I'LL BE YOUR HUCKELBERRY......

Bon jour beloved.

 Lately, the body shop has been an interesting mix of employee counseling and gun toting customers. I spent last Saturday working on paperwork and had two guys in the booths cleaning them.... I know my booths! I designed, paid for, named them, Paris and London.  And I have babied them and cared for the last three years. I know how I want them cleaned! So, in my klutziness way, (inherited from my daughter) I am in Paris showing them how to remove the grates and I fell into the pit!!! Not hurt but feeling high on the stupid scale. Jimmy Joe Bob was trying to help me out of the pit and fell in with me.

 Anyway, I was thrown out of the booth and the gentlemen completed their job.  The paint booths have pits in the concrete floor that is a large air duct.  With great power, the booth sucks air through the vent and filters it before it goes out of the building.  These are large concrete pits with grating over them.  There are filters that go into the grates to start the filtering process.  These are changed every morning, early and the booths are vacuumed.  Filters are very expensive but essential to keep the dust out of the paint on the car.  When I turn on the booths early in the morning, it sounds like a jet engine starting up.  They are very powerful and need to be respected.

It is Sunday and my God Given day of rest. I keep thinking about what I need to do at work. At work....At work......

The same Jimmy Joe Bob ran (accidentally) a customer car into another employee car and damaged the employee car. Now I have to sort out who, when how one employee pays another. I feel like Solomon. Of course, I had run a short errand. It seems to me that issues start while I am not there putting into me a paranoia about leaving.

Tuesday I, my attorney, an employee and others went to small claims court and proceeded to turn it into a trial. The psycho Mr. Shears, gets up and starts to tell his life story prompted by his attorney. My attorney 'OBJECTED' over and over. It went on, I painted the Accord that belonged to the really putrid Mr. Shears, the kind of self righteous person everyone loves to hate, for free.  I painted his car for FREE as an act of kindness and he still sued me!  The previous owner of the paint shop, painted his car years ago and he felt he should have it done again for free.  He was two years out of warranty.  He harassed me for a year and finally, I told him I was tired of hearing from him and would paint his car for free to get him to go on with his life. After it was painted, my employee shut the front drivers door of the 13 year old car and it did not open again. (I hate cars) I told my employees to leave it alone. I painted it for free, he can get his own door fixed.

The disgusting, low life Mr. Shears, sued me saying I broke his car door on purpose because I was mad about painting his car for free. I know so well that one good turn does NOT deserve anther.  He did it out of spite, breaking the law, attorney fees etc., etc., etc., saying I owe him several thousand dollars. COMPLETELY beyond belief! What is wrong with a mind who does that. So, trial went on and on. Judge announced she needed to think over the case and would get back to us. News for Shears, He may win, but I won't pay him. I will sit in jail if they make me, but won't pay him a penny. to be continued.........

I promise to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth....Shangri La.

"SOMETIMES YOU FEEL LIKE A NUT, SOMETIMES, YOU F...ING DON'T"

Good evening beloved!! There comes a time in life where you experience the feeling of living in a sit-com and that reality is now on a plasma screen. Isn't that fun. They call it the new reality, I guess. As I sit here writing body shop stories, my friend sits next to me watching yet another sit-com. If you are a dear person who finds my humor as funny as I do, congratulations, you are not normal either.

To day, at work was like any other. I have been dogging my auto painter, Will, as I am convinced of something, not sure of what, but was out to prove it. I am sure he knew what I was up to half way through the day of peeking around paint booths at him, as he asked me if I wanted to go in the booth and observe him blow himself. (Oh, by the way, that means blowing the dust off with an air hose before painting a car, something I insist on.) I told him no, I just only wanted to know if he tacked the hose first. Ah Ha! I got him, he was NOT tacking the hose.

A gentleman, OG they are called, Old Gangsters, came in mean as a snake. Greetings were met with growls. My gentleman estimater was writing an estimate he requested and my radar went up. I heard him tell Leslie a blunt NO when she asked if he could move his car as a customer he was blocking in wanted to leave.

