16 February 2015
This Used To Be My Life
x
....except I definitely knew when the holidays were, because they affected both store traffic and my bus schedule.
15 January 2015
More Truth from Tumblr
22 December 2014
A Retail Carol
At the store I used to work at, the busiest days of the year were the 22nd and 23rd of the December. So, so happy not to be there anymore!
[And I had to do the $%&! bank run...]
[And I had to do the $%&! bank run...]
Labels: comics, holidays, work
15 December 2014
May I Speak to Your Supervisor?
One of my favorite co-workers recently told me a story from her previous job, when she worked at a call center for a national company:
A man called with a complaint. The woman who answered the phone tried to help, but he demanded to speak to her supervisor, so she passed him on. The supervisor tried to help, but the man wasn't happy with her help, either, and demanded to speak to her boss. Her boss was my current co-worker. My co-worker tried to help the man. After a few minutes he said in frustration, "This just isn't working. Isn't there a man there who can help me??"
My co-worker replied: "Well, there's a janitor here. Would you like to speak to him?"
Needless to say, he shut up and let her help him.
A man called with a complaint. The woman who answered the phone tried to help, but he demanded to speak to her supervisor, so she passed him on. The supervisor tried to help, but the man wasn't happy with her help, either, and demanded to speak to her boss. Her boss was my current co-worker. My co-worker tried to help the man. After a few minutes he said in frustration, "This just isn't working. Isn't there a man there who can help me??"
My co-worker replied: "Well, there's a janitor here. Would you like to speak to him?"
Needless to say, he shut up and let her help him.
Labels: work
29 October 2014
Lunch Break
This Retail comic strip is not an exaggeration:
True story from my time as a retail store manager:
One Christmas season we hired a woman whose name I don't remember, but let's call her Jane. I gave Jane the tour (showing her the layout of the store, the break room, etc.) and we finished at the daily schedule. The daily schedule had two parts: The left side showed where everyone was working that day, and the right side showed the break schedule. Everyone had a fifteen minute break first, then a thirty minute break later. Jane asked if she got a lunch break. I looked at the schedule, and showed her that she got a fifteen minute break at 11:30. She said (whined), "But don't I get a lunch break at noon??" I explained, as nicely as I could, that we can't all take a break at noon, because we have to take turns for our breaks. She asked again about a break at noon. Again, I pointed to her 11:30 break. She complained, "But that's only fifteen minutes. That's not enough time to go get a lunch!"
First of all: I have never, in my entire life, started a job without a bagged lunch. You never know what the facilities are going to be like.
Secondly: My boss came and found me halfway through the day and asked what I thought of Jane. I said, "Please make her go away". He said, "How about I pay her for the hours she's worked today and then fire her". I said, "That'll work". First and only time in my life I've gotten someone fired.
True story from my time as a retail store manager:
One Christmas season we hired a woman whose name I don't remember, but let's call her Jane. I gave Jane the tour (showing her the layout of the store, the break room, etc.) and we finished at the daily schedule. The daily schedule had two parts: The left side showed where everyone was working that day, and the right side showed the break schedule. Everyone had a fifteen minute break first, then a thirty minute break later. Jane asked if she got a lunch break. I looked at the schedule, and showed her that she got a fifteen minute break at 11:30. She said (whined), "But don't I get a lunch break at noon??" I explained, as nicely as I could, that we can't all take a break at noon, because we have to take turns for our breaks. She asked again about a break at noon. Again, I pointed to her 11:30 break. She complained, "But that's only fifteen minutes. That's not enough time to go get a lunch!"
First of all: I have never, in my entire life, started a job without a bagged lunch. You never know what the facilities are going to be like.
Secondly: My boss came and found me halfway through the day and asked what I thought of Jane. I said, "Please make her go away". He said, "How about I pay her for the hours she's worked today and then fire her". I said, "That'll work". First and only time in my life I've gotten someone fired.
17 December 2013
Quote of the Day: Retail
This is my second Christmas away from the world of retail, and wow I do NOT miss it. Today's quote is a version of a conversation I had with many, many customers. (And it's not just a "guy" thing, either.):
customer: Do you have any suggestions for a Christmas gift?
