How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?
Failing at a job or a task sets me up for success because I learn that if I suck at something, there’s a better way to do it then whatever I did the first time. Try try again
I once epically failed at a job I had in a warehouse and hurt my back in the process. I was offered a new job in a totally different field the same day. Success!!
If you had to give up one word that you use regularly, what would it be?
Moist..enough said.
How do you want to retire?
Alive. I hope to live long enough to retire and secondly, financially secure so that I’m able to avoid being 80 years old and a Walmart greeter because I’ll surely have sore feet and a bad back by then.
What countries do you want to visit?
Scotland. Someday, Somehow, with someone.
Yesterday, I had a list of things to do, I accomplished nothing. Why? Because I forgot.
I woke up ready for a new day, refreshed and eager to feel productive. I made a list in my mind and thought “I will do this today and not tomorrow”. I did not do anything I was supposed to do because I forgot. Forgot to pay a bill, forgot to do the laundry, the dishes, fix the whistle coming from my toilet , and forgot to clean the kitty litter. All of these are my silent promises to myself to accomplish something because we all need short term goals in life. Sometimes these are simple, other times, life changing but I’d probably forget those too.
Several times it crossed my mind what I was supposed to do, I think to myself, I need to do something, anything! However, I was distracted by what I need to do tomorrow and the next day. Write a list I tell myself, use sticky notes to remind yourself. Set a reminder in your cell phone and write things down on a calendar. I alway shortly after thinking of these helpful tips, become distracted and the purpose is defeated. Oh well, there is always tomorrow.
Now I’ve forgotten why I’m writing about this.
Everyone has heard the unwritten law “the customer is always right”. It is a law in retail and a worldwide notion that we, as a people, are always right when we want our way in any retail setting. I work in retail and have for many years and this notion is flat-out bullshit.
15 years approximately I have worked in various customer service, hospitality, and retail positions. I’ve been barked at, dismissed with a hand gesture, cursed at, etc. I have been blamed for store prices, inventory numbers, and shipping costs. Hello people, we hourly workers are not in control of this shit! We merely work there and pass the info onto you. I can’t help it if you waited the last-minute to shop before the holidays or that you want an item that is in high demand and we do not have it.
The price is wrong Ma’am. Yes, I said it. Sometimes the item is in the wrong place and it is sometimes marked on sale despite the sale ending a day or two ago. You are not automatically right because you are in a store buying things, this doesn’t change the fact that you did not read the sale sign correctly. Also, you being the customer does not give you the right to treat employees anyway you want. You can not disrespect anyone for the sole purpose of “the customer is always right.” It is wrong to do so and you will get the crappy customer service you deserve. Be polite, show gratitude, and realize you are just another person just like us retail employees and I promise you will have a much better shopping experience.
I have realized it is time to breakup with my best friend, Coffee or at least take some time off. This is going to be tough but it is time for me to get more Sleep. I need it and miss it. Here are my letters to my two closest friends.
Dear Sleep,
Hello? How have you been? I am doing ok, I know we have been very distant lately but things would be much better if you were here. I miss you terribly and would love for you to come visit, preferably between the hours of 10pm-10am. I sincerely believe we could be close again although I understand my 3 month old and 7 year old get in the way of our relationship but in time, I think you could be their friend too. You just have to give it a chance, they really quite likable. Another thing, just because I like Coffee does not mean that I like you any less. I feel like we could all get along if we try. Ok, well Sleep, please visit me more often, I really need you to get me through the day, well think it over and please consider giving me another chance.
Love,
Kris
Dear Coffee,
Hello my friend, how are you? I’m doing ok. Look, I am just going to say this bluntly. We need to spend some time apart. Its not you, its me. I appreciate all that you have done for me and I don’t know how I could have gotten through the last couple months without you. You lifted me up when I was tired and when I thought I could not last another minute you woke me up. Now the baby is starting to snooze at night more and now it is time for me to get back together with Sleep. We can have a healthy balance right? Do not worry, I still need you, just not as often as before. Don’t be mad at Sleep, its just that…I need it more then you. You understand right? Ok, well I’ll drink you when I drink you, Peace.
Love,
Kris
Wish me luck everyone!
Growing up I always wanted to live by the ocean. I dreamed of living by the beach, swimming in the salt water, and the availability of sunshine and sunbathing anytime I wanted. Last year I took the plunge and gave up my Michigan home and the snow and moved down south. My S/O had lived in Charleston previously and l heard many stories about how “great” it was and how he had thrived as a musician there. I moved with him, his best friend, and my 6 (now 7) year old daughter. I had never even been to South Carolina before! I packed what I could in my ’06 Ford Explorer and hit the road. I already had a job in retail set up with hopes to transition to something in tourism eventually. I was ready for a change and a new sense of adventure overcame me as I started the 16 hr drive to my new life by the ocean.