As he scowled through a magazine in my lobby, he stated if the stupid estimater would hurry, he would leave. I asked,.....Sir, may I move your car for you so this man may leave? "NO", SIR, if you will be so kind to let me borrow your keys, I will be happy to move your car for you, "NO." May I ask why?.?.? My sister is in the car, she can move it. Well by now, it was the tone, the turning of the pages of the magazine, the growls and the other people in the room gauking.....Sir, please take your car elsewhere......sir, I am telling you to take your car elsewhere, all in the room were frozen....SIR, I OWN THIS FACILITY AND I AM TELLING YOU....TO....TAKE YOUR CAR AND LEAVE! Finally, we were in combat, moments passed as all wondered what was to happen next. He slowly put down his magazine and walked out of the building. In the meantime, I was in the parking lot moving his car.

All back to normal for the moment.

We have had a pink jag for a couple of weeks. Mr. Jag is very picky, very, cannot smile either. He was complaining that there was a bump under the felt liner under the hood of his car started sometime after we worked on it last......ok......It is 25 degrees out, thankfully as we, Big Bear and I remove it, we find a wasp nest the size of a baseball. Now, how I managed to do that, I sure do not know. Well, Mr. Jag insisted we order him a new liner as it had wasp coodies on it. Price check, please. Mr. Jag, a new liner for your jag, from jag, is well over $200.00 and there is really nothing wrong with yours. Yes sir, it has wasp coodies on it. One expensive Jag part coming up.

OMG!!! Got to tell you about Chief Dorry of Abraham Heights. Abraham Heights Police Dept. has owed me $800. since last summer when I repaired two of their squad cars which ran into each other. I gave up on that money, but sent a letter to the Chief Dorry anyway, a few months ago regarding the past due bill. This is right out of Dr. Seuss. Leslie answered the phone at work and and a gentleman on the other end demanded my cell phone number stating who he was and that it was an emergency. Not sure of what to do, but completely used to crack-pot customers, she called my cell on the way to the bank, to give me his number telling me he wanted an emergency call back asap.....k....Sir, this is Shangra la returning your call..... Then I became involved in the most bizarre conversation I have ever had with an adult.

The Chief, questioned me on what the balance of the bill was that just came to his attention,,,,,, well sir, as you know I am not in my office and it is not in front of me, but as I recall it was around $800. "Yes, it is", he says, "I am looking at it." I also recall sending it a second time a few months ago. "Uh-Uh-m-m-ugh. Well, I just became aware of it today." Yes sir. "I need to explain a situation to you, as you are aware, the previous chief, the ACTING Chief, the previous Chief was not authorized to make these repairs and well the department is not even the same people when the ACTING Chief blah, blah, blah, excuse me, Chief Maurie, what you are trying to tell me is that you are not going to pay the bill. "No, not at all"......a complete repeat of the conversation began again till I said, Sir, again, what you are telling me is you feel that I have some responsibility or control in your department politics and since it is my fault, you are not going to pay your bill. Sir, if you are not going to pay the bill, just say it. "OF COURSE, the department is going to pay the bill, but YOU have to work that out with the officer who was the previous ACTING CHIEF."

(You piece of shit) Sir, may I say I have respect for the previous ACTING Chief and feel he was ACTING in the department's best interest when he was repairing the equipment and I find it slimy how you are using him to squirm out of your responsibility. "OH, Thank you, we cannot pay this bill, may I tell him he does not have to pay it either???"

Yes you may sir, but only if I can use that same lame excuse the next time I get stopped for speeding. (said in sarcasm) "Oh, of course you may, thank you again...........bye".........did that really just happen??? The clerk in the bank asked, "were you really talking to the police??? Lady you got balls!"

Good Night Bill, Good Night Andy, Good Night Gilbert and Good night Jesse. Bon Nuit, Shangra La.

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS, OH YEA.....WORKING OVERTIME

Gentle readers,

Nothing like a good rendition of "Foxy Lady" by Jimmy Hendrix on a Saturday night at home to get an old lady fired up!!!!!

Mourning time is over and little good it did me. For example, Dave Durango came in after reading my last post, not to even look at the compressor, (thanks Durango) but to give me shit about my poor me attitude! There he stood, Fabio hair blowing in the wind, puckering his lower lip to make fun of me. Here I am, wearing everything on my sleeve except a black band and he is laughing at me till I plastered his pout with a piece of masking tape.

Then, my consultant, the wild New Yorker who thinks so highly of Obama, tells me to get over it and get back on my blog....Gilbert, says "Man, I miss the stories about us."

