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MARCH 27, 2009

Worked another night in Tempe. Another 4 deliveries. Racial stereotypes were shattered. Got a $6 tip from a black guy, then got stiffed by a white couple. Still took home over 17 bucks.

MARCH 26, 2009

First time working in Tempe at the Southern and McClintock store. Mgr there is really cool. Only did 4 deliveries but got tipped decently. That last delivery I really put my foot in my mouth though. Lady answered the door, she was in her 30s but looked so young that I asked, "Hi, is your mom here?" Lady was kinda cute. Reminded me a little of Diane Proctor.

MARCH 15, 2009

Couldn't wait much longer for a sale at Fry's electronics. Coupons were due to expire on the 17th. Got two converters, they were kind of on sale anyway marked down from 69.95 to 49.95. Paid 14.15 each for 'em and I got to keep the coupons.

JANUARY 19?, 2009

Interesting night at Safeway. I was near the door where the gift cards hang, and I noticed a rolled up little plastic bag on the floor. I jokingly told a worker that someone had dropped their weed. He picked it up and....it really was weed! Another worker and I went into the office and called the cops as an old guy was using the SRP machine. An officer came by and we all watched a replay of surveillance video. The guy who dropped the weed was the guy who had been at the SRP machine -- and he was long gone now. The officer counted it as "loss of weed even."

DECEMBER 29, 2008

With only four (yes - 4!) hours of work scheduled, I had to do something. I called Gina and asked her if anyone had called off. She said no, but that I was on standby in case they got busy. A bit later my cell rang, and she said that Dean had graciously given up his shift for me. I worked the 5-to-8 shift and a bit after 8 I asked if I could take one more. The manager on duty said ok, and I made a bit more money. When I got back, she said that my going home job was dishes, ensuring that I would spend a bit more time on the job. I got off work about 9:15, having doubled my work hours this week to eight (woohoo!)
I was never so glad to get dishes in my whole life.

DECEMBER 28, 2008

After singles' group, I met Dale and Shelley at the QT at 17 and T-bird. Tank was nearly empty so I filled up with $1.43 regular. We all went to visit Alicia and she was tooling around on her new scooter she got for Christmas. We met her parents and then went to the park with her. After this we went and visited Sandra, then went over to Dale and Shelley's to get some tools and back to Sandra's mom's house where Dale fixed a lock on her door. Later her mom served me food while we were watching The Sound of Music.

DECEMBER 25, 2008

Ate Christmas dinner at Sandra's cousin's home. Also called Jerry, Allyson and David, and Stacey.

DECEMBER 24, 2008

Picked up Sandra and we went to visit Megan at her sister's. While we were there I called Jamie and let Megan talk to her. We were going to meet Dale, Shelley, Richard and Rene' at Taco Bell but it was closed when we got there and they went to Denny's near Great Skate, which was too far for the time allotted. The three of us went over and visited Jamie for a while.

DECEMBER 23, 2008

Ok, cat's back. I went out there around 1:00 this afternoon and he cam in. I immediately called Richard and he was relieved.

DECEMBER 22, 2008

Richard came in and let Minx out the front door, we've been looking for the cat ever since.

DECEMBER 20, 2008

Well, I had only been scheduled for SIX hours of work this week but I would up doing about 27 according to my count! I was closing driver a couple times or so and this next check should help me towards my goal of paying the SRP electric bill on time. (It's already late.)

DECEMBER 19, 2008

Not a bad paycheck this time, and George is back to work. He looks none the worse for wear. Keep praying though.
Richard and I went to a get-together at Great Skate for Bryan's work (NYPD Pizza). I didn't tell anyone that I work for Papa John's. Even though it cost 8 bucks and they didn't serve a pizza like they were going to, it was still nice seeing the old skating rink again.

DECEMBER 14, 2008

Got called in to work today, but Gina let me come in after church. Found out later that George, our oldest driver, possibly had a mild stroke! He might be out for awhile and needs prayer.

NOVEMBER 30, 2008

I finally did something I had thought of a while ago, to trick the Circle K guy into giving me his name. I called up the place. He said something like "Circle K, this is Dave" which is what I thought he said the night of August 23rd. This time, I raised the pitch of my voice a bit and asked "Is Circle K accepting applications?" He NICELY said, "You can do that online, man" but that that store wasn't. My original plan was to get his name and email, burying the complaint in with a compliment about the stores at Val Vista and Main, and Lindsay and University (which were the only two Circle K's I still patronized). The phone call temporarily assuaged my anger.

