My supervisor is in his late 20s. He is serious. But he's told me twice that i am doing a good job. I am so glad I have a supervisor. I thought I was supposed to come up with an inventory system on my own. He also told me that he didn't speak to me until now, because he wanted to make sure I was staying. Apparently the inventory job is not a popular one. I can see why, but for me, after years of working brain frying jobs, I need a job just counting. It is healing my poor, frazzled teacher's brain.
I like working here. it's close to home. one of the hardest things about working at the winery was the drive. My body hurt because I was driving an hour each way. It takes me maybe four minutes to drive from my house to my work.
The work itself is pleasantly boring. I am behind the counter, so I hear the budtenders and the customers all day. I am an observer.
People are nice to me. One of the security guards told me that the owner can be abusive to his staff, even making them cry. Just what I need. Maybe I am here to avenge myself against all of the yelling bosses i have had. seriously dude? I am counting shit. you cannot make me cry.
I am so happy to be out of the house and off of twitter. My body still aches, especially my left hip, but I am feeling better than I felt last week at this time. It is good to be needed, and to interact with young, vibrant humans. They are really fun.
Sunday, March 31, 2019
Monday, March 25, 2019
So Ready for the Weekend
I managed to work five full days despite the fact that my body was screaming from all the bending and standing I did this past week. When Saturday night finally came, I was so excited to go home and rest. All I could think about was the hot tub at the pool and how soothing it would be to soak. I did that yesterday, after tossing and turning all night, trying to find a part of my body that didn't hurt.
When I was crossing the country, I stopped at the Badlands, in South Dakota. I was shocked at how out of this world the terrain was. I had never seen anything like the formations made by nature. How did the pioneers get across this part of the country? It was treacherous enough in a car.
As I pulled into a nearly isolated parking lot close to an overlook, I noticed another car, the same make, model, and color as mine, with Florida plates, just like mine. How weird. I walked toward the overlook, asking everyone back if they were from Florida.
Finally, a group of young people with dreadlocks and diamonds in their noses, approached. A young woman said they were from Winter Park, which is less than two hours from Vero Beach. They were doing a last ditch around the country road trip before they headed to Mendocino for harvest, where they were trimmers. I gave her my card and told her to call me if there was a job for me. I never heard from her, and I here I am with a job in the cannabis business.
It's a good thing I did, because if I was home alone all day with nothing but Twitter, I'd be crazy. Actually, I was. But even more now. Mueller's report was given to the Attorney General, who distributed a report written by him, saying the president was exonerated. Trump is gleeful today, although none of the republicans want to release Mueller's actual report. If the president is totally exonerated, then let's see the report.
This stuff is also driving me crazy. Work is a respite from the craziness of the world today. There is so much going on in this store. You would think that working in a weed store would be a laid back experience. You would be wrong. This is one of the most intense places I have ever worked. Yet, it doesn't look that way to the patients. It really is like Disney World, in that it's theater, not letting the customer see the reality, the characters without their costumes.
I have now counted 300 bins full of flower three times. I am out in the open, listening to the bud tenders, who have an incredibly stressful, physical job. There is usually a long line to get to a bud tender, but it moves fast. Many people on that line are suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, and depression, among other things. It is hard enough to get up and out. Having to stand in line, in a place where it is easy to become over stimulated and overwhelmed, is agony for people with sensory issues. First time visitors are apprehensive about asking questions and looking stupid. Most customers are happy to be there, and are a delight to deal with. But there have been a few, just in the short time I have been there, who made me want to jump over the counter and wring their necks.
On Saturday, I was eavesdropping while I was counting. A woman of my age was with her husband, and approached the bud tender, already confused. The first time is confusing, especially at this store. You have to go through security, show your id, pass by different vendors, who are giving away freebies. There's the line, the music, the lighting, so it makes it hard to see a method to the madness.
The woman kept asking the bud tender if the people behind the counter were all separate vendors, where she had to go for different things. The young man tried to explain that everyone behind the counter was selling the same things and he could find her whatever she needed. She wouldn't listen, and kept talking over him. She pestered him about whether the stuff really worked or if he was just selling her a bill of goods. She also wanted to know if this is where she could get the best price. Would it make her crazy? He remained calm, as her husband said, "Ok, now you're just being weird. I'll be in the car." She calmed down after that, but not much.
When she left, I told the guy how impressive his patience was. He was philosophical, and said that she was exactly the person who needed our product and would be a good customer.
That is just the front of the house. There's the back of the house, where it's even more intense. That's where the security cameras are. The deliveries from vendors come through the back. And deliveries arrive all the time, because there is so much product moving. The flower is fresh, which is great for the consumer, but difficult for the inventory person. Everything is counted on the way in and the way out. It's also counted while it's in the case. The state of California says 97% of product must be accounted for in every shop. So things have to be precise and buttoned down. It is a cash business so accounting and inventory is even more important.
The vibe is what makes it far different than any job I have ever had, especially the jobs I had in DC. It is intense, but the people seem kind. It is a pleasure to watch the bud tenders interact with their clients. They are so knowledgeable. Vendors train them about their products, including giving goodie bags (which are locked in the safe and taken home at the end of the day), so that they'll know how they'll feel. Research. All part of the job.