Ok, the scoop, the kids left and it hurt. After starting to loose large sums of money, got over it fast. took a couple of months, but have great people in place. I feel better about the business at this moment than I have in years. Don't get me wrong, broke I am, but bring it on!!!!! I am a FOXY LADY!!!!

Last week...THE WEEK THAT WAS cannot happen in real life, like I always say, no one can make this stuff up!

First, it turns bloody cold and the heater in the front office catches fire. I am calm this time, unplug it and call the "guy".

Second, I have to tell you about Billy Joe Bob, a great kid, country boy, a sander and he loves it. Great attitude. Came walking into my office at 4:30 Monday night, shuffling, head down....."I got somethin to tell you and you ain't gonna like it." Billy Joe Bob, are you bleeding? No mam, but you won't be happy...I gotta show you. We walk into the shop. The sight I behold....a dump truck with the "dump" part raised and a Hvac heating unit knocked off the ceiling, gas leaking and....OH MY GOD!!! WHAT DID YOU DO!!! Told ya, you wouldn't be happy.........I am running to the phone, call Duke, come and turn off the gas!!!!!! Blowing up was not an option. Next thing I know, gas guy on scene, two fire trucks and they turn off the whole block. (they say women over react) Next morning, I am sitting in a freezing shop at 7 am, in the dark, alone waiting on the Hvac repair men, the repair man for the front and praying the gas will get turned on so we can turn on the paint booths and maybe, silly me, make a buck or two. I learn shortly, Billy Joe Bob was really upset and Gilbert my mischievous one, is screaming, "MAN, YOU ARE SO FIRED, DUDE, YOU ARE SO FIRED"

It so happens I have a new painter starting that day, no gas, paint booths and kaos all around. It took all day, but all was back in order. The next day, one of the two front computers got the blue screen of death. I worked on it all morning and then unplugged it and took it to the repair shop.

I cannot wait to see what will crap out next. Friday night, I am the last to leave, breathing a sigh, I wondered if I would get out without anything else breaking....cannot set the alarm.....back garage door is broken. I am sitting in the dark, late Friday, on the cold, dirty concrete floor looking at the broken wire that goes to the alarm, trying to decide if I should splice and fix it or just go home.

That was the week that was.

So, Can't keep a Good man, or woman down. I feel good, Foxy, Fiesty, energetic and ready to kick ass in the man's world of Auto Body repair. Stick with me, we have a half price sale coming on. We know what fun that can be. A customer asked me to marry him last week, spontaneous proposal, I guess I still got it!

Lets fix cars, make money and have fun. Thanks to all my friends who gave me shit till I got over myself and back to work.

God Bless all and let the good times roll. Shangri La, the wild and crazy Body shop chick.

The end

Dear Readers,

It has been a difficult time here at the body shop. The business I started for my children is now left to me. Both Hugh and Abby have decided to move on. It has left me in a very financial and emotional void. I hurt so much, I won't be able to write in the blog for quite some time. It is impossible to find humor in my days anymore.

There is no joy in this for me. I only hope to survive and move on. I have a great faith, and trust God will be with me.

This business venture has cost me, my marriage, my children, all my money and my life. I have worked 6 days a week for 3 years and am so alone. I have no friends or family. I wish I never did this, please think twice before starting your own business. There is a lot to consider.

God Bless and Keep you.

Body Shop Lady.

Running a Christian Business in Satan's Culture

Mon Cheri, Beloved, Bon jour. It is early on Sunday morning, my favorite time and I am thinking of you. I find myself feeling sad as I think over the events of the last week. My goal was to have a Christian Family Business and I find myself being beat up and challenged daily. At least once a day, a customer will try to con me to steal money.

For example, we re-stored a lady's Mustang and she was thrilled with the outcome. Then she told us her odometer did not work and we had to pay for it. I know exactly what was done to her car and NOTHING could have affected in any way, the odometer. Her odometer was broken when she brought it in and she sees a way to get a free one. I am sure I will end up in court. Yet, more sad than that, I am sure this woman goes to church. I am sure she sees nothing wrong with what she is doing. Why not? Everyone does it. Thus, society is misguided and a lack of character fills the world today. I say this as it happens daily. From what I also hear, it happens everywhere. I was told by another shop owner that a customer had a repair, was happy and then told the owner if he gave him $200.00, he would NOT write to the BBB and complain. That is extortion, I believe.