Marla: Sure, who is it for?
customer: Sheila. The love of my life. My everything. My soulmate.
Marla: Okay. What kind of interests does Sheila have?
customer: I don't know. Regular girl stuff, I guess.
customer: Do you have any suggestions for a Christmas gift?
Marla: Sure, who is it for?
customer: Sheila. The love of my life. My everything. My soulmate.
Marla: Okay. What kind of interests does Sheila have?
customer: I don't know. Regular girl stuff, I guess.
06 June 2013
Quote of the Day: Wonderfalls
It's been almost a year since I left the retail world, but this quote still speaks to me on a fundamental level. From "Karma Chameleon" (1.03):
Bianca: [to store customers] Come again!
Jaye: Don't encourage them.
Bianca: [to store customers] Come again!
Jaye: Don't encourage them.
Labels: Wonderfalls, work
10 June 2012
Some Storm Thoughts from Richard Cohen
In his analysis of yesterday's Seattle @ San Antonio game, Richard Cohen had some ideas about what's wrong with the Storm. Here are some of the bits I thought were most interesting:
"While many of their most obvious issues have been on offense this year, Seattle’s defense also isn’t what it used to be. [Ann] Wauters simply isn’t as mobile as Lauren Jackson, and isn’t anywhere near as comfortable in the Storm’s defensive system. It leads to slow rotations and inadequate help right at the core of the defense, which makes everyone else look bad. Danielle Robinson [of San Antonio], for example, is far too quick for [Sue] Bird, but part of Bird’s style defensively has always been to funnel opponents towards where she knows her help will be. She can’t cope herself, but she can at least push people in the right direction. That doesn’t work without teammates behind her in the right positions, who can slide over quickly. Wauters is at least a step slow, and it throws everyone else off."
"Some of the problems for Seattle’s offense are a case of a self-fulfilling prophecy. They know they’re struggling, and especially when a few efforts don’t drop early on, they start forcing things or rushing shots. The expectation that they’re going to struggle and knowledge that they’ve been poor offensively is in turn causing them to screw up. It’s a vicious circle that’s tough to break."
"Sue Bird’s trying to attack and score to help carry her underperforming team, but it’s not working in the slightest. She’s just pressing and forcing things too much, which leads to horrendous shooting nights like the 1-13 she produced in this game. She was open for a lot of them, but nothing would drop. When even Bird’s hopelessly struggling, Seattle know they’re in trouble."
It's all very depressing, but I like reading a more knowledgeable analysis.
But hey, here are two things that are not depressing:
1) Kevin Durant (NBA star) is a fan of the WNBA!
2) Tomorrow I turn in my resignation letter at work. Woo hoo!!!!!
"While many of their most obvious issues have been on offense this year, Seattle’s defense also isn’t what it used to be. [Ann] Wauters simply isn’t as mobile as Lauren Jackson, and isn’t anywhere near as comfortable in the Storm’s defensive system. It leads to slow rotations and inadequate help right at the core of the defense, which makes everyone else look bad. Danielle Robinson [of San Antonio], for example, is far too quick for [Sue] Bird, but part of Bird’s style defensively has always been to funnel opponents towards where she knows her help will be. She can’t cope herself, but she can at least push people in the right direction. That doesn’t work without teammates behind her in the right positions, who can slide over quickly. Wauters is at least a step slow, and it throws everyone else off."
"Some of the problems for Seattle’s offense are a case of a self-fulfilling prophecy. They know they’re struggling, and especially when a few efforts don’t drop early on, they start forcing things or rushing shots. The expectation that they’re going to struggle and knowledge that they’ve been poor offensively is in turn causing them to screw up. It’s a vicious circle that’s tough to break."
"Sue Bird’s trying to attack and score to help carry her underperforming team, but it’s not working in the slightest. She’s just pressing and forcing things too much, which leads to horrendous shooting nights like the 1-13 she produced in this game. She was open for a lot of them, but nothing would drop. When even Bird’s hopelessly struggling, Seattle know they’re in trouble."
