I feel a blog coming on

That's what I said to myself as I stood patiently, with my customer number in hand, waiting to have my fabric cut.  The last few minutes had been bizarre and I could see the next few were heading in the same direction. 

I own my own custom sewing, alterations, and design business. I frequent fabric stores. I am very blessed to have a locally owned Ben Franklin here in my small town.  I try to always support them with my business first.  Occasionally, I make a dash to the "big city" fabric store which I shall not name.  However, if you've read any of my previous blogs on Pugh News you may know to which store I am referring.  Today was one of those dashing in days....I'm not sure why I thought I would dash in and out of this store but I had my hopes up and the clock was ticking.

Okay, I wear one contact.  I wear bifocal glasses.  But I'm one of the lucky ones who can wear one contact to see far away and none for up close...monovision.  Except it doesn't work so well when shopping..at least for me.  I realized when I dashed in to the unnamed store that I was going to have a bit of trouble.  But off I went in search of a separating, black, sport coat zipper.  I asked a sweet lady to point me in the direction of the zippers and I was off and running.  Next up...taffeta.  Not so easy.  I headed to the direction of the dress fabrics and went row by row.  But by the time I neared the end of the first section I just wasn't sure. Lo and behold appeared a store employee.  So I asked simply, "Taffeta?" 

She said, "Not back here." I waited for some elaboration.  Nothing.  I work in customer service..not just in my business but I also work in a sports bar.  So I said, "Am I in the right section? Is it all this way(as I motioned)?"  She said, "Yes. But it's all mixed up."  Lovely. I went back and found what I needed and headed towards the fabric cutting station..... and pulled my paper number for my turn.  See, I've learned.  I've learned if you don't have that paper number you don't get help. 
And I waited..and waited..... there was one employee cutting fabric.  She finally called for backup.  And I look up and here comes my "not back here" lady.  She went to check the customer counter and proceeds to ask for customer 17 and looks at me.  Well, I'm not 17.  I'm holding 18 and I show her.  She says to the other employee and motions to the customer, "Was she 17?"  Nope.  She says to me, "You're not 17?"  Nope.  I say, "I'm 18."  And then she says, "Well, what can I help you with?"  (Can you see my look shining brightly through the computer?)  But I politely asked for one yard.
With my fabric in tow, I headed directly to the checkout and there I find myself in line with three customers in front of me one of which had her calculator checkbook combo thing out. I should be more conscientious with my money like the true Dave Ramsey fan I am but by this time I was getting annoyed. 
And I waited..and waited..... and the employee finally called for back up.  Guess who came running? Yep, "not back here" lady.  And she says to me,  "So how are you doing today?"

I just don't have any more words.

They did have a help wanted sign on the door when I entered.

Bakery Boy wasn't feeling so well today.... I will take him, my superhero, next time for back up.

God Bless,
Love,
Veggie Girl

There was a veggie girl....

... there was a bakery boy.  We met in January 1985 working food service. I was a new student employee.  He was a third year student employee.  I saw him pass by pushing a cart of desserts.  I thought at the time he was short, fat, and bald.  He was none of those things.  He had lost a bet with his roommates and had to shave his head.  He was bent over the cart which accounted for the inaccurate short part.  But the fat part I have no clue. It was a funny first impression.  And then he came over and put his arm around my shoulder.....errrrrtttttt................ correction...he put his arm around my waist  and said, "I try to meet all the new employees." That was his pick-up line. He always makes sure I state the arm placement correctly...because after all it made all the difference in whether I would date him or not, right?  In a very short time we were dating and three months later he asked me to marry him. 

We've been married 27 years and have five sons, two daughter-in-laws, and our first grandson on the way.  We are a military family.  We have survived job loss, financial distress, deployment, very sick children, and several moves. We supported each other as we finished college; he in forestry and myself in education. We've been fortunate to travel. I homeschooled the boys at one point or another until high school.  We love biking, gardening, music, food, and cocktails.  I am an artist and free-lance writer. He is a full-time soldier who is passionate about nature and trees. Most importantly we are faith-filled best friends who try to live with each day purpose passionately through our faith.

There are days we may not leave the house but our lives are still full of amazing adventures...... The Adventures of Veggie Girl and Bakery Boy.....

God Bless
love,
Monica