"Overdone and Undercooked" Newspaper Columns©

”It’s great, Jillie, that you have had experience calling Nationwide.  You were exactly what I was looking for,” he said, as he lifted his water glass for a toast!  Short with a buzz cut and a grin that he couldn’t wipe off.  He himself had only been with the company a year.  But, he was funny and friendly.

He feels like a friend and is genuinely a great guy.  I could not have had a better Boss.  My first 40-hour week we spent visiting local businesses about joining our firm and describing our product, and even made a couple of sales.  And of course , we enjoyed big lunches on the company.

I would get a paycheck of $1,065 every two weeks.  Twice a month!!  And then I also would get a commission if I made a Sale.  This was enough money to start paying $100.00 a month to the Attorney Bill.  Enough money to buy gas and food and get off of Social Services!

One month later….I made it!  I have made it and am still there after one month.  In fact, yesterday, Tommy said, ”They were working on my compensation plan.  And today the Vice President of the company wants me to call Luxury Resorts and set up a meeting for him to start me on small Hotels.

I could do that standing on my head!

I had a social life!

Seven month into this recession unable to find a full-time job until NOW!  The last week of March.  I listened, smiling as a Head Hunter briefed me on an interview with a real company.  A real job.  And best of all.  REAL MONEY.  ”Could I come in tomorrow for an interview.” she said.

Today, I left the 4th! interview with the company.  They were going to do a drug test and a criminal background check.  But, I was more worried they would check my credit which was now in the 300’s.

One good-paying job.  Just one that I don’t lose days later.

Please Help Me!  The Mortgage wants to foreclose by April 12.

They took three weeks to get back to me: with an Offer Letter, Employee login, health benefits, and employee handbook!

On my first day on the job, my new boss Tommy, the Marketing Manager, took me out to lunch!

 

I still have cars parked in my field.  And have found a Rental Agreement with a fellow who wants the inside of the Barn for his job of Bicycle repair.

At the time of move-in both parties agree, there will be a returnable damage deposit of $250.00.  With a 30 day notice of vacating the premises.

He comes  for 1/2 day and pays me $400 a month to use the Barn.   Month to  Month due each month on the 6th day.

We have a Renter and Landlord understanding.  Acknowledges and agrees the undersigned agreement and does here by release from all liability and hold harmless me the Landlord.  Both parties agree.

He has several little dogs that I have allready fallen in love with.  We both come and go.  And many days we don’t even see each other.  But I have enjoyed seeing him bicycle up and down to the Barn and his dogs running after him.

When we do see each other he talks about his new baby and his wife.  And  he asked, if he could paint the inside of the Barn.  And I said, ”Yes, and hope he stays a long time.”

 

One of my favorite Banquet serving, was the opportunty for the first time, to be at the tallest building in Down Town, called Skyline 600-foot Tower.  That was shaped like a circle.

Around 60 people will be with a Famous Chef. That was to prepare Hors d’oeuvre food as a classic 90’s nostalgia.  There would be a new dish around every corner.  The Chef was to come early to plate a series of different foods all around the circle.

As the building is round you would walk the length of the Tower, and enjoy all the different dishes, the Chef had prepared. And enjoy a beverage.  Our job was just to refill Coca-Cola fruit flavored drinks.  No alcohol.

The Microsoft Van dropped me off and I went straight up to the top of the tower.  Four of us were to wear our bartending clothes. And we were to keep our street clothes and purse in a locker back at the Van.  I got in the building and the other 3 never showed up??? We always left all our things in a Microsoft locker.  And I had no way of asking where the other three were.

Hours went fast and it was time every one left. I was all by myself.  I ate as much Chef food as I wanted and waited for the clean up shift to arrive.  The worst part was that I did not even have a sack or a purse to put some of the fancy delicious food.  And I could only eat so much.

I was by myself all night.  Finally the crew that cleans came.  I finally got to go in the Van and get my belongings.  I have always been able to work quickly and a night like this waiting and waiting and just seeing  all the beautiful food and not able to even put any into a GO TO BAG.

