March 22, 2016

A Day in the Life Blogger Event


Trish, of Love, Laughter and a Touch of Insanity is hosting today's 2nd Annual "A Day in the Life" blogger event. I missed it last year, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading posts from fellow bloggers, so this year I made sure to start early! Several people worried that their days would look dull or boring to those of us with full-time jobs or large families, but that wasn't the case. The creative effort of some of these bloggers made the posts fun to read and a nice way to get to know them a little bit more. 


Just a little bit about me before I begin. My husband and I are empty-nesters, living in Lincoln, Nebraska. We've been married for 27 years and have a grown daughter who lives in Dallas, working for JC Penney corporate. (She also has an amazing fashion blog called Fashion Jackson.) We share our cozy home with our 12-year-old Annie-dog, a stray we rescued over 8 years ago. I work full-time as a bookseller at Barnes & Noble, which has been my dream job for 9 years. When I'm not at work, I enjoy reading, biking, traveling and cooking. So, here's an example of a typical weekday:

5:00 Rise and shine! Stumble to the shower.

5:20 Brew a cup of coffee, chat with Rod and try to coax Annie to eat her breakfast. 

5:30 Head back upstairs to enjoy my coffee as I check the weather, email, Twitter and Google News.


6:00 Step away from the computer! Get dressed, make a green smoothie, grab my lunch and head out the door.

6:45 Off to work, which is only a 3.5 mile drive. Sometimes I get lucky and see a beautiful sunrise. I either listen to NPR or my current audio book. Have I mentioned how much I love Audible.com?! I use my library a lot for audio books, but they don't always have what I want.







7:00 Clock in, grab my PDT, a cart of books and start setting displays. Tuesdays are my busiest mornings since this is when the Bestsellers change over, as well as several other displays. I'm able to listen to an audio book on my Nano or phone during those first two hours when we don't have any customers in the store. Best time of my work day.



9:00 Breaktime. Breakfast and a quick peek at social media for 15 minutes.



9:15 More of the usual. Bring out new books from receiving, set promotional displays, relieve the cashier for breaks, etc. Oh, and answering questions like, "Where is your nonfiction section?" or locating a book that was in the newspaper two months ago. You know the one. "It's got a red cover and it's about that guy on that show." Sigh. But then there's always one of my favorite customers, asking for a recommendation for their book club. This is when I think to myself, "I love my job."
 
11:30 Lunchtime. I either read in the break room or head out for a brisk 20-30 minute walk.


12:00 Work, work, work. I can usually log about 10,000 steps during work.

1:30 Another 15 minute break. So tempted to get a scone or a mocha from the cafe! Or a piece of cheesecake. Or a cookie. Sigh. Oh, wait. Didn't I just walk 10,000 steps?!

3:00 Quitting time. Out of the store by 3:15ish.

3:20 Grocery shopping. Don't you love the local murals?



3:50 Quick stop for gas. Ours has crept up again. I get regular (no ethanol), so it's $2.299/gallon. Today's cost a total of $31.96. That usually lasts about 3-4 weeks, so I'm not complaining!


4:15 Home! Unload the groceries and put the perishables in the refrigerator. The rest can wait.


4:20 Annie's walk. When the weather's as nice as it was today, the park is full of children. Annie gets a lot of attention from the little ones.



We've cut way back on the cookies, but she always gets one after her walks. 


4:40 Check the snail mail. I sort and toss/shred every day so it doesn't pile up.


4:45 Change out of work clothes. Nothing feels better than taking my shoes off and slipping into my ancient (Privo) flip-flops! Ahhhh.


4:50 Toss a load of laundry in the washing machine.

5:00 Feed Annie, pour a glass of wine and head upstairs. Write a quick note to our granddaughter for Easter. Now that she's older (13!), she loves Starbucks! Easier to mail than chocolate bunnies. :)


5:10 Relax and read emails and a quick scan of social media (Bloglovin' Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).

