Lets just give it all away!

Mon Cheri,

I guess there is a list somewhere that I do not know about. On that list is Maaco. It is a list of places that a customer can come in and name their own price. Treat you like you were dirt and be rude and snotty. Now, Gas Stations and Grocery Stores are not on that list, people know their prices are their prices. I want to know who wrote that list and how do I get my name off! I had two customers walk out because we would not do the work at THEIR price. (could not) well, well, one just came back in. Lord, give me the wisdom to know when to stand my ground and when to give.

A couple of days ago, a lady called that we did an estimate for her accident at around 4 grand. We had done the estimate 2 weeks ago. She had gotten a check from her insurance and it was made out to us and her. That is what they do when there is a loan on the car. This gal asked me if I would endorse her check so she could have the money. I told her NO. It was against the law and I would not risk losing my license, nor, break the law. I got a song and dance about how she plans to fix her car...soon. The next day, the bank called and wanted to know if I endorsed the check she cashed, No, I said and gave them the info. A few hours she is calling me again. I told her I was with a customer and she never called back. She committed Insurance Fraud and forged my name. I am sure they do not have phones in the cell she probably is in. PEOPLE, YOU CANNOT MAKE MONEY ON YOUR CAR ACCIDENTS! It does not work that way. It is late and time to try to find my way home. There must be a full moon tonight, so I will follow the path home and lock all the doors. It is only Monday and I have had the same three guys in here, with DRAMA. Men, you are not supposed to be the emotional ones...Remember?! Bon Nuit, Mon cheri. oxox Miss Lynn

Jingle Bells - Paint Smells - I just want to sleep

It is 3:00 on December 23rd. Abby has been out sick all week....It has been Les and I up front and now Les cannot stop sneezing and blowing her nose. I FEEL FINE! And...by the way, Mon Cheri, am twice as old as both of them put together. I am glad it is almost over. The Holidays. Owning a body shop really KILLS the Spirit of the Season. Sadly.. Lets go over a couple of things today.

This week, I had a man ask me if I would sleep with his wife.....I shit you not!!! He said he thought we would hit it off and she is shy so he does the "front" work for her. Let me think about that.......NO!

We have had quite a bit of Shop Drama. SHOP DRAMA. Remember, the shop is full of men. The house husbands of %%#@$%^&**. I can handle a gaggle of women, but what is wrong with men that I have to act as a counselor???? Pissy, Pissy, Pissy. Is it the Holidays? Cold? We have tons of cars, it is not the lack of money...I think we need to sit around a campfire and sing and drink. I came dressed to work in the shop to get a Gage on what is actually going on and Abby is sick. I am stuck up front.

I had a sit down in my office with two of my managers back there and they vented and came to under stand that they were saying and angry about the same things. The oldest and most experienced man in the group is causing 90% of the problem and the younger ones are the best workers and have the best attitude and ethics. As soon as I can, I am back there to work and observe. I am going to work with each guy. (except paint, I am not that good yet)

Mon Cheri! My legal problems are over, I feel like I can breathe and all I want to do is concentrate on my business and employees. God has been so good to me. Thank you My Lord! Merry Christmas my friends and do not forget That the Reason for the Season is not the Tree or Gifts, it is the Gift of Forgiveness that our God loved us so much as to send his baby Boy to suffer the penalty of sin, death, for us so we do not have to, to be forgiven. Thank you, Lord.

Tomorrow, we have a pot lunch and many wrapped gifts to be handed out. In the spirit.....Tonight I sleep. Bon Nuit. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

keep your hands off my bodywork!

Bonjour Mon Cheri! Happy Sunday Morning, here is a funny one for you. A friend of mine, a vendor, Rox called and her passenger door window wouldn't go up. Lynn can you help it is cold and raining....Sure, Rox, bring it in. My body guy, The Dr. took her panel off and found a screw had fell out and was in the bottom of her door. You know a door is an outer skin and inner skin and welded all around and inside is mechanics for locks, windows, etc.

Anyway, my helpful self decided to try to stick my hand into the door and find the screw. Did not, but heard something clink when I was doing it. Looked at my hand and did not see anything missing. Doctor fixed the car and Rox was thrilled. Later that night, at home I am taking off jewelery and realize a pearl bracelet IS missing.

I need to call Rox and ask her to bring her car back and Doctor said he would take her door panel off again and we can get my bracelet back.

No wonder they want me to stay in my office.

It is near Christmas and I am my usual humbug self. Business is slow, but better than last year as we have more trade business. I worked on Saturday, (we are closed) my body man, Brandy was there and then the Doctor came in and we sat around and Bull shitted for a while and it was great. Did not talk biz, just shit. For some reason it was uplifting for me just to talk to a friend.

I gave everyone a bonus in a Christmas card on Friday. I sat and wrote the cards in the am. I must have gotten distracted because the Doctor came up to me and whispered that one of the guys did not get anything in his card. The Doctor has been with me since day one and knows me and thought it was a mistake and that I should know. Meaning, he knows I am a cluster at times. OMG, I felt terrible. I ran and got the young man, gave him his money and told him I was so sorry and it was a mistake on my part. How bad he must have felt when they all opened their cards. One of these days, I will get something right. Thank God for Abby and Hugh.....and the Dr.

Brandy and I talked about doing an assembly line, with employees, on our very long picnic table, make sandwiches, a piece of fruit and a drink and going downtown and handing out to homeless. I will discuss it at Monday staff meeting. I will call police to find out if there are homeless in my own town. I am going to get as involved in the community as I can in hopes they stop robbing me.

I have an intern. He is 15ish, going to trade school and comes in two afternoons a week. He sweeps and cleans, poor child, as they just won't let him touch cars anymore. He is as sweet as a button and everyone loves him. I saw him in the back so I got on the intercom and said, "Markie to the front! Markie to the front now" I heard the guys razzing him as he walked up, "Uh Oh, whad you do" He got up front and said Yes, Mrs. Moore. I said HI, I just wanted a hug. He was shaking, and sweating and had to actually sit down. I felt bad, I did not mean to scare him that bad! We all ended up laughing and Markie laughed the hardest. Needed a little levity that day.

Next post, more on the hit and run punk..... TTFN Mon Ami, Lynn Moore

Does Dawn really Crack?

Bonjour Mon Cheri', I got in and opened the shop, turned on the compressors, turned on the lights and heat and my body guy is going like mad in the shop. It is still completely dark outside and I am waiting for the "Crack of Dawn" I guess somehow I will know when it happens, I hope that it somehow will help me to WAKE UP. My Son, Hugh, sweet talked me to come in two days at this ungodly hour that Abby calls the butcrack of dawn. He is sleeping in today. He opens this early daily and seldom leaves early. I am sure he deserves a break. I know he was deliriously happy. Does this mean I get to go home early today!