Everyone is under thirty, which is a good thing, because these bud tenders run up and back behind the counter looking for a product for a patient hundreds of times a day. The others are running up and down, getting down on the ground, refilling the bins and shelves. They inspire me. The place is buzzing with energy. You cannot be medicated and do these jobs.
Swimming really helped me feel better when I woke up this morning. The secret is to keep moving. My goal is to breeze through the count, day by day, with something left over for life outside of work. I was in a healthy groove when I was substituting in October. My vim and vigor can't have gone too far. Richard said to give it 30 days before I decided that the job is too physically demanding for me. He said our bodies are stronger than we realize. It's our brains that lie and say we're weak. He knows.
We watched Game of Thrones again last night. Richard made pasta with a light pesto-y sauce and shrimp. Gregory made tomatoes, feta, and vinegar. We are almost finished with season 6, with a night off tonight. We have plenty of time until April 14th, when the new season begins.
When I was crossing the country, I stopped at the Badlands, in South Dakota. I was shocked at how out of this world the terrain was. I had never seen anything like the formations made by nature. How did the pioneers get across this part of the country? It was treacherous enough in a car.
As I pulled into a nearly isolated parking lot close to an overlook, I noticed another car, the same make, model, and color as mine, with Florida plates, just like mine. How weird. I walked toward the overlook, asking everyone back if they were from Florida.
Finally, a group of young people with dreadlocks and diamonds in their noses, approached. A young woman said they were from Winter Park, which is less than two hours from Vero Beach. They were doing a last ditch around the country road trip before they headed to Mendocino for harvest, where they were trimmers. I gave her my card and told her to call me if there was a job for me. I never heard from her, and I here I am with a job in the cannabis business.
It's a good thing I did, because if I was home alone all day with nothing but Twitter, I'd be crazy. Actually, I was. But even more now. Mueller's report was given to the Attorney General, who distributed a report written by him, saying the president was exonerated. Trump is gleeful today, although none of the republicans want to release Mueller's actual report. If the president is totally exonerated, then let's see the report.
This stuff is also driving me crazy. Work is a respite from the craziness of the world today. There is so much going on in this store. You would think that working in a weed store would be a laid back experience. You would be wrong. This is one of the most intense places I have ever worked. Yet, it doesn't look that way to the patients. It really is like Disney World, in that it's theater, not letting the customer see the reality, the characters without their costumes.
I have now counted 300 bins full of flower three times. I am out in the open, listening to the bud tenders, who have an incredibly stressful, physical job. There is usually a long line to get to a bud tender, but it moves fast. Many people on that line are suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, and depression, among other things. It is hard enough to get up and out. Having to stand in line, in a place where it is easy to become over stimulated and overwhelmed, is agony for people with sensory issues. First time visitors are apprehensive about asking questions and looking stupid. Most customers are happy to be there, and are a delight to deal with. But there have been a few, just in the short time I have been there, who made me want to jump over the counter and wring their necks.
On Saturday, I was eavesdropping while I was counting. A woman of my age was with her husband, and approached the bud tender, already confused. The first time is confusing, especially at this store. You have to go through security, show your id, pass by different vendors, who are giving away freebies. There's the line, the music, the lighting, so it makes it hard to see a method to the madness.
The woman kept asking the bud tender if the people behind the counter were all separate vendors, where she had to go for different things. The young man tried to explain that everyone behind the counter was selling the same things and he could find her whatever she needed. She wouldn't listen, and kept talking over him. She pestered him about whether the stuff really worked or if he was just selling her a bill of goods. She also wanted to know if this is where she could get the best price. Would it make her crazy? He remained calm, as her husband said, "Ok, now you're just being weird. I'll be in the car." She calmed down after that, but not much.
When she left, I told the guy how impressive his patience was. He was philosophical, and said that she was exactly the person who needed our product and would be a good customer.
That is just the front of the house. There's the back of the house, where it's even more intense. That's where the security cameras are. The deliveries from vendors come through the back. And deliveries arrive all the time, because there is so much product moving. The flower is fresh, which is great for the consumer, but difficult for the inventory person. Everything is counted on the way in and the way out. It's also counted while it's in the case. The state of California says 97% of product must be accounted for in every shop. So things have to be precise and buttoned down. It is a cash business so accounting and inventory is even more important.
The vibe is what makes it far different than any job I have ever had, especially the jobs I had in DC. It is intense, but the people seem kind. It is a pleasure to watch the bud tenders interact with their clients. They are so knowledgeable. Vendors train them about their products, including giving goodie bags (which are locked in the safe and taken home at the end of the day), so that they'll know how they'll feel. Research. All part of the job.
Everyone is under thirty, which is a good thing, because these bud tenders run up and back behind the counter looking for a product for a patient hundreds of times a day. The others are running up and down, getting down on the ground, refilling the bins and shelves. They inspire me. The place is buzzing with energy. You cannot be medicated and do these jobs.
Swimming really helped me feel better when I woke up this morning. The secret is to keep moving. My goal is to breeze through the count, day by day, with something left over for life outside of work. I was in a healthy groove when I was substituting in October. My vim and vigor can't have gone too far. Richard said to give it 30 days before I decided that the job is too physically demanding for me. He said our bodies are stronger than we realize. It's our brains that lie and say we're weak. He knows.
