L.A CONFIDENTIAL!

I can't believe that THE Bar Mitzvah is now just a memory. After looking forward to it for so long, it has come and gone. It was very sad getting on the plane yesterday. It was a whirlwind of events that led up to it and now it is just a memory. A beautiful memory, but a memory that I will hold near and dear forever. Since it is my blog, I can take all the liberties I want and if that bores you, oh well!!!!!
THURSDAY, 10/26 I left Chicago. Getting out of the hotel and to the airport was not an easy task. The hotel was supposed to have all of our luggage waiting for us at a luggage hold area. There were 150 of us leaving at the same time and we were to leave our baggage in the rooms and they would gather it while we were in our meetings. We got downstairs at about 2:45 and guess what? I (and about 25 others) had no luggage! Of course I started to panick. I had to catch the 5:30 flight out of Midway. It was raining and the Orange line was not working. I would have had to take the Red a few stops and transfer to the Orange to the Airport. OY (The reason the Orange El wasn't working was due to a fire in the Loop area. The fire started on Tuesday as we were arriving. We were kicked off the El and 5 of us decided we could walk to the hotel. Yeah right! We walked and shlepped our suitcases for 45 minutes through the streets of downtown Chicago. I needed 3 Advil as soon as I checked in.)Finally, around 3:30 another Manager and I got our bags. We decided to take a cab to the airport. I made sure there was a later flight that was open in case we didn't get there in time. As we were waiting for a cab, a limo driver approached and said he could get us to Midway in plenty of time! This dude became my hero of the day. He zigged and zagged and we made it in under 30 minutes! We beat the others that left by cab a half hour before us!! YAY!
The plane left about 40 minutes late, but still managed to arrive at LAX on time. As I got to the luggage claim, there he was - - BEN! All 5'10" of smiles from ear to ear. I couldn't get over how tall he got. He was here in April and he got a couple of inches taller since then. We finally got home about 9:30 ish and I got to see Shoosher! That is my nickname for Josh. He is 16 and a half and such a nice young man. He was doing homework so he couldn't come to the airport. He takes 3 A.P classes and he showed me his homework. OMG, I am way older then him and I couldn't do that stuff! Time for bed, it has been a long day. Oh yeah, we did have to play with the slingshot monkeys I brought the boys! And we also had to watch the dog go nutso over the said monkeys!!
FRIDAY 10/27 - Ben wanted me to go with him to be dropped off at school, so I got up at 7 to take him to school. Then Eleanor and I went out for breakfast. We went to the remodeled Topanga Plaza and rode the Carousel! We shopped and at noon we picked Ben up from school. He got to play hooky a half day in order to get ready for his big event. We hung out in the afternoon. In the evening there was a lovely dinner for family at Maggiano's. Chuck's brother, sister-in-law, nephew, niece, her fiance, Gramma Gloria, Elliot and Todd Carb were all at dinner. It goes without saying the food was superb. There was a cake for Ben. It was so fun to see Ron, Sheryl, Erika and Jeremy (Chuck's family) again. I hadn't seen them in 2.5 years since I was at their house in Sacramento for a surprise for Chuck's 50th birthday. It felt like we hadn't missed a day. His family is very warm and inviting. I always felt like part of the family, ever since Eleanor had started dating Chuck so many years ago. I also got to sit next to Todd Carb at dinner, so that was like icing on the cake. Todd is my hero in life. I will forever be grateful to Todd, as will so many people and he is so humble. We talked about that and he knows what he does, but he just does it because he does. What a mensch and all around great guy. Off to temple.
SATURDAY 10/28 - Oops, that damn breaks! We go to temple early, before everyone else. I see Ben walk up to the bimah. Boo-hoo'ing commences. I go outside for air. Eleanor asks if I want to hear her speech and like an idiot I say ok. Boo-hoo'ing continues and services are still half an hour away! I go outside for air! Finally services begin and we take our seats. I have a major wad of tissues handy, and they do not go un-used! I am teary eyed most of the time. When Ben gives his speech, I really lose it. Then I have to say an Aliyah with Todd Carb. I was really nervous. I don't speak Hebrew (even though I gave the same one 3 years ago for Josh) and I have the worst voice in the universe, but Todd was nice and loud! Guess what? I cried when I kissed Ben! I get to return to my seat, and couldn't find my wad of tissues! Eleanor was using it!!!!Then comes the major bawl-fest. Eleanor gave her speech. Oh my g-d. I was like a blubbering fool. The mentioning of the shooting just sent the whole congregation into a tearfilled stupor. She was crying and Ben was saying don't cry mom. We all made it through. Kinehora. Finally, after many more beautiful moments it was over and off to the luncheon. Then home before the party.
