Game Day #4

Today the game was at 2:30 pm. They were opening the doors 30 minutes earlier (2 hours before kickoff), so had to be at the stadium by 11 am. Didn't have to pick up Jamie since he was joining some friends that were tailgating right afterwards.

Being that it's Halloween, I decided to wear devil horns. Would loved to have work vampire teeth and have blood dripping down my chin, but didn't think it would have been to easy talk and work wearing the teeth. I think I was the only Housing/Dining employee there that wore any part of a costume. Everyone loved it. I got lots of comments. Many of the stadium employees wore some kind of hat or wig, one gal had on a tiara for a while, but noticed that she had taken it off before the gates opened.

The atmosphere with the bartenders was mixed. It was fine with a couple of them, but not so much with one. There's just a little tension between us. As Jeannie and I were heading to the bar on the north end, noticed that a table setup in the middle for a live deejay. YEAH! Love when we have the deejay.

The money delivery to the stadium was later than usual. We didn't get our money until 15 minutes before the doors opened.

The deejay was awesome. He's the same one that played a few games last year. He was doing a sound check and we started talking and I told him that I was so happy that he was there and how much fun it is when he's there. He said that he loves doing the games. He's not sure if he will be back for either of the last two games. Wish that he would. I asked if he needed anything and he said that he'd take a cola. I got it for him and didn't charge him. He's the entertainment. After he had played a few songs, Jeannie and I were talking and I wondered if he had "Bad Things" by Jace Everett from True Blood. So Jeannie headed over to the table and asked and sure enough he did. He told her that he would play it for me. He didn't play it right away. The marching band played for a while and then after a few more songs, the deejay came on mic and said "Katie, I didn't forget ya. Here's your special request." I loved it. He stopped playing right before the game started and he played again during half-time.

We got quite busy. My 'friend' came and brought someone new. And he introduced me to him as his girlfriend. I just have to chuckle when he tells people that. And as usual, his tips came to me and not the bartenders.

The bartenders did not share any tips this time. They claimed that they didn't earn enough to share with us. That is a lot of BS, since we know they received more than they claimed. I made a little of my own, but not a lot. Jeannie did decent on her own, especially from one customer who gave her a $15 tip. What is really irritating is how much we help out and the bartenders don't share bupkis. It wouldn't be so bad if all we did was just ring up the sales and take the money, but when we help out and do other things, it's only fair that they share.

My favorite bartender, Alaina, was back again, but at the other bar. Talked with her for a few minutes. Game #2 she didn't work because she had a cold and then for Game #3 she had the flu. Wish we could get her down at our bar and send the 'jerk' to the other bar. It would be so much fun working with her. Hmmm...wonder if I could get that worked out. lol. Wouldn't he just crap if that happened. lol. Oh well, only a dream.

There are no alcohol sales after the third quarter ends. And they have come to realize that and we get swamped. And we have to hurry before the drafts are disconnected in the basement.

After we were done with sales, headed to cash out in the money room. Didn't do too bad in sales, my register alone took in over $2,000. After gathering our belongings, headed out. Talked with one lady that works for Dining, really don't know her. She asked if I had fun. I told her that I did and that I love the customers, that they are so much fun. I mentioned that there were a few of the staff that I wasn't fond of and she agreed about that. lol.

Happy Halloween!!

Game Day #3

An early day for a Saturday. The game started at 11 am which meant had to be at the stadium at 8 am. Not a fan of the early games, prefer the afternoon or evening games since I'm a nightowl. But it good for me since I had errands to run to get the rest of the stuff for the birthday party tomorrow.

It was kind of a slow day. We didn't have many sales until closer to the start of the game. It was a "Bloody Mary" day. With morning games, Bloody Mary's are the most popular mixed drink. And naturally, beer is the favorite. We had the normal troubles with the Blue Moon tap and lots of foam. I don't know why they can't figure out what is wrong and fix it. They gave a suggestion when pulling, but it didn't work all the time.

We were all prepared for the half-time rush, but it never came. We were busy for a few minutes and then it died and we were just standing around twiddling our thumbs.

My 'friend' came by and this week, brought his brother with him. And he introduced me as his 'girlfriend'. lol. I finally asked him what his name was - Mike.

