Jeanne-ology: Keeping Me In Line

Hi There - it’s Thursday and I didn’t even mention the blog to Jeanne today, but she surprised me with a text late this afternoon that said “SENT BLOG”. She’s not one for texting, obviously, so she surprised me by writing one AND texting about it. Miracles. never cease. Enjoy! Rebecca

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Hello Thursday Readers! Another week has passed and we are feeling the staff shortages at PJP. We did have a new person start work on Wednesday. He is on the fruit table and has a very outgoing personality. He showed up for work today, though sometimes I wonder after a long first day on the job if they will not come back. He was early and ready for another day. Thank goodness! I think he will be a good fit for us. He asked many, many questions (which I like) - that shows me he is interested in learning as much as possible. (Rebecca editing to add: I used to ask new people when they clocked out on the first day whether or not they would be back for the second day, but now I don’t. I’ve accepted that literally any answer is possible in small business and this is precisely why I’m so happy Jason is our Chief Human Resources Officer. Whew.)

Rebecca and my granddaughter left today to visit the Atlanta gift market. I am so glad they went. They are a good team together and I look forward to see what is shipped in a few months later. I am so glad I did not attend. Rebecca and my granddaughter are hard core shoppers. They literally shop till they drop. They registered this afternoon and started shopping. I suggested they relax, have a good meal and start shopping tomorrow. Rebecca responded that was ridiculous and they were not me! She is right and the reason I am still in Columbia. (Rebecca editing to add: I’m happy she is in Columbia too. I love her, but she isn’t built for long-distance shopping. After I talked to her, my daughter said “did she tell you that we should take a rest at the hotel and just start shopping tomorrow?”. YES. YES, SHE DID.

Next week, most of the staff should be back at work. Thanks goodness! My son-in-law Jason and I have been managing the shop. We are doing fine and are filling in for the staff that are away. He and I have a great relationship and above all, we like each other. We can manage to disagree and still be friends. That's special. (Rebecca editing to add: They probably disagree less than Jeanne and I disagree. He’s a lot more rational - and a lot less dramatic - than either of us tend to be, so that levels it out some. Knowing that they are fine there together is such a peace of mind.)

In closing, there is not much going on. We will finish out the week and be happy to see Rebecca and my granddaughter come home on Sunday. I’ll be anxious to hear about what they saw and what they bought. (Rebecca editing to add: Today, I was recognized at the Chicago O’Hare airport by a PJP and Crime Scene Kitchen fan. And then we shopped a lot. And then we had Cheetos for dinner because this hotel is short staffed and there was a two hour wait to be seated at the hotel restaurant. I feel like the universe is keeping me in line. I’ll be anxious to see what Jeanne has to say about this, but I’m not texting to ask…because she won’t answer.)