PARTY TIME - WOWWWWWW. What a party. The room was fabulous. Ben wanted a dog theme. He had as his mitzvah Pups for Peace (www.pupsforpeace.com) an organization that trains dogs to sniff for bombs in Israel. The centerpieces were a different dog. Each one was airbrushed and set on a pillow with bowls and bones and surrounded by wheatgrass. It was really cool. There was an hor's dourves hour with the most incredible food. Sushi, a mushroom station, brisket, potato knishes, hot dogs, fruit, stuffed cabbages, bastillas, teriyaki skewers and of course booze! I had a chance to catch up with friends I hadn't seen in years. How fun. Our friend Allan was there. He couldn't attend Josh's because he had litterally run into a tree and was hospitalized. Thank g-d he has recovered and is walking and was able to attend. The last time I saw him was in the hospital and in a wheelchair. I had emailed him a week before and told him to stay away from all tree's! I caught up with Gary and Claudia, friends from here that live there, that I haven't seen in 3 years. They brought 2 of the kids - Brandon and Gabriela. My how they have changed in 3 years. We are always in touch, but it is not the same. There was a friend Steve, that I hadn't seen in 12 years, since I left California and he hasn't changed a bit! I also got to officially meet Dr. Clarence Sutton. Ben's trauma surgeon. There began the tears for the evening! It was kind of funny, because I was with Todd at the time and both were som humble and basically giving each other the credit and denying their own part! What great men. During the cocktail hour, there was a guy that was taking pictures then morphing them like caricatures onto mousepads. I got a really cute picture of me with Josh and Ben. A great souvnier! On to dinner. Yes, there is more food! We proceeded to the main room. But we can't eat just yet. We have to cry some more first! Time for the Video Montage of Ben. There was plenty to ooh and aah over, but just as much to bawl about. We laughed at years 1 - 5 and cried at 5 and 6 then we laughed some more. Eleanor had to embarass me and put in a couple of pictures we took last April when they were here! That's ok. Time to eat. Salad, prime rib (or salmon or chicken)taters and veggies, more booze. I discovered Cosmopolitans. I also discovered I liked them! Then there was the kids scavanger hunt. I happened to be sitting at the head table, right at the dance floor, where the kids were for the hunt. So, I was chosen to be picked on by Ben's friend Dylan for items for the hunt. Took my napkin, took my driver's license (to which he was excited to see I was from Cleveland as is his dad) and then he wanted my watch. Of course we couldn't get it off my wrist so he dragged me onto the floor, onto his little 13 year old lap on top of some other little 13 year old girl!!!!!!! The next item was a business a jacket, but I wasn't wearing one, so by the time he got one, he was out. Next came a business card, but I didn't have any in my evening bag, so that kid that asked for one was out. Next came a ladies shoe. I had turned around to try and take a bite of my prime rib and the next thing I know, some kid is taking my shoe off! Then he says, ma'am, amy I help you put it back on? He put my shoe back on!!! Enough laughter, time to cry again. It is candle lighting time. I was candle #4. Ben said beautiful things and something like "even though you live in Cleveland and I live in L.A, I love you more then words can say" He read it to the music of Queen's "You're My Best Friend" I lost it. Todd was next and then the doctors (and Todd again) and so on. It was a beautiful ceremony. Time for more funand the Vienese table (major desserts) and the tears are done for tonight! Promise.
SUNDAY 10/29 - Wake up early again. Oh man am I tired. Eleanor and Chuck are hosting a brunch for family and near family. It was very lovely. Eleanor has always been like my sister. We have been best friends for 36 years. Chuck is like my brother and his family has always treated me like part of the family as my family has considered them as family. I stayed with his brother's family when I surprised Chuck a couple years ago for his 50th. It was nice just hanging with them for the morning. His nephew wants to go to med school and is applying to O.U and that would be very cool if he indeed came to Ohio for school. Poor Eleanor was exhausted and by the time everyone left, she couldn't even hold herself up. We watched the video montage again (no, I didn't cry this time) and she took a nap. Chuck and I cleaned up and I just hung out with Chuck and the boys. We went for a ride and had some dinner. I went with Ben to Best Buy. He HAD to spend some of his Bar Mitzvah money! When we got back, El was feeling better, so we sat around. We watched Josh's video montage from 3 years ago. We laughed and made stupid Star Trek jokes! We were just a bunch of overtired goofs! Time to pack and go to sleep.
MONDAY 10/30 -Got up early so I could see Ben before he left for school. I missed Shoosher, since he leaves at 6:15. It was hard saying goodbye to Ben. El and I had coffee while Chuck took Ben to school. Then it was off to the airport. Guess what? We cried at the Airport! It is always hard leaving. By the time I got home Ben had called and left a message! So did El! But, I had called them already from LAX before I even left, then from Chicago and again when I got in my car!
TUESFAY 10/31 - Back to work and reality!
There you have it. TMI? Too bad! It's my blog!
Until next time...goodnight!