OK, I am back, I now have a cup of coffee....still no cracking.

We called every trade customer we have yesterday and asked if they had any work for us. This week and next will be killer. I can send everyone home and have no payroll and get by as a business person. As a person, I see the look in these young men's eyes and I cry at night. They are getting hours, but not full time and it is Christmas. Please God, The Son and The Holy Spirit help us. For their sake.

I go to court in 11 days. Heavier and Heavier I feel. I am going to break my driving rules and go to confession on Saturday and if I feel brave enough Mass on Sunday. Then I will do private acts of worship for a day and beg for forgiveness. I am afraid Lord Jesus, please help me.

Did I mention that the young man who hit me has the car that did so in his garage at his house? I knew in my gut it was him.

I so miss my California friends. I lived there 20 years and had friends that long. You cannot move and replace those relationships. I have been here two years. Well, this is getting pathetic, poor me.

Abby has been coming in everyday wearing a MAACO hat on backwards all day. She looks so darn cute, I can hardly keep from laughing. I am wearing black tight pants with knee high black suede stiletto heel boots. There is a visual for you. Now lets hope I do not break my neck.

I have yet to care for the town I live in. It seems rude and rough. I seldom venture out. (come on coffee, kick in)

We have several customers who are in twice a year with fender benders. One gal is so cute! I just cannot imagine riding in her car. How would you like to be on first name basis with your body shop! People are tense this time of year. We are getting the irritable group. Isn't it true that the hinky get worse during the holidays? Only two more weeks Mon Cheri'. Just two.

Friday - 1/2 hour to go

Mon Cheri. It is 5:00 on Friday and almost time to go. What a wonderful feeling. I have recovered from my malaise. Punks will be punks. My car is in the process of being repaired. Life goes on. It has been on the slow side. It is the Season to think about Christmas, not cars. In January, we will be back to busy. I have got the rhythm down now. My big push will be to make money next year. It will be out third year. When I talk to other business owners, they say it was several years till they made money. As long as we break even, I can live with that.

It has been a good week. We have had some colorful characters in. Those who just need someone to talk to, the estimate goes on and on. So many people, many seniors, so need someone to talk to. We listen and have many friends. There should be volunteers of people just listen and talk. It seems that need is greater than food in so many people. (including me sometimes)

We had 4 people this week in or on the phone complaining about the previous owner. It has been over two years and customers still are angry at him. Once in a while they take it out on me, I quickly remind them, I did not do that, but they just need someone to listen to how bad they were treated. I do. Some times, they are just trying to "theft by deception". Does not work on us anymore. But, God Bless their little hearts for trying. Keeps me on my toes. A lady came in today. We painted her car 4 months ago. Her door lock is not working right now. "It worked before you painted my car!" Can you imagine? Do other companies put up with that? Why do they do it to me, just so I can tell them we did not do it and listen to them scream. That is another need people seem to have, to scream and cuss at someone. I am sure there will be no volunteers to line up for that duty.

Merci mon ami for listening to me and my wacky stories. This year I have gone through a divorce, been attacked by a 22 year old, fired several men, been arrested, saved a young black family from jail from fines, prayed a lot. and have lived alone for two years, have loved having cats, done everything I can to grow a business. I am looking forward to next year as being MY YEAR! To grow and blossom in all ways.

Monday I have a new company rep arriving at 8 am. He will be here all day. Lets go man! whip us all in shape. I am ready. Bring it on. We have the cleanest shop in town. We decorated the office today for the Holidays. Sweet. We pray as a group and I explained to the whole group why Our Lord and Savior died on the cross for us and I watched one young man's eyes grow wide. I could see he got it for the first time. That should be a wonderful thing to have shared that understanding. I want to grab him and share more and more. But, I do what I can, I am a body shop owner and manager and have to stay one. But to see his eyes light up was God's gift to me. Love you, mon Cheri. me

Looking up from the bottom

Hi blog person,

I wish I knew what was wrong with me. I cannot smile or talk. Remember the kid who hit me? My body guy removed the front bumper cover and the heavy metal reinforcement bar is bent in half. I knew he hit me hard. Parts alone are up to 3 gs. That does not matter as much as how I feel. I felt alone before, but the fact that no one cares about me and the fact that I was attacked, is unbearable.

I called the police officer who I talked to originally and he just told it was my fault for not calling the police and reporting it. I tried to explain it was not the car as much as no one cared that I was attacked. No one cared that I was threatened. With great "Man" tact, he said why did I think he was listening to me complain. Oh yea, that felt really good.

It was the shock of seeing what was under the bumper cover and knowing I was hit as hard as it felt like. Creeps me out. It is ok to be alone when everything is going good and you do not need anything. When something happens that shakes your core, you look around and see no one cares. That is when being alone sucks. me

looking for advice

Gentle readers, A good friend, a professor of psychology in TN who also happens to have a Maaco, was asked by me to read my Body Shop Blog. I do not ask many to do so. His question to me was what is with all the French? I like France. I used to speak French and am working on relearning it. I am half French (Mother) and half Scottish (Father) I have big green eyes and auburn hair (till the salon got at it and this month it is blond) That is the Scott in me. I am petite in height and a gentle soul and that is the French in me. So, I want to go to Scotland and live for a while and speak French if I ever need it again. So, that is wy I play with FRENCH.

Matt, my professor friend does a great Elvis immitation. A multi talented man.

Ok, Beloved readers, Question one....The french, drop it or not?


Remember the young man who followed me and hit me? I did talk to the police about letting him threaten me in front of them and not doing anything. They still did nothing. I have been thinking about him. His car was beautiful and on time. He just wanted to fight or "floss" if you are Afro-American. But the anger to hurt me, a woman his mother's age. I am thinking of sending him a letter and letting him know what he did and telling him I forgive him. Quote Mother Teresa and send a small bible. Good idea or bad???

Today is Thanksgiving and I plan to stay home alone all day. I rented some movies and bought a pumpkin pie. Not my choice. I slept in and plan to putter around the house. My ex has a girlfriend and has fun plans for today. I divorced him because he cheated often. He was the love of my life and broke my heart. Why is he having fun and I am home alone???? Where is the justice in that??? I am sure you know what I mean. It is what it is and it is what God wants it to be. I will use the day wisely and remember my blessings. To all God Bless on this Holiday

What part did you not get???

