Some kid was being a douchebag today.  He went behind the cashier's lane where cashiers stand and started messing with the paperwork that was being worked on back there.  I've never seen anyone so stupid.  I couldn't believe someone is so stupid that they would do something like that.  In fucking public too.  If he fucked up anything back there, that's a lot of work some cashier would have to re-do because he wanted to be a stupid little bitch.

Anyway, I walked up to him and said "knock it off."  I said it loud enough for his mom to see what he was doing so she came over and gave him a slap on the wrist.  His dad jumped in and made him go stand somewhere where he wouldn't cause trouble.  I was smug with myself for having caused that, but wasn't happy with the punishment he got.  My wish came true though, the kid didn't really do anything, he was just looking at the lottery slips that you fill the numbers out on.  He put his hands on it, which was enough for his dad to smack him upside his head.  I guess he can't just keep his hands off of shit.

SWEET JUSTICE.

If it was up to me, I'd smack the parents upside the head for raising them to be stupid bitches and not keeping them on a short enough leash.

Chiefs been pushing to get me to work at least 6 days a week at the market.  I guess the supermarket brass is complaining about the sleepyhead that works Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Or maybe not, they made it sound like the guy who worked the permanent assignment there before me slept alot too.  Also had a discussion about my Chief's new contract.  A neighborhood association wants an evening security patrol to help deter petty crime there.  It happens to be my neighborhood.  I won't accept or push for that assignment myself though...if I worked 5 minutes from home and have no boss, I'd be tempted to just stay home and sleep all night.  There were a couple of other assignments offered, but none that sounded like it'd be better off than where I am now.

We got a new "character" at work.  I think he just moved into the area.  He came to the store the last 3 days, never seen him before that.  He's an older black gentlemen that pushes around an oxygen tank in his own shopping cart...tubes running every which way, helps him breathe.  He wears a vintage BDU blouse and keeps it unbuttoned...with nothing else on underneath.  He's been harassing all the customers in the store too, but nothing harmful so I let it slide haha.

This is the same conversation he has with everyone in the store.  I'ma refer to him as Tank cuz of the oxygen tank he hauls around.  Pretty big guy too.

Tank>> Dozo.
Random Chinese people>> *confused look* >>>> *ignores*
Tank>> I know you know what it means...its Japanese.
Random>> We're not Japanese.
Tank>> Oh...you're not Japanese?  Gomenasai.  (Japanese for sorry, but how would Chinese people know?)

And a slightly funnier conversation that starts off the same.

Tank>> Dozo.
Random Chinese guy>> *confused look* >>>> *ignores*
Tank>> I know you know what it means...its Japanese.
Random>> I'm not Japanese.
Tank>> 'Says random Vietnamese stuff I didn't catch'....that's Vietnamese.
Random>> I don't understand that.
Tank>> You must be North Vietnamese then.
Random>> I'm Chinese.
Tank>> You better walk it off then.

And of course he always leaves by saying sayonara to me and anyone else thats near the exit on his way out.  He'll be disappointed the day I'm forced to intervene and let him know that 99% of the store is Chinese and the other 1% is me.  I'm bad at math.

Today was too funny.

Matthew showed me a picture of a guy sleeping sitting up on a bench on his cellphone today right before close.  I saw the uniform, so I asked if he worked for the same company as me.  A few seconds later it became clear...this is the guy who works Tuesdays and Wednesdays when I'm not here.  HE FELL ASLEEP ON THE JOB.  Matthew said he made repeated attempts to wake him up verbally, but it didn't work, so he just took cellphone pictures.  I thought it was funny...its something I would do.  But I guess he's just doing it to file a complaint to the chief.

Then Matthew says "You know the guy who worked before you?  He was better."  Matthew stood up straight and crossed his arms and tilted his head forward.  "He slept standing up."  Matthew's niece chimes in, "He wore sunglasses!"  And Matthew finishes and says "Yea he wore sunglasses to try to hide it."

I wonder if they let those guys get away with it -_-.  I feel like a shitbag when they rag on me for something minor but these guys are sleeping on the job?  Jesus.

Anyway, I thought it was funny at least.

Some guy came into the store today and offered me a job.  He said he used to work with my boss back in the day, now they both run their own security companies.  Of the other three security companies who "offered" me a job, this guy took the most serious steps.  He asked for my phone number and said he'd contact me, the other guys sorta just beat around the bush and didn't make any real offers.  This guy offered me more money than what I'm making now, but didn't say how much.  He also promised better assignments, something less boring (how did he know I was bored?).

Security guards are just manwhores.  Clients contract a company to send a manwhore to their location.  They pay a contract fee, the pimps (security chiefs) take their cut and pay the rest to their manwhores.

Anyway, I don't know what to do, kinda on the fence about it.  On one hand, I want to go where the grass is greener, on the other hand, I don't want to disappoint my current chief...then again, the feeling the need to not disappoint him is the reason why I'm miserable with this current assignment.  I don't want to ask for a different one.  Oh well, we'll see.