READY, SET, GO

It is almost time to go. I am almost ready, and instead of finishing up, here I am blogging! Talk about priorities!
I still have the final packing to do, a pair of pants to hem and the legs to give a good shave! I also need to run the dishwasher and clean out my car. And of course Monday night is trash night. OY.
I don't know for sure if I will be able to catch the blog scene while I am gone, but I will surely try. I may stop home tomorrow before I head to the airport for one final look-see, if I leave in enough time. I have to go to work for a couple of hours in the morning, but I may just go straight to the airport from work.
I am kind of nervous about the meetings. My boss called today and said everyone in corporate wants to meet me. I need to know all my numbers inside and out, and frankly, numbers flee my head in stressful situations. I can know a entire catagory of 8 digit sku numbers by heart, but as soon as my boss would ask for one, it is like - DUH! We got a hand written note from the president of the company last week congratulating us on September results, so that was really appreciated and I know he will want to talk to me. OY! I am also tentative about the days of meetings. Being a retailer, I am not used to sitting for hours and hours on end. And my end hurts after sitting so long, since I hurt my back. Oh well, I guess after all the bitching I do about standing for 12 hours, I shouldn't complain about that!
Then comes Thursday! YAY! Off to L.A for the big event. I am so totally excited for that. I can't wait to see some friends I haven't seen in way too long. Of course it is all about Ben, but there are extra benefits as well! One big benny is going to be the weather! In case you are wondering, it is freezing here! Snowing, raining, windy and brrrrrrrrr, cold. It is actually supposed to be warmer in Chicago! And way warmer in L.A. Packed me some shorts!
Well my friends, I better get going and finish my tasks.
A couple of personal notes -
Sharon & Joanne - hope you had fun in Michigan & Canada. I will try and call you before I leave.
Yaakova - I am glad you are back and all is well. I read your blog and things sound really good.
Cher - When I get home, I NEED some coffee! Are you up for it? How about a week from Thursday?
Until next time...goodnight!

YAAKOVA, WHERE R U?

Yaakova, I am getting worried about you. You haven't been here or Danielle's blog or even your own in a long time. Please try and leave even a short comment to let me know you are ok.
I will be checking in looking for you, so please try and comment.
Your blog friend has a wild imagination, so put my imagination to rest!
Did you run off with the gardener?
Until next time...goodnight!

ONE WEEK AND COUNTING!

It is now Thursday, at about 11:10 pm and one week from now I will be getting my luggage from the carousel at LAX! After all the anticipation and planning (13 years worth!!!!) Ben's Bar Mitzvah is right around the corner (even though that corner is about 3000 miles away!) I am so excited. I know it is going to be an emotional weekend, and tiring, but all in a good way. I better be sure to pack lots of tissues.

Speaking of packing, we got an email at work today with some reminders for our meeting next week. Some things not to forget to pack. ( We have our fall kick off meeting in Chicago Tues - Thurs and I fly to L.A from Chicago) When I read the list, I didn't know if it was a joke or what.
We were reminded to bring ID, for the airport, heavy coat and gloves (it is pretty cold in Chi-town and some managers are coming from warm climates - I not being one of them!), spending money and some other items. The kicker was they listed clothes and shoes!!!!! Like we would forget to pack clothes and shoes!! How stupid do they think we are. They trust us to run their stores, trust us with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry, yet they don't trust us to pack clothes! Ya, like I contemplated wearing the same clothes for the entire trip or better yet just going naked to the meetings! I'm sure!