OCTOBER 27, 2008

They shut off the house phone. Later my cell went. I have to pay about $109 to get them turned back on, and now the Cricket phone is my only lifeline. Looks like it's Kinko's for me if I want to get back online. Also might try Gamers' Inn.

August 26 - September 2, 2008

What a week this was! Tuesday the 26th, I finally made it down to the Circle K headquarters on Warner Rd. in Tempe and made the complaint by phone. The people were very nice there; the lady on the phone said the District Manager would be contacting me that afternoon or the next day. It's been a week and I haven't heard from him.

I loved that light show Thursday night, almost like snapshots at an awards show or something. The lightning strike meter on the news registered over 10,000! Thank you, God.

Friday evening almost all the freeways were parking lots because of three things all at once: a Diamondbacks game, a Cardinals game and people leaving for the long weekend. From the westbound 202 I jumped onto the 10 east and the 17 north and back to the 10 west so I avoided some of the mess. I got Stacy to the dance practically on time (although she wanted to be there early) and went and picked up Sandra. The dance was much better than last week and John even played the cut "Doing It Right" from the Go! Team CD I brought. He told me to bring it next week because of a favorable response.

Sunday morning I actually made it to an 8:30 service at Palmcroft, got there at 8:33 but they were a few minutes late starting so I didn't miss anything. Jamie is back from Georgia (yes, she went there AGAIN), I talked to her on the phone but she'd rather her sister drop her off at the dance than me pick her up. What's up with that?

Monday I had one of those marathon headaches that even cold medicine couldn't help, and Matt called and asked if I wanted to open tomorrow. I said ok.

September 2 started out slow. I got there a few minutes after 10:30 and eventually topped and folded 100 large boxes and 50 medium boxes. I also took out some trash and helped top a pizza. Tried my hand at dough-slapping again, eventually I will get the hang of it.

Something rather alarming happened on my second delivery. After the lady handed me the cash and I repeated the total for her just to make sure she got it, she said something like "don't stay too long, I've got the measles." I did the usual have a nice day routine and drove back to work instead of making my next delivery. I called Gina on my cell phone and told her about it, and she said to make the second delivery anyway. I still feel fine, the lady didnt look that bad so possibly nothing will happen. Late in the afternoon, my left rear tire finally gave out so I spent some time replacing it.

So how was YOUR week?

August 23-25, 2008

The title of this entry is . . .

Ok. Saturday night, August 23, during a visit to Famous Sam's and Wal-Mart, I decided to get some stuff at Circle K next door, use my ATM card and get some cash back for the church tomorrow. While I was in Circle K, I had some trouble deciding what I wanted to buy. This store didn't have the 1-Liter Brisk Ice Teas for 99 cents, like lots of other Circle K's, but they had smaller ones for $1.59.

Still trying to decide what to buy, I headed toward the other side of the store. I was being very quiet, not bothering anyone. I'm not sure if it was the way I was walking or what, but as I passed the newspapers, the guy behind the counter got my attention and said that I was "too messed up to be in here" and he couldn't have me "stumblin' around like that." Excuse me, I did not have ONE DRINK while at Sam's. He told me to get out of the store or he would call the police! As I headed toward the door, I said "I didn't have one drink! Have a nice day."

As he faked a phone call to the police (which fooled me for a little bit), I went outside and waited for them to arrive, but the only cop I saw was pulling someone over by the 7-Eleven across the street. Still steaming, I went over to my car, which was still at Sam's. I called information and got the number for the Circle K. The guy answered but the connection was a bit fuzzy at first so I didn't get his name. I asked him if he had the number to the corporate office. He said he didn't, and I told him, "OK, then, I'll get the number myself and there will be a complaint on the desk." He said ok. Then I said, "And who am I speaking with?" but all I heard was a click indicating that he had hung up.

After calming down a bit I decided to go back to Sam's and have some cheese curds. I aimed to be extra nice to the people who were nice to me there, and even though my order was only $5.75 I tipped the lady 4 bucks.

After a few handshakes, hugs and compliments, I thought I'd just drive on over to the QuikTrip convenience store across the street and see if they were worthy of my business. If they passed the test, I'd buy a lot of stuff from them.