We watched Game of Thrones again last night. Richard made pasta with a light pesto-y sauce and shrimp. Gregory made tomatoes, feta, and vinegar. We are almost finished with season 6, with a night off tonight. We have plenty of time until April 14th, when the new season begins.
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Day 2
I tried to tell myself that this job wasn't as physical as working as a teacher, or in a winery. The teaching was definitely not easier. It was a marathon compared to this. It was like doing this job and wrangling 18 third graders for 6.5 hours a day.
As demanding on my body as this is, and I know (I just know) that I am going to get stronger every day. it is so worth it. All day long, there is so much going on. It is amazing that these people can keep their shit together when a line is backing out the front door.
Not only do they keep their shit together, but they are sincere. Imagine looking into the faces of people who are filled with anxiety, or whose depression makes it nearly impossible to get here. These young people are so empathetic. And if I repeat myself, from post to post, too bad.
My job is monotonous, but very necessary. Accuracy and focus are the most important qualifications for this job. That's hard to find in many cannabis workers, for obvious reasons. Today, a customer referred to us as Costco, but for cannabis. I am going to recommend we get scanners and computerize the inventory system. I can't believe they haven't done it already.
People who visited the winery were so happy to be there that there were rarely unpleasant encounters between guests and winery employees. The same is true at the dispensary. Most people are fun and polite. The first timers are bashful about the whole thing, and in total disbelief that this is actually legal.
The seasoned patients come in, knowing THC/CBD ratios, the percentage of THC in product, and that they have a high threshold, so please take that into consideration. I thought I was the only one.
Last night, I went to bed early, and in painful exhaustion. This morning, I woke up, ready to go back. Don't get me wrong. I am definitely ready for bed at 5:00, when work is over. I've been up since 6, on my own volition. I don't get into the shower until 8:55, and I was still early, not like when I was teaching (a whole other blog yet to be published).
After work, I stopped at the cash machine and then the grocery store. Gregory invited me over to watch Bohemian Rhapsody. I came home inspired, and so happy I didn't say no. As hard as this job is, it is still easier than teaching. If I was teaching, I'd be expected to do the job I am doing, which is hard enough, but to also actually teach.
I counted some more and entered numbers into the computer. My butt wiped up the entire floor under the cash registers. This is yoga, and I am better for it. I am also better for having given up Rachel and half of Lawrence tonight, although I do feel happier. Sometimes (most times) I kill my own buzz. When I am trying to kill a buzz, all I have to do, like Uncle Albert in Mary Poppins, is think dark thoughts, like how certain family members have screwed me over. That's how I know I am in a dark, dangerous neighborhood, and I have to back that car right out of that cul-de-sac right now.
Back to counting. My goodness, but there are so many strain names. They make me laugh. There must be thousands, and the names tell you the cloning history. OG TITS; Birthday Cake; Sour Diesel; Jack Herer; Black Jack; Banana Jack; Mint Chip; Just put words together and there's your fourth generation strain. You can name a strain after yourself. It's like naming an undiscovered planet after yourself. Or name it anything you want. You've made up a new strain.
At the end of the day, I tried to explain to Yelli what I did all day, but I was in a daze, and she had a lot on her mind. Greg, the owner, tried explain about the inventory process, and i tried to absorb it, but we're going to have to talk about that again. or maybe not. he said that one employee stole $2000 in merchandise and was caught on camera, but there wasn't enough proof even though his count was always screwed up. Greg said I should think about all the different ways people could steal. I laughed and said I couldn't wrap my head around that. He told me that was because I am honest. I am. But I think he might have inferred this from my resume.
When I got my job at the winery, I thought that my alcohol consumption would go up. But the opposite happened. We couldn't drink during working hours, and I learned to appreciate the vocabulary and the ritual. The same is true at the dispensary, although you would never know it by the vibe of the place. My cannabis has definitely decreased in the past two days. As Martha would say, "That's a good thing."
As demanding on my body as this is, and I know (I just know) that I am going to get stronger every day. it is so worth it. All day long, there is so much going on. It is amazing that these people can keep their shit together when a line is backing out the front door.
Not only do they keep their shit together, but they are sincere. Imagine looking into the faces of people who are filled with anxiety, or whose depression makes it nearly impossible to get here. These young people are so empathetic. And if I repeat myself, from post to post, too bad.
My job is monotonous, but very necessary. Accuracy and focus are the most important qualifications for this job. That's hard to find in many cannabis workers, for obvious reasons. Today, a customer referred to us as Costco, but for cannabis. I am going to recommend we get scanners and computerize the inventory system. I can't believe they haven't done it already.
People who visited the winery were so happy to be there that there were rarely unpleasant encounters between guests and winery employees. The same is true at the dispensary. Most people are fun and polite. The first timers are bashful about the whole thing, and in total disbelief that this is actually legal.
The seasoned patients come in, knowing THC/CBD ratios, the percentage of THC in product, and that they have a high threshold, so please take that into consideration. I thought I was the only one.
Last night, I went to bed early, and in painful exhaustion. This morning, I woke up, ready to go back. Don't get me wrong. I am definitely ready for bed at 5:00, when work is over. I've been up since 6, on my own volition. I don't get into the shower until 8:55, and I was still early, not like when I was teaching (a whole other blog yet to be published).
