A Crazy 24

Okay- The last 24 hours have been total pandemonium. A lot of unexpected things popped up here and there.


It started with my last shift last night at the store where I have been a clerk for all 4 years of high school, and the past 4 summers. I will not return there again next summer.


Anyway, I went out with a bang, I guess. When it came close to closing time, a group of teenagers came in. They were messing around in the aisles, throwing their backward caps down on the ground, and then I heard a guy say to one of the girls, "Let's go look at mine in the bathroom." And they went in together. The rest went to the back aisles. I watched them on our surveillance cameras, and they were taking bottles of oil and vehicle fluids and smelling them. I went back by them, crossed my arms (Because I'm very intimidating, haha), and one said, "Can we help you?" I gave them a "Really?!" look, and then the two came out of the bathroom. I said "Just keeping my eye on things" Immediately they pulled their pockets out and said "WE DIDN'T STEAL NOTHIN'!" I said "I didn't accuse you of anything. But I saw what you did on the camera." And they said "What? Sniffed the caps?" I said "Yeah, and the two went in the bathroom together- not okay." They said "Since when is that a crime?" and I said "Are you going to buy anything?" and they said "I don't even know why we came here. This place sucks, etc." And then I responded, "Well then, you're out of here." and I pointed my hand at the door and they stomped out, cussing. 


I was kind of proud of myself because it's really hard for me to be stern and set my foot down. But then I felt bad. I talked to the manager, and they have caused problems there before, and she said it was totally fine. But I still felt bad about kicking them out.


Anyway, I woke up today, and baked a cake for tonight. It was a double chocolate cake with whipped chocolate icing. Well, see for yourself:

I went to the bank to cash in my tip money and get some other things straightened out. I was there a while, because all the dollar bills and change had to be sorted and recounted, and by the end of the time I was there, I had the bank tellers whooping with laughter, so much, in fact, that the ladies back in the offices came out to find out what was so funny.

I came home, and started to sort through some things on my couch, when an orange cat came waltzing by. I said "Who are you and why are you in my house?!" I got up to go after him, and he tore up the stairs. I followed, and then I heard pandemonium, two cats screaming and going at it- upstairs! To my surprise, 3 stray cats that hang around our yard were ALL in our house, and all in my parent's bedroom. I chased 2 out, and then I picked up the other and got attacked. I have marks on both arms where he sunk his teeth in, and my hands are full of scratches. I was bleeding pretty bad for quite a while. I washed it thoroughly with hydrogen peroxide and Neosporn, so I hope I don't get infections.

How did they get in, you ask? Well, my sister left in such a hurry that she didn't bother to shut the front door. I later realized that one of our indoor cats left the house, and after 2 hours, I finally found him sleeping under a bush.

I came back and browsed online. I think I'm going to get an iPad2. Not sure yet- that's quite a financial commitment!

I went into work and we had a large crowd of ladies for ladies night tonight. After working 4 summers at this job, tonight was my last ever as well. So we had a birthday/Dylan celebrating his exit celebration. I visited with all of the tables briefly in between servings, and then after our meal, I served them birthday cake and ice cream. They all sang Happy Birthday to me, and then we did shots, and had a few other drinks. It was a lot of fun.

And as everyone was leaving, I got big hugs and well wishes from my regular customers and I felt loved. One woman said, "Dylan, I still pray for you every day. I know this year won't be easy on you, but I know you will be strong and overcome whatever comes your way."

When I came home, I greeted my sister, whom I have not seen in four months! She is back from her internship. It is good to see her, and I am chatting it up with her as I type this. 

However, my other sister was very upset because one of her friends has died from Leukemia. I noticed she posted her this on Facebook:

K, stay strong you can do it, you can fight this we're all here praying for you don't give up. You're a gorgeous girl and I know you'll get through this just don't give up hope. You're in my prayers and thoughts ♥

You know, minus the beautiful girl part, that reminded me of all of the Facebook posts I got when I was very, very ill. A lot of them were so encouraging and almost exactly like this post. 

My message to you is, don't ever underestimate the power your words can have to someone who is struggling. As someone who's been there, knowing people were praying for me and thinking about me, (for instance, the woman tonight) brings so much hope, encouragement, and often it was the extra "push" that I needed to fight through the battle.

Never give up encouraging one another.

Overall, a pretty good last 24 hours.