5:30 Rod's home. We always spend a few minutes catching up (Annie joins us, of course!) before I start dinner.


5:45 Quick phone call to American Express to sort out my new text alert program. They notified me of a $100 charge at the gas station. Apparently, that's what the gas station automatically charges before reversing the charge to the actual amount. Phew!

5:55 Throw clothes in the dryer. 

6:00 Porchtime with Rod. He's enjoying a beer while I finish my wine. Annie really wants to chase squirrels. Or just roll in the grass.

 

6:30 Dinnertime. Depending on the night (Rod teaches two nights a week) we either eat at the table or in the living room, watching something on Netflix. We just finished House of Cards, so tonight we decided to watch the second half of History of the Eagles. Man, they were an incredible band. We had leftovers, so no photos.

8:00 Dishes and lunch prep.

8:20 Quick look at email/Facebook/Twitter/Bloglovin' and work on this blog post.

8:45 Heading to bed. Yep. 5 a.m. comes far too early and I want to read for a little while.


8:50 Remembered there are clothes in the dryer. Run downstairs and get them out. Hang up the ones that I don't want to wrinkle and leave the rest for tomorrow.

8:55 Say goodnight to Annie-Dog

  

9:00 Read! 

10:00 Lights out!

Thank you, Trish! This was so much fun and I look forward to doing it again, maybe in the winter... and when we're retired and living in Oregon!

60 comments:

  1. Thank you for this! It was so much fun reading about your day. I loved it. I had forgotten Annie was 12. Is she not eating well - is that why you must coax her to eat?

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    1. And thank you for your comment, Nan. I was just reflecting on the old Books.com days, as I recently discovered an old email about that online book club from 1997. Can you believe we've been doing this sort of thing for almost 20 years?!

      Thanks for your concern about Annie. She's always been a fussy eater. She's never been the type of dog to scarf down her food, even when we put a little pureed pumpkin or cheese on top of it. Sometimes she'll eat it all very quickly and other times it will sit for hours. We've started adding warm water to it in the morning. I think she'd really rather just eat scrambled eggs, bacon, toast and cheese. :)

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  2. I admire anyone who can shower before coffee. I remember when you adopted Annie - can't believe it's been that long.

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    1. Rod feels the same way, Juli! I need to shower first so I don't have to spend so much time drying my hair. If I got my coffee and settled down to read my emails, I'd wind up late for work.

      Yep, we got Annie in 2007. She was between 3 and 4, according to the vet. Time flies...

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  3. Wow, what a busy day! The last time I bought gas it was around $1.50 a gallon - now I'm wondering what it is now.

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    1. Kathy, that's a typical day. I'm usually wiped out and ready to crawl into bed by 8:30! Our gas was down to $1.50 a couple of weeks ago, but then it jumped back up. I pay more for the regular w/out ethanol.

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  4. I left a comment earlier but I'm not sure I hit publish. You sure do have a long, busy day!

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    1. Got it!

      Yep, my days are long. And I'm on my feet almost the entire time. I still like to get out for a pre-dinner walk or a bike ride when the weather's nice.

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  5. I loved reading about your day! It feels like I know you even better, to have a grasp of your typical day which so resembles mine. Except for the place of work, in which I'm surrounded by demanding people. No, wait. Maybe that's the same, too. Thanks for sharing, Les! xoxo

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    1. I think we both have similar days and yes, both involve demanding people. :) Glad you enjoyed it, Meredith. Counting the days to retirement... xo

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  6. I often think I'd enjoy working in a bookstore but all of those stupid questions! I don't know how who do it. At least when I'm dealing with stupid customer's they can't see my face!

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    1. Lisa, we've had some really odd questions from customers, but nothing surprises me anymore. They're always good for a chuckle. :)

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  7. My husband and I loved that Eagles documentary too.
    Annie is so cute!

