I enjoy working with all the "night" people. Everyone from cops to hookers seem to come through the door. I get along pretty well with them all. One women even gave me a tip!
When I get home I'm dead tired and find myself more relaxed than I've been in a long time. I've discovered I need a high energy (high risk?) activity to keep me centered. Before my knee gave out I used to exhaust myself running. Now I have a great substitute for running. MWP agrees.
We had to pack up the trailer in the pouring rain the other day to come home. Well, we got it done, but we were both pretty soaked by the end of it. It was fairly cold, so that may be the end of trailering for a couple of months. Very sad.
I have a couple of days off before my airport volunteer shift and then another night shift at the store. This afternoon we are going to a local recreation center to swim a few laps and soak in the hot tub.
Today's gratitude
I'm grateful for the good health that MWP and I have. We're doing pretty good for a couple of old guys in their early 60's!
Saturday, 29 October 2011
Monday, 24 October 2011
I survived!
The life of a professional convenience store clerk
I somehow managed to make it through my first solo night shift without any major incidents. I'm getting to know where things are now, although it's a pretty crowded little store, with a lot of merchandise, so it will take time to learn it all. Several down-and-out type people came in, but for the most part they were well behaved. I tried to keep an eye out for shoplifters, but who knows? Most of the customers were very pleasant. Overall it was a very positive experience, just the sort of activity a restless guy needs.
Taking a break
Tomorrow we go camping in the trailer again. Yeah! Today we made a list of all the things we need to take. It's quite complicated. I hope over time we can simplify that a bit.
Today's gratitude
Having a lovely daughter, who's support I truly cherish.
I somehow managed to make it through my first solo night shift without any major incidents. I'm getting to know where things are now, although it's a pretty crowded little store, with a lot of merchandise, so it will take time to learn it all. Several down-and-out type people came in, but for the most part they were well behaved. I tried to keep an eye out for shoplifters, but who knows? Most of the customers were very pleasant. Overall it was a very positive experience, just the sort of activity a restless guy needs.
Taking a break
Tomorrow we go camping in the trailer again. Yeah! Today we made a list of all the things we need to take. It's quite complicated. I hope over time we can simplify that a bit.
Today's gratitude
Having a lovely daughter, who's support I truly cherish.
Saturday, 22 October 2011
No camping this week
Although it's been a busy week what with work and errands, my thoughts run to camping in our little trailer. After 2 weeks of camping activity it seems like "withdrawal" not to be out there! That will be remedied next week. We plan to be out for 3 nights (assuming my work schedule for next week is what I had discussed with the boss).
Yesterday I spend memorizing the placement of cigarettes at the store. Now when a customer asks for some obscure brand I know which cupboard to go to! They say learning a new skill keeps your brain healthy. Let's hope.
I know expressing gratitude is the latest fad, but nonetheless I'd like to add a little postscript to my blog entries. Each post I will add a short gratitude statement.
Today's Gratitude
Having MWP in my life. He's a huge source of support and love.
Yesterday I spend memorizing the placement of cigarettes at the store. Now when a customer asks for some obscure brand I know which cupboard to go to! They say learning a new skill keeps your brain healthy. Let's hope.
I know expressing gratitude is the latest fad, but nonetheless I'd like to add a little postscript to my blog entries. Each post I will add a short gratitude statement.
Today's Gratitude
Having MWP in my life. He's a huge source of support and love.
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Working hard!
Am I too old for this?
It wasn't a particularly busy shift last night, but it seemed there was too much to do anyway! Serving customers is one thing, but stocking shelves, checking inventory, mopping floors and making coffee are all time consuming and have to be done while the customers are coming and going. Whew!!!
Well, I think I have the general idea. There are a few things that can trip me up, and I made a couple of mistakes, but it was all a good learning experience. I go for my 3rd training shift this evening.
Of course we sell a lot of cigarettes and lottery produces, neither of which I buy, so this seems to be my main "learning" challenge.