A lady we did an extensive repair for, and we did it complete and well, had a $500.00 deductable. She knew this all along. As the car was almost complete, I got a call from someone who said he was her brother wanting me to forget the deductable, you know, as you usually do....Sir, I do not know who you are and I am not discussing this lady's finances or repair with anyone but her. Then she started, I do not have the money. Abby and I both felt a con, so we stood our ground... After several calls, she came in to get her car and stood at the counter, with her saddest face, told Abby that she only had $400.00. Abby said you had to talk to the boss. She came in the shop and told me. I walked out front, and in an equally sad face, but firm, told her I was so sorry, but she could not have her car. I reminded her that we had talked about that and did she need help making arrangements as I could NOT let her have her car.

She then pulled the $500.00 out of her purse and paid her deductable and left with her car. Bless her heart, she had to try.

To anyone thinking about owning a business, think about it long and hard. Do you have the stomach to fight the fair battle daily? You will need the knowledge, skill and gut feel to do so, just to protect yourself.

I have made a rule that we do not do a vehicle older than 1985. People think a cheap paint job, and they want cheap, is the same as a restoration. My last confrontation, was after the paint job on a 35 year old car, which turned out beautiful, the window did not work perfectly. This was during my two weeks where I had no ability to deal with these people due to the heat and I told them their car was a piece of crap. New paint did not mean new car. My body man was there and laughed and told me with a smile, I may not want to tell people their cars were crap. We laughed and I told him I knew and would work on getting back on track. It is to the point, that my muscles tighten everytime anyone walks in. When someone loves you and thanks you, you just want to hug them and cry. Isn't that pathetic. Three years, and I still need to toughen up and learn to take it in stride.

I have hired a woman to work in the back. She starts Monday. This is a new one, and I know my crew well enough to know they will be respectful, but I also think she can handle it. I am excited about her as something about her character has impressed me. This one is on gut only. We will see how good my gut is.

I have been talking every week to my Italian, New York consultant. He continues to help me with advice, instruction and moral support. I continue to get better and understand the shop as it pertains to production. Thank you Anthony.

"As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil as Thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff shall comfort me"

Shangri La

Is it the Oven or Frying Pan?

Best beloved, Mon Cheri, Good Morning. Finally, It is a Sunday morning of peace. I leave for church soon, but first a visit with you.

Great, the first summer I am running a body shop, we have to break the heat record set 50 years ago! Lets baptize Lynn with fire, literally. Those of you who know the feeling of working outside when it is close to 100 degrees F, can understand. Now, I understand too. I will never enjoy a sauna bath again. We all hung in there each day, even as some businesses were closing and sending workers home during the heat, we worked as hard as ever. I spent time one morning holding a 19 year old boy across my lap and wiping his face, arms, neck and back with cold towels while he was throwing up in a waste basket. I did so until he was OK enough to sit in my office and drink a Gator Aid. I called his mother and then sent him home for the day.  I had planned to call 911 if he did not stop throwing up within 10 minutes.

"DO NOT TRUST IN THE SWORD IF YOUR HEART IS NOT IN THE BATTLE"

Unknown

We recently had an insurance repair that involved replacing most of the car. It had to be a borderline total. We had it about 3 weeks. The insurance paid over 5 grand and the customer's deductible was $500.00 which she knew and was fine with all along. THEN, one day as it is nearing ready, someone called saying he was her brother from Chicago and wanted to talk about the deductible..."you know, you guys usually forget the deductible in some cases...." Sir, I do not know you and am not going to discuss this woman's private business with you no matter who you say you are. If it was her brother, he planted the seed of you can screw the body shop out of their money.

 She then, for the first time, started calling saying she did not have the $500. We told her she could apply for interest free financing or not get her car. She applied for $500. and was turned down. She said she had it, just wanted her car back. We finished it and when she came in to get it, told Abby she only had $400. and could she have her car, please. Abby said that was not her call and would ask the boss. I walked into the office and sat down and told her very nicely, I was very sorry, I could not let her have her car and she knew that because we had talked about it. No, I said. Then she must have given up and produced the $500. cash. Bless her heart for trying. I think in talking to the brother from Chicago, he explained the art of legal extortion. Did not work on me this time. Must mean I have learned a thing or two.