Dear, whatsssssssssss up?!

I wish to share with you a darling couple I dealt with yesterday, Mr. & Mrs. Rut. Mr Rut came in to get the front bumper cover, hood and right fender painted to match the 15 year old car. He replaced those panels himself. Mr. Rut, it was explained to you that you will not have a color match unless you blend the panels. Your car is 15 years old!!!!! It will not match. It says on your estimate that you understood that, that you declined a blend....period. No Matter what it looked like, you did not want it blended.

Your Celica is 15 years old, guess what. Now you come in and scream obscenities at me. You signed that you understood they would not match. Your wife says, "I am from Michigan and hard"...woaaaaa. Now that is scary! Mrs. Rut demanded Maaco's number which I gladly gave her. I told her to ask for Sonya. Now, remember this is a woman talking. She said, "Oh great, another woman who does not know what she is talking about."

People, I will not budge to help a person screaming obscenities at me. If a really nice person screwed up, I would help them. Scream at me and you are screwed.

Customer service asked me to send them copies of his work order. We did. I cannot wait to see how this turns out.

It is Tuesday and Thanksgiving is Thursday. It is slow at MAACO. I guess it will be that way for ever, but sure could use some cars.

I think the moral of the story is even if the Dumb Sh..t does not want to blend, we need to do it for the moron as they have no idea what is good for them. Lynn's Law.

It finally happened

Mon Cheri, Hello Dear Diary, Again with the Drama!!! First, it finally happened.

We repaired a dent and painted the side of a silverado for a young man. He had a serious anger problem. I spent an hour listing to his ranting of obscenities before he even picked up his truck. When he showed up to pick it up, he was a monster of anger. He found a microscopic pin hole and I could not stand to listen to him, so I said we would do it over. That meant I had to buy another decal from the dealer. We did it over and called him. I told him he should be ashamed of himself for the language and the way he talked to me. probably not a good thing to have done.

I had a knot in my stomach all day as I knew it was going to be ugly. He came in around 4:00 and proceeded to start to yell and cuss. Nothing in particular, just to hear his voice. He wanted me to look at the truck with him and I said no, I had looked at it earlier and it was fine. That angered him. I asked him several times to lower his voice and then told him to, "SHUT UP". He went off and I dialed 911. Two officers were here pretty quickly. I also hit the page button and said 911 front, and my entire crew was standing behind me in a few seconds. He shut up then.

He wanted to pay with a check and I did not want to take it. More yelling and screaming from the child. My son, Hugh walked out with him and he started screaming about some micro bubble in the decal. Hugh just looked at him and said man you are nuts. I believe the officers told him to pay for his vehicle and leave. I took his check for $380.00, nothing considering it cost me 800. to do it twice.

He looked at me and pointed and said, I will hurt you in every way I can. The police did nothing and he left.

At 5:30 I left in my GTO and half way home, an older White Civic was in front of me at a light and as soon as the light changed he hit the gas in reverse and smashed the front of my car. He took off like a bat and I chose not to chase him. There was no plate on the car. My seat belt locked, which kept my face off the steering wheel, but I bruised my arm. It all happened so fast, I started to get out of my car and traffic was all around me. I just drove home. The damage to my car is over 2 grand and that is MY cost. Worse than that, where I am mentally. A customer followed me and attacked me. I did not call the police as I was robbed 3 times the week before and I keep feeling they just have given up on crime and do not care. I hate West Chester police as well and that was where I was.

This has effected me in a strange way. I now have a funny kind of fear. That night in bed, I felt more alone than I ever have. I so did not want to be alone. I felt so empty of all feeling. I would have paid for a hug.

What kind of "MAN" attacks a woman his mother's age?!? His vehicle was fine, actually great, he was mad just to be mad.

I then went on a week long MAACO convention. It was good to get away and I learned so very much, felt energized and focused again. Hugh and I had a long talk and I believe we have a great future ahead of us.

While I was gone, there was shop drama. There is still tension and I need to address a man's ego. Again, I do not look forward to this. The ego issues in the body shop remind me of the corporate wing. Most women just do not get it. Just get the car done. Men wear their bruised egos on their sleeves and sure do act out. Hey, we have cars to fix, we have jobs, that is better than most.

Thank you for listening my good friend. We will talk soon. God Bless, Lynn

What is an Anniversary really?

We just finished celebrating our second anniversary in business. We had a big Anniversary Sale. Did I say Celebrate??? I guess one would celebrate survival. We did survive the first two years. We have learned and gotten tougher and lost a lot of weight. Our anniversary sale was half price so we got a few winners. Only had to call the cops once. A young man with the worst, loudest mouth on the planet wanted nothing to do but fight. I asked him to lower his voice several times and then told him to shut up. He went off telling me I was treating him like a dog. (DUH) I called the police and they gave him the impression that if anything happened, they would go get him. I then called 911 to the front and within 2 seconds everyone who worked for me was standing behind me. Guess what. Young man with dirty mouth did not say another word. I do not know what he hoped to gain by being such a creep. No one thought he was a tough guy, just a jerk.

We have had some changes in the shop. My son, Hugh, is painting full time. He is an excellent painter. His wife, Abby, commented to me that when he is in full Hazmat paint suit with his white stocking hat on he looks like a condom. We howled for several minutes and did not tell Hugh why.

Anthony is now the shop manager. He was the assistant manager for almost a year. He is extreemly intellegent and has the best work ethic I have ever seen. The first week with all the changes was a little confusing for everyone, but I am sure they will make a great team.

I leave tomorrow for a week long MAACO convention. It will do me good, but I worry about my shop. Dear Lord, watch over the people and the business for me.

We had three catalitic converters stolen off the lot this week. When will this crime spree end. I have ordered more lighting for the outside of the building. Hope it helps. Got to start packing. God Bless one and all, Lynn Moore

So, Officer, what do they pay you for??

Mon Cheri, Good Morning. Nothing like opening up your business and finding the outside door lock destroyed. At least they did not get in, but they got to two cars in the parking lot. The front door is by the street, a busy street, well lit and someone still stood there and tried to break in. The tire a few days ago, now this. Each time, the police look at me like I am crazy to think they care. He told me that if they want in there is nothing anyone can do, including them. Basically, he told me he has worse problems to deal with. Why do I pay such high taxes to have a business here if not for police protection??? Oh well, LYNN let reality sink in. I have the locksmith coming this afternoon to fix the lock.

I am struggling today. There is so much and I have hardened a lot, but not enough. I really want to run away today. FOR GOOD. Later babe. me

Happy Anniversary!!!!