After tonight I get a few day off before working solo next Sunday night.
It wasn't a particularly busy shift last night, but it seemed there was too much to do anyway! Serving customers is one thing, but stocking shelves, checking inventory, mopping floors and making coffee are all time consuming and have to be done while the customers are coming and going. Whew!!!
Well, I think I have the general idea. There are a few things that can trip me up, and I made a couple of mistakes, but it was all a good learning experience. I go for my 3rd training shift this evening.
Of course we sell a lot of cigarettes and lottery produces, neither of which I buy, so this seems to be my main "learning" challenge.
After tonight I get a few day off before working solo next Sunday night.
Monday, 17 October 2011
Working!
After dropping off about 10 resumes around town I immediately got a call from Bal, the owner of a Mac's Convenience Store. I go to see him. He wants somebody who can start right away. He wants somebody who can work three graveyard shifts a week for the next two months. He's from Nepal. He's going on a month's holiday soon. I tell him I'm his man. I start that evening...
It was fun!!! But hard work. Theres' lots to do. It was a Saturday night. Many people came to buy cigarettes. I'm not a smoker so I don't know my brands/sizes. I soon learn what are the most popular. We sell a few packs of condoms. Chips and drinks are popular. I have a bit of trouble with the lottery sales, but I'll get there. The young fellow training me is very pleasant and patient with me. He's from India. He said that in India older people don't say "sorry" to younger people and it seems odd to him that I say "sorry" so much. I explain that it's just a Canadian thing. We all say "sorry" at the drop of a hat, even if whatever has happened is not our fault, and even if we're not really sorry. I try not to say "sorry" so much, but it's a reflex, I can't stop myself from doing it!
I work 11pm to 7am. The night passes quickly there's so much to do! Counting stock, cleaning, stocking shelves, making coffee, attending to customers.... I arrive home tired, but strangely happy. It's good to do a job that's busy, where I interact with people, and where I don't have to use a lot of brain power. A perfect retiree's job!
I arrive home about 8am. Fall into bed and soon it's 11am and time for me to get up and get ready to go to the Airport for my volunteer shift. I'm a little tired, but I manage to get through that. It's always fun at the airport. Lots of "happy" vibes there. We pass a quiet evening at home. By 9pm I'm asleep, and I sleep right through until 7am this morning. I feel great!
I go back tonight for the second training shift. It's Monday today and it won't be as busy as the Saturday shift. I'm determined to get the lottery sales down pat. I'll take more notes tonight!
It was fun!!! But hard work. Theres' lots to do. It was a Saturday night. Many people came to buy cigarettes. I'm not a smoker so I don't know my brands/sizes. I soon learn what are the most popular. We sell a few packs of condoms. Chips and drinks are popular. I have a bit of trouble with the lottery sales, but I'll get there. The young fellow training me is very pleasant and patient with me. He's from India. He said that in India older people don't say "sorry" to younger people and it seems odd to him that I say "sorry" so much. I explain that it's just a Canadian thing. We all say "sorry" at the drop of a hat, even if whatever has happened is not our fault, and even if we're not really sorry. I try not to say "sorry" so much, but it's a reflex, I can't stop myself from doing it!
I work 11pm to 7am. The night passes quickly there's so much to do! Counting stock, cleaning, stocking shelves, making coffee, attending to customers.... I arrive home tired, but strangely happy. It's good to do a job that's busy, where I interact with people, and where I don't have to use a lot of brain power. A perfect retiree's job!
I arrive home about 8am. Fall into bed and soon it's 11am and time for me to get up and get ready to go to the Airport for my volunteer shift. I'm a little tired, but I manage to get through that. It's always fun at the airport. Lots of "happy" vibes there. We pass a quiet evening at home. By 9pm I'm asleep, and I sleep right through until 7am this morning. I feel great!
I go back tonight for the second training shift. It's Monday today and it won't be as busy as the Saturday shift. I'm determined to get the lottery sales down pat. I'll take more notes tonight!