 

Total Success: Wolfgang Puck a Famous restaurateur, Convention Center parties where we wore, Waiter Jackets and Black pants .  I had been to Dog Shows, Bar Mitzah, a Microsoft Barter.

I had the discretion and the right to ask for ID, and should it become necessary, cut off.  At no time were we permitted to walk away from the product.

We were to take care of restroom need.  You must serve the Guest the alcohol.  No self-service.  You must uncap\open all product that is handed to a Guest.

All events had Call time.  It is the mandatory scheduled time for uniform crew to arrive and be ready to work,  at the location, and needed for the serving shift.  We would get in the Vans and be driven by the staff.  And dropped off at the site.

I loved all the new places and enjoyed very much each one.  And they always fed us well.

I think constantly of my failures. But holy moly I also think of my successes.  I still have my house.  And it is going to give me eactly what i needed. Time, money and a new life.  I am a business woman who has handled leasing out her Barn,  Cars parked in my field. Dealing with Police, Judges, Attorneys and Bosses.

However, a Major Unexpected Event came as a BIG Shock!!

Thank you so much for taking the time to understand my situation.

I have attached in this Fax:  Deed of Trust from the Divorce Attorney (5 pages);  One page of correspondence.  On the amount due to the Attorney.

Also, a letter from Aurora Bank in regard to my Ex-Husbands’s Bankruptcy affecting my Mortgage.

As the House was Quit Claim Deeded to me as Alimony.

Yet, his name still appears on the Mortgage.  And they will no longer help me with a Loan Modification.  Unless a letter from his Bankruptcy Attorney, is faxed to Aurora Bank, as soon as possible.

Please note:  That what Aurora Bank wants is for his Attorney to send them a Fax. With the following statement:  To allow Aurora Bank permission to pursue with loan modification review.

His Attorney is Mr. Mettiner.  The Fax number for Aurora Bank is 134-973-9050.

Thank you and please let me know you received this Fax.

Genuinely,

Jillie Abbott

Case# 11-2-06527-6EEA

 

I went up to his window that he rolled down.  ”Oh, I am so glad to see you.  I am lost.”  ”Listen, lady.  I already turned off the meter.”  ”Okay, Okay, but I need to go across the Bridge to the Eastside.”  ”No.  I never go across the Bridge.  Stay right here.  Another Cabbie will be coming by.”  ”But…”  ”Sorry, I am tired.  I have been behind the wheel since 3p.m. and it is almost 3 A.M.”

I just stood there unsure of what to do.  With everything taken into account, mostly because I was shocked that it was almost 3 A.M.  And he did look tired, heavy, and uncomfortable.  ”Just stay here.  Another Taxicab will be coming.”  And he rolled the window up and zoomed off.

Before I could sit back on the fire hydrant.  Another Cabbie was coming!  I stood in the street waving and jumping up and down.  When he stopped.  I started crying and I said in one long breath:  ”I have cash at home (and I did) I had a $50.00 bill given to me by one of my Parking Cars people.

Tears came down my face, trying to explain, that I had lost my truck, and I was lost  and, if you take me home I will pay you double. ”Get in.  Get in.”  He had an accent and said,  ”He was from Japan and now mostly retired.  I got in the back seat.  And he handed me a box of Kleenex.  So busy blowing my nose and trying to calm down.  He was nice enough not to ask me questions.

As he talked.  I could hear the smile in his voice when he said, ”That he worked part-time as a Taxicab driver and enjoyed all the interesting people he met.  I hesitated for a second and his kindness made it easy to tell him my problems.  He was so kind that I told him all about my horrible night that turned into a nightmare with tears still falling.

I let out a big breath as I ran up the stairs and into the house.  When I came back, I handed him the $50.00.  He fidgeted with pocket change.  ”No, No,  Sir, please.  I really appreciate your service.  You helped me.  And your kindness took away such a crummy night.  ”Thank you.”

