Time...you can't multiply it and the older you get...the faster it seems to go. I'm sitting here looking at the calendar and realizing that the year is nearly 50% DONE! Trey and Jennifer have already been married nearly 4 months and it seems like just yesterday I was standing with him and holding the ring. Both Tripp and Makinley are wide open and growing so quickly. Each time I am with them, it seems like something else has changed. Stacey & Joey just celebrated their 6th wedding anniversary.Debbie is over 6 weeks post-op and again, just last night I was asleep on the couch in her hospital room. This weekend I had a friend request come through on Facebook from a guy I worked with in law enforcement. As I read some of his Facebook entries, I realized he had just RETIRED. I have been officially out of law enforcement for 28 years and here are people I worked with hanging up the badge and gun. April 9th was 18 years since I had my open heart surgery...thank you Lord for the gift of life.
Through it all....I know that as I go each day....God goes alongside me. Just as importantly, he continues to bless our family and extended family. To Him, a day is like a thousand years which should really bring to light how short our time here on earth really is. My only regret....I wish I had my mom's personality.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
BLISS!!!
What is bliss in my business! Some might say as long as Mr. Whipple doesn't have anyone squeezing the Charmin or that he has on a clean apron....life in the grocery business is bliss!!
WRONG!
Our business has changed so much in the 30 years I have been in it. I remember the days when we had to change 2000-3000 prices by hand on a Saturday night. I remember the days when we had to take a catalog about 6" thick up and down each aisle and manually enter our case orders. I remember when we made donuts, pizzas, cakes, and pastries from scratch each day.
So what has changed???
Computer programs do much of the technical work, ie: ordering exact quantities of product based on exact sales of same product, scheduling the exact number of manhours by exact task down to the expected second of completion, with one keystroke on a keyboard changing the price of one item or all 44,000 items, etc., etc.. So, what in the world do you need me for?? Bliss in my job is effectively and efficiently leading 144 associates in accomplishing $36 million in annual sales generating over $3 million in annual profits while serving over 30,000 customers a week in a 56,000 sq. foot facility that cost the Company $8 million to construct.
It is so easy a trained monkey could do it!
Yeah...right!
"Hey, please don't squeeze the Charmin."
WRONG!
Our business has changed so much in the 30 years I have been in it. I remember the days when we had to change 2000-3000 prices by hand on a Saturday night. I remember the days when we had to take a catalog about 6" thick up and down each aisle and manually enter our case orders. I remember when we made donuts, pizzas, cakes, and pastries from scratch each day.
So what has changed???
Computer programs do much of the technical work, ie: ordering exact quantities of product based on exact sales of same product, scheduling the exact number of manhours by exact task down to the expected second of completion, with one keystroke on a keyboard changing the price of one item or all 44,000 items, etc., etc.. So, what in the world do you need me for?? Bliss in my job is effectively and efficiently leading 144 associates in accomplishing $36 million in annual sales generating over $3 million in annual profits while serving over 30,000 customers a week in a 56,000 sq. foot facility that cost the Company $8 million to construct.
It is so easy a trained monkey could do it!
Yeah...right!
"Hey, please don't squeeze the Charmin."
Monday, May 11, 2009
When A Day Is Like A Thousand Years!
Last week I had the opportunity to spend three days in Pinehurst with some friends on a golf outing. I have known Mike Dougherty for 10-11 years since he worked in Kroger Manaufacturing. When he and his family lived in the Atlanta area, we played way too much golf together. After leaving Kroger, he was able to relocate back to Lynchburg, VA. where the rest of his family lived including his mom, dad, sister, and brother. Wouldn't you know it...when I was promoted to Zone Manager, we were relocated to Lynchburg, VA. as well and actually moved to the same subdivision that Mike and Colleen lived in. We picked up where we had left off.
In fact, I began to play in a 6AM Saturday golf game with Mike's dad, Joe. Well, a few short months ago, Joe, had a melanoma removed from his head. It was malignant, but further tissue samples at the time revealed it had been contained...or so it was thought. Actually he now has several spots on his lungs and is in the procfess of starting his treatments. Before beginning them, I was invited to join Mike, his brother Jay, and his dad in Pinehurst for a special golf outing. We were also joined by two other friends of the family and we had a great time, but it was somewhat bittersweet for me as things went south and further south on Wednesday.