The guy behind the QT counter greeted me when I came in, unlike Circle K. I decided to stroll around the store for a bit like I did before. Instead of kicking me out, this guy asked if I was finding everything okay. So far so good. I held two 2-liter bottles of RC to the window facing Circle K, as if to symbolically say 'look at the business you're not getting!' My hands nearly full, I began to stage the stuff on a side counter, but the guy let me put it all on the front counter so I could go get more stuff, and even offered to bag it for me while I continued shopping.

I normally spend less than five bucks when I go to QT, but because this was a special purchase designed to stick it to Circle K, the total came to just over $18.00. The clerk was friendly the whole time, and even helped me take the stuff to my car!

Overall, the QuikTrip experience was totally pleasant, no bad elements at all. I drove home in a good mood, and later emailed a "Customer Praise" to QuikTrip, making sure to name the store number (469) and employee (Kevin).

So, if you are ever at the corner of Lindsay and Baseline Roads at the Mesa/Gilbert city line, stop by Sam's for some good grub, then pay a visit to QT for some friendly service, better selection of sodas, more cheerful atmosphere, and free air for your tires.

August 19, 2008

Ok, so it's been almost a month since the last entry. Nothing too interesting happened for a while, until about 11 days ago. The Peoria dance has started to get interesting again, as well as Sundays at Palmcroft Baptist. Jamie seems to be drifting away; we didn't talk much on our last phone conversation before she went camping. I will have more to write about after the next dance.

July 20, 2008

Well-meaning friends are trying to help me by convincing me to stay here or just not go out with the group as much, I am not ready to leave yet anyway, and so far the event I fear has not come to pass. I do think I will spend less time with the group; it is too heartbreaking to be around them.

On this day in 1969, we watched as Neil Armstrong took the first human step onto the lunar surface. Thirty-nine years later, the moon has landed on me.

July 18, 2008

It's confirmed. I have today off. The group is going bowling but I will not be with them, I am going to the dance.
They took that Dierks Bentley song off of YouTube but I put another one up. I'm also considering changing it to a spended acoustic cover I saw earlier. Anyways, that song easily adapts to my situation.

UPDATE: Well, I took Sandra to the Peoria dance, but the real drama happened afterwards at Wendy's. Jamie and Roger were sitting together. I said hi to Jamie but I could barely look at her and I sat at the opposite side of the tables. When we all went outside I was on the opposite side of the van from them. While I was talking to Dale and Rene I saw Jamie's arm around Roger, and he had his hand in her right pocket grabbing her butt. That was it for me; I left and took Sandra home.
If those two go all the way, I will sell my house, move to Arkansas and try to put this sad chapter of my life behind me.

July 17, 2008

A rather quiet day today; still don't know if I have Friday or Saturday off. If I go to the dance and the group is there, it will try my heart. If I go to the game with Sandra on Saturday, it might send the wrong signal. I am sure God will give me the grace to bear whatever situation He has in store.

July 16, 2008

I got an email this morning from someone I knew in the Christian Singles AOL chatroom. I think the timing was right on. This really makes sense:

"To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did" When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. Concentrate on this sentence..... 'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.'

It's the waiting that's the problem.

July 15, 2008

I still hurt whenever I think about what has happened. I am seriously considering taking a break from the group; Sunday taught me that I cared more about her than I thought. It just hurts too much to be around her right now, knowing what I have lost.

July 14, 2008

Dierks, you said it best. This could be my theme song now.

July 13, 2008

Outside Denny's Friday night I recited a few lines of the poem to her; hope it helped. I think that for now I should take stock of the situation, and try to think of what I did wrong, or what I failed to do that would have been right. I must remember that God is still in control of things.

She sang well in church this morning, and we even went to Kinko's together afterwards. As the course of the day went on, I found it too heartbreaking to be near her; when we went to Rene's apartment I lay down in a corner, and at church I sat in a row behind the group. She was nice to me when we went out for hot dogs; this made the night more bearable.

What is really ironic is the fact that she has gotten even prettier since she came home from Georgia.....

July 12, 2008

Well, I ended the hunger strike alright. Couldn't finish the buffalo chicken thing until today and on my way home last night I gave the fries to the guy at the Circle K where I shop. When Jamie was dancing with Roger I couldn't bear to look. I have NO ill feelings toward the man; before I went home I told him the torch was now passed and to take good care of her, and shook his hand. Our new friend Sam said it best at the dance: "You don't miss the water 'til the well runs dry." Right now I am at a loss for words and I have to go to work but I will check back in later.

