Random Notes

Current activities: Rick didn't get a call to 'sub' today, so I'm enjoying having him home all day. We bought ourselves an early Christmas present, and he's been trying to set it up all day. We may have to bring in some technical support...I'll disclose what it is after he successfully completes the mission.


We've also been 'decking' the Discount 'halls'. I've had an apple/cinnamon candle burning and Christmas music playing to get us all in the spirit. When we went to the mountains with the Heeremas last weekend, Esther collected various greens, sticks, pine cones and various other forest-finds for me. I created a display that the customers have been enjoying.


Today, Rick, aka Mr. Grinch, cheerfully put up our little artificial Christmas tree in the office and I 'decorated' it with various merchandise trinkets we sell. The big boss-man just came in to pick up my daily bank deposit. He was ecstatic with glee at my 'cleverness'. Said he wished HE'D thought of it! Score one for our side!


Job Stress Level: After spiking Monday, the stress of our job is declining again - kind of like the stock-market in reverse! There is one particular person in the company who really knows how to push my buttons, (and I wish I knew how to keep it from happening or deal with it better, but it is what it is). Anyway, at our recent monthly team meeting, the bosses both had some nice things to say about our job performance, so it's all good until the next 'immunity challenge', I guess.


Special 'Grandma' Time: Esther and I have been having special outings for awhile now...she calls them 'Grandma Days'. Last night her poppa was out of town for work, so Charity and I though this would be a good opportunity. We all met up at Goodwill - which is actually within walking distance of where we live. After a few minutes of looking at all the cool toys, Esther and I set out to the adjacent Blockbuster to pick out a movie to watch after dinner. After she chose a 'Thomas the Train' video we proceeded to Carl's Jr. for a delicious, nutritious, artery-clogging feast. Actually, the fare's a lot better than some other fast-food places. Plus, the play area is better and more clean. There was one other family - a mom and 2 daughters in the room. One of the other girls was near Esther's age. It's hilarious to listen to kids talk to each other. And mind you, these kids have never met each other before.


LITTLE GIRL 'A' (to Esther) I have a shirt like yours. I got it at Old Navy...ESTHER: (to Little Girl 'A') I got mine at Old Navy too.

LITTLE GIRL 'A' (to Esther, showing her a purple sweater) This is my sweater, I got it at the Mall. ESTHER (to Little Girl 'A') I have a sweater almost like that, I wear it to church. I got mine at the Mall too.

LITTLE GIRL 'A' (to Esther) You can come to my birthday party. ESTHER Oh...

LITTLE GIRL 'A' (to Esther, conspiratorially) Come over here so I can tell you something...(Esther follows a few paces) Will you come with me to the restroom, I'm scared to go by myself'.

GRANDMA: Esther, time to go home!