As we prepared to play one of the holes, I received a cell call from a friend with Kroger. He informed me that one of my best friends within the Company, David Pelfrey, had lost his daughter the night before. I have known David and valued his friendship since we lived in Savannah, GA many, many years ago. I was pleased to find out that when I was promoted to ZM with Kroger, David was one of my Store Managers and a great one at that. Now, he actually is the ZM in the very same zone I managed when we were in Virginia and I am extremely proud of all his accomplishments. My heart breaks for he and his wife, Theresa, and his other daughters.
It wasn't long after that phone call that Debbie called with more tragic news. Trey and Jennifer had visited the doctor to check on the state of their baby only to be informed via ultrasound, the baby had no heartbeat. I was overwhelmed...still am. If ever there were two people more excited about a child it was Jennifer and Trey. They have had such a difficult time going through the whole experience of seeing their baby via ultrasound and having to live through a chemically induced DNC the past few days. We are so heartbroken for them, but know that God's ways are not our ways. His Word tells us in Matthew 5:4, that "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." I am encouraged by Jennifer's thoughts when I read her blog posts at Shenemannews.blogspot.com and Trey's thoughts when I read his blog at the whirlingderbisher.blogspot.com. They both are in pain, but they both also know who brings the relief from that pain. God bless Jennifer, Trey, David, Theresa, Joe, Mike, Jay, and Paddy.
In fact, I began to play in a 6AM Saturday golf game with Mike's dad, Joe. Well, a few short months ago, Joe, had a melanoma removed from his head. It was malignant, but further tissue samples at the time revealed it had been contained...or so it was thought. Actually he now has several spots on his lungs and is in the procfess of starting his treatments. Before beginning them, I was invited to join Mike, his brother Jay, and his dad in Pinehurst for a special golf outing. We were also joined by two other friends of the family and we had a great time, but it was somewhat bittersweet for me as things went south and further south on Wednesday.As we prepared to play one of the holes, I received a cell call from a friend with Kroger. He informed me that one of my best friends within the Company, David Pelfrey, had lost his daughter the night before. I have known David and valued his friendship since we lived in Savannah, GA many, many years ago. I was pleased to find out that when I was promoted to ZM with Kroger, David was one of my Store Managers and a great one at that. Now, he actually is the ZM in the very same zone I managed when we were in Virginia and I am extremely proud of all his accomplishments. My heart breaks for he and his wife, Theresa, and his other daughters.
It wasn't long after that phone call that Debbie called with more tragic news. Trey and Jennifer had visited the doctor to check on the state of their baby only to be informed via ultrasound, the baby had no heartbeat. I was overwhelmed...still am. If ever there were two people more excited about a child it was Jennifer and Trey. They have had such a difficult time going through the whole experience of seeing their baby via ultrasound and having to live through a chemically induced DNC the past few days. We are so heartbroken for them, but know that God's ways are not our ways. His Word tells us in Matthew 5:4, that "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." I am encouraged by Jennifer's thoughts when I read her blog posts at Shenemannews.blogspot.com and Trey's thoughts when I read his blog at the whirlingderbisher.blogspot.com. They both are in pain, but they both also know who brings the relief from that pain. God bless Jennifer, Trey, David, Theresa, Joe, Mike, Jay, and Paddy.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Sisters
I love my sisters!! Each one of them is special to me in different ways. This past week I was able to spend some time with both of them when I went back home to Wilmington to help sort through some of my parents' things. I can't remember the last time it was just the three of us and I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed just having them to myself. To go through the personal things of our parents was difficult for each of us, but we were able to share intimate stories, tears, and laughter as we relived over 50 years of memories. I have missed many family moments over the past 30 years traveling all over four states with Kroger. Now that we are on the backside of our lives...closer to the end than the beginning...I hope in the years we have left we will be able to spend more time together. Susan and Mary Grey.....I love you.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Surgery!!