Bon Jour Mon Cheri! It has been quite a time here. We had our two year anniversary of the business, so we had an anniversary sale. We did 1/2 off three paint services. We are slammed with cars! Wonderful. And we have some colorful characters. those of you who have read our other half price sales know that they bring in a strange lot. Mr. Maddening, call 2 times a week angry that three months ago we painted his car the wrong color. He has been asked frequently to bring it in and won't. I pulled the computer history and the paint mix was 100% correct for the chip he picked out and signed on. I explained that to him and he yelled at me that, "It was not what he wanted". I told him I would repaint his car for cost, but could not do it for free as he got the color he chose. He said he was going to the news......lol...Go for it Maddening. I did apologize for not understanding what he chose was not what he really wanted.

Our painter quit, gave me one second notice, shop and lot full of cars! Where is the booze when you need it. So, Hugh is in the booth painting. He is a better painter than the one who quit. My assistant manager in the back is now running the shop and I hired another guy to sand and mask. Next week we should be cranking them out.

OH, Yesterday, between noon and 2:00 in the afternoon, someone propped up a car in our lot and stole a tire and wheel and lug nuts. IN BROAD DAYLIGHT! This is getting scary! I called the police three times to get them out here, took an hour, my customer wanted to leave. I cannot make a police report on someone else property. the Owner has to be here. People all over and no one saw a thing. I am considering a banner on the side of my building stating God's Commandment about stealing.

I had a Maaco rep here this week. His name is Jeremiah (contrary to what we have been told in our youth, he was not a bullfrog) He helped out up front, trained my estimators and I spent one whole day in the shop. I was masking cars with Gilbert. I kept asking shop manager if I could sand and he said, keep masking. Gilbert was fun to work with but I wanted my hands on tools. Then it came back to me. The last time I used a heat gun to take off decals, I laid the Heat Gun down and got busy and it burned a hole in the fiberglass vehicle. Big Bear had to do some body work magic to fix it. I thought that was why they were keeping me with tape in my hand. No problem. I worked all day and was stiff and dirty.

We have been very busy and if only we can stay this busy all the time I would sleep every night.

We had two gentle men arrive, jeans around their thighs, complaining that we did not do the work they specifically declined 6 months ago when we fixed their cars. What do people think. The are now selling the car and want it done, free. We keep very good records. The would not give up. After they cussed at each other??? in the parking lot, they made their way into the shop and tried to have a go at me. I kicked them out and told them subject is closed.

I am glad I have you to talk to Mon Cheri. God Bless, Lynn Moore

remember me!?

Mon Cheri! Bon jour! My beloved, I have been remiss in my log. Over the last few months, I have become divorced. That took much of my time and my emotions were all over the board. I did win the law suit I talked about in my last post. Yea, but I had to pay my attorney, so it is a loss/win. They refused to negotiate a free paint job to drop the suit before we went into court, so I guess they gambled and loss. We have become a female shop. Since Greg, my estimator with the southern accent left, I have not found a suitable male estimator. I have a highly qualified female and my daughter in law, Abby, who are both highly qualified, I-Car certified, a big deal in the auto biz. It is unbalanced, I know, but when customers begin to work with them, they are always impressed. We do get comments.....I guess it is not a man's world anymore.....Sure you know what you are doing little honey....I had a man hang up on me a while back because I could not produce a man for him to talk to. There is a lot less misbehavin going on with out a guy up front. someone pointed out to me men are more apt to be gentlemen and watch their language around women.
I will take that.

We have had three good weeks in a row. We really need them. I am praying for a mild winter and business. All small business this year are praying the same. I am going to let someone go week after next. And, Yes, I have good reason. Not a fun thing to do, but he crossed the line and does not know I know. Hugh, my son and shop manager will let me know if I need to replace him.

We have had some good laughs lately, but our clientel is growing, we are doing more corporate biz and no one has tried to run me over lately. Saying of the week: One of my body guys has had a lot of family problems lately and told me he felt like he was standing in front of a shit fan.

I went to get a FEW blond highlights put in my auburn hair and left a full fledged Marylin Monroe!!!! Why me. Everyone loves it, but it was NOT what I planned or expected. Inside, I am not blond, but outside I sure am now! Since I am stuck for a while, I will make the best of it. Look out world! My guys in the shop all told me they loved it, whistled and told me it was working for me. When I was in my office, they told my son they believe I did it because I was divorced. We all laughed about that one. Ce la vie. love precious readers, Lynn Moore

This is the Week that was

Mon Cheri, mon ami. It is Sunday AM and I cannot decide to dwell on the last week or runimate on the week to come. Last week first. Both new people did not make it. I hired a new detailer and he is great! I had to let the young man we were trying to train to become an estimator go. He was a very sweet young man and it was hard to tell him that this was not the job for him. He knew. So I have a temp in right now. Our retention is way down. I am going to make some calls on a guy who came in this week. We did have two good weeks, but my expenses of late have killed us. I did have another young man come in and interview for the estimator job. He was an absolute knock out young black man who should be modeling. Abby stuttered. His study and love was fashion. I do not believe he would like the auto industry, but the ladies would be liking him. I could see the shop now, full of girls, TOMMY, CAN YOU LOOK AT THIS SCRATCH ON MY CAR FOR ME PLEASEEEEEEEEEEE. I have no doubt he could do the job and sell, but I do not think he would like it.

I have to go to court tomorrow. an elderly couple picked a color and we painted their car. she picked the color and signed and then said we painted it the wrong color. They could not grasp a computerized mixing system and we have the print out that says it was a perfect mix. So, I take a day off and drive downtown.

I have to run, my dear, a lot to do on my one day off. my love forever Lynn

New Employees

Mon Cheri, Change is always difficult.....for all concerned. We had two new people start on Monday. Neither seems to get it. Am I being to picky? Can I expect an employee to move quicker than a snail? Not, that is asking way too much. Is it too much to expect that they NOT clock in in the morning and then sit at the picnic table and eat breakfast? Is it too much to hope they don't sit and yawn all day? It seems to be rocket science to take a phone message. How many times should a person be told which part is the fender and which part is the quarter panel? Repeating it for three solid days, one may expect that it has sunk in. Silly me! Who do I go to for advice. Abby is training like she has done it all her life. I am so proud of her. I just do not see it happening. I see apathy.

In the shop, I see apathy in that new person. s.........l..........o..........w........
They BEG and BEG to be given a chance and then proceed to blow it. I do not get it. Can someone tell me what to do??? I am going to talk to both of them before they leave today. Maybe if they are told that I have not seen anything impressive out of them this week and won't see them next week if I do not see something, they will wake up.