It's all very depressing, but I like reading a more knowledgeable analysis.
But hey, here are two things that are not depressing:
1) Kevin Durant (NBA star) is a fan of the WNBA!
2) Tomorrow I turn in my resignation letter at work. Woo hoo!!!!!
Labels: Seattle Storm, WNBA, work
06 June 2012
Rinse & Repeat
Lose to L.A.
Lose to L.A.
Lose to Minnesota.
Lose to L.A.
Lose to Minnesota.
Sigh.
It was ugly right from the start, but in the second quarter Seattle managed to claw back to within 10. In the third quarter it fell apart again, and that was it. Blech.
At the beginning of her liveblog (i.e. before the game started), Jayda Evans wrote: "At some point you've got expect Seattle (1-4) to stand up and stop what seems like madness. Teams are good in the WNBA, really good. But that doesn't mean Seattle, which won a title in 2010, shouldn't be able to win more than it has."
I know they've had a tough schedule, but this is starting to get ridiculous!
Sigh.
But, hey! I'm starting an awesome new job in a couple of weeks. That's cool, right?
Lose to L.A.
Lose to Minnesota.
Lose to L.A.
Lose to Minnesota.
Sigh.
It was ugly right from the start, but in the second quarter Seattle managed to claw back to within 10. In the third quarter it fell apart again, and that was it. Blech.
At the beginning of her liveblog (i.e. before the game started), Jayda Evans wrote: "At some point you've got expect Seattle (1-4) to stand up and stop what seems like madness. Teams are good in the WNBA, really good. But that doesn't mean Seattle, which won a title in 2010, shouldn't be able to win more than it has."
I know they've had a tough schedule, but this is starting to get ridiculous!
Sigh.
But, hey! I'm starting an awesome new job in a couple of weeks. That's cool, right?
Labels: Seattle Storm, work
03 June 2012
Trying to Stay Spoiler-Free
My exams are tomorrow, so I spent all evening studying.
This meant I didn't watch the Storm game.
I haven't gone on Twitter or any of my basketball websites.
I will watch the game when I come home from my exams tomorrow.
This has been very difficult!
This meant I didn't watch the Storm game.
I haven't gone on Twitter or any of my basketball websites.
I will watch the game when I come home from my exams tomorrow.
This has been very difficult!
Labels: Seattle Storm, work
31 May 2012
I'm Feeling Pretty Good!
About my upcoming test, that is. (I still haven't completely gotten over this cold.)
I reviewed lessons all day, and tonight I took a practice test and got 89%. (75% is the minimum to pass.) Some more studying, some more practice tests, and I think I'll do ok!
I reviewed lessons all day, and tonight I took a practice test and got 89%. (75% is the minimum to pass.) Some more studying, some more practice tests, and I think I'll do ok!
30 May 2012
Lots To Do!
I'm taking my licensing exams (Federal and State!) on Monday, so the next few days are going to be BUSY BUSY BUSY!
In the meantime, please enjoy a compilation of all of Troy & Abed's end tags from season two of Community. (The first one will always be my favorite.):
"Nothing's impossible in here..."
In the meantime, please enjoy a compilation of all of Troy & Abed's end tags from season two of Community. (The first one will always be my favorite.):
"Nothing's impossible in here..."
26 May 2012
Farscape... (sort of)
Yay! I finished my online class! I scored 94% on the final exam!
To celebrate, let's watch this awesome clip from Stargate SG-1, of "Farscape":
"Piece of advice? If you're going to rip something off, think of something a little more obscure."
"Oh, ok."
...
"Ok, you got me. I have no idea what that is."
To celebrate, let's watch this awesome clip from Stargate SG-1, of "Farscape":
"Piece of advice? If you're going to rip something off, think of something a little more obscure."
"Oh, ok."
...
"Ok, you got me. I have no idea what that is."
Labels: Farscape, Stargate, work
23 May 2012
So, How Am I, You Ask?
Well, you didn't, but I'm going to tell you anyway.
I am sick, and I am trying to finish my stupid time-limited schooling while sniffling, coughing, and drinking copious amounts of tea.
Blech.