He thanked me and said, ”That I was a people person.  And if we had more time together we would become friends.  You take care.”  He nodded, stepped on the gas and drove away.

A night and Banquet Event…….I will never ever forget!!!

In the space of a few minutes, my entire world has turned upside down again.  Edgy and confused and double Mad at myself.  A couple with backpacks and garbage bags yelled at me.  ”Hey, Chef come over here and cook for us.”I grabbed my hat off my head.  So, paranoid I forgot, I was even in Chef clothes.

For the first time, there is a Yellow Cabby across the street!  I go running over to it.  The Taxicab driver had rolled down the window and said, ”Are you the one wanting a Cab for the Airport?” ”No, I ……..” and he drove off!  Ready to burst into tears.  I was beyond expiration.  Back to walking silently. I inwardly, thinking evil thoughts.

No idea where I was.  No landmarks. Nothing.  Washed with tension.  I could feel the tears starting to come.

There was a fire hydrant.  Tired. I went over and sat on it.  Angrier then tired of being in this situation. And cursing, Nick, with a flick of his finger he threw away his Family and Home like a Cigarette Butt out the window.

Most of all. I wish for my old life back.  Then Chad flew into my mind.  I wish now that I had gone with him…..so paranoid about my age.  I looked up and saw another Taxi Cab!   Running to the middle of the street.  I waved at him. ”Stop.”

Just hours ago, in such a hurry to get to the Banquet event, before 6 p.m.  I threw my purse on the truck floor.  I covered it with my coat, and grabbed the car keys, which I could still feel the jingle in my Chef’s pants.  And NOW again in a hurry so Chad won’t see me leave.  I rush into the elevator and look for the last button, assuming that would take me back to the streets.  Instead, it was a parking lot.  What the hell?  There was parking!!

Where is the exit in this Damn Parking lot??  My parking lot closes at 1 am.  I am in a rush to get to the truck before they lock the gate.  Walking out of the garage, I jumped onto the sidewalk. Blinded that it was sooo dark outside.

So mad at myself.  I could not remember the last time I was in Downtown. And now this late with few people?  Out of all my Banquet Events none had been downtown.  This had been the first one. SHIT. But surely it was this direction. Right? To get to my truck??

I walked about a block and already knew I was desperately lost.  Crossing the street, a man was lying in the gutter.  I stopped.  Thinking I should help him.  He rolled over and said, ”WATCHA WATCHING BITCH.  YOU LOOKING AT ME.”

Hours ago, kissing Chad and now seeing drug/alcohol use up close?  He swang his bottle at me.  I hurried down the sidewalk.  I knew it was way past 1 am, and even if I found the truck, the gate would be closed.

”We are all going out for drinks afterward.  Come with us, Jill.” Chad came on behind me. Chad, already done traying, and helping me with mine.

”Chad, I can’t.  I have to get my truck out of the garage before 1 AM.  It is already 12:30 AM.”

”I’ll come with you,” Chad said.  ”And we can park at the party.”

I knew the game…. It would be who pays the rounds for everyone.  How do you tell someone, you don’t have a Credit Card, or two cents in your apron pocket?

”Come, come , come, with us,” Chad pleaded.  His hand came up to my face.  He gently pushed a wisp of my hair back inside my skull cape.

I know he would probalbly throw up! Knowing he was making out with a 57-Year-Old Woman! Who, by the way, was extremely shocked!! That men thought I was so much younger?

Chad was the best kisser.  His eyes told me what he wanted, and so did I. It had been soooooo long since a man had touched me.

Because, I don’t have two cents in my pocket.  And, I hadn’t made out at a party since High School!!  Which, I was pretty sure, what we would end up doing, and really, really, wanted too.

”Stay.” “Right.”  “Here.”  Chad said.  ”Lou is having a fit.”  “He has to tell me something.”

When Chad walked away.  I knew I had no choice.  But to go to my truck….Alone.