Lets get back to work

Mon Cheri and Gentle beloved, it is time to share the wealth of insanity and fun that goes on all day. I took a break as I have time from time and I have a list of interesting new people to share. Ah, but where to begin?? I can begin with yesterday and work backward. My experiences of the last couple of months have taken me a step further into the "tough" zone. Yesterday, a young man whose car we fixed last summer, the one full of bullet holes, came in. I had started procedures to take the car as abandoned and he only owed two hundred dollars. None of the phone numbers or addresses worked the the kid. He walked in and had the NERVE to say to my employee, I only have a few dollars, but I am sure you want to get rid of it bad enough to tell me to take it. I ran out of my office and told him under no certain terms the full amount is paid for today, before he leaves and the car is gone tomorrow or it is mine! Suddenly, guess what, he did have the full amount in cash. The car was towed yesterday. My employee said I actually scared her. I was not loud or threatening, but my voice meant business. My employee was ready to get her money out! So, my soft side a couple of years ago would have bought that this is the only money I have, but not anymore. And guess what......

I thank God I am not in the auto insurance business. Wow, the crap people pull. They come in to get an estimate, say no, I do not have insurance, than get the full insurance estimate, get a two party check and want me to sign it and keep the money. Gentle readers, that is insurance fraud. we had a gal two weeks ago, who called Abby and said she picked up her insurance rental two week ago and wanted to bring her car in for repair now. She was complaining that the ins. com. called her and told her to return the rental. She wanted us to pay for her rental. Her car was driveable and it was a 4 day rental while the car was repaired. Abby, said no, and then Hell NO when she argued.

I have dealt with the police three times since I last wrote. each a crazy experience, to be discussed tomorrow.

I took a day and a half off for my birthday. It was the usual, tears of pain of no one caring and depression. I went back to work, got busy and it is over for another year.

Bon Jour Mon Cheri.

A PRODUCTIVE WEEK AND STILL NO MONEY IN THE BANK

Good Saturday Morning, Mon Cheri! I am again writing to you from the comfort of my bed on this rainy Saturday morning. It was a memorable week at the shop. Abby was gone all week, so there was just two of us up front, Les, my estimator and me. Of course, we were so busy, we could not take bathroom breaks. We took in 30 cars and did estimates non stop. The phones were nuts.

It is very, very cold here and I think people wanted to get stuff done, but did not want to go out. I kindly explained to callers that I could not do an estimate on their dents and rust over the phone, but would be happy to do so for free if they could bring in their vehicle. I was argued with, hung up on and yelled at. I got angry a couple of times and told them no! or if they wanted more information, they would have to hold while I took care of the customers who were there getting their estimates. What rude fools.

We had an extensive insurance repair for a gentle man close to 90. His insurance company told him they would pay for his rental for an 8 day repair. We carefully planned his appointment so the 8 days would be up the day he recieved his social security check so he could pay his deductable and get his car.....well, day 6 the insurance called the rental place and turned off the rental. Upon calling, the insurance claims person meant that the 8 days including the weekend!!! Have been doing this for a while now guys, no insurance repair time includes weekends! I had a "intense" conversation with the insurance supervisor regarding their customer and hey, this is your customer and we are talking about an elderly man on social security. I got yelled at "why should we pay rental while his car just sits" I asked because he has paid his premiums for a long time and you are human, or so your commercials say on tv. I ended hanging up and telling her I would share our conversation with their customer. I was disguisted, but to my surprise two customers in my shop stood up and Wowed me for how hard I fought for my customer! I just figured that ins. co. would never send me any business, but the customers in the shop were thrilled to see someone fight for their best interest against the ins. co. (was that a negative or positive business move???)

I ended up letting them (father and daughter)have the car, she left me her driver's license and came back in two days with the deductable. Could not thank me enough.

I met many crazy, nasty people this week, but met a BEAUTIFUL 85 year old woman, a holocaust survivor, who speaks publically on her experience and tolerance, volunteers two days a week at the hospital. I did not want to let her go! I wanted to keep talking to her. Just her presence was a blessing. She also began the museum of the Holicaust at the Universisty here in town. She is going to bring a brochure when she comes and I plan to hear her speak and visit the museum.

It is not, never has been and never will be about me will it Lord. As bad as it hurts sometimes, lonely, tired etc., it is not about me.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. All my love, Mon Cheri. Ms. Moore

Life Goes On - We Do Our Best

Good Evening Mon Cheri, Beloved, Thursday evening and the weather is as turbulent as the economy. I drove an employee home as he had no way. The freeway was terrifying. We closed at 4:00 because the weather was so bad. On the way home, I remembered a line from the movie, Dr. Zhivago. When Laura and Dr. Zhivago went to the country house and it was all frozen and wolves were howling outside, Laura turned to the good Dr. and said, "It is a terrible time to be alive". Quote:

A house divided against itself cannot stand.

Jesus Christ (0-33 AD)

It is just you and me Mon Cheri. The family has left the building. My son Hugh has moved on and I am sure Abby will be soon gone as well. Now, it is just a Body shop owned by a lady, not a family. My heart is broken and I won't go into anymore of the family drama.