We have had happy customers all this week and happy employees. (pre existing, that is)

Today is creeping slowly....the clock has stopped moving I think. The heat is gloomy...but much better than the snow.

I am back, I just did an estimate. I do not do many of those anymore. I am good at it and should do more. I keep feeling like it is Friday, but it is only Thursday. There must be a time warp going on. Maybe that explains why I am 58 because that cannot possible be true. I know I am only 40. I sure could use a drink right about now. Wouldn't that be fun Mon Cheri, just sitting and laughing over a Cosmo. Did I mention, I am thinking about moving to France? A small cottage in the country with a bicycle to get around.

back to work, my love, me

Mon Cheri, bon jour, It is the Dreaded Monday Morning. Help, I have tears in my eyes....... A long Sunday and the Dreaded week starts.

No reading anymore. I have put the books away for a while. I am not ready I guess. The premise is the compete self, including the sensual woman equals strength. I want my strength, but I do not want that strength to be vulnerable. I think I will go back to my wall of fear and rules that everyone is a liar. .I will be immune to tears! At least what I have cultivated inside will be safe and I can grow myself. No one will take that away from me.

Thought two happened between 4am and 5am. To be beautiful is a curse, not a blessing. To every woman who does not like her thights, smile, weight, hair, nose or whatever, WAKE UP. When your man says he loves you, he means it. My fantsy....to be loved by a blind man.

Monday, new week, new start, will Gary show up, not. will creepy people walk in, yes. When Gary was there, I felt safe, he was a boxer, army guy, and an ex-MP. I knew he could handle things. Now, it is Abby and I and someone I do not know. I am left to rely on myself to protect Abby.

Here goes, lets see what this new guy has got. Don't worry about me mon cheri, I will get over this too. Won't happen again. Oh Mon Dieu, Mon Cheri, Je nes pas tem. I hurt.

Sunday morning decisions and reflections

Dearest Beloved Mon Ami, more reading........

"sex itself must always, it seems to me, come to us as a sacrament and be so used, or it is meaningless. The flesh is suffused by the spirit, and it is forgetting this in the act of love-making that creates cynicismn and despair" May Sarton-U.S. Poet

Well, Mon Ami, you must be wondering what books I am reading these days. I am becoming whole again...body, spirit, mind and soul. Through this process, my inner power and strength will be in control and the WOMAN I am will be open, loving, sensual and complete.

Whew, enough, too heavy.

Last night I was watching "American Gangster" late in bed as I could not sleep. In a scene, the Viet nam connection, drug guy told Denzel at the end of the war that is was ok to quit while you are ahead and it is different than just quitting.

That wisdom I am going to apply to the buttman. He can keep his money and the peace I will have will be greater than the punishment he will face someday. relief.

Now, lets talk about Greg, my estimator I have talked about in the past. He has been with me 1.5 years. I have treated him like a son. He has been, what I thought, a friend. He took his lunch tote, which I gave him, and snuck out Thursday at 3:00, saying not a word to anyone. He has not answered his cell all weekend or returned any voice messages. I looked at the history on his computer, MY computer and he has been looking for a job on my time, on my computer. I believe he has found one and rather than be any kind of man, he bolted without even a goodbye. I will confess, Mon Cheri, I did cry. It hurt. I fault no one for finding a better job and moving on. I fault the lack of courage and character to at least say goodbye. There is no maturity or manhood in that action.

I am finding my inner strength and spiritual side, strengthened by my sensuality, to make me a better woman from this experience. Only my son, will ever be treated like my son, unless there is a true, and earned trust.

My son, Hugh, my daughter in law, Abby and I are a stronger unit now. We will be a united, respectful and strong management team. I must share...

When John blew up, it was his own inner problems he keeps inside that caused him to loose control at the first person that spoke to him. That person was Hugh. He did not have any control over his anger, screamed cusswords, waving his arms and walking in circles. He went after Hugh, in his face spitting on him as he cussed him out. John wanted to hit him and we all thought that may happen. I got nowhere trying to calm John and he left cussing all the way out the door. All through this, my son, Hugh, stayed very calm, showed no anger back and talked softly at John. I know that took self discipline on his part under the circumstances. I do believe Hugh's calm common sense kept a fight from happening and more legal issues. I have known that John had life problems and was not a happy person. I actually went to him the day before, put my hand on his shoulder and asked him if he wanted to spend some time talking. No, he said, he said he was doing great. No More MOM to the world. I am an employer. I own a business and fix cars.

Mon Cheri, you are my best friend. Love, Lynn

The week we blew up

Beautiful Lady...

"and the day came when the risk that it took to remain tight in a bud was greater than the risk it took to blossom" Anais Nin - French novelist

It is Friday night and I am alone, on my bed, wide awake. I took a nap afterwork today so.....now you get to listen to be bespeak.

"A sex goddess has the ability to be whole within herself, because only then can she truly connect with another human being. To be a sex goddess means to cultivate a deep sense of self and your own connectedness with who you are"

I have been reading, duh. I have talked about the loss I have had of knowing who I am anymore. The process is changing and I am emerging or connecting with myself. This week, the shop emotionally blew up. It started with one employee going postal. Serious, I called and talked with the police for a while after. I could not calm him down, get him to go outside or stop screaming cuss words. This is a man who for a year and a half has never had anything but a smile on his face and kind words on his lips. It scared me, I must admit. I told him to take his tools and leave. He threw some things at me as he left. I came in the next morning in shorts and a tee shirt and did his job. we have a new employee starting Monday.

Greg, our estimator, my friend, I thought, is gone. That story is still too much for me to begin to share yet. I have a new estimator starting Monday. No one is not replaceable. Lesson learned, do not get close to employees.
There are other issues, a crazy guy harrassing me.....a scary guy....and a very elderly couple suing me because she picked the color out of a book, signed it and said it was the wrong color. I have the computer mix print out and it was the color she picked out. They do not get it. Now I have to hire an attorney and go to court. I told her if they got me the correct code, I would take care of her. They say they had the right code and I did it wrong. The computer will prove the point, but they are old and I hate to do that to them. I hate it that they are doing that to me!!!

I am getting sleepy and I have a man on my mind........sweet dreams. Monday starts another week of body shop joy.

Never again folks!

Dear diary of a completely crazy body shop lady. Congratulations, public, you have driven me completely off my nut....and for what???your bloody cars!!!!! I declare publicly I find the public vulgar, disgusting, rude, crude, dirty, sick, really sick, evil and stupid!!!! You all have made sure I never do anyone a favor, kindness or show compassion. I hate you all. Take your cars and shove them!!!!