During the heat, I have come home every day, so dirty and sweaty, I just went upstairs and got in the shower. I used an old tooth brush on my nails and feet. I then caked my feet in lotion and put on footsies. I have been sleeping with conditioner in my hair, all these efforts to not dry up and try to stay feminine. The weather finally broke a little and there was a slight breeze.  I was giddy. Sad, but true.

I have not dealt really well with customers lately, no secret. A young man came in set up the repair and paint. (cheap) ordered a used trunk lid as his was damaged. Then dad came in to inspect the car. OMG, he opened and shut the trunk several times saying it was not right.... it opened and shut perfectly. I kindly told him, sir, you must be somewhat confused, this is a Honda, not a Mercedes and a used trunk lid, it is perfect. He then pointed out specks of dirt on the white car and I brushed each of them away. I then told him this was silly and I was done. He asked if he could be blunt. Please, I told him. He said I did not have a good attitude. I told him, YEA. I know. I was HOT AND DIRTY AND TIRED. It was not personal, it was me after 5 days of working in this heat. Now what else did he want. He goes, nothing. We fixed the only legit issue on the car and he was a happy camper.

MEN......we had a lovely woman come in and get her estimate and set an appointment. Then...the fiancee called. Who was he trying to impress? Started to yell at me that the repair should take not more than a day or two!!!!! I looked at the estimate and said sir, I have been doing this a long time and there is no way this can be done in a day, and nothing you are going to say will get me to promise a day to you. I told him to take the car elsewhere if he wanted, but I won't lie to him, give him a free rental or anything else. PERIOD. It involved replacing a door, repairing other dents and painting. I would not even commit to 5 days! What did that yahoo know about anything but being a bully.

Speaking of a bully, a foreigner came in with a piece of crap car he wanted to have painted to match the cab company he was going to drive for. He was so rude, and I mean rude at the estimate, we asked him to leave. He went out for a while and came back in nicer. they drew out the lines for the two tone and left. We painted the car during which time he kept calling me yelling at me about it costing too much. He picked it up, haggled more, but I ran his card for the price I told him.

 He was happy with the car, but came back with his boss saying it was the wrong lines, denied telling us how to do it, wanted it redone for free. I told the cab owner to either bring the cars himself or go else where. I told him I will not tolerate people like that man anymore. I told him if he wanted it redone, he would pay. It got heated from there and I ended up telling this creep that "My ancestors were born here and do not think you can come to my country and bully me or anyone else!" I told him to leave. If he was a guest in MY country do not try to bully me again. He picked up his car very nicely and paid for it. Beloved, did he reconsider his attitude or was he afraid I would report him??? Who knows and I really do not care. I did look over my shoulder for a while. 

Life has not been normal this summer. I cannot seem to grasp an ability to handle where I fit in at work, family or friends. I have just kept to myself and when I do, it is lonely and when I don't, it is too stressful. I do not know if it will get better or not. There is only so much work a body can do and then it has nothing left to give.

Time for church and prayer, Lord, My God, share with me Your Grace to continue. All my love, Bon Jour, LM

I WILL LIVE FOREVER IN YOUR MEMORY, REMEMBER ME

Gentle and beloved readers:

"I know you paid up the wazoo to be here, so I am going to sing my ass off for you"

Josh Groban, July 15, 2011 Concert

And he did. It was a wonderful time and getting away from the shop and doing something normal, gave me the feeling for the evening that I was human again, the gentle LADY I used to be. Thank you Josh, and thank you my children for being a part of it.

Last week was a strange week of flux in the shop. Most of my time is in the back now, hot and sweaty, but I keep up front when it is busy or when anyone comes in with a bad vibe. It was hot, but I have felt worse, so I compare everyday to the "worst" and then it is not so bad.

Two young men came in and wanted their car painted......ok.....it was very old, beat up....boss had to approve it. I looked at the car, talked about restoration vs. paint. Told them we usually will not do an old car, faces drop......without my approval.....faces back up. That comes with talking to you and your understanding the potential reactions that could happen. etc., anyway, by the end of the conversation, their commitment to not complain, accept how it turns out, etc. they then left a down payment of $300 in 5s and 1s. I will leave that to you, gentle reader, to figure out.

