Working with the dogs . . . . .

I'm here. Alive and kicking. Barely. :-)

Been working a ton of hours at the doggie store. Compared to last summer, the store hasn't been that busy. I'm sure the high gas prices is keeping a lot of people away from traveling and spending money. It is great to see all the dogs. They rock my world! :-)

I've been getting over food poisoning so I haven't been myself for a week. I'm feeling much better but my body doesn't want to be 100% yet.

I've also been doing a lot of the reading for my class that begins next week. I have a lot of work to do before next Monday - four books need to be read, one book review paper, and three note summaries need to be written. Unfortunately, the readings are boring so it's difficult to get through them at a fast pace. I don't mind reading historical books as long as they are interesting and to the point.

It's been hot and humid here in New England. I don't do well with humidity . . . I finally had to turn my A/C on today. I've been lucky most of the summer . . . . my condo is located on the first floor so it remains relatively cool during the day. However, today it got a little too warm for me so I turned on A/C.

Ellie the Cat has the right idea . . . . just hang out on the futon! :-)

It's Official - I'm done! :-)

No more working weekends.

No more working late hours during the week.

I finally will have a life on the weekends. I can attend parties, go out with my friends, etc.

I worked my last shift at my second job yesterday. The only two things that I'm sad about is that I will miss the usual dogs that come into the store and I will miss the gals that I worked with at the store. They are a great group of ladies who really have a caring nature and good heart.

So, what is M-Dawg to do with her free time?????? :-)

Last Day at Paws!

Long story but I got roped into working one more day at Paws.

There is a festival going in Newburyport so with folks giving notice, the store is short of workers. And, there has been more drama with the owner so she's not coming into work.

I told the owner that I would work today and that's it! No more! I already made plans for the rest of my weekend so no more work!

I really would like to enjoy having the long weekend off.

A six hour shift and I'm officially done!

Joy! :-)

I finally gave two weeks notice at my second job!

I did it! Finally!

Part of me wanted to give my notice in person. Part of me wanted to do it on the phone.

I went into work yesterday and the owner of the store was there. She didn't even say hi to me when I came in (there were two other employees in the store and they both said hi to me). I think the owner had some idea that I was going to give my notice. Maybe she found this blog. Oh well. I don't know and I don't care anymore.

The owner was in another one of her "moods" and she didn't stay very long anyway for me to chat with her. I had already had it in my head that I was going to give notice on Friday come hell or high water.

I chickened out and told her on the phone that evening when I had to call to give her the totals of the day. She didn't ask why. She didn't really say anything. She didn't beg me to stay like she did the others so apparently I'm not a good worker to keep around. I told her that I'm dealing with some personal issues and I need to take care of myself. I explained to her that it's not fair to the customers, the employees, her, or myself to stay when I'm not happy. I know it wasn't professional to give notice over the phone but to be honest, I really didn't want to deal with anymore drama that there already was in that store. All the employees are unhappy. I'm sorta sick of being unhappy at a second job that I really don't need anymore. I will miss the frequent puppies that come into that store. :-(

Friday, August 31st is my last day. That Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, there is a festival in Newburyport. Sucks to be them!!!!!!!!

However, this will be the first Labor Day weekend in over two years that I won't have to work! Yeah!!!!!!!!

Thanks to all my buds for the words of support - love ya's!!!!! :-)

I haven't done "the dirty deed" yet . . . .

I'm such a chicken. I still haven't given notice yet at my second job.

The owner of the store has been so bitchy and hasn't been in the store a lot. She's not even on the schedule for the whole month of August. I understand that she is going through some personal issues but you OWN A STORE!

I worked on Sunday. I was schedule to work 10-3. The lady that was scheduled to work could not work and no one else could work on that day so I got stuck working open to close. I usually don't mind working long hours except that if I need to go to the bathroom and get something to drink, I can't leave the store. And, it was sales tax free weekend in MA so that meant that is would be busy (weekends in the summer at usually busy since we are a tourist town). I worked until 5:30 that day!

The owner came in on Sunday for about 20 minutes (enough time for me to go to the bathroom) and then left! While she was in the store, she was very snappy at me!