Any human being who stands and screams and cusses over a nano speck of paint over spray on a car that had over 50 dings and dents left undone is completely in serious need of meds.

A man who owns his own business came in drunk to pick up his car. He Mother F...ed his pregnant girlfriend in front of my whole crew, called my estimator a F...A...G, made up an entire two pages of fiction of various things such as rudeness on the part of my daughter in law, Abby, who would nice someone to death, deserves to be hung.

I could go on and on. Legally, I can be threatened, robbed, cheated, lied to, etc., but I cannot do anything in my own defense. The leo's just take their reports and go on looking for revenue raising arrests. Their revenue, not mine. I pay so much city tax that I think when I am robbed, I deserve more than a one page report. I am at my wits end, the end of my rope........I just don't understand any of this. Isn't America small business??? Why does everyone want me out of business? If I paid them to paint and fix their cars, they would still complain.

Charge back! the new legal crime. Did you know if you pay for something with your credit card, you can fill out forms and get your money back! who cares about laws, the courts. I guess VISA is the new law. There is not much of me left. I am angry and not empowered. That is a sad place to be just trying to run a decent business, treat people well, put out a quality service and do it with extreme customer service. Did you know that anyone who comes in for an estimate is offered a beverage? Where do you find that service?

Anger without empowerment.

Woe to the Half Price Sale Volume II

Gentle Readers and Ms. Diary, Here we are on the last few days of the Half Price Paint Sale and have had a couple of interesting characters. Yesterday Miss Kinder picked up her car. We painted the entire rear bumper cover with Base Clear, prep'ed and did some body work and her bill was $288.! Unheard of! I got an estimate at another body shop and just to paint my rear bumper cover was $900.+. When she brought the car in she came in my office and said, "can't you do it for less, I have Doctor Bills" People have no shame. I said no, I can't. I have ins. payroll, Duke Energy bills. She said, "But still, I have Dr. Bills". I asked her if she had gotten any other estimates and she said no. If she had, she would have known she got a good deal. Pardon me for a moment, we have a fire....................... ............ok, I am back. Someone threw a lit cigarette into the trash can outside of the front door. Greg and Hugh ran out and put the hose in the trash can and got it under control. Some people are short a few smarts I think. It sure does stink.

Anyway, she got back at me when she picked up as I would not give her anymore money off. She whined about some dust inside her car and I had to stand in the hot sun and wipe out her car. #$%^&**(()()^&%$@#!@@#$%^&&*

The phone rang a few minutes ago and a gal (toasted, I think) asked me if Greg was in. I said he was on the other line and I could have him call her back, but I immediately got, "He is on the other line! That sucks!" and hung up on me!!!!!!!!Man, If I could get my hands on any of these people, legally, I would throttle them! She then called back and talked to him and asked him if she could have more off her estimate which was already half price!?!?! Guess what I told her...

I got a WONDERFUL email from a young lady thanking me for how fast we got her car done, how good it looks and how clean it is. She also said the service she experienced was wonderful and would recommend us to all her friends. YES!!! I copied Corporate. I made a copy for each of my employees and gave them a copy of the letter and a $20.00 bill. I also bought ice cream for the 3:00 break. I figure, I get cranky with them when a customer is mad, so I should reward them when we get such a great compliment. Are you feeling me on this? Capiche?

Abby continues to be wonderful at what she does. The customers love her.

Mr. Ken, sure had a bad experience, poor man, let me share with you, his journey of frustration. It started when a rock hit his windshield and cracked it. He called ins. and had a glass company come out and put a new windshield in. It is a 2009 Dodge Caravan. The glass company scratched up the paint around the windshield so bad that it had to be repaired. Good for them, took responsibility and were paying our estimate to repair it and his rental to have it repaired. They had to come in and pull his windshield out for us to repair and repaint the damage all around his windshield. His vehicle was sitting behind the paint booth, masked, ready for paint and it would not start! I went through this before and screamed:" DON'T TOUCH IT!" We called Mr. Ken and told him. His first response was, it ran fine when we dropped it off. I ended up talking to him, asked if he had AAA, that nothing we did could cause a problem and that I looked it up and he had a recall on the electrical system. Told him it would not cost him to tow it to the dealer and it was probably under warranty. Mr. Ken called his mechanic and asked him to look at it. God was watching over me, I knew the mechanic. He told Mr. Ken, that he did not know what was wrong and that it was electrical. Said that stuff happens and we did not do it. So, still in a rental, he had AAA pick it up and take it to the dealer. The dealer decided he needed a part and it was on back order for two weeks. Mr. Ken, in frustration, finally got his car back from the dealer and DROVE it here WITHOUT a windshield! We have it fixed, painted and the windshield back in and the dealer lost the luggage rack clips which were in the car. Now we are waiting on those clips, which are back ordered...... Mr. Ken has been without his car for two months now. One small rock. His patience has been marvelous in spite of all his frustration.

Got to run, Ms. Kinder is back complaining about something. Later my love, Lynn

Mom

Dearest Gentle Readers and Madam Diary, I seem to have 9 children of my own. Most people call them employees. I do not know how the process of becoming "Mom" came about, but it seems to go with the territory. I am hoping as I harden my heart, their problems will be theirs to solve. I spent Tuesday with one of my younger children, in court. He had spent the morning throwing up and by the time we got to court, he was shaky. Because I was there and spoke in his behalf, we were able to get a suspension for him to get it all straightened out. I got back from the Court House and told my children to stay on the right side of the law no matter what. Court is not a place one would choose to visit, cuffed or not.

I put the wammy down on one of them and his borrowing of money. I tallied up his debt and told him I was taking $25.00 per week till it was all paid. No more loans until them. Why did God put such a soft spot in my heart. I have to work at being tough. Some people it just seems to come naturally. I have toughened up leaps and bounds in the last year, but have a ways to go.

We are slow and feeling the recession. It is a churning your stomach kind of fear. Looking for every way to get business and every way to save money. I guess that is what the customer feels too. My Dad and his girlfriend stayed for two days. It was nice. I am tired today and it is slow. I went out driving and putting fliers on peoples cars and up in Grocery stores regarding our sale. I feel so down, so often, friends. I wish it would go away, soon. I want to laugh and have fun with out feeling this fatigue all the time. It is so hard to get out of bed in the morning.