God, My Lord, you put me here for a reason, it sure would help if you told me what that reason is. (little prayer)

Had two customers yell this weekend over nit pick crap. I handled them better, I did not yell back, just talked and/or cut them off nicely. People. One man, extremely nasty and rude, did his own body and prep, refused to pay a dime more than paint, was not happy with a spot under the paint. He yelled at me, "it would have taken 5 minutes to fix that before we painted and I should have done it for free."  I told him my body men were funny about working for free and he stated he did not want any bodywork. Well, sir, that was body work and it would take much more than 5 minutes. He said he would give me $40. to fix it and not a dime more. I told him I was not interested in working on his car for any money. It is a great feeling to be at that point. Take your attitude elsewhere cranky old man.

The shop itself is in flux. As you know, I fired a body guy, hired two and promoted one. I am now short paint line techs. I have one new one starting Wed, but did not get the cars done last week we needed. I am going to try to hire another person next week for the back. One of my guys let me know he had another job and I asked him for just a few days lead time to replace him. He PROMISED me to stay till Friday and did not show up the next day. He texted Brady telling him he wanted to come in on Friday and pick up his check, Brady told him I was pretty mad and he would not advise it. I mailed his check. I did not want to see him. Coward.

My new bodyman seems to work hard and do very good work. He has his head down and gets quite a bit done. I get a hinky vibe from him and cannot put my hand on it. At least work is flowing. I have another one who won't make it past next week. He talks about work, more than he works! He does not get things done as he is always screwing around. I will give him a few more days and then cut him loose. He has been told 25 times now to shut up and work. Does not get it.

I wish Mr Anthony Spumoni from New York was here to size up the bodymen. I know what he would tell me an I will do it, it would be easier if he was here.

I have been talking to another owner in town of a like body shop. He is an older gentleman and gives me almost as much shit as I give him. After we BS and lie to each other for a while, there has been a friendship develop. Some of the advice he has given me has helped. Someone in the exact place as me, who understands me and treats me with respect, I am starting to let this man in, spent the last three years not trusting him. Is there help for me yet?

Got to get productive, looking forward to our next visit. Je Tem, Mon Cheri.

In the words of my granddaughter, age 4, "I love you my love".

Lynn

EXCUSE ME WHILE I KISS THE SKY

Best Beloved, Mon Ami,

Good evening, it is after midnight here and I am in the agonizing reality of no matter how tight I squeeze my eyelids, I cannot sleep. The only upside to this, that I can even think of, is when I do begin to suffer the effects of sleep deprevation, it may be more fun than work.

In the words of a friend, it has been a hoot. (My best and favorite) consultant, would call me a "California hillbilly" for saying such a thing. That, when you think about it, Mr. Spumoni, is an oxymoron.

Anyway, it has been quite a hoot. We are repairing a car, for the second time in two weeks for a very nice gal, Ms. Wacking. Now this dear lady, we assumed had a mental defect which rendered her extreemly strange. Truly, we thought she was mentally challenged. She could barly speak without repeating words over and over. She needed to have "repair a dent" explained for over an hour. R..e..p..a..i..r......a.....d..e..n..t.

Again, we thank Our loving Lord for our blessings. You can imagine my shock when I found out she was employed, and you can imagine my "unshock" when added to that bit of information was the fact that she was employed by the IRS. I quietly walked into my office and bowed my head and prayed that I was never audited.

The gal who ran her rental out of gas, (who can forget that piece of work) called me, three times after I hung up on her, screaming at me that I owed her a new battery. (My inability to sleep started last night and I completely agree that it is unforgiveable to hang up on a customer)When I could get a word in, I reminded her that her vehicle wazzzzz 6 years old and she probably needed a new battery, and should buy one. She yelled at my that her 2005 was NOT 6 years old! Oh, my bad.

In a tough situation, last week I had to let one of the body men go. It was not fun or funny, and I have no plans of making light of it. The aftermath is probably the reason I am writing and not sleeping. We have so many cars and not the man power to move them out fast and it is a nightmare I would not wish on even my competition.

A very nice man, who did not want to pay $150. to have a rust hole repaired, fixed it himself with wall plaster. His new paint fell of the plaster within 10 minutes. He has now spent over $450. putting flames on his car and having them removed and replaced as he keeps changing his mind on the color. Can you explain that to me???