I had one regular guy come by and asked if I was born in the area. He looks familiar but then I do see him at the games.

During the third quarter, a couple came to get another 2 Bud Lights and 2 Michelob Ultras but it was only me and one bartender who was busy making some mixed drinks so I decided to pull them. I had to go down to the other end of the bar and while I was pulling them, Brent returned and said "You are getting good at it". COME ON! I'm thinking, "I'm better than you" but said "I've grown up doing this". Terry helped carry them down to the other end. The couple asked if they would be safe if they left them there for a minute. Terry told them that I would drink them if they left them. At first, they thought he was serious. The guy said that if I would chug all four down, he would gladly pay another $30 for 4 more. lol. They were safe. Would have been nice to have a drink, but not when on duty.

The end of the third quarter came quickly. All of a sudden, someone was taking off the tap handles. A few people came by to get drinks, but had to apologize and explain that no alcohol sales after the third quarter.

Didn't do to bad with tips, got a few. Nothing great, but every little bit helps.

Next game in three weeks on Halloween. The boys won't be happy that I won't be able to take them out trick-or-treating. I may get home about the time they go out, but won't feel up to it.

Every Year...

...one of the boys has to get sick the last night I have them. While my parents were away on vacation, I helped with my nephews and the nights my brother worked, I kept them and took them to school. This is the third year and the third year that one of them got sick the last night I kept them. This year it was Avrey who will be 11 in a few days.

When I picked them up from school on Wednesday, I asked if they wanted to go out for dinner and they were excited. Arley wanted to go to Village Inn, but Avrey wanted to go to Jupiters. We went to Village Inn last year, so we were going to Jupiters. But I told them we were not going to be playing the games.

Before we left, Avrey was complaining about being chilly and having a headache. He said that he has been chilly all day. I didn't think much about it since he gets chilly so easily.

Jupiters has great pizzas and each of us ordered different ones. Avrey had the Hawaiian, Arley had Ham and I had the Barbecue Chicken. They loved their pizzas. We went downstairs for a minute so they could see all the games for another time when we have the time. I'm now wishing we hadn't gone down there at all. As soon as we got in my truck and I was starting it, I heard Avrey call my name from the back seat and when I turned around, he was vomitting. OH NO! I hurried home. The smell was horrid and Arley complained about it. I told him that was enough and no more. We were silent the whole way home.

I got it cleaned up, which is no easy feat for me, and cleaned up with Carpet Resolve, but that didn't take care of the smell. I took his temperature and it was 100.8. I had to run to my parents to get some medicine for him since I didn't have any.

He didn't go to school these past 2 days. Hope he's feeling better on Sunday since that is his birthday party!

The smell was terrible the next morning. It was not easy dropping Avrey at home with his dad (luckily, it's his day off) and Arley at school and then me to work and home. I had a great idea at work to use Fabreze and it has helped immensely. I sprayed and sprayed when I got home. It smelt a lot better. And even sprayed when I got home tonight just as a precaution.

Game Day #2

It's the second home football game of the season and that means, it's time to work again. Since the first game a few weeks ago, there has been some discussion regarding the tip situation and sharing with the cashiers. There was a bartender meeting and it was 'highly suggested' that they share the tips with us cashiers, but it was up to their discretion on how much to share. One of the bartenders said it was only fair that they shared since we did as much as they did, the so-called head bartender at the bar said they would share but would not be an equal share. Oh great! I kept my own cup for tips and I think someone dipped in and took some out, which really makes me mad.

It was a cold and drizzly day for the game, guess it was football weather. The game was to start at 2:30 and we were to be there by 11:30. Was there about 11:15. It was a long and tiring day.

We got a little busy early on this time, don't think we brought in as much as the first game, at least according to the cash sales, but the credit card sales were up for me.

Before the game started, the marching band (or at least part of the band) performed for everyone.

My regular showed up and gave me a hug. And he got his usual drink. Some of the other regulars didn't come to the game or if they did, they went to a different bar. One elderly couple came by and I gave them the wristbands and the gentleman asked how come I didn't card him and I told him that I believed that he was 22 which made him feel good and he blew me a kiss. His wife was laughing and said that she knew that was coming. One lady who comes to every game came by the bar early and asked if she could get a little water so she could take a pill. I gave her a cup of water and she said that she would be by later for a Margarita. She came by later and asked for more water and said she wasn't quite ready for the Margarita. But she did come by later for that Margarita.

