon are moving north and things are starting to drain off and dry out. 2 months ago, I sold my GPS on ebay in exchange for paying the utility bills and I think the cable bill. Besides I didn't really need it, it was a necessity when I delivered pizzas last year but I didn't really need it for my day job.
I'm sitting there in my vehicle, the aroma of a works, a thin crust rustic meats, and a 2 orders of cheese bread are replacing the oxygen. It would be so nice to grab a piece, but these pies have other destinations. Destinations.... Crap.... I forgot to check the road book inside that tells me how to get these boxes to their new home. (this road book is not that great and I really don't see how non GPS drivers get it done - it's not a lazy thing, it's a matter of remembering all the streets for 2 deliveries) I'm still in the truck - I glance at the order time on the receipts - I'm 45 minutes in and I know it will cost me a least another 10 minutes if I go inside with the mob of workers around "the book". I'm scrambling looking at the names of these 2 streets I'm to deliver to.... PANIC, it's nothing I've heard of and suddenly I remember that my phone has GPS capabilities. I text message in the data and I have a route. I find out soon that it is using cell towers instead of a satellite to navigate and only gets you close. I'm fine for these 2 deliveries but it's not going to work all night in the dark.
"ON STAR Ready!" the lady says as I press the button. Turns out I can get unlimited turn by turn directions sent to the truck for $9.99 a month. It's not as good at the Garmin, but gets me thru the night and finally proves worthy of being in the vehicle.
I'm returning from my 3rd delivery of the night. I glance at the sky and it's clear mother nature is not done yet. Inside things are even busier than before but there are several drivers in front of me in the queue. I get to work the oven for 5 minutes, which I don't mind. It's basically cutting the pizzas and putting them in boxes. It's a virtual menu for me as I make decisions on which one I want to take home at the end of the night for half price or possibly free depending on the manager that is on duty.
2 drivers walk in the back door, soaked! and complaining, issuing a few choice words about the weather... the manager looks at them and then towards the front where the customers are but she is too busy arranging ingredients on the make line to scold them. I'm gathering my next double order and putting them into their portable green oven bags. Another driver comes in and says it's the end of the world, with a laugh. It's clear to me that he knows little about the true end of the world but there is little time to think about that. I look toward the front window to get my first glance at the "end of the world" and I can't see much from the back of the store, only enough to tell the color is not right. The floor in the back is very wet and slippery but I manage to balance my customer's diner and get the door open.........
Yep, it's a color I've never seen before. It looks like a scene out of a western movie because it's so orange and yellow. The rain is as heavy as I've ever seen and I can tell there is no waiting til it lets up. My delivery driver instinct immediately kicks in and I move as fast as I can toward my truck. Every stitch of clothing is drenched by the time I get in. I can feel the water starting to ease into my socks slightly as it penetrates my shoes. "On Star Ready!" ... "Mr. Pinson would you like driving directions"... YES.. 10175 Acree Woods Dr.... The company that can unlock your doors if you leave your keys in and even tell you how many people are in the car with you, can not download the route, when it is raining this hard... They try but it fails... I guess it works like satellite TV. I use my phone as my only backup plan.. the cell tower does its job.
I'm in a good area of town and I remember a delivery to this house once before. It was a good tip. They were having a party.. ordered about 6 pizzas.. This time it was 3 pizzas and I'm parked on the street because even though it's like Katrina v 2.0 outside, I don't like driving into peoples driveways. I gather the food and step my left foot out. The curb current is flowing like the Spring River and my entire shoe is submerged. Both socks are now infiltrated fully and I realize I'm not going to dry off until I get home.
While returning to the store, I check the radar from my phone and confirmed that the weather was indeed right on top of me and was moving South to North instead of West to East. Most of the night was more of the same.... Here are a few more highlights...
- The back door now has a new 4-digit code entry access. The air condition system is right next to it, which is not a problem unless it's raining. Guess where the blade directs the rain water. It takes about 3 seconds to unlock the door which seems like water boarding on this night.
- A minority ordered 4 pizzas and was across town... a long drive. He signs the credit card receipt and tips $0 on a $40 order. He mumbles something I can not understand fully about the weather and I leave hopping I never see this guy again.