My few friends wonder why I cannot carry on a conversation and have given up on me at the moment. Probably for the best. I am finding everyone annoying and am acting out. A man who had a vehicle from the 70's came in to complain to me that there was one "fisheye" on the hood. WELL, he did his own body work and "knew" it was our fault. Again, I am without patience. I looked at him and asked did he know how old his car was, it was his bodywork and would he like the corporate number so he could call and complain about me to them as I would not do anything for him. Of course you do, here is the number.

fisheye: fish, the root work for water guy, eye, the greek word meaning, what are you looking at? (noun) A fish eye is a pin prick size, upside down bubble in auto paint due to some jerk's bad bodywork, or a chemical reaction to some jerk's bad body work.
Webster's Dictionary of Auto Body Terms

"As I sit here racking my brain apart,
searching the chambers of my heart,
I find I cannot compose
a poem, or or even a little prose."

Lynn Moore, high school assignment

Gentle reader, I do see how silly I am sounding and pray for your compassion. I hope to see you in my dreams and am signing off. TTFN, L Moore

ALL IN A DAY'S FUN, FUN AND MORE FUN

Bon Jour Mon Ami! Another week....and yes, I think we are still sane. Last week a crazy gal who wanted her car every day as she was in a rental, took 4 days to show up when it was finally done. She must have planned on turning in the rental on empty, because she called us from 5 blocks away, empty. I was mad, but she had a 3 grand check I needed. I went and bought gas, my money, went to where her car was and she was cracked up on something, with two guys. I put a gallon of gas in her car and she drove to my shop. I told her that I bought that gas with my own money and she owed me 3 dollars. Of course! she did not have a penny on her. We jumped her car for her to leave, and they immediately went to the gas station at the corner and turned off her car. She called again and I said NO! Abby insisted on going down to the gas station, even though I told her not to. She refused to bring a guy with her. When she was jumping their car, one of the guys hit on her. She got a little I told you so, from her mother in law. Never saw that three bucks!!!! As if I expected to.

We have had some pretty nice customers lately. It is a pleasure to work with nice people. But, then right in the middle of this kumbiya moment, comes Mr. and Mrs. Hasslers. They had a pick up from the grave in to be painted. It turned out beautiful. They were elderly and I gave them the whole bit about don't wash it for 4 weeks, etc. He called to tell me he cleaned it up as soon as he got home and found problems. His biggest problem is that he and his wife are complete idiots! They came in today and he in such a self righteous huff, pointed out to me finger prints on the interior of his truck. I reached my hand in and brushed them off. I said ok, what else. He said He was surprised the prints came off, I said, why, it was just dust. He pointed out two microscopic spots and I told him I would have my detailer rub a little wax on it. SHE, the other nasty one, said she thought they forgot to put clear coat on it. I told her she did not have clear coat on her vehicle because she purchased a single stage service. She began the, "then what did I pay all that money for.....?" I just stopped her and reminded her that we went over her estimate several times and she knows what she paid for. I asked Brad to polish the couple of spots and then they left. I believe they were disappointed that they could not get a good old fight going, or money back. You got to be bored to have nothing better to do than to look for reasons to pick a fight.

I have got to admit, it is fun to see how bad some of the cars look before they come in and how great they look done. Well, most of them. We did a S-10 today that a young man had painted with a roller, used calk to reattach his CHEVROLET emblem. It did not look much better, just shiny. I guess that is how a kid learns. There are just some things you should not do yourself.

I am enjoying running the back. Unfortunately, my potty mouth is getting worse....I ruined a nice jacket with "bondo". But, there is less stress in the back and the sound of DAs and Grinders are better than phones.

I get to High Five, dance to the oldies and run from one end of the shop to the other. Then I have to carry out big bags of trash, whipe dust off stuff, vacume cars, sand, wipe, blow, tack...move cars from one place to another and check cars, order supplies and keep everything moving. It is all about getting more done, faster and right the first time. I guess that is all business these days. "CHECK PLEASE"

God Bless all. And to all, a Good Night. moi

WEEK ONE AS THE NEW SHOP MANAGER

Bon Jour Mon Cheri, It is early on Saturday and I have some time before a gentleman arrives to fix a broken water pipe in my house. Then it is rush to the shop to work. I have my beloved quiet time on Saturday morning and so want to tell you about the week.

First, this was my first week of being the FULL BLOWN shop manager. Small Businesses...you got to do it yourself! My first week at the production helm as well as all the others was a scramble, but this was the second most productive week we have had financially. Unless you pay someone commission only, they do not care about your business or money. It is my money and I care as it is life or closure!