We had a gentleman come in to get an estimate on painting his old truck. Les was doing his estimate when I walked by and he was complaining that 5 hundred something was outrageous to paint a truck. I stopped and nicely said, "Sir, it is not 1950 anymore and this is not Earl Schibe. that is a great price to paint a pickup. He left his truck and it turned out great and he was a happy guy. I have got to get my people selling. We need business. Les commented to Abby later that I was "fiesty" today. GET THE CAR.

Tomorrow is a new day and the beginning of a weekend, a needed weekend. We will see how we do next week. Lord, please do not let me be gullible anymore. I need my tallons out!

Bon Nuit.

Drunk Dialing on Friday Nights

Mon Cheri, Good Morning on a cold Sunday. A quote:

"A TRUE WARRIOR IS INVINCIBLE. HE COMPETES WITH NO ONE BESIDES HIMSELF, ONLY TRYING TO DEFEAT AND OVERCOME INNER FEARS AND LIMITATIONS."

Bumbleananda (1434-1535)

Lets start with an embarassing moment. As I have told you in the past, we repair many squad cars. I was in my office trying to make more room as the office serves as storage and was rear end facing the door and bent over putting away toners in a bottom file drawer. A voice behind me said, "this is a stick up" I flew up, realizing what I must have looked like, and saw a friend of mine, a police chief, standing there. We both had a laugh and a hug. He was bringing another squad car for an estimate. We talked for a while, (I heard crime stories you do not read in the paper and I cannot repeat here) what a world and what is it coming to?

I had corporate reps in all week. That is a good thing as much was accomplished and done and learned. I ended Friday with 10 pages of notes and much to do to get business up. Q1 goals and objectives with strategys need to be written.

My estimator Les had a day where we all felt that a full moon had her name on it. She had three nasty people in a row rip on her and walk out for no reason at all. One told her point blank he wanted to talk to a man. She got Brandy, the body man and he looked at the car and told him the same thing. The customer then ripped her again and walked out. After a few of those, they started to get her on the phone. It was laughable. I repeatedly ask her to tell them she would like to get the owner to help them. Come on Les, let me have them. Especially the one who wanted to deal with a man. What fun I could have.

She left early for a Dr. apt. and it was just Abby and I there for the last 45 minutes on Friday night. several people walked in for estimates and we were busy. The phone rang around 5 and I picked it up. I could tell the caller was in the bag. He was a customer and proceeded to tell me he knew all about me as he had me checked out and started describing our first date. I tried to tell him I did not date, but that did not stop him. (the power of alcohol) He told me when my divorce would be final. Now, bear in mind, I keep my life very private and my son does not even know that. So, drunk guy, you got my attention. No sir, I would not go out with you. As he kept going, I started to throw paper clips at Abby who was with a customer. I held up a sign "Help" and she knew what to do. She came running in and yelled in the phone, Lynn I need help with this customer. I got to go...sorry....and hung up.

Hopefully, he won't go there again, but that night I locked all my doors and put on the alarm as soon as I got home. The thought that some of these people out there in scary land could have my address was sobering, for me anyway.

We had a good week and several very happy customers. We are painting a car for cost only for a Pastor who said his church was giving it to a very needy person in their flock. He came in and was very gracious and came back with his wife to meet us. Well, maybe the whole world is not going down the tubes, Chief.

Speaking of....I saw a man in church who came in my shop and was so awful that another customer walked out, costing me business. We made eye contact and I wondered if he remembered who I was. Do you think, Mon Cheri, that humans are capable of looking in the mirror at times and seeing who they really are? Do you think he thought about his behavior as he distributed the Body of Christ to his fellow Catholics? I am no better, I guess, as I should have prayed for him instead of wondered those things. Lesson: the person you are showing your ass to on Wednesday, may see you in church the following Sunday.

God Bless the World my Beloved. Tomorrow is a new week. Just can't wait! xoxoxoxoLynn

Looking at it from the inside out

Dearest Mon Cheri and Gentle Reader, glorious and blessed Saturday morning. I speak to you from my bed and am happy to still be occupying it.

Yestday, I woke at 3:00am and could not sleep thinking about the shop and what is going on in the back. Business owners, you know exactly what I am talking about. I have never done this before, I got up, washed my face, etc., no shower put on crummy clothes and opened the shop at 6:00AM. I worked on cars (with tools) all day. I came home bone weary, filthy and with a better idea of my business. The guys always work harder with me in the back, that goes without saying. It was snowing, so I knew it would be slow up front. I learned how hard the work is physically, which I learn every time I am out there. I also saw where the holes are and education and training I have to give to who. I decided my two front people should each take a day and work in the shop. They thought it would be a good idea. I also think I will have the shop manager spend a day as an estimator and deal with the customers and phones. The more honest communication I can promote, the better I believe we will run.

Also, I am so sad to report, Mon Cheri, there is great strife between Hugh, my son and I. Family business owners, I know you know what I mean! It is more destructive than the building burning down. It causes me so much pain, I cry at my desk. I would rather have 100 customers cuss me out at once than have one moment of disagreement with my son. This business is for him and nothing sends me to emotional hell faster than just one look of anger from him let alone a shouting match. 2011 will be a make it or break it year. That is all I will ever say about the family drama. It is private and out of respect for Hugh, I will keep it that way.

May 2011 be a blessed year for all, may pain and suffering world wide lessen, may God's will bring all of the human race closer to Him and to each other. Happy New Year!!!

I cannot wait to see what kind of surprises the Body Shop will bring to us this next year. Love, Lynn Moore

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