- The OnStar works with more consistency as the night goes on but the lengthy chit chat from the representative taking the info only makes me miss my real GPS more. I try to rationalize that I could get one on ebay for about $150, but that's about a year and a half of OnStar. If I can find one for half that I will do it.
- I found myself glad that I made the decision to drive the truck instead of the van tonight. We had some trouble with the van battery and the cable had to be replaced ($2.50) but I didn't fully trust the battery recharge until some more time has gone by. I need to get rid of the truck and the payments, but there is not an easy way to do this yet. In more ways than one, I will be paying for this bad decision for some time.
- A knock on the door of a nice place.. I notice "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord" inscribed above the door. A minority opens it and says "do they charge for the tip on here" as she looks at the receipt. The receipt shows a $1.50 delivery charge, which keeps PJs from having to pay the $1.50 they give us for a gas charge. Technically it's not a tip, and I'm hoping she will understand this without me having to explain it to her. She says "let me get you something for your trouble".. She comes back with a 5 and (2) ones. NICE!
- I delivered to a nice place again. White folks. The lady and her mom invite me in so they can get the money. We are not supposed to do this but I agree and am greeted by their Yorky. I almost slip and fall trying to avoid not crushing him under my very wet, very big shoes. She tips me $2 which is below the average. I assume this is because delivery's were running an hour and she may have thought it to be my fault.
- I get a web order. Sometimes they tip online when they place the order so that decision is made before hand. $60 order, $10 tip immediately before I even leave the store. It's a new neighborhood, OnStar couldn't find it, cell phone couldn't find it. So I called the customer. He's trying to give me directions and it's raining hard and the automated OnStar direction voice continues to jabber incorrect directions because I dont' know how to cancel it. I make the delivery and they are happy the pizza is hot.
The most eventful night so far without question.
I'm tired from battling this storm's predecessors and the only thing keeping me awake is the continuous flashes of light. It's as if there is someone important outside my window and the paparazzi is taking pictures.
Rewind 5.5 hours....
I am handed (2) 5's and (10) 1's before I get 5 steps inside. It's the usual bank used for change at the first of the night but the speed at which it is thrust at me makes it seem more like a drug transaction instead. 30 seconds later, my manager hands me my first marching orders of the night. It's a double; credit cards for both which is good for tips but bad for monsoons because the paperwork gets too wet.
The tornado threats from the afternoon are moving north and things are starting to drain off and dry out. 2 months ago, I sold my GPS on ebay in exchange for paying the utility bills and I think the cable bill. Besides I didn't really need it, it was a necessity when I delivered pizzas last year but I didn't really need it for my day job.
I'm sitting there in my vehicle, the aroma of a works, a thin crust rustic meats, and a 2 orders of cheese bread are replacing the oxygen. It would be so nice to grab a piece, but these pies have other destinations. Destinations.... Crap.... I forgot to check the road book inside that tells me how to get these boxes to their new home. (this road book is not that great and I really don't see how non GPS drivers get it done - it's not a lazy thing, it's a matter of remembering all the streets for 2 deliveries) I'm still in the truck - I glance at the order time on the receipts - I'm 45 minutes in and I know it will cost me a least another 10 minutes if I go inside with the mob of workers around "the book". I'm scrambling looking at the names of these 2 streets I'm to deliver to.... PANIC, it's nothing I've heard of and suddenly I remember that my phone has GPS capabilities. I text message in the data and I have a route. I find out soon that it is using cell towers instead of a satellite to navigate and only gets you close. I'm fine for these 2 deliveries but it's not going to work all night in the dark.
"ON STAR Ready!" the lady says as I press the button. Turns out I can get unlimited turn by turn directions sent to the truck for $9.99 a month. It's not as good at the Garmin, but gets me thru the night and finally proves worthy of being in the vehicle.
I'm returning from my 3rd delivery of the night. I glance at the sky and it's clear mother nature is not done yet. Inside things are even busier than before but there are several drivers in front of me in the queue. I get to work the oven for 5 minutes, which I don't mind. It's basically cutting the pizzas and putting them in boxes. It's a virtual menu for me as I make decisions on which one I want to take home at the end of the night for half price or possibly free depending on the manager that is on duty.