After work, I stopped at the cash machine and then the grocery store. Gregory invited me over to watch Bohemian Rhapsody. I came home inspired, and so happy I didn't say no. As hard as this job is, it is still easier than teaching. If I was teaching, I'd be expected to do the job I am doing, which is hard enough, but to also actually teach.
I counted some more and entered numbers into the computer. My butt wiped up the entire floor under the cash registers. This is yoga, and I am better for it. I am also better for having given up Rachel and half of Lawrence tonight, although I do feel happier. Sometimes (most times) I kill my own buzz. When I am trying to kill a buzz, all I have to do, like Uncle Albert in Mary Poppins, is think dark thoughts, like how certain family members have screwed me over. That's how I know I am in a dark, dangerous neighborhood, and I have to back that car right out of that cul-de-sac right now.
Back to counting. My goodness, but there are so many strain names. They make me laugh. There must be thousands, and the names tell you the cloning history. OG TITS; Birthday Cake; Sour Diesel; Jack Herer; Black Jack; Banana Jack; Mint Chip; Just put words together and there's your fourth generation strain. You can name a strain after yourself. It's like naming an undiscovered planet after yourself. Or name it anything you want. You've made up a new strain.
At the end of the day, I tried to explain to Yelli what I did all day, but I was in a daze, and she had a lot on her mind. Greg, the owner, tried explain about the inventory process, and i tried to absorb it, but we're going to have to talk about that again. or maybe not. he said that one employee stole $2000 in merchandise and was caught on camera, but there wasn't enough proof even though his count was always screwed up. Greg said I should think about all the different ways people could steal. I laughed and said I couldn't wrap my head around that. He told me that was because I am honest. I am. But I think he might have inferred this from my resume.
When I got my job at the winery, I thought that my alcohol consumption would go up. But the opposite happened. We couldn't drink during working hours, and I learned to appreciate the vocabulary and the ritual. The same is true at the dispensary, although you would never know it by the vibe of the place. My cannabis has definitely decreased in the past two days. As Martha would say, "That's a good thing."
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
First Day
First day at the dispensary. I woke up excited. Got to work and started counting. There is a lot to count. The people were friendly. The corporate culture is laid back, of course. It is physically demanding for me, but I just have to get strong. I want to stay there. The budtenders are young and cute, but there are people in my generation working there, too.
I met a nice woman named Pamela, who the owner thought was me. Understandable since we are both tall and blonde. And the music is great, lots of it from my era. The younger people surprise me, because they get so into it. Lots of singing along and dancing. They work their asses off, all with great customer service. My type of work place. Such a major shift from my time as an executive assistant to huge egos in Washington, DC. As physical as the work is, it is still easier than teaching.
I counted until noon and then went back through what I counted, recording the count on a sheet. I finished that at 3:30. Then I entered those numbers onto a spread sheet and finished at 5:30. There wasn't much training, but when I had a question, I just asked. No one rolled their eyes.
I got so into the counting and didn't look at my phone until 12:30. Suddenly it was 2:30 and I understood why I was getting faint with hunger. And then it was 4:30. The day flew by. That says something. Dress is very casual, which is fine with me, because I spent much of the day on my ass on the floor. Comfortable shoes are a must. Again, so different than my jobs in DC.
When I worked at the winery, I thought of how Napa was like Disneyland for grown ups. It's all a show. Same with the dispensary. It is weird to see the back room, behind the scenes.
Cannabis is so different than the pot that people my age smoked. It is like viticulture, with all kinds of species and genus. It is definitely stronger, and there are so many ways now to ingest it. You can smoke flower, vape oil, rub balm on your skin, eat and drink it. And there are so many forms - flower, oils, shatter, dab, lotion, capsules, sodas, beer, candy, tinctures, wine, tea, and so many others.
The best thing is that I stayed off of social media all day, except for 30 minutes at lunch, but I was distracted by eating my cheese sandwich. But now, I must listen to Rachel and Lawrence, so I can harsh on my own buzz.
I met a nice woman named Pamela, who the owner thought was me. Understandable since we are both tall and blonde. And the music is great, lots of it from my era. The younger people surprise me, because they get so into it. Lots of singing along and dancing. They work their asses off, all with great customer service. My type of work place. Such a major shift from my time as an executive assistant to huge egos in Washington, DC. As physical as the work is, it is still easier than teaching.
I counted until noon and then went back through what I counted, recording the count on a sheet. I finished that at 3:30. Then I entered those numbers onto a spread sheet and finished at 5:30. There wasn't much training, but when I had a question, I just asked. No one rolled their eyes.
I got so into the counting and didn't look at my phone until 12:30. Suddenly it was 2:30 and I understood why I was getting faint with hunger. And then it was 4:30. The day flew by. That says something. Dress is very casual, which is fine with me, because I spent much of the day on my ass on the floor. Comfortable shoes are a must. Again, so different than my jobs in DC.
When I worked at the winery, I thought of how Napa was like Disneyland for grown ups. It's all a show. Same with the dispensary. It is weird to see the back room, behind the scenes.