DAY 5: July 11, 2008

Ok, yall are waiting for me to post something so here it is:
IF I SEE JAMIE I WILL FORMALLY END THE HUNGER STRIKE THIS EVENING,
AT WHATEVER RESTAURANT THE GROUP GOES TO.
There is no reason to go on with this much longer; I have made my point and let people know how I feel.

Following IM took place this morning and has been edited for content.
NOTE: "Dreamer2" is NOT his actual screen name.

DAY 4: July 10, 2008

Work was slow tonight but I got a couple of decent tips during the storm. That grape electrolyte stuff really went down well. I think now it's safe to say that this is the longest hunger strike I've been on; the last one was about three and a half days (Feb. 12-16, 1989 when a friend betrayed me and took a girl I liked) except then I drank next to nothing and lost about 12 lbs. in that time. Not like today.

DAY 3: July 9, 2008

I've got today off so I can rest. Need to do stuff though. Still drinking sodas and water; I'm determined not to eat anything but I'm not ready to throw out those cute little burgers she didn't eat the other night. I haven't had anything to eat since A&W but I checked the scale and have lost almost nothing. I'm not doing this to lose weight anyway.

Perhaps today could be a day for reflection.

MEMORIES OF HER Piano keys, mini burgers Richard Marx tunes on the phone Some things remind me of better times as I'm faced with being alone Kitten caboodles and cherry limeades and even a tabby's purr all of these little things give me precious memories of her

I went to prayer meeting tonight. Tim Silcott gave the message about evangelism. Ephesians 4:12 and 14. Just before I prayed with Aaron and Bruce, I mentioned to pray for issues regarding my love life, but I don't think I said it loud enough and they might have overlooked it. The meeting closed with a chorus of His Name Is Wonderful and I went home to retrieve a Joshua Harris book that was due today.

I told Pastor about the hunger strike. I think he asked what I hope to accomplish; I told him I was just making a statement, but that this has also taught me self-discipline as I have not yielded to the tempting food around me. He mentioned I should drink stuff with electrolytes, so I might go get some later. He said as long as this is for the right motives God will honor it, but I'm not sure how right my motives are.

Talked to Jamie's dad and emailed him the URL for this page. He seconded the Pastor's suggestion about electrolytes, so later I went to Circle K and got two bottles.

I am thinking about ending the hunger strike on Friday *IF* I see Jamie.

DAY 2: July 8, 2008

Still drinking plenty of sodas but began the day with water. My energy level is good and I am feeling fine. Some well-meaning friends have tried to talk me out of this and I appreciate their concern, but I am determined to slog on. With a loaf of bread tempting me from the top of the stove, and some leftover popcorn from the movie, my resolve is being tested a bit. I have NOT caved in and am thinking of removing these temptations from the house.

I have to be at work at 4:00 but I will check back in later. I am closing driver tonight so I won't be posting anything new until after midnight.

CHECKING BACK IN: David was nice enough to tell Jamie what was going on and I even got a message from her, but I'm not ready to call her yet. I need time.

I think the turn of events is affecting me more than I think. I took two pizzas out of the hot bag and placed them on top of it too fast or something, because the top one slid off and fell to the ground. If only it hadn't opened!

I was almost beside myself but the customer still tipped me even though I told him I didn't want it. He had worked in the restaurant business too so he understood. I went back and told Brandon (mgr. on duty) and he was pretty cool about the whole thing and remade the pizza.

The last time anything close to this happened was about two days before my mother died. I dropped some wings or something but nothing spilled out. Subconscious is trying to tell me something, but what?

DAY 1: July 7, 2008

Awoke with a headache; probably from sleeping in an incorrect position. Decided to go ahead with the hunger strike anyway. Standing up and moving around helped quite a bit; after I took a shower I sat down because my energy level was low. Consequently, I was about 10 or 15 minutes late for work. They don't mind my being a little late.

I told Gina (General Manager) how I was feeling. She asked if I wanted to go home. It was tempting but I decided to stick around as I had not worked since Thursday and needed the money. Got a gallon of water at the mini mart; after I sat down in the back of Papa John's for a while my strength returned and the headache went away. I was able to put in about nine deliveries and took home over $38 in tips.

Bought 3 fridge packs of soda at Safeway, and three cans of cat food. Minx hasn't been eating much of the dry cat food; is he on a hunger strike too? Did a female cat dump him, and was it grey and white? LOL

......and now, for your listening pleasure and mine,
Mr. Dean Friedman.