The guy with the Intrepid, Mr. Buttrubb, is planing on suing me. If I had an Uncle Guido, I would ask him to pay him a visit. You do a guy a big favor and that is what you get. Maybe he will wreck it soon. Well, Gentle Readers, what is going on in the real world? I only know this life now. What am I missing, wait, I do not want to know. Please pray for cars! All my love, Lynn Moore

go figure

Oh My,Mon Ami! Oy! What a day yesterday. We had an elderly gentleman and I mean Gentleman pick up his truck and wanted to shake everyone's hand in the building. He even thanked the detailer for cleaning out the inside of his truck.

Then, there was Mr. Crabbings. Mr. Crabbings did all his own body work on his 1987 Ford pick up and brought it to us to paint. He wanted NO ADDITIONAL work, just paint. We sanded,cleaned etc. His body work was not good, it was rough and he used cheap products. It looked way better than we expected, and he said he did not expect much. He picked it up and was fine, and an hour later he came back and threw a temper tantrum in our parking lot. I mean temper tantrum! He would not stop cussing and screaming and took sand paper to his car, his pocket knife and his thumb nail. I kept begging him not to ruin his car, please! Doug and I could not get a word in edgewise as he would not stop yelling.

Doug and I finally walked away. Told him to calm down and come back when he could talk. I called him this morning planning to offer to repaint his car if he wanted to redo his body work, or at the least buy him a can of premixed car paint to match his car so he could fix the places he ruined. He told me he was still too mad to talk and would call me when he wanted to talk. He said, "He had never been attacked like he was by us". What a complete and pathetic fool. When he decides to call back, I may not be in a good mood!

This is too much dear diary, I am struggling under the weight of the horrible behavior people believe to be their right. If someone paid 10grand and were unhappy They may get huffy, but no one gets what they want by yelling. Most people would do anything for a nice person who asked nice. But I will not get the reputation that if you yell, you get money back. I might as well shut my doors.

Even so, it is more personal than that. It does not feel good to be treated like that by someone. We tell everyone who does their own body work, expect the worse. Of course, everyone thinks their body work is the best and it is easy, it is not. It is complicated, chemical and it takes years of experience, the right products, mixed properly, at the proper temps and applied properly and finished properly. People: if you buy a spray can of primer at the auto store....kiss your paint job good bye! We buy expensive products and have very experienced guys. We guarantee our body work the life you own your car. When you do your own crappy body work, do not expect my paint to cover your crap. It does not work that way and do not expect me to guarantee my paint OVER your crap as that does not work either.

But, does any of that condone that kind of behavior? We are supposed to be a civilized society better than most. Bull. Not in this town.

Well, now that I had my say and was nasty about the nasty guy. It is time to let you, my dear readers off the hook. Another complaint walked in the door. love ya,

reflections

Dearest Madam and Gentle Readers:

It is a slow day...rent week is usually slow. FYI, the gentleman with the Rolls Royce LOVED it!

I am in an inner place today. I soon to be single so you, my beloved Madam, hear my heart, anyway this will be the first time and hopefully the last. For my goal is to bore no one. Speaking of one's inner thoughts is a sure buzz kill.

My first Body Shop realization,,,,,,Lynn, you are not in OZ anymore! The second is, in reality, people are horrible. Class is gone, dignity, respect, honesty, and character. Men, back in the day, considered themselves, with their age to have a roll model responsibility for younger men. They behaved with character in all aspects as an example to all young men. When did that stop? Read Mark Twain, Jack London, HG Wells or John Steinbeck. Talk to my Dad or any WWII vet, they will tell you of honor, respect and character.

I see daily, grown men, older men, walk in my shop and cuss at Greg, a young man and get this, Abby and Myself! When did everything change. I jump in between any angry person and Abby. I feel very protective of my family and employees. Greg, an ex-military, boxer, MP can take care of himself. But there have been a couple of times I keep my weapon close. People go immediately to being obscene to resolve a problem. I miss the polite society. I miss the mentality of a handshake meaning something. I miss the world when a man's word and honor was his most important asset. Who taught the world all those cuss words? Was it George Carlin???

Lets begin anew. Please, thank you, may I, excuse me......If we all treat each other like we want to be treated, are trustworthy and honest....Our society would be...well you decide. I know, I would not have anything funny to write about!

Love you, Lynn

Tolstoy:

"The more a man searches for beauty, the further from goodness he gets."

Manic Monday

Gentle readers and Miss Diary,

Some Mondays you just seem to know you should not have been born. But, it is too late for that so one just keeps hoping it gets better, save us someone! Monday AM, open shop, employees arrive, car broken into in parking lot. OH NO, it belongs to my best employee! I feel so bad, they broke his trunk and yanked off and stole his spoiler. A SPOILER!. We called they local Leo's and the officer just seemed more interested in being sure my employee had a current drivers license and registration. He filled out a report and that was it. Just a report. Later I found out that three cars next door were broken into. It was a bad day. Monday afternoon, major computer crash on Abby's computer....the server.....we had the blue screen of death! I called my middle son, a computer guy and he whispered he was in meeting and to try to reboot. I did not have a chance to tell him we had the blue screen of death.

I tracked down a guy, who for beau-coup bucks would come and get it and repair it asap. I said anything! So, we had nothing and were writing estimates on paper. It was really stressful for all of us as everything we do is computerized and we knew we would be entering everything we wrote. So at 5:30, like Greg said, we played like shepherds and got the flock out of there.

When we got the computer back, we found we, lost everything for the last two months. It has taken two weeks to correct the problems. All credit goes to Abby.

In the meantime, a customer, an older guy named Jyms Buttrubb, came into pick up his car. When he brought the car, it had junkyard doors, bumper and two fenders, all beat up. He was a friend of a friend, he got a huge discount and was strongly urged to chemically strip the 5, yes, 5, layers of old paint off his car before putting new on. He said, I do not want to spend anymore on this car. It so happened that an officer of the law was in my shop to solicit a donation. We hear Mr. Buttrubb screaming from the parking lot and we went to investigate. His apparent girlfriend was right beside him screaming, "I'm a witness, I'm a witness" every 10 seconds. I cannot think of/use words strong enough to describe the lack of any kind of character or grace in this man. It is not over, nothing we could do would make this person happy. If I paid him for the privilege of fixing and painting his car, he would still bless me in his special way. More on Buttrubb later.