Cannabis is so different than the pot that people my age smoked. It is like viticulture, with all kinds of species and genus. It is definitely stronger, and there are so many ways now to ingest it. You can smoke flower, vape oil, rub balm on your skin, eat and drink it. And there are so many forms - flower, oils, shatter, dab, lotion, capsules, sodas, beer, candy, tinctures, wine, tea, and so many others.
The best thing is that I stayed off of social media all day, except for 30 minutes at lunch, but I was distracted by eating my cheese sandwich. But now, I must listen to Rachel and Lawrence, so I can harsh on my own buzz.
Sunday, March 17, 2019
I told my Aunt Lulu about my job. Again, I thought she'd be shocked. But she always surprises me. Cannabis is legal in Massachusetts, and there are three dispensaries on Cape Cod. She said she sees the lines out the door. As far as usage, she said she didn't mind the people who use it medically, but then there were the other people who ruined it by overdoing it and getting into car accidents. I know what I am sending my aunts for Christmas (CBD balm and tinctures). Those will get them happily through the Cape Cod winters.
Neither was she shocked when I told her that my goal is to be a cannabis consultant for people my age. Since cannabis has gone so mainstream, people of my generation who either have never used cannabis, or who haven't used it since the seventies, are curious about the whole idea. Especially attractive are the therapeutic effects physically and mentally. There's some science-y stuff on it.
http://www.vhhc420.org/cannabinoids.
Older people, at least, I, as an older person, feel more comfortable talking to someone who looks like them, and who understands. first hand, the mature human experience. Since I have knowledge, both book and first hand, I can guide you through the process of buying and using the product. The industry is so specialized that you can personalize your purchase, so that you make sure you can gain the most benefits from this amazing plant.
There are so many delivery methods. The dosage is on every bag of weed, cartridge, or balm that you buy. My generation never knew whether they were smoking and indica or a sativa, which are two totally different experiences. In a nutshell, an indica strain will be more mellow and calming, but may also lead to couch lock. Some people need to chill, and this is ideal. Sativa is more cerebral, and offers and energetic experience. It's great for doing creative things, or for cleaning your house. The down side is that it can lead to paranoia and anxiety, depending on the percentage of THC.
This is just the tip of the ice berg.
Neither was she shocked when I told her that my goal is to be a cannabis consultant for people my age. Since cannabis has gone so mainstream, people of my generation who either have never used cannabis, or who haven't used it since the seventies, are curious about the whole idea. Especially attractive are the therapeutic effects physically and mentally. There's some science-y stuff on it.
http://www.vhhc420.org/cannabinoids.
Older people, at least, I, as an older person, feel more comfortable talking to someone who looks like them, and who understands. first hand, the mature human experience. Since I have knowledge, both book and first hand, I can guide you through the process of buying and using the product. The industry is so specialized that you can personalize your purchase, so that you make sure you can gain the most benefits from this amazing plant.
There are so many delivery methods. The dosage is on every bag of weed, cartridge, or balm that you buy. My generation never knew whether they were smoking and indica or a sativa, which are two totally different experiences. In a nutshell, an indica strain will be more mellow and calming, but may also lead to couch lock. Some people need to chill, and this is ideal. Sativa is more cerebral, and offers and energetic experience. It's great for doing creative things, or for cleaning your house. The down side is that it can lead to paranoia and anxiety, depending on the percentage of THC.
This is just the tip of the ice berg.
Saturday, March 16, 2019
New Job
Long before I ever made my way west, I was a devotee of cannabis. I suffer from chronic pain, and the relief that cannabis brings me is miraculous. It is better than any opioid I have ever taken. With my health history, I've taken many high strength pain relievers. Cannabis is different.
The cannabis industry is in its infancy. Not for long, though. Since it's been legalized for medical use in 33 states, and for recreational use in 10 states, the use of cannabis has become mainstream. I have wanted to experience what it was like during the gold rush. This business is a great place to start. My dream is to become a cannabis consultant to all the boomers trying it for the first time.
The pot business is very similar to the wine business. both are plants, the same vocabulary is used to describe the quality; they're both social, best enjoyed with good people; great histories;
Because of my passion for, as well as my desire to learn more about cannabis, I am so thrilled I've gotten a job in a dispensary. Actually, it's my dispensary, they were hiring, and I applied. I start on Tuesday. VHHC is located in a few different locations, and it's a union shop. Business is business.
I'm really excited because I needed a job. To be able to work in an industry that interests me is thrilling. It will be nice to be around people, away from my living quarters. I am losing my social skills.
The owner asked if I would be interested in doing inventory and I said I'd do just about anything to work where my favorite products are sold. He commented on my resume being very organized and said because of my teaching and strategic communications experience, he wants me to train people. It was vague and I was excited.
And now I really will have writing material.
It's the eve of Saint Patrick's Day, so that means dinner at the Slaydon's. Doug grills corned beef and it's unlike anything I have ever tasted. The beef is smoky, like tender beef jerky, and Ann makes a purple and white cabbage salad with the most amazing dressing, along with boiled potatoes. Tonight, Aunt Jean turned me on the horseradish on corned beef - to die for.
The first year I had dinner at the Slaydons', I was too self-conscious to take more than one piece. Three years later, I probably ate seven pieces at dinner, and took fourteen pieces home. I didn't take home the wonderful wine they serve, but i did take home a shamrock plant. Last year, Ann and Doug gave out plants, and I kept mine alive for almost a whole year, until the rains came, about three weeks ago.