Sunday held an unexpected surprise.  Ever since I started taking Tuesdays and Wednesdays off, I didn't see Captain Valenta (who works on Wednesdays) or the HPD officer who works on Tuesdays anymore.  Well Cpt. Valenta took the previous Wednesday shift off, or switched with Jason (Deputy Constable that works Sundays and Thursdays).  So I saw the Captain again on Sunday and we struck a few conversations throughout the day, random bullshit, work, play, famiily, etc.  Matthew came up to me and said "You know hes Shawn's father right?"  I didn't know who Shawn was.  Matthew said "Hes the guy who works on Tuesdays."  Blew my mind.  Theres a few law enforcement officers that I don't know by name still, so I had no clue that they were related.  Cpt. Valenta looks Hispanic but other than that, you can't tell.  He doesn't have an accent, doesn't even understand Spanish.  Shawn looks completely white, so I assume his mother and Captain's wife is caucasian.  But knowing the fact that they are father and son, you can start to see the similarities.  Same voice, facial features, etc.  Matthew said Shawn is the one who coordinates the schedule and stuff for all of the law enforcement guys who work security there when they're off-duty.  Maybe one day if I ever get into law enforcement, I could work an off-day there too.  I wonder how much they get paid >.>  I think the pay has to be good, not sure why they'd pick there over any other moonlight job.

Memorial Day weekend.  I think this is the first, somewhat real holiday I've worked at here.  This store is open 9AM to 10PM every day, without fail.  Even on Memorial Day.  Even on Sundays.  While every other store closed early on Memorial Day, we stayed open until 10 sharp.  The Sunday prior to Memorial Day was busy as hell for any Sunday I'm used to.  And so was Monday.  Jesus.  Doubt I'll be around long enough to see what happens during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

One of the head cashiers took a vacation.  Probably went to China.  Happened to be the cutest cashier too.  Andddd the best cashier too.  The head cashier has a number of responsibilities at closing time that affect the speed in which we can close.  You can tell the difference between the 3 head cashiers.  Sooo this means for as long as shes gone, we're going to be leaving a little bit later every night.  Suck.

I overheard Matthew saying something about taking a vacation too.  I hope I get re-assigned before that happens.  Or I'll just find a job somewhere else.  Don't think I can work with just Simon or even worse, Simon and Bill at the same time.  Racist nitpickers.  Matthew made a comment about how when Simon was on vacation, everyone got out of the store around 10:20PM.  I wonder when he'll be taking a vacation.

Currently we get out no earlier than 10:30PM.  At best, my engine starts at 10:35PM.  We do have some of those rare freak nights where we get out at 10:25PM or so.

Today was mad awkward.  For some reason, Matthew was angry.  I mean really angry.  I've never seen him so furious before.  It frightened even myself.  I couldn't really understand what the arguments were about, but he pretty much was yelling at two cashiers.  One sorta just stormed out and left, but it was her time to come off shift anyway, but she just left without saying anything to anyone which is rare.  The other one was just visually upset the rest of the evening.  And every free moment he could get, he would come back and reprimand her some more.

The tension in the air was...tangible...I mean you could really cut it with a knife.  Its like mommy just got in a fight with daddy...the kids were scared and remained quiet, too afraid to say anything.  Metaphorically speaking.  Freakin awkward as hell.

I tried not to make eye contact with anyone...incase they were looking to me to be some sorta peace keeper.  Its family business, boss gotta lay down some rules, loyal guard dog ain't gonna stick his nose where it don't belong.  Thats pretty much how I felt.

But damn, even Simon or Bill has never been that angry before and I think those two are more stern than Matthew.  It was like 0 to fuckin furious in less than 3 seconds.

Seems the problem was resolved by the end of the night though.  One big happy family again I guess...we'll see.

Simon has the ability to spot out suspicious people in the store.  Its an uncanny ability.  I call it "racism."  Just kidding.  Well its partially true.

I was approached by a Chinese man today who said something to me that I could barely understand.  I knew what he was referring to because he pointed to 3 Hispanic males walking into the store.  They were dressed up like thugs, wearing bandanas and all that stereotypical shit.  So I kept my eyes on them without having to leave my post.  I still remember one of the first days I started working here, I asked if Simon wanted me to follow someone suspicious and he said something along the lines of "no, don't go wandering around in the store for no reason."  So I've pretty much limited wandering into the store to direct orders.

Anyway, Simon spots these guys too and follows them around.  They were indeed acting suspicious.  Typical "lookout" formations.  Two guys at the ends of the aisles standing around looking obvious and a guy in the middle...probably casing the items he may try to steal.  Simon steps in and tries to play it aloof but fails.  He talks like a dumb Chinese guy.  "HOW CAN I HELP YOU?"  They mutter something and he tells them where to find it.  They move to a different part of a store but left after they realized Simon wasn't going to stop following them.  After they left, Simon told me to watch out incase they come back.  "Yes sir."