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    1. It's a great documentary, isn't it Heather? I can see us watching it again someday. So sad that there won't be another reunion tour now that Frey is gone. :(

      I got lucky with all the pictures of Annie. She never used to like to have her picture taken. Much easier with a phone camera!

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  8. This was just about perfect, Les! Loved it. I'd love to come help you put out the books. That was always my favorite time at the library - before the 'customers' came! Quiet and time to tidy and make everything look nice. I also used to love doing the displays.

    And I also remember the Books.com threads where you and I and Teri originally met - almost 20 years now. Amazing, right? Can't wait until you guys retire and get to Oregon - more lovely pictures for me to moon over. :-)

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    1. And Nan - I left out Nan!!!

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    2. Aw, thanks Kay! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

      Yep, the email I have is dated September 22, 1997. I said, "I found a book club on the Internet that I'm having fun lurking on. It's in Books.com and the group discusses books that Oprah has chosen for her reading club. The group also talks about other books and I've found it so interesting. More books to add to my list to read!" Too think this is when my TBR was born. :)

      We can't wait for retirement, either! Counting the days.

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  9. Loved reading this, Les! I especially like your ending "retired and living in Oregon"! You'll love it!

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    1. Thanks so much, Robin! Yes, I'm sure we'll love living in Oregon. Counting the days... :)

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  10. Ahh! I also remembered clothes in the dryer on the day I recorded! How neat lol. I would LOVE to have your job. For one, it truly is a dream job for us book lovers, and two, your hours are fantastic! I'm loving reading about all these days.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Kristina. Yes, I do love my job and feel very fortunate to have landed it almost exactly 9 years ago. I got very lucky with my M-F 7-3 hours!

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  11. This was so interesting! With my youngest about to start school full time I've suddenly become aware that my free time is about to significantly increase and I've toyed with the idea of working part time and of course a bookstore would be my first choice. I enjoyed seeing how your day at work went! It sounds like a lovely day. I love Annie's face on the walk. She looks so happy.

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    1. Hi, Katherine. If you can get a job in a bookstore, I highly recommend it! You won't make a ton of money, but the perks are great. Yes, Annie is a very happy dog. And very spoiled. :) Thanks for commenting!

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  12. This was so much fun to read, Les. Despite all the odd questions, you have my dream job, too. Especially those two hours before the store opens! Being a clinical pharmacist was okay, but I definitely prefer books to drugs ;-)

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    1. Aw, thanks JoAnn. I loved this event and look forward to posting again next time around. Yep, it really is an ideal job, although my knees and back would beg to differ...

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  13. Porchtime! I love it! I want porchtime!!!

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    1. We love our porchtime, Suey! I was sold on this house before we even walked inside. Love our porch! :)

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  14. Anonymous6:50 AM

    Aw, what a wonderful post and a great day! Firstly, love your dog-- she's so cute and seems sweet-natured. Your photos are great; they really convey your busy day well, and what a nice location. Never been to Nebraska and it's pretty there.

    I used to work as the children's department manager at Books-A-Million back in the day for just a year or so before my disabilities started creeping in faster. It was so peaceful early and late in the day with no customers, but I did love the challenging questions they asked since I roamed the whole store in my job and became good at finding "that book" quickly. Like a puzzle to solve, lol.

    Anyway, enjoy your week and thanks for sharing!

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    1. Rita, thank you for such a nice comment. Yes, Annie is a sweetheart and we love/spoil her to death. We are very lucky to have her in our lives. Nebraska is quite beautiful and we've enjoyed living here since 1992 (with a couple of years down in TX). I'll bet you miss working at Books-A-Million. It's fun to surprise those customers with the exact book they were looking for, with very little info to go on, isn't it? Thanks so much for stopping by and your kind words.

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  15. Hmmmm! So planning on moving to Oregon, huh? Just read through yours and Kay's conversation above and HOW COOL IS THAT? I had no idea that you ladies had known each other for so long. Isn't this little bookish world amazing? 1997!