Thursday, 13 October 2011
We all go there eventually
We stopped at Walmart on the way home yesterday. Just to eat lunch in the parking lot but nonetheless we felt it was like losing our Walmart virginity.
After all the rain camping, guess what? It's sunny today.
I took the dinette cushions (the ones we sleep on) into a foam shop and got them to cut me a topper that conforms to the curves of the trailer. It's going to be a very comfortable bed indeed!
I miss camping! Camping is the perfect activity for a nomad...
After all the rain camping, guess what? It's sunny today.
I took the dinette cushions (the ones we sleep on) into a foam shop and got them to cut me a topper that conforms to the curves of the trailer. It's going to be a very comfortable bed indeed!
I miss camping! Camping is the perfect activity for a nomad...
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Camping in the rain
As I write this the rain is pelting down on the trailer's roof making a loud but soothing sound. It's warm and snug inside the trailer.
We hitched up the trailer yesterday and brought it to this wonderful spot called Pedder Bay. A gorgeous RV resort and marina. The camping sites are large and have privacy hedges between them. It's idyllic.
On the way to the trailer yesterday we stopped and got a crock pot and a roast of beef to inaugurate it. I set it up on the table outside and cooked the roast for about 5 hours. Before cooking I put a packet of onion soup mix and a can of cream of mushroom soup over it and it turned out wonderful. The gravy was perfect. I BBQ'd some veggies in foil and used some garlic and herb instant mashed potatoes and voila! A delicious dinner. The crock pot is definitely a keeper!
We're getting the "doing dishes" routine pretty well figured out. I wash and MWP dries.
Last night we slept to the sound of rain on the roof. This morning the sun was trying to shine so we went for a long walk up to a little lake and back. It's autumn here now so the leaves are just starting to turn colour. The forest was dripping wet overhanging the path we were on and the forest perfume was almost intoxicating. Luckily we took the umbrellas because it started pouring again just before we got back to the trailer.
At the moment I'm baking bread. I had brought the mixed ingredients with me so all I had to do was add some warm water and mix. It's rising right now and after that I will bake it outside in the portable BBQ.
We hitched up the trailer yesterday and brought it to this wonderful spot called Pedder Bay. A gorgeous RV resort and marina. The camping sites are large and have privacy hedges between them. It's idyllic.
On the way to the trailer yesterday we stopped and got a crock pot and a roast of beef to inaugurate it. I set it up on the table outside and cooked the roast for about 5 hours. Before cooking I put a packet of onion soup mix and a can of cream of mushroom soup over it and it turned out wonderful. The gravy was perfect. I BBQ'd some veggies in foil and used some garlic and herb instant mashed potatoes and voila! A delicious dinner. The crock pot is definitely a keeper!
We're getting the "doing dishes" routine pretty well figured out. I wash and MWP dries.
Last night we slept to the sound of rain on the roof. This morning the sun was trying to shine so we went for a long walk up to a little lake and back. It's autumn here now so the leaves are just starting to turn colour. The forest was dripping wet overhanging the path we were on and the forest perfume was almost intoxicating. Luckily we took the umbrellas because it started pouring again just before we got back to the trailer.
At the moment I'm baking bread. I had brought the mixed ingredients with me so all I had to do was add some warm water and mix. It's rising right now and after that I will bake it outside in the portable BBQ.
Sunday, 9 October 2011
Everything is OK
I went to the trailer this morning. The battery was still there. Whew! I put it in the trailer (which is, of course, kept locked). I also brought all the documents home so we can keep the bill-of-sale and other stuff safely at home.
When I opened the trailer door I got hit with a good whiff of "new trailer smell." Wonderful!
I did my volunteer job this afternoon then tomorrow we head out for another couple of days camping. I know we'll be going out as much as possible, until the novelty wears off. Which, hopefully, will be a long time.