It is late and I better think about hitting the hay for tonight. I have a 12 hour day tomorrow.

Until next time...goodnight!

OCTOBER 16,19??

Today is my ?th or ?nd birthday! I pretty much did nothing so far. I think I got sick from freezing my tush off at the clam bake on Saturday, so I tried to nap a bit. I did manage to have a veggie burger and some of the Birthday cake they had for me at the clam bake. I am going to head over to the laundry mat and then meet some friends for dinner. At least part of the day will be fun.
Thanks to all of you that called and emailed and wrote on Fran's blog! I enjoyed that.
Until next time...goodnight!

FRIDAY THE 13TH!

Today is Friday the 13th, and it wasn't a scary day at all.

I had a fun lunch with my cousins. I didn't have the Lobster Ravioli, but I had the Farfale w/ Chicken, Asparagus and Sundried Tomatoes in a Parmesan Broth. It was yummo and the left overs were just as good for dinner! We always have fun together when we are out and today was no exception. As I have said before, my cousins are more like sisters and friends then cousins. Many times, another cousin Sandy joins us, but she is in Milwaukee visiting her son, daughter-in-law and grandson (and dogs!!), so we will be forced to schedule another "girls luncheon" again!

I also decided that the dress I previously purchased for the Bar Mitzvah isn't going to cut it, so I went on a power shopping trip and found a really pretty dress. It is not a long dress, but it is fancy enough. With the right jewels, it will be great! I know where to find those! Elaine is altering it for me P.D.Q! I can wear the shoes I already had, so that is a plus.

I found out that our great day yesterday was indeed a GREAT day. We placed 4th in the entire company! WOO HOO YIPPEE! We were number 1 in the region and Anrea was the number 4 highest seller in the company! We were also #1 in pct. to goal for the region for the month as of yesterday. It may have changed by today, but it is still damn good.

BTW, to those of you in sunshine states, we had our first snow yesterday! BAH HUMBUG. It is frickin-frackin cold now. I am going to a clam bake (I HATE clams!!) tomorrow night and I am going to freeze my tushie off. At least it is padded well! I plan to wear many layers. So many I may end up like the little brother in the Christmas Story that was so bundled he couldn't get up when he fell!

Well, I am going to get my loads of clothes together for tomorrow.

Until next time...goodnight!

WHAT A DAY!

Today was an interesting day. I worked a 12 hour shift, and it really wasn't too bad. I had a lot to keep me busy. I did some reading for my Diamontology certification, so I had a chance to sit a spell. Sara and I read to each other!! We also had a record setting day. YAY! To put the icing on the cake, my boss came in and got to celebrate the great day with us. DOUBLE YAY!

So, I had been on the phone talking to a co-hort from another store. I got off the phone and was leaning on the counter (quite professional!!!!!!!!) when all of a sudden the overhead light fixture fell apart and came crashing down at me. It missed my head my inches! I freaked out. At first I thought my co-worker was throwing stuff at me, silly girl she is. After I got over the shock of it, I looked down at the counter and GROSS ME OUT, a gaggle of dead flies had been calling the light fixture their final resting place and now they were laying all over the counter. GROSS. I am going to wear a helmet to work soon! I swear there are some disgusting creatures lurking in that building. If only they would buy jewelry, it wouldn't be so bad!

I am off tomorrow (Friday) and that is a TRIPLE YAY! I am going to lunch with my cousins Elaine, Sharon and Joanne. We are going to Maggiano's Italian. I am hoping to try the Lobster Ravioli. Sounds yummo.

Until next time...goodnight!

STAY STRONG NYC

What sad day for the city of New York. I watched the TV with a sick lump in my throat as the images of another high-rise engulfed with flames aired this afternoon, the result of a plane crashing into it. I worried, as I am sure the rest of the world did, that this was yet another act of terrorism. For a moment I was relieved that it was not. Then back to the pain I felt for the victims of this horrible accident. Cory Lidel (sp?), a New York Yankee pitcher died a tragic death by plane crash, like another famed Yankee, Thurman Munson. My sympathy goes out to his family and also to the family of his co-pilot, also reportedly killed in the crash. By the last account I heard, there were no victims in the building or on the street. What a miracle that is. Such a gargantuan accident, in such a highly populated area, and no other fatalities is truely a miracle. I hope the injuries incurred by the firefighters and others are not life-threatening and they have a full and speedy recovery.
I can not imagine the emotional injuries incurred by the residents of NYC over this event. I for one, have no intention of ever living in a high-rise, nor do I ever intend to work in one. I wasn't thrilled with that idea prior to 9/11 and certainly not since then, Milan in 2002 or today.
I heart NY and I will be back to assist your economy! Stay strong and the fighter you are.
I will keep you NYC, and your amazingly resilient populace, in my thoughts and prayers.
Until next time...goodnight.