I could not do it without my consultant, the Italian. God, I love that man. I did not need to be taught how to be a strong leader, I had that. I had to be taught how to handle my family and the knowledge of running a body shop. Logic dictates, I, it will get better each week. My guys are still talking about Anthony Andrew Spumoni and what he taught them. They like it that he was a marine, they like it that he pulls no punches and they know when and if he compliments them, it is for real. They are happy that what he accomplished has helped me. They are much happier when they see I am doing well than when they see me worry. I would guess that is universal in business. We got all the body work out. My two body guys did it and did it right and loaded the paint line till my painter was telling me he hated me and that he thought I was trying to kill him. I told him unless he wanted to come up with 10g to make payroll next week, he needed to keep painting. I have a second painter and he did jump in on two to give him a break.I told my son, the painter, when he owns the place and it is his money, he will push just as hard as I am now. I pray he believes me.

Now the week started with fun. I accuse the two girls up front of selecting gentlemen for me to give a ride home specifically to make me crazy. The rule is, I will give anyone a ride home if they leave their car. So, they got a car from a gentleman who was about 75, well dressed and soft spoken. Sure, lets go. On the way to his house, he explained to me he was a spokesperson for the local nudist colony, (I did not know ther was a "local" nudist colony. Thought that went out with Free Love) and felt I should look into it. He told me that they have a pool, vollyball, many of other sports and everyone is encouraged to bring their families. My visual of a 75 year old man's junk flopping around during a game of vollyball was enough to send me screaming from the car at the next light. This one beat the Elvis inpersonator the week before. I sped back to the shop and just stood looking at the girl's grins. They swear they have no idea......

The next morning started with a fire. At around 9, after the girls said they had been smelling something for a while, smoke started to billow out of an electrical socket in the office. I, repeat, I ran to the back, shut off the circuits, screamed "FIRE" and two of my men came running up front with me fire things. I got back up front and told Abby to call 911, the phones do not work...I turned off the circuits. Bear in mind all have cell phones, but I ran into my office and grabbed my cell and called 911. I then called the landlord for an electrician asap and then went out front to flag down the 4 fire trucks that arrived for my one socket. The question I asked is what would you two have done if I was not here?????

My body man, Brandy came up to me later and told me the electrician went to him and said Man, how do you work for such a fox. Brandy told him that Ms. Moore was his employer, that's how, and laughed all way across the shop. He gets a kick out of it.

In the shop, Brady had his DA turned up to run fast and it was loud. Harry, a body man came up to him and yelled...MAN TURN THAT THING DOWN. Brady, in levity, said I DO NOT GO TO YOUR AREA AND TELL YOU HOW TO WORK, SHUT THE F UP!. BRANDY, THE OTHER BODY MAN JUMPED UP AT THAT MOMENT AND YELLED "CHECK PLEASE". The entire shop erupted in laughter and all became a productive team again. (too bad Anthony Andrew Spumoni was not there for that)

Friday, I was pushing hard and everyone was working at high gear. (which they should do everyday) My shop has not been at high gear for a while now and we are learning some lessons. We had two cars done, yea, $$$, and Hugh was pulling one out of the booth and another guy was pulling one in the front garage door and crash, they ran into each other. There was a discussion starting over who's fault, what happened, everyone had to see....I yelled, which I do not do often, It is done, let it go, move the cars back to the body area and get back to work. I MEAN IT---N-O-W! Cars went back to body stalls and they went back to work. We will talk about that Monday. We are now working harder and faster which is why that happened. I would rather have an accident once in a while than have production happening at slow mo. But, we will talk about safety, safety, safety on Monday. I did hear one of the drivers needed a can of spray paint and was afraid to come up and ask me for the key, so Brady did it for him.

So, I am going in to do numbers today and see how we ended up. I gave the guys each $20. for getting the cars done one the list. (the two that crashed were done) Thus went my first week, we can only get better. Now we need more cars and the push up front will begin.....time to sell auto repair.

The girls are good, just need to push harder. We had a young man with severe OCD bring his car in. It took him over three hours to drop his car. He kept apologizing, for example, he had to have Abby hand his key back and look at it and give it back to her over and over again until he was comfortable leaving it. We have to accept the trials given to us by God and be thankful for the ones we have not been given everyday.

"Smile with Style"
Danny R. (1952 - )

Je tem mon Cheri. Lynn Moore