A hot item that was selling was "Bailey's and Coffee", but they were a little pricey and some people were a little surprised. Another hot item was hot chocolate and a few added a little extra goodie.

The bartenders did share a little of the tips, but were very skimpy on it. Next week, things will be a little different and they won't be getting all their ones traded out for larger bills. I have to recount them when I close out the register and make out the deposit.

Parenthood

For the next few weeks, I am basically pretending to be a mother. My parents left on Saturday for vacation and will be gone almost two weeks. They usually care for my two nephews most of the time. My brother works many nights and his ex doesn't like caring for the boys, she actually doesn't have the patience for being a mother (and she has a total of 4 kids - two from previous marriages).

The one thing I hate about them staying with me is that I sleep on an air mattress on the living room floor while they sleep in my nice comfy bed. I really don't have a guest room set up right now for them to sleep.

I do not have a washer and dryer so I was at my parents' house doing laundry when my brother called to drop them off before going to work. While waiting for the dryer to finish, the three of us played a game. After the dryer finished, I unloaded and got things together to head home. I went in the bathroom and noticed that toilet was plugged. Oh great! One of them had been in there earlier and must have plugged it up. I went in search of the plunger (not sure where it was in the basement) and started working on the toilet. Thought it was undone, but it wasn't and it overflowed. I had water all over that blasted bathroom. I hate swearing in front of the boys, but in my anger, I did. Finally got the floor all cleaned up and the toilet unplugged.

Was not a fun first night with them.

Birthday Party #1

Today, I hosted my youngest nephew's birthday party. Arley turns 8 on the 24th, but we had the party today. He likes it at my home. He chose Pokemon as the theme.






Love these candles. They are called Angel Flames and the flame is colored. They are so cool. I have another set for my other nephew's party in 3 weeks.





Arley is such a ham in front of the camera. He got a lot of great gifts.


Showing off one of three new Illinois t-shirts.

Giving the thumbs up for the new Bakugan Trap. They are new and he didn't have any yet.



Showing off his menagerie of stuffed animals.

It's Football Season Again

It's college football season and that means, stadium work again. Oh Yeah!

Saturday, September 12 was the first home football game. I am working again this season as a bar cashier at the stadium in the premium seating area. Last year was fun and I loved seeing all the people. And I had my regulars that came to me all the time. And there was the flirtation with the guys. lol.

This year two other co-workers decided to be cashiers also and we were all to be on the same floor. When we checked in, we were told our assignments but they weren't right for two of us. I was still on the same floor but at the other bar. UH UH. And the other was assigned to a different floor than he was trained. When Chris, the manager for the registers, found out that I was at the other bar and Jamie was assigned to the 6th floor, she was very upset and told me that she would straighten it out. I had mixed feelings about moving to my spot from last year - 1. I was going to miss my regulars at Bar 2; and 2. One of the bartenders at Bar 1 was my favorite bartender, Alaina, who was so much fun last year and we got along and worked so well. Chris got me assigned back to Bar 2 and my other friend, Jeannie, was the other cashier at Bar 2.

At the training for the new cashiers, Jamie was told that only bartenders shared the tips and that cashiers did not get them. And if we received any, they were to go to the bartenders. That is not fair. They may be mixing the drinks, but we took all the orders and handle their complaints. We were not happy about all this.

The game started at 6 pm and we had to be at the stadium at 3 pm. That was a lot of waiting around. The fans were allowed to enter the stadium starting at 4:30. They started trickling in and finally after 5 o'clock, they started showing up. A portion of the Marching Illini performed. I love listening to them. This year, they did not play one song - William Tell Overture. And I missed hearing it, I love that song (I must since it's the ringtone on my cell - lol).



Sales were slow at our bar for a while. A few people bought drinks, but once it was kick off time, it got extremely busy.

My favorite regular finally showed up. He was very happy to see me and gave me a great big bear hug. He told me he would be back later for a drink. Which he did. He asked about who gets to share the tips and I told him that only the bartenders get them. He said that wasn't fair and that if I didn't get a share of them, he was not going to tip and he didn't. He said he was going to complain about it as he walked away.