THIS IS A TEST!

This is a test! I tried to check the old blog this morning and it was blank! Arrrgh!

WED. OCT. 11, 2006

Eleanor, in the whole wide world you're my bestest friend.
On our friendship and sisterhood, we can always depend.
Since you live so very, very far away,
I am sending you BIRTHDAY greetings on my blog today.

We have known each other since junior high school,
and in front of each other we don't have to be afraid to act the fool!
We sang the songs of Journey and Barry White,
and we are even close enough to get into, then out of, a fight.
Together we have laughed and cried and laughed some more,
our friendship is the greatest of treasures, one that I adore.

I hope your BIRTHDAY is a cut above,
filled with joy and laughter and TONS OF LOVE!

Happy Birthday Smell - A - Nor!!
LOVE YA, GURL-FREYND!
See you in 2 weeks!

APOLOGIES

Hi all. Sorry I was such a bummer. This too shall pass.
Thanks for all of your well wishes and supportive comments.
Until next time...goodnight.

B^*#@ and MOAN

I am having a hard night tonight. I am again having second thoughts about this job. Things are going good at the store. Sales are doing well and I like my staff, but I do not have enough of a staff. I am working 6 days a week and I am having a hard time keeping up this pace. I am scheduled something like 54 hours next week, 7 straight days, and I am ready to cry thinking about it. This afternoon I started to get the pain back in my leg (one of the herniated discs in my back is sitting on a nerve that runs down my leg, the sciatic, and the pain is concentrated in my lower leg) and I am getting scared that the pain epidurals may be wearing off. I am hoping it is just an errant pain and I took Advils, but the standing for as long as 12 hours a day doesn't help. If I need another round I am screwed, since my insurance doesn't kick in until Jan. 1st and they cost $1,600 each. My nightly pain medication costs $177 a month without insurance. Luckily the pharmacy matches Costco prices at $134.50. No more diamonds for me for a long while!
I am also getting nervous about the plane rides I have coming up. I have not been on a plane since I had the epidurals or the since my discs herniated, so I am fearful of the pressure changes on the plane.
I really thought that my year was turning around, but it seems not to be. Maybe I am just PMS'ing or just overly tired. Sleep seems to be evading me and I wish I had my mommy!
I think I need a good cry, so I shall have a go at that now.
Until next time...goodnight.

Happy 13th!

By my watch, it is midnight (at least in my time zone!) and officially the 6th of October. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Benjamin!!!!! I can't get over the fact you are a teenager now! I love you tons and tons and tons! I hope your birthday is AWESOME and FUN. Since I can't be there, have a 2nd slice of cake for Auntie Womie! I will see you on the 26th!
Hugs and kisses. ;) I love you Boo Boo.