My Aunt Jean told me about her trip to the dispensary in Vacaville this week. She went with a friend and purchased CBD ointment for her and Uncle Vince. They said they feel better already. I was concerned about telling her I was going to work in a dispensary.
Because of the good wine and the amazing meal, I am pleasantly drowsy and hiccoughing my way to bed.
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Yesterday, I got a job at a local cannabis dispensary. It is something I have wanted to do, even before getting out here. The cannabis business is growing rapidly, and I’ve wanted to learn all aspects of growing and selling cannabis.
Today, I am laughing at my luck. Maybe this is why I haven’t been getting other jobs or passing the math test. Maybe I am finally following the path that I want to follow. All I know is that I am passionate about cannabis the way other people are about wine. There are many similarities in the pot business and the wine business, now that cannabis is legal in so many states. The way that language is used to describe both; The ritual; The history; the science.
The place is a little over a mile from where I live, so, theoretically, I can walk. It’s the first dispensary that I registered with as a medical patient. The business is growing, and the owner is hiring for many positions. He hired me for inventory and training. This will be interesting. Inventory is basically counting and I can do that, without having to take a math test. Plus, there’s no drug testing involved. It is a union shop, and the job is full-time, with benefits. The salary is low to start, with a raise in a few months. I hope I can handle the schedule. I hope I like it. I hope they like me.
My mood has improved immensely, knowing I have a place to go where I am paid.
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Maintaining a blog is more difficult than it looks, at least for me. I keep forgetting to post. Make that, I keep forgetting to write. Sometimes I don't forget. I just don't write. Here is the rule of blogging. "First you write, than you post." That's it. Today, I think I will actually follow the rule.
A writer friend of mine said often that good writing was a matter of hours of "butt in seat time." She thought that once your butt was in the seat, everything would flow out onto the paper. That has not been my experience. Hours of butt-in seat-time" does not guarantee product, thanks to all the distractions that keep me from writing that post.
Richard, Gregory, and I are still watching Game of Thrones. It is enthralling. We average three episodes in an evening. Tonight we will watch Season 4, episode 2. I am being very disciplined about not reading what happens on-line. Finding out in the moment is the thrill. Yesterday, I did sneak a peak and found out about the deaths of a few critical characters. Richard told me last night that it was the red wedding. I thought it would be redder., like the ending of "Carrie."
I fear that I am becoming immune to the violence, and then something happens in the story line to make me realize that I am still squeamish and shockable.
The watching ritual is comforting. I ring the bell; barking dogs swarm over me like they've never seen me before. Richard brings an ice bucket and a bottle of wine downstairs into what used to be the bedroom in which the twins grew up, and is now the screening room. Everyone settles into their favorite spot, including the dogs, and then we watch, mesmerized for at least three hours. Last night, Gregory served refreshing pineapple popsicles during an especially bloody scene.
It's not just the blood that is so horrifying. It is the way people treat each other. The character development is amazing. Each actor fully occupies who they are playing. I have my favorites, but Kate said not to get too committed to anyone, because everyone has a short shelf life. That was good advice. I hope King Joffrey gets what is coming to him. He is the most vile character in the whole thing, and that is saying a lot. Also, I have to keep telling myself that it is only make believe. But it is excellent make believe.
All I can say is that I am glad that I didn't live in that time. I am a wimp. Things I could never go without:
- bathing;
- brushing my teeth;
- modern plumbing;
- electricity;
- my phone.
Watching GOT motivates me to get in the swim and shower every day. There is as much filth as there is blood, and I crave feeling clean. Also, I want to find out what happens. Not today, Death. Not today.
In other news, and there is so much other news, the Chinese woman who started the spas in south Florida where Robert Kraft had his fun on the morning of the Super Bowl, was not only watching the Super Bowl with the President, she is selling access to the President.
The people of Alabama were graced with the President's arrival a few days ago. Trump had the nerve to autograph bibles on the FRONT COVER.
There are a few reassurring things happening. The democrats are subpoening everybody. But it doesn't seem to be happening quickly enough.
A writer friend of mine said often that good writing was a matter of hours of "butt in seat time." She thought that once your butt was in the seat, everything would flow out onto the paper. That has not been my experience. Hours of butt-in seat-time" does not guarantee product, thanks to all the distractions that keep me from writing that post.
Richard, Gregory, and I are still watching Game of Thrones. It is enthralling. We average three episodes in an evening. Tonight we will watch Season 4, episode 2. I am being very disciplined about not reading what happens on-line. Finding out in the moment is the thrill. Yesterday, I did sneak a peak and found out about the deaths of a few critical characters. Richard told me last night that it was the red wedding. I thought it would be redder., like the ending of "Carrie."
I fear that I am becoming immune to the violence, and then something happens in the story line to make me realize that I am still squeamish and shockable.
The watching ritual is comforting. I ring the bell; barking dogs swarm over me like they've never seen me before. Richard brings an ice bucket and a bottle of wine downstairs into what used to be the bedroom in which the twins grew up, and is now the screening room. Everyone settles into their favorite spot, including the dogs, and then we watch, mesmerized for at least three hours. Last night, Gregory served refreshing pineapple popsicles during an especially bloody scene.