    Looks like you had a lovely day and that Annie-dog sure is enjoying the weather. And I can't believe how much more expensive your gas is than it is here. I don't fill up very often now that I'm not working but I think ours is at 1.85 right now? Though a month or so ago it was down to 1.50! I don't think it's been that low in 8 years? Definitely a lot nicer than when it was almost $4.00.

    Thanks for sharing Lesley! And pour a glass of wine for me too. ;)

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    1. Trish, have I mentioned how much I loved this blogging event?! It was so much fun to put my post together and meet so many people who stopped by to comment. I'm looking forward to visiting as many of those who linked up as I possibly can. You rock, girlfriend!!

      So, yes. We're planning to move to Oregon. :) Rod's retiring in May 2017 and we'll put the house on the market soon there after. Hopefully, we'll sell quickly and get moved to Depoe Bay before the snow flies! :) Can.Not.Wait!! And, yes, I've known Kay & Nan for decades! I met Kay once in Austin many, many years ago, but haven't had the pleasure of meeting Nan. Yet.

      Hmm, our gas is probably close to what you're paying. I just get regular instead of unleaded since it's supposed to be better for my engine. Helps raise the gas mileage a bit.

      Time for a glass of wine. :) Cheers!

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  16. Seems like your days are really interesting what with working at B&N, spending time with your hubby, and walking your dog. I can't walk my dog outside our yard since I live in an area with no sidewalks. We'll be moving soon to town and I can't wait to be able to walk her around the neighborhood.

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    1. Vicki, my days are full and busy. I enjoy walking our dog, although the weather's pretty nice right now. I don't like it in the middle of winter, when the wind's blowing and it's below zero. Pretty soon, it'll be super hot & humid and that won't be a lot of fun, either. But Annie girl loves to get outside, so we do it to make her happy. Glad you'll be able to move to town so you cna walk your dog through your neighborhood. It's a great way to meet people! Thanks for stopping by with your comment!

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  17. We have about seven years til all our boys are out of high school, so not long after that, we'll be empty nesters, too. I'm looking forward to days like this. :D

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    1. Amanda, empty-nesting is really quite nice! It took a little time to get used to, but now we are enjoying our routines. Retirement is just around the corner, now, too! Thanks for stopping by.

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  18. Annie-dog is SO PRECIOUS. I can't believe you guys have had her that long already. Time flies. If we had a bookstore closer, I would TOTALLY be looking for a part time job as a bookseller. I've always thought I'd enjoy it, and I love that you start early and finish early. Those days would be perfect for me. Get it done!

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    1. Andi, I would have to agree about Annie, but she's also very spoiled. :) Yes, we've had her for quite some time now. The years just keep flying by...

      I do love my job, but you sure don't make a lot of money as a bookseller. Thank goodness my hubby has a decent job! I used to work as an executive assistant and I'd really hate to go back to that after working at B&N. Maybe I'm spoiled, too. :)

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  19. I could never get up at 5 am. Working at barnes and nobles sounds AMAZING!

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    1. Hilary, I used to get up at 4:30 when I worked at Borders (in Fort Worth). 5:00 isn't all that bad, although the older I get, the more difficult it is to get up when that damned alarm clock goes off. I'm looking forward to retirement when I can sleep until 7:00. That will feel quite decadent!

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  20. Your day in pictures are gorgeous. Did you use a camera or your phone? It would be fun to work in a bookstore, but I'd probably get mad at customers there were distracting me from playing with all the books. LOL. My hubby and I are watching House of Cards too.

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    1. Thanks for your nice comment, Nise'. I used my phone for all the pictures. I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 and it takes better pictures than my Olympus DSLR! I used it for all my pictures when I went to Germany in October and didn't miss having my big bulky camera at all!

      Hope you enjoyed House of Cards. I'm sorry we watched it so quickly. Now we have to wait another year for the next season. :(

      Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  21. I enjoyed reading about your day Les. I'm retired and up by 5:00 each morning as we have one cat who howls non stop for food at that hour. As a result I go to bed to read around 9:00 pm:)

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    1. Diane, I'm glad you enjoyed my post about my day. It sure was fun to put it all together. I hope Trish makes this an annual event!

