At Least I Don't Work at REI, Then I Really Wouldn't Have Any Money...

As I was driving home from work tonight listening to the radio I heard an ACE commercial about tomorrow's sale. It turned into a surreal moment as I realized not only did I know EXACTLY what they were talking about, I know more of the details. And those details have a direct impact on my life, unlike the voice-over guy to whom it was probably a vague sale that doesn't pertain to him. Unless he needs stuff from his local hardware store of course.

For my massive amounts of confused fanatical followers, welcome to the trenches of Nicole's life, they're easy to get lost in. Don't panic, you're in good company. I am not working at Hilmar Lumber aka ACE in Hilmar. In answer to your question, no this is not the job I was celebrating July 29, 2011. Unfortunately that company had to downsize. Thankfully I was able to find seasonal work (which is why I was able to visit KY) and when that was sputtering out, was offered a full time job at ACE. 10 cent miracle? I think so.

That was about 3-4 weeks ago and I have been learning about the wonderful world of retail since. The scary thing is when I was at Target recently I found myself envying them for being able to just scan things without worrying about what the skews are for things out in the yard or for various nuts, bolts, screws and nails.

And that brings us back to where I'm at today. A newly trained employee who can't remember the basics and now has sale details to master. On the other hand, I'm learning a lot about practical things like home repair and that's pretty sweet.

So despite my exasperation at the stretching that is my life, I'm actually happy to be working at Hilmar Lumber Ace, the helpful place.

The real challenge: not spend all my money on the fun toys. Working at a hardware store is like being a kid in the toy isle at Christmas five days a week!

Simply Joy

On my way home today I saw the coolest thing; two little boys in camo jackets doing donuts on a Kubota. The older one couldn't have been much older than 7 or 8. It was AWESOME! This is why living in the country rocks. 

Not that we were allowed to do such things as kids. Granted we probably wouldn't have just stuck to donuts and the potential for emergency runs would have increased dramatically. But still, it would have been a lot of fun. 

Yes, I am aware of the numerous ATV accidents that have occurred with children/teens and I am in no way condemning parents who choose not to allow their children to drive vehicles at a young age. (As I stated we were not allowed to). There is wisdom in that. I am simply appreciating joy radiating from that orange machine. Sometimes you need to enjoy simple, child-like fun. 

Don't believe me try it. You might be surprised at how easily you become amused. 

Green Ambition

February is here, and (until today) the feeling of spring was scenting the air; warm sunny afternoons of about 60, even a few bees. And like many I have been bitten by the green thumb bug. Ok, so maybe that’s a bit strong, but the weather has definitely made me want to go outside enjoy the sun and get my hands in the dirt.

    

I come from a line of people who enjoy doing yard work; Dad, Grandma A, Aunt Judy, Mom if she had her druthers, etc. they seem to find it relaxing. I’ve mostly found it taxing; pulling weeds, raking leaves, trimming bushes and trees. Never quite found that joy. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the end result, it’s getting there I don’t always appreciate.   

This last year the exterior of the Home Ranch went through a major restoration. (I must confess it’s nice to come home and not wonder if you can get in the door, or to have scaffolding out your bathroom window! Although the plastic over the windows was a nice touch for Halloween).

 It’s looking gooood. Between that, and Dad working at the Hill, I have been inspired to want to do something creative with the yard. Last summer a lot of ice plant and run away burmuda grass, was pulled out of old flower beds creating the possibility to plant flowers or something. (For anyone who’s curious, ice plant and burmuda know no masters, are very hardy and quite good at growing with little encouragement).

In the midst of all of this I also had some small success, (along with a several failures) of not killing some flowers I bought and keeping a few plants alive in the “garden”. Not only did I enjoy not paying for vegetables I don’t like to eat, it became a sort of challenge.

Turns out the area I picked to plant my garden, is probably the worst place in the yard soil wise. Years ago they put in a septic tank compacting the dirt; since then that area has been lying fallow leaving the ground like cement. And this is what I decided to claim. Aunt Judy and Dad suggested I might want to move it this year, but true to the spirit of Mom’s steadfast nature, I am determined to make this work. Which is why, a week ago found me with a shovel, cultivating by hand.

 I know, I know, me, doing real physical labor, voluntarily! Not only that but I’ve been going out consecutively this week to work a little here and there.  And I find myself excited and looking forward to it!?!

 I don’t know what the end results will actually be. But I’m sure it will create some interesting moments along the way. And maybe, just maybe, if you’re lucky enough I’ll share the “fruits of my labors” with you.

Now I am going to swathe myself in layers, and trundle out into the fog to see what a pick does to a lawn. At least the fog will make things quiet. Which will be a very good thing if I swing the pick amiss…