There were a few other mixups (beside the assignments). The 4 beers on tap are Miller Lite, Bud Lite, Michelob Ultra and Blue Moon. They have it set up that two are on each end. The handles on our end were Bud Lite and Michelob Ultra. The bartenders were having problems with the Michelob Ultra and it being extremely foamy. The tap guy kept working with it but it wasn't getting any better. The bartender was complaining about the Blue Moon tap kept getting worse and the pressure was too low. A customer got a Michelob Ultra and said that it tasted like Blue Moon. Someone put the handles on the wrong tap. No wonder "Michelob Ultra" wasn't getting any better, it was actually Blue Moon. Then come to find out that Bud Lite and Miller Lite were also switched. OH GREAT! And then the Coca-Cola on the 'gun' at our end was not working right, it was mostly soda water and the Coca-Cola syrup was getting less-and-less. Something was wrong with the 'mixer' and they couldn't fix it at the time. Hopefully, it will be fixed by the next home game in 3 weeks.

Jeannie and I were not happy when one of the bartenders (he thinks he's the head bartender) started counting out the tip money and asked us to switch out the dollar bills for twenties. I don't know how much he asked Jeannie, but I was asked to switch out $80 worth. I believe between the three bartenders they each got at least $60, probably a lot more. And they didn't even share.

When the third quarter ends, there are no alcohol sales and the bars close down. My friend was not happy when he was wanting another beer. I gave him an apologetic look.

After we cashed out our drawers and grabbed our stuff, we headed to the kitchen to clock-out. When we got there, the dessert carts from the floors above were being returned and we were able to take whatever we wanted. I took a piece of a 4 layer chocolate torte that was so darn delicious.

On the way in to the stadium, I took a few pictures of the new Red Grange statue that was dedicated that day. It was just set up earlier in the week.

Next game in three weeks on October 3. Be expecting some more highlights. :)

Birthday and Massages

Okay, the two have nothing to do with each other.

I recently celebrated my birthday on Monday. Well...several days of celebrating. I was a little disappointed that I had no plans for Monday night. Normally, I will go to my parents for a little while, but that wasn't going to happen, or so I thought, and I was a little depressed. When I got to work, I received another disappointment when there was no cake. A coworker who normally makes a cake didn't. She said that she didn't have time but had planned to bring some leftover cupcakes from her family reunion but had forgotten them at home. I said "oh well, that's okay" not really meaning it. Her husband found them at home and brought them in. It was very sweet of him to do that.

As I was walking back in the office from lunch, my cell was ringing but I didn't get to it in time to answer. I found that it was from my parents and was about to call them back and the office phone rang and it was Mother. She called to wish me a happy birthday and to let me know the boys (my nephews) would be there. I told her that I would stop by on my way home for a few minutes. She asked if I had a cake at work and I told her "no, but I did have leftover cupcakes". About 30 minutes later, I look up and she was walking in with a cake. She felt bad that I didn't have a cake and stopped at the grocery store and brought one to me. Such a sweet mother and too good to me.

On my way home from work, I stopped at my parents for a little while and they persuaded me to stay for dinner.

Tuesday night, my parents, brother, nephews and I went to dinner at our usual celebration place - Texas Roadhouse. I love their steaks. It was an enjoyable evening. And NO, no one told them it was my birthday because I did not want to sit on the 'horse'.

For about a month before my birthday, I have been receiving cards and floss from the BBI birthday floss exchange. I have loved getting them. I waited until my birthday to open any. I opened about a fourth of them that evening and then some more Tuesday evening and finally opened the remaining that I received tonight. I loved opening them and seeing all the beautiful colors of floss. I don't think I've received duplicates of any. I still have some yet to receive.

Okay, now about massages. At work, someone comes every other Wednesday to do chair massages. I have never had one. Work has been so stressful for me the last few weeks. It's that time of the year in the office. I inquired if there were any open times and there turned out to be an open time, but it was at a time that I had a meeting. They called me back asking when the meeting started and suggested that about trading slots with someone else. They called that person and I got an email saying the slots were switched. I had my first massage ever and it was WONDERFUL. I almost fell asleep in the chair even though we were talking the whole time. I think I may start getting them occasionally.