RANDOM THOUGHTS

I have tomorrow (actually today already) off. I am going to sleep until I get up. No alarm clocks and hopefully, no phone calls either! I have some errands to run, but mostly the day is mine.
I have to make the much dreaded trip to the DMV, time to renew my registration. It really isn't too bad, since the one by me is usually pretty quick and the people are always pleasant and move quickly. At least I don't have to renew my license so I don't have to fret over getting photographed!
I am thinking of looking for another dress for the Bar Mitzvah. I bought one and I had big dreams of losing a few pounds. Yeah right. It is so tight that it is not very comfy. It is also rather short for the shoes I have, so that is another issue by itself.
I want to go to my paper store. I need just the right card stock to make the card I have in my brain for Ben's Bar Mitzvah. I seem to talk about that a lot. It is a very special and momentous occassion. Those of you who know me, know why. Those of you who don't, well, for now I will suffice it to say that Ben is a miracle. He, and his family, have overcome the most unbelievable event in a childs life. In anyones life. It is rather ironic that this birthday celebration holds such roots in Judiasm, and it was the fact that Ben is Jewish that the horrible day and succession of events took place.
Three weeks from this past Tuesday, I have to go to Chicago for our Manager's Fall kick-off meeting. I am excited to meet my co-horts from across the nation. I am also a bit nervous. I will also meet all of the "suits" in the company! In the past, I have been the seasoned and "go to" manager, now I am the new kid on the block. It is kind of hard to get accustomed to. I leave from the meetings and fly right out to L.A for the big event!
I need a haircut and a dye job! My hairdresser left and I am such a baby about trying new ones. I have been trimming it myself, and doing a pretty good job, if I must say so myself! But I really need a professional to do me up. I have quite a collection of colors at this moment and grey is not one I am all that fond of. I need help here!
I am toying with the idea of getting acrylics again. I hate what they end up doing to my nails, but I am having an awful time with them lately. Chipping and splitting. Such monumental decisions I have to make!
I am shocked that Jerry Springer is still on Dancing With the Stars! I don't usually get a chance to watch, but, I can only imagine he couldn't be that great a dancer. However, he does seem to dance around the misfits on his show!
The leaves are changing colors. Fall is actually here on the North Coast. That can only mean winter is just around the bend. Bah - humbug.
What is wrong with this world? Congressmen sending such disgusting emails to young boys, then claiming addiction to try and get out of it. Sounds like a Mel Gibson move to me, but even worse because he is an elected official. One that the people chose to represent them. Some representation.
My heart aches for the Amish families in PA. What a heinous act of violence and cowardice that shmuck pulled on hapless, defenseless little girls. How sick is this world getting?
Where has Eugene been for so long? He hasn't been on his blog since 9-9.
I miss B.B's updates. I hope her trip to Sidney is going well. Stay strong and brave, Amber.
Cher, you are due to update your blog, too! Abby came by on Tuesday. We need a coffee klutch together! Patty Potato-Cake stopped in today, but I was on a conference call and couldn't talk to her. Miss you!
I am done!
Until next time...goodnight!

GROSS-OCITY!

Houston, we have a problem. There is a problem in the store with creepy crawlies. I am not a fan of bugs and there are some disgusting creatures in the shopping center where we are. We have to leave our doors open, so that doesn't help. We get spiders the size of bison and tonight we had 2 of the most ginormous mosquitos I have ever seen. Of course we have no bug spray, so I drown anything I see with Glade! Every morning we go on a safari to get the dead mosquitos and flies out of the showcases. Yellow jackets buzz around our heads and in the showcases. I imagine after we have a frost, the problem will subside until next year, but until then it is gross. I want to run out screaming when I see the spiders, but I have to be the leader and I have to be the brave soul that hunts them down. ICK.
When I managed the Pfaltzgraff store, we had an even worse problem, since we were closer to some woods. We had snakes in the store twice, frogs, spiders the size of Montana, geese flew in and left calling cards (poop!!) and a bird that landed in a pot! And the day I saw a mouse in the backroom, I called in back-up since I refused to enter the backroom after that!
Maybe tomorrow I will wear a pith helmet to work! Oh yeah, another thing I have to buy!!!!
Until next time...goodnight!

PHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Phew, it's over. Man that was exhausting. So I guess you are waiting for the results, huh? I had to wait until the last second, so you will have to as well! Tee Hee Hee.

In case you were also wondering, my brother didn't actually make it into town this weekend. I am hoping to get out there in January. I am supposed to get some comp time then, so I can escape for a few days and hang out with him. It would have been a very short visit if he had actually come in, basically for a few hours.

So, did we make our goal? Good question. I did buy a lovely white gold and diamond necklace from the clearance counter and a really pretty white gold and diamond XOX tennis bracelet, also on sale. I needed them to complete my white gold and diamond collection. I LOVE diamonds. Have I ever mentioned that before?

This morning when I got into work and pulled up figures, two stores came up from behind and were neck and neck with us. The dreaded Michigan store and an Indiana store. Indiana had actually pulled 1 point ahead of us, leaving me and Michigan tied in second. BOO HOO.

The weather was gorgeous today. Sunny and realtively warm. I dressed to warm for work, but usually it is frezzing in the store.

OK, I will end the suspense. We made it! We made it with $10 to spare!!!! YAHOO! YIPEE! WOO HOO! It is such a great way to close out the first month we had together in the store. The staff is pumped and I am so happy for them. They deserved to see this happen for them. They had a hard summer and I am happy to support them and guide them and mentor them in any way I can.

On to next month! OY

Until next time...goodnight!