2 drivers walk in the back door, soaked! and complaining, issuing a few choice words about the weather... the manager looks at them and then towards the front where the customers are but she is too busy arranging ingredients on the make line to scold them. I'm gathering my next double order and putting them into their portable green oven bags. Another driver comes in and says it's the end of the world, with a laugh. It's clear to me that he knows little about the true end of the world but there is little time to think about that. I look toward the front window to get my first glance at the "end of the world" and I can't see much from the back of the store, only enough to tell the color is not right. The floor in the back is very wet and slippery but I manage to balance my customer's diner and get the door open.........
Yep, it's a color I've never seen before. It looks like a scene out of a western movie because it's so orange and yellow. The rain is as heavy as I've ever seen and I can tell there is no waiting til it lets up. My delivery driver instinct immediately kicks in and I move as fast as I can toward my truck. Every stitch of clothing is drenched by the time I get in. I can feel the water starting to ease into my socks slightly as it penetrates my shoes. "On Star Ready!" ... "Mr. Pinson would you like driving directions"... YES.. 10175 Acree Woods Dr.... The company that can unlock your doors if you leave your keys in and even tell you how many people are in the car with you, can not download the route, when it is raining this hard... They try but it fails... I guess it works like satellite TV. I use my phone as my only backup plan.. the cell tower does its job.
I'm in a good area of town and I remember a delivery to this house once before. It was a good tip. They were having a party.. ordered about 6 pizzas.. This time it was 3 pizzas and I'm parked on the street because even though it's like Katrina v 2.0 outside, I don't like driving into peoples driveways. I gather the food and step my left foot out. The curb current is flowing like the Spring River and my entire shoe is submerged. Both socks are now infiltrated fully and I realize I'm not going to dry off until I get home.
While returning to the store, I check the radar from my phone and confirmed that the weather was indeed right on top of me and was moving South to North instead of West to East. Most of the night was more of the same.... Here are a few more highlights...
- The back door now has a new 4-digit code entry access. The air condition system is right next to it, which is not a problem unless it's raining. Guess where the blade directs the rain water. It takes about 3 seconds to unlock the door which seems like water boarding on this night.
- A minority ordered 4 pizzas and was across town... a long drive. He signs the credit card receipt and tips $0 on a $40 order. He mumbles something I can not understand fully about the weather and I leave hopping I never see this guy again.
- The OnStar works with more consistency as the night goes on but the lengthy chit chat from the representative taking the info only makes me miss my real GPS more. I try to rationalize that I could get one on ebay for about $150, but that's about a year and a half of OnStar. If I can find one for half that I will do it.
- I found myself glad that I made the decision to drive the truck instead of the van tonight. We had some trouble with the van battery and the cable had to be replaced ($2.50) but I didn't fully trust the battery recharge until some more time has gone by. I need to get rid of the truck and the payments, but there is not an easy way to do this yet. In more ways than one, I will be paying for this bad decision for some time.
- A knock on the door of a nice place.. I notice "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord" inscribed above the door. A minority opens it and says "do they charge for the tip on here" as she looks at the receipt. The receipt shows a $1.50 delivery charge, which keeps PJs from having to pay the $1.50 they give us for a gas charge. Technically it's not a tip, and I'm hoping she will understand this without me having to explain it to her. She says "let me get you something for your trouble".. She comes back with a 5 and (2) ones. NICE!
- I delivered to a nice place again. White folks. The lady and her mom invite me in so they can get the money. We are not supposed to do this but I agree and am greeted by their Yorky. I almost slip and fall trying to avoid not crushing him under my very wet, very big shoes. She tips me $2 which is below the average. I assume this is because delivery's were running an hour and she may have thought it to be my fault.
- I get a web order. Sometimes they tip online when they place the order so that decision is made before hand. $60 order, $10 tip immediately before I even leave the store. It's a new neighborhood, OnStar couldn't find it, cell phone couldn't find it. So I called the customer. He's trying to give me directions and it's raining hard and the automated OnStar direction voice continues to jabber incorrect directions because I dont' know how to cancel it. I make the delivery and they are happy the pizza is hot.
The most eventful night so far without question.
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