I'll be taking my girl to the hospital at 6 A.M. tomorrow for surgery at 7:30 A.M.. She's having a "female" type operation to fix several things that have bothered her for a few years and the doctor says "now is the time," so....now is the time.
I can't imagine anyone relishes the thought of going to the hospital and having a operation, but she's handling all pretty well. Much better than I am! I am not one that can handle my loved ones being sick or in pain. I believe all men look at everything like they can "fix" it if it's broken, but this is not something I can fix. I know she will be fine and she is in very capable hands. None of this caught God by surprise. He loves her more than I ever could and it brings much peace to know that he is already present in the operating room.
He doesn't need our help, but I sure would appreciate it if you would talk to him with me and let Him know we're leaning on the great Physician.
I can't imagine anyone relishes the thought of going to the hospital and having a operation, but she's handling all pretty well. Much better than I am! I am not one that can handle my loved ones being sick or in pain. I believe all men look at everything like they can "fix" it if it's broken, but this is not something I can fix. I know she will be fine and she is in very capable hands. None of this caught God by surprise. He loves her more than I ever could and it brings much peace to know that he is already present in the operating room.
He doesn't need our help, but I sure would appreciate it if you would talk to him with me and let Him know we're leaning on the great Physician.
Monday, April 6, 2009
HUMBLED!!
I think that oftentimes, we all go through our own personal "pity" parties. There are various and sundry reasons why, but suffice to say there are those days that each of us have that no one else has, no one else would understand, no one else cares, and no one else can help us with. I have those days and so do you, but.......................
When we put the ruler up to measure our problems, I was reminded today by that still small voice....comparatively speaking....I don't have any problems. I have a wonderful, loving, and healthy family. I have a great, good paying job with a respected company. I have healthcare, stock options, and a pension. I have a nice home and nice furnishings. Basically, I have everything I need and just about every thing I want. So do you!
It's a tough world around us right now and many are suffering. People have lost their jobs and in many cases, have little or no hope of replacing their income. With lost jobs, comes so many other problems...too numerous to mention. Not only that, but there are people that you and I both know that have health issues that we don't have.
God just reminded me that I need to "pay it forward." I am going to look for a way this week to put "feet" on my prayers and find someone that I can help in a tangible way. I don't want anything in return...no thanks, no praise....I just want to be a vehicle that God uses to show someone else how much He loves each of us.
I hope you will do the same!
When we put the ruler up to measure our problems, I was reminded today by that still small voice....comparatively speaking....I don't have any problems. I have a wonderful, loving, and healthy family. I have a great, good paying job with a respected company. I have healthcare, stock options, and a pension. I have a nice home and nice furnishings. Basically, I have everything I need and just about every thing I want. So do you!
It's a tough world around us right now and many are suffering. People have lost their jobs and in many cases, have little or no hope of replacing their income. With lost jobs, comes so many other problems...too numerous to mention. Not only that, but there are people that you and I both know that have health issues that we don't have.
God just reminded me that I need to "pay it forward." I am going to look for a way this week to put "feet" on my prayers and find someone that I can help in a tangible way. I don't want anything in return...no thanks, no praise....I just want to be a vehicle that God uses to show someone else how much He loves each of us.
I hope you will do the same!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Praying For Stellan
Just a short post today to ask you to pray for Baby Stellan, 5 months old yesterday. I don't know Baby Stellan or his parents. Stacey follows his mom's blog and led me to it last week and I have been captivated by his story and a mother's love for her child ever since. You can click on the picture at the right and go to the blog or you can go to mycharmingkids.net to read the full story.
There are literally thousands of people praying for this baby and I hope you will join us to day to ask our Heavenly Father for His healing touch be bestowed upon this baby boy. Most of us have not ever had to experience this type of anguish, but our Lord can meet any need and I just pray that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
There are literally thousands of people praying for this baby and I hope you will join us to day to ask our Heavenly Father for His healing touch be bestowed upon this baby boy. Most of us have not ever had to experience this type of anguish, but our Lord can meet any need and I just pray that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
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