I am sick, and I am trying to finish my stupid time-limited schooling while sniffling, coughing, and drinking copious amounts of tea.
Blech.
15 April 2012
New Job?
I've had a new job opportunity drop in my lap. It would be a total career change and a long commute, but better pay and benefits.
I'm not good with change, so I'm kind of freaking out...
I'm not good with change, so I'm kind of freaking out...
Labels: work
27 December 2011
Quote of the Day: My Friend "A"
I told my friend (and former co-worker) "A" about how my boss (her former) let a news crew into the store this year -- a sudden reversal of many previous statements about how she would never do such a thing. My friend's response:
"You know old beatniks and hippies - their indignation can be paid to disappear."
"You know old beatniks and hippies - their indignation can be paid to disappear."
Labels: work
20 July 2011
Guess Who Came Into the Store?
At work today, I was talking to a co-worker when I suddenly spotted Tully Bevilaqua! She played for the Storm during the 2004 championship run, and she currently plays for the San Antonio Silver Stars. (They're in town to play Seattle tomorrow night.)
I went over to meet her (basically, I said, "Hi! I know who you are! I'm a big Storm fan!") and she was very nice. Shorter than I expected (the WNBA claims she's 5'7", but Wikipedia reports that the WNBL lists her as 5'5" -- I think I believe the Australians) but very muscular. If I didn't know she as a professional athlete, I might have thought she was a Marine!
Definitely the highlight of my day!
I went over to meet her (basically, I said, "Hi! I know who you are! I'm a big Storm fan!") and she was very nice. Shorter than I expected (the WNBA claims she's 5'7", but Wikipedia reports that the WNBL lists her as 5'5" -- I think I believe the Australians) but very muscular. If I didn't know she as a professional athlete, I might have thought she was a Marine!
Definitely the highlight of my day!
18 June 2011
Quote of the Day: my co-worker
A defect form, in case it isn't obvious from the name, is a form we fill out at work for defective products. It has spots for the description of the item, the vendor (who we buy it from), the price, what happened to it (was it DOA? a dead demo? did some one break it?), whether or not it was returned by a customer, etc.
This is from a form filled out by my co-worker for a plastic knight whose sword had broken off:
EXACTLY WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS TOY? (Please be precise; this saves a lot of time for [the person] doing defect processing!):
Sword broke off and now Sir Knights-a-lot can't protect Princess Needypants from the evil lava-breathing dragon of doom. Such a tragedy.
This is from a form filled out by my co-worker for a plastic knight whose sword had broken off:
EXACTLY WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS TOY? (Please be precise; this saves a lot of time for [the person] doing defect processing!):
Sword broke off and now Sir Knights-a-lot can't protect Princess Needypants from the evil lava-breathing dragon of doom. Such a tragedy.
Labels: random silliness, work
01 January 2011
Quote of the Day: Bookstore Lore
From Bookstore Lore: The Stupidest Questions Ever Asked in a Bookstore:
Deranged: "Do you have any non-fiction?"
(Yes, it's all over the store.)
Der.: Well I can't seem to find any, you must have sold it all.
(OK)
One hour later, deranged is back: "Do you have any non-fiction?"
(Oh, you're back. What are you looking for?)
Deranged: "Something like Edgar Allen Poe."
Deranged: "Do you have any non-fiction?"
(Yes, it's all over the store.)
Der.: Well I can't seem to find any, you must have sold it all.
(OK)
One hour later, deranged is back: "Do you have any non-fiction?"
(Oh, you're back. What are you looking for?)
Deranged: "Something like Edgar Allen Poe."
23 November 2010
Snow, part 2
An hour to work; an hour home. Not too bad. (Especially since half of the hour home was walking from the transit center.)
I noticed yesterday that I don't find the snow pretty like I used to.
Compare this week's "Snow" and "Snow, part 2" posts to the ones I wrote in 2005.
I think the '08/'09 storm ruined it for me.
:(
I noticed yesterday that I don't find the snow pretty like I used to.
Compare this week's "Snow" and "Snow, part 2" posts to the ones I wrote in 2005.
I think the '08/'09 storm ruined it for me.
:(