So, I guess I won't see her again in the store for a while. I guess I'll have to tell her on the phone that as of the Sept 1st, I will not be working at the store. I don't why I'm being such a chicken about this - I think she's going to throw a fit so I think that is why I'm not telling her. Another employee gave her notice (she's a college student and would be leaving after Labor Day anyway). Another gal that works with us is leaving too.

Reasons why folks are leaving: 1) The bitchiness of the owner (she is very difficult to work for). 2) The responsibility at the store is ridiculous 3) The pay for what we deal with 4) The customers are sometimes rude. The college student that is leaving us got another job this summer working at a retail store in the same downtown area that our store is located (she worked at both stores). I think she realized after working at that store how much easier it is to work at THAT store compared to our store. And, she's making more money for less responsibility. I can't blame her. And, the owner put A LOT of responsibility on her like doing the schedule for the entire summer - essentially this girl was the manager of the store all summer and didn't get paid or treated very well for doing it. I think she just got burnt out. She's been at our store for three years so it's sad to see her go but I don't blame her.

I need to do what is best for me. All of you are commenting and telling me the same thing. I just care too much sometimes. I do love the dogs that come into the store but it's so not worth my aggravation or stress.

Should I just call her to tell her that I won't be working? Please give me your thoughts and opinions. Thanks! :-)

I have to do something that I really don't like or want to do!

I'm sorta of stressed out right now.

I've made the decision to give notice at my second job. There are a lot of reasons why I want to give my notice. Part of it, I don't really need the money. I'm sick and tired of always working all the time and feeling tired and exhausted and not having much of a life. There is also drama that is always happening at the store and I'm getting sick of it.

I also would like to focus on my teaching this school year. I've been in a negative place the past year and I feel that this school year will make or break me as an educator. I would like to be able to say that I gave it my heart and soul and if it's meant to work out, that's great. If not, than life moves on and I will need to find another job outside of education.

The owner of the store is going through some personal stuff right now. I sorta feel bad for her and I don't want to add to her stress but for once, I need to take care of myself. I also found out that another girl just gave her notice too. I want commit to the store until the end of August and finish out the summer. Once school starts, my hours go back to weekends anyway.

The owner hasn't been in the store so it's been hard for me to tell her that I will no longer be working after this month. I don't want to tell her over the phone but I just may have to do that.

So, this is why I'm stressed. I hate confrontations - and I can guarantee that this will be a confrontation with the owner. I would like to leave on a positive note but we shall see what will happen . . . . . . . .

Going on weekend #2 of working at second job and no day off!

Yes! You read correctly! I haven't had a day off since I took my personal day on May 7th. The next day off I have will be May 27th.

And, to add more fun - the owner had extended the hours of the store to summer hours so I'm working more hours on top of teaching. Yes - I know I said I needed money for my trip. I have to admit that I'm feeling this "not having a day off" thing. I'm so exhausted right now. I've been working between 15-20 hours at my part-time job per week. Add to that - my 45-60 hours that I put into my teaching job. Ughy! No wonder I'm feeling not having a day off.

The money has been good for my trip but my body is feeling.

Oh, countdown of going to Russia: ONE MONTH!!!! :-)

Funny questions from my part-time job

Here is another installment of silly questions that customers ask me at my part-time job.

For those of you that are not aware - I work part-time at a pet store that specializes in collars, leashes, treats, toys, clothing, etc. for dogs and cats. We also sell breed specific products for the dog/cat lover.

1) Not so silly question: Do you carry sympathy cards for pets? (yes, we do!)

2) Silly question: Per phone conversation - Do you know if it's OK to give Benadryl to a dog with itchy skin? (So, do I have a veterinary degree now????) I suggested that they contact their vet.

3) Not so silly question: Do you carry boots for dogs? (yes, we do!)

4) Silly question: How do the dogs put on the boots? (just like we do - bend over and put them on their feet - JK) :-)

5) Border line silly question: Do you carry a cheerleader costume for dogs? (we did at Halloween)

6) Silly question: Do you carry lingerie for dogs? (I really don't want to know why the customer wants sexy nightwear for their pet - way too much info!!!)