So, this Monday, I thought, great a new week and all will be better. Two brothers came in Sat to pick up their Hugh pickup that was $2900. for us to fix and paint. Their credit card would not go through so they said they would go to the bank and come back. They did not, so we assumed we would see them Monday. So, Monday Morning, no truck in the lot. Chaos, crazy, nothing added up. I FINALLY, got a hold of one of them and told them to come in right now, if they did not have their truck, it was gone. They came in laughing, which made Greg think they had stole it themselves to get out of my bill. We called the police, that went well, the first officer accused them of stealing it, then it got ugly. A second officer, a Sergeant, got there, low and behold gentle readers....the officer that solicited the donation! (Boy was I glad I gave one) He took charge and the end was the police would look for the truck, I was not responsible and no matter where the truck was, they were to pay my bill. I was going to offer to have his children, but he looked too serious to take it as a thank you. So, they came back the next day, after their attorney called and yelled and threatened me, which, I did right back and said conversation over if the yelling does not stop. Games they play. So, I was paid. We take things out of the beds of pick-ups so they do not get stolen when we put them outside. We had the guy's tool box and gave it to him.

On Tuesday, Hugh pulled a car through the paint booth as it was done and ripped off the aftermarket muffler. Why was I sitting in my chair, behind my desk, laughing so hard, he wondered.

Hey, yesterday we painted a Rolls Royce!!!! Yes we did, Yup and it is beautiful.

I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings.....

At this morning's staff meeting we played Maaco trivia. I gave away $10. for correct answers. Everyone had a blast. Do you, my gentle reader, know what the best selling car of all time is???? one guy knew. VW BUG! later my love,

It has been a while

My Lady Miss Diary,

I took time away from you, Miss Diary, and wish to report that I missed you greatly. We went a very slow time during the holidays and into the new year. Weather was awful and the economy scare recession thing did not help. I have decided that people just hunker down when the weather is bad. They certainly do not go out and get their cars fixed. We struggled during that time. Business picked up as soon as the weather got better. The first week the sun was shining, we did over 100 estimates in a week. We have had a couple of good weeks and need many more before the next Holiday season hits. Woe are the small business owners during tough times.

Life seemed dull when business was slow. We had great and happy customers and some real characters. Two weeks ago, a young man brought his older brother's car in to get it painted. He chose an inexpensive paint and picked a metallic red that was pink. We tried to talk him into going darker, but he was dead set on his choice. He signed all the documents. You can write the end to this story probably, when older brother came in with younger to pick up, he hit the roof and demanded we paint it over. There was quite a bit of screaming, which Greg, our estimator managed to keep outside, but younger brother fessed up. They all got in a car and said they would be back. I took that as a threat and was waiting for the troops. The older Bro came back and talked to Gary outside and they worked it out. He paid for his vehicle and said he would repaint it next year. Thank you Greg! There was peace again at MAACO. I think I will pull that page out of the color book!

We did a car a month ago that had 4 -45 caliber bullet holes. When were done it was awesome! A beautiful base dark lime green with the entire front end covered with yellow flames. I hope it doesn't get shot again.

I am heading for some fast food for lunch. I will be back at you soon. Hiatus over.

My Darling Diary: Good Morning! Guess what, I have bought Rosetta Stone in French so I can talk to you in your native language. I took 2 years of French in High School and 1 in College, but have forgot most. To do something besides cars, I am going to work on becoming bi-lingual again. To me that would be fun. I will keep you up on my progress.

I am curious, do I have any readers who do not know me? If so, please leave a comment.

Remember many posts ago, the gal who hit me with her car??? Well, she called! She just wanted to complain about the crazy "White" lady, (me) and that she was such a fine Christian Black Woman. Finally, my guy on the phone asked her why she kept talking about Black and White. The Christian Black woman got mad and hung up.

I have a "bad ass" car in my shop right now. It is a brand new charger with a 10 grand custom paint job on it. It is painted 3 stage maroon on one half and gold on the other. the half starts right down the middle of the hood. A different color on each side. You open the trunk, it opens with hydolics, there is a massive stereo system and a tv. That is for street parties. They have a pretty hard core decal on it and a custom license plate. It is in out shop because they want the 4 bullet holes fixed. It is at least a 45 and both sides of the car and missed the two front seat occupants by 6 inches each. By the grace of God, they are alive. They must know it as they want the bullet holes fixed asap and the color changed and then they plan to sell the car. You can ruminate on your own conclusions. In the mean time, I got a call from a police chief friend of mine and one of his crown vic cruisers was rear ended by a well to do family in town. Fully insured. Of course, there was a police report and in the course of the accident inspection, drugs were found in their car. So, Mon or Tues I will have the cruiser in my shop to fix. I plan to park it next to the "Bad Ass" car just for irony. What a world.

We are having in our employees next week as long as we can. phones are starting to ring a little more. We hope, we pray to get some business this next week. We all need to pray for the economy and that people have enough faith in it to be able to spend.

I am still thinking on buying the other Maaco in town. I cannot go next week, but I plan to drive out and look at it next week. I will keep you posted.

God Bless all, be safe, love one another. remember the 912 project.

Ms. Lynn Moore

Madame! The snow is falling and falling and falling. We have not had one customer in two days. We have sent our crew home two days in a row now. We are all aching from the need of work. We know the flood gates will open soon, as we get close to tax time, we get very busy. Can we hurry it up while we are still open?????

Not much crazy stuff going on these days to share.....The cars are coming out beautiful the Italian booths are worth what I spent on them. My corporate rep was here this week and gave us a few ideal to get more cars, but first they have to walk in the door! I called my largest used car lot and he told me he has not had a shipment of cars in two months. I do not know enough about Obama to blame him like everyone else is, so, I am holding tight and keeping faith in Our Lord. He did not bring us this far to fail now.

We awarded our employee of the month today. It was Greg the estimator. He was quite surprised. Now the pressure is on him. EVERYONE is looking to him to get the work in the shop.

I have been thinking for two days of buying a second shop. (If any of you are sane, shoot me!) There is one I know of for sale and I am not sure I really want another shop to compete with. It is a dump and would be a full renovation like this one was, but Hugh and I were not sure we were up to that so soon after this one. I shall continue to ruminate. Since I have no life, why not. It would just be less time between getting into bed and going to sleep. You know, that 15 minutes!

Lets all remember how hard it is on some of our brothers right now while we get annoyed at our bosses or jobs. I promise to share the next story I have that will make you laugh.

WAIT, WAIT! got one, I took a man home the other morning and he gave me $50.00 to give to Abby. He said two years ago, on December 30th, he gave a waitress a $20 tip and told her to go buy a lottery ticket. She won 1.6 million, so every December 30th he gives a gal a tip and tells her to go buy lottery tickets. This year it was Abby. She did exactly as she was told and won $2. She split it with him, and he promptly bought another with his one dollar. They have had a great laugh and a fun time buying lottery tickets. Who knows................

Lynn Moore