It's not just the blood that is so horrifying. It is the way people treat each other. The character development is amazing. Each actor fully occupies who they are playing. I have my favorites, but Kate said not to get too committed to anyone, because everyone has a short shelf life. That was good advice. I hope King Joffrey gets what is coming to him. He is the most vile character in the whole thing, and that is saying a lot. Also, I have to keep telling myself that it is only make believe. But it is excellent make believe.
All I can say is that I am glad that I didn't live in that time. I am a wimp. Things I could never go without:
- bathing;
- brushing my teeth;
- modern plumbing;
- electricity;
- my phone.
Watching GOT motivates me to get in the swim and shower every day. There is as much filth as there is blood, and I crave feeling clean. Also, I want to find out what happens. Not today, Death. Not today.
In other news, and there is so much other news, the Chinese woman who started the spas in south Florida where Robert Kraft had his fun on the morning of the Super Bowl, was not only watching the Super Bowl with the President, she is selling access to the President.
The people of Alabama were graced with the President's arrival a few days ago. Trump had the nerve to autograph bibles on the FRONT COVER.
There are a few reassurring things happening. The democrats are subpoening everybody. But it doesn't seem to be happening quickly enough.
Saturday, March 2, 2019
Rainy Saturday, unhinged president - what else is new? I have been watching Game of Thrones at Richard's. We're almost at the end of season 2. It is riveting. Three episodes go by in a flash. The whole thing - costumes, location, cinematography, writing, acting - is so fabulous that I can't think of anything else when I am watching it. The new season is coming out in April, so Richard wants us to be caught up. That's my therapy these days, wine and GOT.
Kate is up from LA. Yesterday, I picked her up from the ferry and we went to Napa for lunch at Grace's Table. We ate the most amazing corn bread with lavender butter. For entrees, she had gnocchi with a cream sauce and peas, and I had a french dip. We split a piece of moist fudgy chocolate cake, and sparkling wine.
Kate is up from LA. Yesterday, I picked her up from the ferry and we went to Napa for lunch at Grace's Table. We ate the most amazing corn bread with lavender butter. For entrees, she had gnocchi with a cream sauce and peas, and I had a french dip. We split a piece of moist fudgy chocolate cake, and sparkling wine.
Friday, March 1, 2019
Blinders
"Harrowing" is a favorite of mine, because it reminds me of traveling through the US with not much money and fewer plans. There were times on the road when I wasn't sure I would survive whatever experience it was that i was having. One of the most harrowing times on my adventure was in Wyoming, driving through the Tetons. Being from Florida, a very flat state, much of it underwater, I was shocked by the terrain of this country. I had not experienced hills in 20 years.
Going west over the mountains was one of the most frightening things I have ever done. "How big could they be," I thought. "They aren't that big on the map." This was just one of many things that I underestimated when I undertook this adventure. The Tetons are big. Huge in a way that I had never understood the word before. Before this trip, I had no idea that I feared heights. The Tetons were where I found this out about myself. All I could do, as I drove down the narrow two lane switchbacks, was not take my eyes off the road. Because of the altitude, it was difficult to breathe. It felt like a poodle sitting on my chest. My head hurt, and I felt nauseous.
Mercifully and miraculously, hanging off a crevice in the middle of these mountains was a coffee shop. I thought it was a mirage. I pulled into a parking space and tried not to look down past the stone wall separating me from the whatever is at the bottom of 7,000+ ft. The warm scent of fresh baked cookies hit my nose as I walked in to the tiny cafe. The nice woman behind the counter knew the haunted look on my face, and helped me to figure out where I was and what i wanted. She brought me some coffee and some cookies. She said people always came in looking like me. As I was leaving, she handed me an empty paper bag for my ride. I thought it was for trash.
I sat for a while, trying to attain some equilibrium. My ears were ringing and I felt the vertigo was coming back. I made it out to my car to continue the drive, but I was still in panicked mode and hyperventilating. I didn't know how I was going to make it down and then up again and then down again many times before making it through the massive peaks.
In situations like this, my Aunt Lulu is just the person to call. She is practical and someone you would want to sit next to in the life boat. She mothered five children and worked as the town clerk on Cape Cod. Her vision is clear and strong. She doesn't belabor or bemoan. She is unflappable.
"Hi Claudia," she said. "Are you calling from jail?"
I told her where i was and that i couldn't keep going. I was hyperventilating, because I was crying and scared. I noticed the bag on the passenger seat and started to breathe in and out, as Lulu spoke slow and calm.
" Turn on the car" Lulu told me. "Get out of the parking lot and I will get you down." And she did.
Many years ago, when she and my Uncle Ed took their kids on a cross country trip, they were going through mountains like the Tetons. Ed was driving, and suddenly, at the top of a mountain, he panicked and thought he couldn't get down. He was cold and clammy, feeling like I felt. So Lulu quieted the kids, and calmly talked Ed down from the ledge. He also had no idea that he was scared of heights until he was at the peak, with a car full of young children, and a camper attached. They made it through to California and continued on their cross country RV trip.
She told Ed what she told me. "Breathe. Go slowly but don't stop. Keep your eyes on the rear bumper of the car in front of you. You have to put blinders on."