It's Time for Corndogs, Funnel Cakes and Lemon Shake-ups

It's the time of the year for corndogs, funnel cakes, lemon shake-ups and rides and games - It's county fair time. Tuesday night, Mother and Dad were going for the evening harness races and I took Avrey and Arley for the rides and games, oh and some fair fare.

The first ride they wanted to do was the Super Slide. Last year, Avrey didn't want to go down, but this year he couldn't wait.

Both boys getting ready to go down.

Avrey going down.

Arley going down.

We played a few games and then just walked around the fairway, then decided on getting a couple lemon shake-ups and nachos. We sat down at a table and Avrey finally decided that he wanted a corndog. The stand was right by the table, so I gave him some money and he went up to order and the guy asked if he wanted the regular or large. They looked at me and I said the small. The large one was about a foot-long. We began walking again and ended up near the animals but decided not to go inside the barns. I didn't realize that you could get so close to the track during harness racing. We stood at the entrance gate for a little while and I got a few pictures.


We walked back to the fairway and I noticed that the clouds had grown darker and it looked the the forecasted rain was here.

Before we got to the fair, Avrey said he wanted to ride the bumper cars, but when we got to the fair, he decided that he didn't want to! Two years ago, he wanted to ride them, but neither were tall enough to ride by themself and I couldn't take both in the same car with me so we didn't get to ride them. Last year, Avrey all of a sudden said he didn't want to. He finally said he wanted to ride them. He was just barely tall enough but Arley was definitely not tall enough. I didn't want to leave our stuff on the ground for anyone to take. I had a tote bag with toys they won, my camera and also money. I told them that we had to go to the grandstands and leave our stuff with Grams & Papa. We stayed there for a few minutes and then headed back to the bumper cars. I should have taken some money also, but didn't think about it. When we left the grandstands it was sprinkling. We got in line for the bumper cars. The boys loved it. I thought maybe they would want to ride again, but they didn't. I think one thing that Avrey didn't like and why he didn't want to ride again was the music was waaaaaaaaaaay too loud.



When we finished with the bumper cars, Arley wanted more lemonade and reminded me that we hadn't had a funnel cake yet. Wish I had the money with me. We headed to the grandstands for the cups to get a refill and my money. He didn't want to go with me because it was raining a little harder. I told him that if he wanted the lemon shake-up or funnel cake he was going to have to help me. I wasn't able to carry all the stuff. After we got the lemon shake-up refills, he took his back to the grandstands while I went and stood in line at another stand for the funnel cake. I was practically soaked by the time I got it. It wasn't the stand I wanted to get the funnel cake, but it was the one nearest the grandstands. But it was delicious.

Until 2007, I hadn't been to the fair in nearly 30 years. Probably not since I was about 11 or 12. Just wish I could get someone to go on the Tilt-a-Whirl with me.

Some Wildflowers

When I got home from work today, I grabbed the camera and took a few photos of some flowers.

One patch of purple coneflowers.


Just yesterday, the fence behind these was covered in black (deadly) nightshade, morning glory and field bindweed. Wish the neighbors would help with the weeds on their side of the fence and in their honeysuckle bushes and maybe we can get them under control.
Loved this shot with the bumblebee on the coneflower framed by the other flowers. The bumblebees were thick. I had about 20 of them flying around the flowers, plus one honeybee. Two years ago, I had a red admiral butterfly on the coneflowers, but haven't seen one since. :(


My blanketflowers (gaillardia) are not doing so great this year, only a few plants left and not many blooms now.

One of a handful of black-eyed susan blooms. There are only a couple of these plants left also. The purple coneflowers do seem to be taking over, but I'm not minding since I love them.
Also the coreopsis tickseed are not blooming as much now. I guess I forgot to take a picture of them as well as the shasta daisies. The liatris blooms are about over now.

There is one hibiscus bud that is going to be open in a few days. Today it was still a tight bud and not in a place that was easy to get a photo.

I want to get another hibiscus bush but a different color, just not sure which color; and also want to plant some white coneflowers and also some that are an apricot color.

I have wild strawberries growing all over the yard. I picked the single berry yesterday and tried it last night. It was okay, not much flavor and it was quite small. Tonight I found a couple more berries but they were even smaller and didn't even pick them. There are some blooms and will keep an eye on them and check out the berries.