My first day in Charleston I was so hot I thought I was going to melt! It was 98 degrees and 100% humidity and I was miserable. I knew it would be hot but I was not used to such a high heat index. My S/O, roommate, and I made some calls and found a place to live..it took 21 hrs to drive there from Michigan. Our place is small, two bedrooms two baths, and just outside of Charleston because living by the beach is incredibly costly and I certainly did not prepare or research enough before moving. The sales tax is 8.5% (6% in Michigan) and it still throws me off when making purchases. My job is about 35-45 minutes from home as traffic in Charleston is horrific and unpredictable. If I leave an hour ahead of time I can make it on time but at times it has taken me up to an hour and a half. The people here cannot drive and the speed limit is 60-65 mph on the highways. The roads are so narrow in Downtown Charleston that you have to drive very slow to not die or not to hit the wandering tourists. I used to be slightly freaked out by bridges but after breaking down on the Don Holt Bridge during rush hour traffic, I have been cured me of that! I have learned to use my days off to my advantage and am driving a more fuel-efficient car since moving here last year. Who needs 4 wheel drive in a place that only got down to 20 once during the “wintertime”? Wintertime…basically Fall as I know it. I have learned there are two seasons, Fall and Summertime and air conditioning in your car is a must.
My daughter adjusted fairly well and made new friends quickly at her new school. Thanks to modern technology, video chatting and facebook has made it easy to keep in touch with friends and family from back home. I have Very cool thing about living in Charleston is you will meet the most interesting people as they come from all over the country. From retired New York taxi drivers to California Surfers, to townie hippies and even fellow Ohio and Michigan retirees. I’ve met a lot of tourists and sight-seers who are confused by my reference to “pop” and I have to remember to say “soda” instead. I have made new friends mostly through work who are some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. I am into the live music scene (my S/O and roommate are musicians,an acoustic duo named Redolence) and I have loved the mix of styles and the local talent here is amazing.
So, It has been one year since I moved to Charleston, SC from Michigan. I had a lot to learn about traffic in a high touristy area, how to settle a child into a new school and neighborhood,” southern hospitality” and lingo, tourism, and a rich historical background. It is truly awe-inspiring to go to Market Street, Downtown Charleston and feel the history this old city has. The Museums and churches that are everywhere and the old cobblestone roads with the gorgeous old architecture makes you feel like you can actually envision stories you read in history class. The perks of living by Folly Beach and Isle of Palms are amazing and the two beaches I prefer to go to. Collecting seashells and starfish, sunbathing and swimming in the ocean makes you feel like you are on vacation yet you only have to drive a half an hour to get back home. While traffic may not be the best, the beauty and marvel of Charleston, SC is worth the drive and wait in traffic to get to where you are going. There is always something to do and the list of local events are endless. I think it is safe to say…I like it here.
All to often we think, “Oh how nice it would be to have another baby” or “What a cute baby, I want one!” Do we really want another one? No! This is crazy talk, especially when you have a slightly older child, like 6 years old. I’ve been done with diapers for enough years that I don’t think I want to see more poop. I sleep through the night and even sometimes, I get to sleep past 8 am. Do I want another baby? Yes. Do I REALLY want another baby? Hell No. Am I pregnant with baby number 2? Yes and I am so excited!!!!
That made absolutely no sense did it? This is because logic and pregnancy emotions do not mix well and my brain is seriously confused. Sigh, pregnancy this time around is different as I know what to expect. Little aches and pains are no big deal, I know what the baby is doing and feels like. This time, I feel like a champ because I know how to shave my legs and paint my toenails…I know the tricks of the trade (rubber band around the belt loop trick to fit into normal pants) always buy maternity clothes on clearance, or just buy yoga pants and long tee shirts. Basically I know what i am doing and what to buy for the baby and what I don’t need for the baby. Diaper pails are useless and regular trash cans work the same, size 1 diapers don not last long, and I’ll sleep when the baby sleeps etc etc…This time I’m going to have fun with the announcements and gender reveals as well as I am 19 weeks and find out in 5 days.
So, I guess baby fever strikes when you least expect it, sometimes 6 years after you say “1 and done”. I am excited and cannot wait for my daughter to have a younger sibling, as she is old enough to help with small things around the house whereas a toddler cannot. I suppose this time will be an adventure like the last time so bring on it on baby number 2!
Kris can still explain…stay tuned for more content and life-explaining as I am revamping my blog! I apologize to my readers for the lack of content!
Kris Can’t Explain 