That advice got me through the mountains, and through all kinds of other disorienting experiences once I got to California. When these things happen, and I think I am losing my nerve, I hear Lulu's voice in my head, calmly telling me to focus on just what is in front of me. I put the blinders on and talk myself down from whatever ledge I am on. It's worked so far.
Since that time at 7,000+ feet, I have driven many hilly roads. I drove through the hills overlooking over Palo Alto. Driving through the hills of Napa and Sonoma is a hobby. Recently, I drove up Mt. Diablo, and almost didn't make it down. I walked around at the top of the nearly 4,000 ft alt mountain, until I had my wits about me. When I did, I pictured Lulu in my mind, and heard her voice coaching me back down. It is much easier on the way down than it is on the way up.
Going west over the mountains was one of the most frightening things I have ever done. "How big could they be," I thought. "They aren't that big on the map." This was just one of many things that I underestimated when I undertook this adventure. The Tetons are big. Huge in a way that I had never understood the word before. Before this trip, I had no idea that I feared heights. The Tetons were where I found this out about myself. All I could do, as I drove down the narrow two lane switchbacks, was not take my eyes off the road. Because of the altitude, it was difficult to breathe. It felt like a poodle sitting on my chest. My head hurt, and I felt nauseous.
Mercifully and miraculously, hanging off a crevice in the middle of these mountains was a coffee shop. I thought it was a mirage. I pulled into a parking space and tried not to look down past the stone wall separating me from the whatever is at the bottom of 7,000+ ft. The warm scent of fresh baked cookies hit my nose as I walked in to the tiny cafe. The nice woman behind the counter knew the haunted look on my face, and helped me to figure out where I was and what i wanted. She brought me some coffee and some cookies. She said people always came in looking like me. As I was leaving, she handed me an empty paper bag for my ride. I thought it was for trash.
I sat for a while, trying to attain some equilibrium. My ears were ringing and I felt the vertigo was coming back. I made it out to my car to continue the drive, but I was still in panicked mode and hyperventilating. I didn't know how I was going to make it down and then up again and then down again many times before making it through the massive peaks.
In situations like this, my Aunt Lulu is just the person to call. She is practical and someone you would want to sit next to in the life boat. She mothered five children and worked as the town clerk on Cape Cod. Her vision is clear and strong. She doesn't belabor or bemoan. She is unflappable.
"Hi Claudia," she said. "Are you calling from jail?"
I told her where i was and that i couldn't keep going. I was hyperventilating, because I was crying and scared. I noticed the bag on the passenger seat and started to breathe in and out, as Lulu spoke slow and calm.
" Turn on the car" Lulu told me. "Get out of the parking lot and I will get you down." And she did.
Many years ago, when she and my Uncle Ed took their kids on a cross country trip, they were going through mountains like the Tetons. Ed was driving, and suddenly, at the top of a mountain, he panicked and thought he couldn't get down. He was cold and clammy, feeling like I felt. So Lulu quieted the kids, and calmly talked Ed down from the ledge. He also had no idea that he was scared of heights until he was at the peak, with a car full of young children, and a camper attached. They made it through to California and continued on their cross country RV trip.
She told Ed what she told me. "Breathe. Go slowly but don't stop. Keep your eyes on the rear bumper of the car in front of you. You have to put blinders on."
That advice got me through the mountains, and through all kinds of other disorienting experiences once I got to California. When these things happen, and I think I am losing my nerve, I hear Lulu's voice in my head, calmly telling me to focus on just what is in front of me. I put the blinders on and talk myself down from whatever ledge I am on. It's worked so far.
Since that time at 7,000+ feet, I have driven many hilly roads. I drove through the hills overlooking over Palo Alto. Driving through the hills of Napa and Sonoma is a hobby. Recently, I drove up Mt. Diablo, and almost didn't make it down. I walked around at the top of the nearly 4,000 ft alt mountain, until I had my wits about me. When I did, I pictured Lulu in my mind, and heard her voice coaching me back down. It is much easier on the way down than it is on the way up.
Grey chilly morning. The rain just started. That dashes my idea of a morning walk.
The Bakers had us over to watch the Oscars. One of the advantages of living in California is that events like the Oscars and the Super Bowl are over by 8:30 pm. The red carpet and ceremonies were secondary to being with fun people. The food was amazing as usual. Gregory brought Asian pork. Bake made meatballs and Iranian potatoes. Sally brought something that looked like large pea pods that were dipped in aoili sauce. Loretta made the most decadent chocolate cake and Monica and Raoul brought ice cream.
Most of us hadn't seen many of the movies. I've only seen "Mary Poppins." We also didn't know who many of the people were, a sign of getting old for sure. But it is fun to watch the glamour and the gowns.
The Bakers had us over to watch the Oscars. One of the advantages of living in California is that events like the Oscars and the Super Bowl are over by 8:30 pm. The red carpet and ceremonies were secondary to being with fun people. The food was amazing as usual. Gregory brought Asian pork. Bake made meatballs and Iranian potatoes. Sally brought something that looked like large pea pods that were dipped in aoili sauce. Loretta made the most decadent chocolate cake and Monica and Raoul brought ice cream.
Most of us hadn't seen many of the movies. I've only seen "Mary Poppins." We also didn't know who many of the people were, a sign of getting old for sure. But it is fun to watch the glamour and the gowns.
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