I'm such a hypocrite....

Folks, this whole thing about watching what we eat....

All so we can be healthier....YEAH, I get it.

And I am SOOOOO trying to do that...

.....but then I think......

Why?

NONE of us are going to live forever.  So, we might as well go ahead and eat and do everything we want to, right?

Well, no.  Neglecting ones physical well-being DOES take a toll!  All of a sudden, it's a struggle to tie your shoes.....or you get winded walking up ONE flight of stairs.....or the slightest exertion is taxing on your body.

And I DON'T want that.

I'm too young - at least AT HEART - to accept "middle age".

So, I've been modifying my lifestyle.....just to make the extra trips around the Sun a little easier.

Do I WANT to live to 100?  HELL NO!!  I want to get off this planet while I still have some dignity.  And THAT'S why I'm doing this whole "healthy-eating" thing.

I want to leave with my head held high.....and that I fought until the end.

Seeing my Granddaddy....

First - my granddad isn't gone. But, with his degrading health, it's just going to be a matter of time (the picture I have is heartbreaking....) So, I went up to Chilhowie to tell him "Goodbye"....and that I love him.

When I went into his room, he looked at me and I asked him if he knew who I was...and he nodded. I took his hand and he held mine with the strength he's always had. He can't speak very well and it's hard to figure out what he's saying, but I did manage to hear "I love you" spoken by him.

I excused myself (hadta go pee....too much water!) and when I got back, a nurse was feeding him. He ate a spoonful or two of oatmeal and spoonfuls of orange juice. He then said he was tired and drifted off.....

I sat with him.....wondering where he was. Why wasn't he as vibrant as the last time I saw him? And then I remembered that he's over 98 years old. And he's lead a full life....a life that's full of the love that his family has for him. ...................................... I stayed for a good while.....watching him breathe.....listening to him mumble.....wanting to know WHAT he was trying to say. He woke up. And his eyes were WIDE open!! I was sitting next to him at his bed and he looked at me and said - PLAINLY - "I love you boys". I told him that we all love him, too...kissed his bald head....and watched him drift off to sleep. I am TOTALLY at peace with what I did today. I KNOW that my granddaddy loves me, and he knows that I love him! Of course, I have emotions of sadness, but also of joy! My "Greegree" will be happier in a place that none of us on this planet will ever understand. I wish for him a safe journey.....and I will see him YEARS down the road! And we'll have a cookout!!

Healthcare Update

As many of you know, I went to see my NEW doctor (actually, a nurse practioner) on March 16.

She got me back on my blood pressure meds, did some blood work, and called me in prescriptions for cholesterol and diabetes.

The first few 4 or 5 days were HELL!  I felt like crap - body adjusting to these meds.  And I STILL have my up and down days, but I think I'm slowly getting acclimated to this new regiment.

Yesterday was a particularly awful day....treated myself to a plain biscuit from McD's (after getting Merle's egg biscuit and Jackie's BEC biscuit) with 2 over easy eggs and ONE strip of bacon....AND that damned coffee that tastes like chocolate that I still have to add chocolate flavored creamer and and a bit of sugar to.....and my blood sugar SPIKED!  I felt like shit.

After 10+ days of watching sugar intake, carbs, fats, etc. I guess I wasn't ready for the SHOCK!

So, I HAVE to cut out the sweetened coffee drinks because I HATE plain, black coffee.  And no more biscuits.

I check my "sugar" regularly", and it runs from 80 - 120, depending on meals and the time of day.  So, I HOPE I'm headed in the right direction.

Oh........and I've lost over 10 pounds in 11 days.

Blog "Ketchup".....

Yeah, I know.  I've been lax this past week or so.....but for good reason!

Went to my new nurse practitioner last Thursday and she's got me on new meds for diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol.  Needless to say, THEY KICKED MY BUTT!  I have been sick as a dog for about 4 days, but now that they're working their way into my system, my body is adjusting.

FAITHFULLY, I am checking my blood glucose level and blood pressure because I'm DETERMINED to keep these things in check.  Now, my diabetes isn't MAJOR, mind you.  In fact, according to my readings and the research I've done, I've pretty much stepped my toe over the line between "borderline diabetic" and full-blown.  So, I believe, with medication - AND dietary modifications - I can keep it under control.

My last BP reading was 136/76 so that's not too bad, either!

I'm using an app that reminds me to take my meds, test my sugar, test my BP, and charts it all.  It's neat to see the pattern!

But I'm REALLY going to miss my fattening-as-hell breakfasts.....which usually consisted of a sausage biscuit (with mustard) and a Mocha Iced Coffee from Burger King.  MAN.....those coffees are REALLY good....but I've got to quit that shit.

............................

In OTHER news:

We had a great time at Dollywood last Friday!  And yes, even though it was 40-some degrees and drizzly at times, I got my ass on that Lightning Rod roller coaster!  Even got myself a new t-shirt to commemorate!

I can't WAIT to go back.....SOON!!

DAMN!  A setback of MAJOR proportions!!

Problems with an employee that could lead to DISASTROUS consequences.  However, the bossman counseled the employee, and he, being his tactful self, did the "diplomatic" thing.

Me, on the other hand, LAID DOWN THE LAW!!!  I WILL NOT stand for unprofessionalism - in ANY manner!

So, at work, we have the whole "good cop - bad cop" thing going on!  And that's okay with me.

