Sunday, February 26, 2006

Concert season has begun

So Bonnie Raitt was totally awesome. It was at a venue that seats about 5000 and it was a sold out show. I can't do justice to the experience as there was a woman sitting behind us who just gave white trash an added dimension. Setting the stage for that particular bonus really is E's domain and I imagine she will be back soon enough to elaborate. The show was excellent and I almost lost my shirt. I mean really, how does that happen? I was holding my shirt and sweater all night on my lap and then after the first encore the couple to our right leave and as we shift our seats a little I think my tshirt is gone. I had just dropped it and it was dark, but it was a senior moment or something. I immediately thought about wrapping xmas presents and you sit down with paper, scissors, tape, pen, and tags only to have to get up each time you need something you know is already right there with you.

Anyway, on to the next show. One of E's reps at work asked her if she wanted any tickets to the rodeo. Most of the artists are country and simply not our thing, but Sheryl Crow was scheduled so she asked for those tix. Dee came through right away so we were set. If you haven't heard, Sheryl Crow is facing breast cancer and undergoing surgery right away so she has cancelled which is terrible news, but of course, there is a flip side. Melissa Etheridge is filling in. Goddess Time is in effect. The Universe is pleased with me.

Saturday, February 25, 2006

Souls Alike

Bonnie Raitt. Last night. Was awesome.

Friday, February 24, 2006

Work in progress


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Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.
I am currently working on creating a blanket for the bed. It is being done in a freeform fashion and I am winging it as I go with no pattern. I knit a little, then go block it (as seen in photo) and then decide where to take it next.

I am using Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool which is producing a lovely fabric. I actually have two more spikes done and I am not sure if I will continue with the sunburst feeling or get more geometrical with it. It might get blocked again tomorrow and a decision can then be made.

Can I help you?


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Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.
My lovely no-chair-behind-it desk. It's all inside.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Save as Draft needs reminders

If you have never worked for a corporate entity, you might never understand the penney way(TPW). It is the corporate way. The structured way. The challenge to figuring out the penney way is in that a lot of policies are favored at the store manager's discretion.

My challenge is in leaving behind the ways of the store managers I have worked for previously and learning what the policies are specific to the new store. Fortunately, this is somewhat facilitated by having worked with my salon manager long enough that I know how she wants various things done or handled.

As to new stylists, we have many. The new salon is 22 stations. Current stylist count is 30 I think. 7 came with us from the last store I was at, so they are all up on TPW as Sharon likes it. There are then another 5 or so stylists who worked at Town and Country with Sharon and me 5 years ago,but went elsewhere when that location closed. They sort of remember how it used to be, but they need reminding and refreshing on all the things that have since changed.

There is a group that have migrated from Regis, maybe 7 or so and they are used to corporate structure to a point, but not used to working for as big a corporation, nor one that is as diverse. They are the younger stylists for the most part though not terribly young, maybe 28 to 45 with a few older. They are generally more computer savvy and have caught on to the program we use rather easily.

My problem children are all from a private salon where they were booth renters working for themselves. The problem part comes in because as booth renters, they can come and go as they pleased. If someone cancelled they could just leave. The draw for them to switch to TPW is that they get me to book and cash out all their appointments. They also gain benefits eligibility if they work enough hours.

There are a few stragglers here and there that have come in on their own to join the fold. All in all it is not too bad, but it is a lot of estrogen floating around with just a teensy bit of gay boy testosterone in the mix.

My biggest personal adjustment is still going from 25 hours to 40 and from 2 on 1 off 2 on 2 off to 5 days on. As long as I take my hour lunch and my two 15 minute breaks, I manage. I just don't like it, but in the name of benefits, I will eventually adjust.

My two part time receptionists are catching on, so it is getting better. I started this post at least a week ago and just now saw that it never got finished. As much as I hate it when my daily reads have not posted daily, I have lately been increasingly guilty of the same. I will try to get consistent again. Knitting updates soon!!

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

general update

JCP opened on Sunday, the soft opening. Soft meaning unadvertised. Except, of course, for the several thousands of in home mailers sent to the general area. SO not only am I dealing with stylists who don't know 'the JCP way', but also customers too. A lot of them. Add a receptionist who needs total training.

When the receptionist trainee answered the phone, I knew she was talking because I saw her lips move, but I heard nothing. I might have to call when she next works to see if I can hear her.

The JCP 'new salon vision' calls for a reception area with no stool for the receptionist. Someone is on crack. My new schedule has me working 5 days straight. One day with no chair on hard floors is brutal. By day 5 I might want to be on crack.

It's all good.

Monday, February 06, 2006

Baby's first haircut


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Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.
She is just so cute and she smells so good. Lilli
Munster, movie star.

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

My yarn stash...

is *so* in control compared to Drew.

I went to the yarn store and got something luscious today as a reward for enduring my trip to the dentist for cleaning. In a few weeks when I go back to turn an oooooooooooooooooold filling in a molar into a crown a will deserve a much bigger treat. Pics on the other blog as soon as I get to it with the new stuff. Actually sooner, maybe tonight because I am making some progress on my first sock.