Meanwhile, we're refining our must-take list for when we leave the house, but at least it's getting shorter as all the necessities are stored permanently in the trailer.
We are considering buying a crock pot for the trailer. At first I thought it might take up too much room, but as we discovered, there's lots of storage room. We'll be eating like kings!
When I opened the trailer door I got hit with a good whiff of "new trailer smell." Wonderful!
I did my volunteer job this afternoon then tomorrow we head out for another couple of days camping. I know we'll be going out as much as possible, until the novelty wears off. Which, hopefully, will be a long time.
Meanwhile, we're refining our must-take list for when we leave the house, but at least it's getting shorter as all the necessities are stored permanently in the trailer.
We are considering buying a crock pot for the trailer. At first I thought it might take up too much room, but as we discovered, there's lots of storage room. We'll be eating like kings!
Saturday, 8 October 2011
Obsessive people worry a lot!
The Trailer is Safely Stored
Or is it? We disconnected the battery to prevent power drain, but left it pretty much unsecured in a box on the tongue. Easy to steal. Oh dear. Worry, worry... Well, at least the trailer cover is over the battery case and propane bottle. This fact does little to easy my worrying.
Then I realized we left all our paperwork in the trailer. Registration, serial number, bill of sale. What if the trailer gets stolen? What kind of information could we give the police on short notice?
All this may mean a 20 km trip to the trailer storage yard today. I will discuss the situation with MWP. He worries a lot less than I do. His counsel often calms me down.
Or is it? We disconnected the battery to prevent power drain, but left it pretty much unsecured in a box on the tongue. Easy to steal. Oh dear. Worry, worry... Well, at least the trailer cover is over the battery case and propane bottle. This fact does little to easy my worrying.
Then I realized we left all our paperwork in the trailer. Registration, serial number, bill of sale. What if the trailer gets stolen? What kind of information could we give the police on short notice?
All this may mean a 20 km trip to the trailer storage yard today. I will discuss the situation with MWP. He worries a lot less than I do. His counsel often calms me down.
Thursday, 6 October 2011
The big day has come and gone
He is much more spacious inside than we had expected. Yahoo! And he has a lot more storage space than we have junk to put in him (at least for now). Double yahoo!
Finally the time came to hook it up and drive it away. I was a bit nervous, but I drove down a side road for a few kilometres before turning onto the freeway (yikes!) to get to our camping spot. Of course, it went perfectly. Tony is a dream to tow. Hardly know he's there. We had one night in Chilliwack then took the ferry toward home. Then we spent the next 2 nights at a nice RV park near the ocean.
Monday, 3 October 2011
OCTOBER 3RD, OCTOBER 3RD!!!!
Today is TRAILER DAY. I'm up at 4 am, so excited I'm wide awake 2 hours before the alarm is set to go off. Thoughts racing a mile a minute.
We've made list after list of all the stuff we have to take with us today. Outside furniture like chairs, table, chocks and Coleman stove. Inside furnishings like kitchen ware and bedding. Food. Clothes. Legal documents (insurance, registration, license plate). And a bunch of other necessary stuff. Our little SUV is going to be packed to the gunnels!
We're on the road at 7am. We have an appointment to pick up the trailer at 1pm. After orientation we will haul the trailer about 1 kilometre to a commercial campground for a one night trial before starting our journey home.
We're both a bit nervous. Next post will be about our first impressions. Wish us luck!
We've made list after list of all the stuff we have to take with us today. Outside furniture like chairs, table, chocks and Coleman stove. Inside furnishings like kitchen ware and bedding. Food. Clothes. Legal documents (insurance, registration, license plate). And a bunch of other necessary stuff. Our little SUV is going to be packed to the gunnels!
We're on the road at 7am. We have an appointment to pick up the trailer at 1pm. After orientation we will haul the trailer about 1 kilometre to a commercial campground for a one night trial before starting our journey home.
We're both a bit nervous. Next post will be about our first impressions. Wish us luck!
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