I HOPE that this employee understands what could happen if another act of unprofessional-ism occurs.

Now....to BETTER things.....

DOLLYWOOD!  Friday morning, 10:00!!!  We will be in line ready to raid the park! 

Good Times!

Yesterday, we loaded Merle up in the Caliber and headed off to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.  We haven't been there since the fires, so it was surprising to see the damage and how LITTLE of downtown Gatlinburg was even touched.  Then, on the drive to Pigeon Forge, the lushest, greenest, longest grass was growing alongside the road where the fire had been.  It was BEAUTIFUL!

The MAIN reason of our trip, however, was to go get our pictures made for our Dollywood Season Passes.  First, we stopped at the Dollywood Information Center (at light #8, if you wonder where it is) and the poor woman couldn't get her camera to work, soooooo.......

WE WENT TO DOLLYWOOD!!!

We were told to pull up to the handicap parking because it was close and wasn't being used.  Sure 'nuf....there wasn't a SOUL there, except for the employees.  It was weird.....and eerie.

Nonetheless, we could hear test-runs of the roller coasters in the hills and valleys!

Merle did a GREAT job riding in the back seat!  I think it really did wear him out, because he didn't nap at all!!

Friday is Season-Pass Holder Day!  VIP entrance from 10 - 1....discounts on merchandise, food, and beverages....and I'm TOTALLY excited!  So what if it's only going to HOPEFULLY hit 50 degrees.....I'm STILL riding Lightning Rod!!

Another Good Week!!

Yes, I'm working 6 days a week, but they're not long days so it's not so bad....but things are gradually getting better and better.

For the THIRD week in a row, my inventory of product "behind the counter" came up EXACT!!  THAT'S what I like to see!!

Tonight, I'm fixing these for supper:
Tiny Taco Salads <------Click for recipe!

I've been wanting to try these for quite some time, so let's hope everything goes well.

TOMORROW, we're heading down to Pigeon Forge to get our Season Passes for Dollywood!!!  AND, we're taking Merle with us!!  He LOVES car trips, so let's hope he does well!!

Thrown Under The Bus?

I've watched enough TV to have heard that phrase, but I wasn't really sure what it meant....or if I had experienced it.

Today, it happened.

Last week, I complained to a corporate parent company about the level of service we are getting from a distributor. WHY didn't I complain to the distributor directly?  Because we've NEVER gotten anywhere with them.

So, my complaint was forwarded to the General Manager of said distributor and today, their Director of Sales for spirits came to visit.

When I mentioned the level of frustration that we retailers have felt (from conversations with others). I was told that he had met with the other retailers in the last 2 weeks and they had no complaints!  WHATTHEHELL????

In my communications with the Corp., I'd also mentioned how a field sales rep. for a refinery (Ole Smokey, to be exact) told ME that when she called the distributor about lack of product availability. she got the "run-around" and was never given an exact reason about why the distributor was out of product.   The Director of Sales called her regarding my message.....AND SHE DENIED IT!!

Needless to say, I'm NOT going to bat for anyone else.  I TRIED to get our market a fair shake, and my concerns weren't backed.

If this is how the BIG BOYS want to play, we can play that way, too.

CONGRATULATIONS!!

My nephew, Tucker Legard, and his girlfriend, Samantha Hanna ARE ENGAGED!!

He popped the question while they're on vacation in San Francisco!!

I am so happy for them and wish them the BEST in life!!!

This is, what.....Day 6?

Another GREAT day on the job-front!!  Things are going SOOOOO smoothly.  Now, to get the proper people into place.  And that's going to take some juggling.

A rep. from the distributor that we all HATE is coming to talk with us on Wednesday....trying to make amends, I suppose.  Like all the times before......just smoke blowing up our asses.

On a non job-related thingy........

I have some GREAT news....but I'm forbidden for exposing it, right now!   But let me tell y'all,


THIS SHIT IS BIG!!!!

I'm SOOOOO happy!

Things are GREAT!!

Things are going sooooo good, I'm apprehensive....

I mean, when things are THIS good, there's always some sort of evil lurking around the corner.  But, for now, I'll relish the events unfolding before me.

Sales are UP at work, the sales floor and stock room look GREAT, we're attracting more customers, and my side catering business is even increasing!!

Do I have too many "pokers in the fire"?  Possibly, but I work BEST when under pressure.

I am reveling in it all.  LET'S DO THIS!!

A New Regime - Day III

Today, the owner commented on the increase in sales these past couple of weeks.  WoW!  Um, ya' THINK?

The reason?

More competitive pricing.
More accountability for product sales.
More focus on sales and PROFIT!
A more streamlined sales floor.

At the rate our sales are rising, we WILL be a major contender in the market!  And I look forward to leading us in that direction!

Yes, I LOVE MY JOB!!!

We'll bite the bullet and move on....

From stories of freebies, unauthorized discounts, and - YES - sex in the store, it's AMAZING what customers will tell about an ex-employee.  I just wish they would have come forward sooner.,...

Nevertheless, the damage was done, financially, and it's time to rebound.

Sales are UP (imagine that!), customers are pleased and are well-taken care of, and the general mood is positive.

It just breaks my heart that someone that I trusted....thought of as a younger sibling....was so deceitful and took advantage of the business.

I learned my lesson - the hard way.