      Hmmm, I wonder if I'll get up at 5:00 when I retire. Nah. I'm pretty sure 7:00 will be my new wake-up time. :)

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  22. How fun to work at Barnes and Noble! I wish I could stop at Trader Joe's on my way home! I can only get there once every few months. Thanks for giving us a glimpse into your day!

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    1. Stacie, B&N is a great place to work. I have wonderful co-workers and a great boss. Plus, all those books. :)

      Trader Joe's is in the same shopping center as the mall that I work in, so I can pop over there on my way home from work and get in and out in less than 15 minutes. I love it! When we move to Oregon, I'm going to be in the same situation as you, though. We'll probably make a trip over every few months.

      Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!

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  23. I think we could be great friends! Coffee, books, walks, books, audio, Trader Joe's. This has been great fun--getting to know each other a little bit. Fun post!!

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    1. Debbie, aren't you sweet! Yep, coffee, books, walks, books, audio, TJ's, etc. Pretty much my life! Thanks so much for commenting!

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  24. So fun to spend a day in your life! Yes, I think working at B&N could be my dream job, too. Thank you, Les!

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    1. Deb, it's funny how many people say they'd love to work at B&N. It's been such a great job and I feel very lucky to have such a great boss and coworkers. I also got super lucky with my hours (no nights or weekends!!). Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

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  25. I loved reading your "day in the life" post. I am jealous of how active you are in your job. I am a school librarian and don't get very many steps in during my day. I am also jealous of your job. I love my job, but Barnes and Noble would be a great place to work!

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    1. Thanks, Tina! I've really enjoyed reading the "day in the life" posts and have so many more I want to read and comment on. Trish had an amazing turnout for this event, didn't she?!

      I'm very fortunate to have a job that involves so much walking. If I were a cashier, I wouldn't get nearly as many steps in (and I'd go stir crazy!). I'm constantly walking all over the store, moving books to their new locations, unpacking and displaying the new releases. I'm really very lucky. B&N is a great place to work!

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  26. So much fun to read about your day and see your pictures! I had no idea B&N opened that early for employees to get the store ready for customers but definitely makes sense. I wish I could get that many steps in my day - unfortunately I have to remind myself to get up and away from my office.

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    1. Thanks for your kind words, Iliana. I really enjoyed this event! Yep, there are 3 or 4 of us who arrive at the store at 7:00. The store opens at 9:00. It's nice to have those two hours to work on projects and listen to my audio books. The next hour or so isn't terribly busy (with regard to customers), but I can't listen to audio books once the customers are in the store. Ah, my husband is the same way with his job. He sits far too long and I keep telling him he should set a reminder on his phone to get up and move around. I have to remind myself to sit down and relax! :)

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  27. As letting the dog out is the first thing I do in the morning, my coffee always happens first thing. Might as well multi-task while he is out running around. lol I enjoyed your post!

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    1. Kailana, my hubby lets Annie out while I'm in the shower. That is, if she'll go downstairs. Sometimes she waits for me to come down. She's a funny dog.

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  28. What a lovely life you have! I enjoyed reading about your day, and I loved hearing about your job at B&N. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Priscilla, I'm glad you enjoyed reading about my day. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

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  29. I worked at B&N over the holidays once. It was a nice job... but I have anxiety so it was so busy I didn't make it past the holiday season. Super Super busy. I liked the perks though. Getting to take home books that were being sent back (covers missing now of course). I didn't get a lot since I was there a short time but still it was nice.

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  30. Angela, working at B&N during the holidays is stressful to even those of us who work full-time, year-round! I can imagine how anxious you must have felt as a seasonal employee! But, yes. The perks are pretty awesome, aren't they? Thanks for stopping and commenting!

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