Byron tried to tell me about the other security guy who works at the store on my days off.  The Spanish hes using is more advanced now so the conversations end up with mostly broken English and hand gestures.  He pointed at me and said "tu security amigo" and makes a smoking motion and says "outside."  I didn't understand at first but eventually I realized he was telling me the other security guard just smokes all the time and doesn't really do his job.  I laughed and said "no mi amigo."  I don't even know the guy, never met him.  I kinda feel bad they have to put up with a piece of shit when I'm not around, but oh well.  I'll be gone sooner or later and they'll have to deal with it.

Today was pretty funny.  We got everything squared away for closing time tonight for a change.  10:15PM, Simon locks himself in the office to do whatever the fuck it is he does before we set the alarm and lock up for the night.  So everyone else hangs out in the store and chats.  I know the HPD officer and Matthew wanted to say it, I could see the look on their faces.

So the last cashier walks away to clock out and the Simon bashing began.  I forgot exactly how it started, but I just jumped in with "We ain't leavin before 10:30PM tonight."  The officer replies, "We never do...even if we have everything done by 10:15PM."  Matthew starts with the whole "Simons got no family to go home to" bit.  Technically I don't have anyone to go home to either unless you count my father and brother.  The three of us hardly ever speak to one another anyway.

Either way, the late night pow-wows are about the only thing I enjoy about working there.  I usually make it through a week or two without having to be reminded of how to do the job I'm supposed to do, but I had to be reminded two times today.  Usually the shit goes overlooked because it isn't a big deal.  But the idiots who are causing the infractions sometimes are the type of idiots who do other things that draw attention themselves, thus drawing the attention of the management (Simon) and then they have to come remind me of what I'm doing wrong (or what I'm not doing).

Some drunk guy walked into the store wearing a backpack.  I usually let backpacks slide because some people in that area do not have cars, and backpacks and bikes are their primary method of transportation of both person and property.  Some even carry their money/personal things in there the way women carry things in purses.  So am I supposed to just deny women the right to carry purses into the store too?  Anyway, the drunk guy made a scene by walking up to me right before leaving and doing macho man poses at me, calling me a tough guy and asking if I was a body guard.  I forced a smile and said "Yes sir!"  He laughed and said "Good man!"  Gave me a slap on the arm and said "I'm just fuckin around, I've been coming here for 15 years, you don't have to worry about me."  Then left.  Right after that I get the ol' "Next time he comes in, tell him he can't bring his backpack in the store."  I watched him come in and pay for a couple of bottles of fruit juice in a matter of 3 minutes.  What's he going to steal in that time?

The other thing was stupid.  I motioned to one of the butchers leaving that doors on the side closer to where hes walking to is still open and got ready to lock it up after he left.  It was at the same time I usually lock it.  Simon assumes I was going to unlock it for him to make it easier for him or something.  So he tells Matthew this and Matthew tells me that I don't have to open the doors for anyone.  I guess it was Matthews way of saying "Don't re-open the doors for anyone" nicely.  Thats usually why I don't mind taking orders from Matthew, if I respect the man I'm taking orders from I will follow the orders precisely and promptly.  And in any event, it was mainly Simon talking.  I guess he doesn't pay as much attention as I thought he did.

Oh, the other thing I hate about enforcing the rules is that the management decides when they will or will not enforce some of those rules they want me to enforce.  Prime example happened today too, almost forgot about it.  There are "Do Not Enter" signs at certain parts of the store that has a coiled cable line to block access.  The employees always ignore the signs and go under the cables anyway.  Especially Simon.  So I interpret this rule my own way, "Everyone except employees cannot enter."  Sometimes people get past the cables before I can get a word in so I don't say anything at all.  So I am told to make sure they know they can't do that.  So today I bark out at some guy telling him not to.  Turns out hes a friend of Simons or something...never seen him before.  Anyway, he ignores me and Simon ignores the fact that hes going in and out of the cables at his pleasure.  This pisses me off in the worst way.  I guess friends of workers can ignore that rule too.  One day though, I'm going to just yell at someone and make a fucking prime example out of them...friend of the store or not.  I'll open the cable and tell them to walk back on my side of it, then close it up and tell them to walk all the way the fuck around.  Loud enough for everyone in the store to hear it.

Maybe I should just act like a psycho at work so people will be afraid to come to me with all kinds of petty shit.

The Spanish conversations at work started to increase in difficulty...to the point where I don't understand a word Byron was saying to me.  He was asking about something, I forgot the word, but he motioned towards the calf muscle.  I guess he was asking if my legs hurt from standing all day.  I laughed and said no...actually my feet sorta go numb from standing in one spot all day, no pain.  He pointed to himself and then his leg and said "poquito."  I think it means "little" so I guess he says he has minor leg pain from having to walk all day.  I'd much rather walk than stand in one place.  I usually find little reasons to move around.  Walk to the window to look outside to "make sure everything is fine out there."  When theres almost no one left in the store at night I usually pace back and forth.

I overheard Matthew's niece brushing up on her Spanish this weekend also.  She kept asking all the Mexican workers how the weather was outside.  Como es el clima fuera or something.  No shit..its fucking hot outside.  The dudes who work out there are sweating and if you look out the window its nothing but BRIGHT ASS SUN.  Maybe I'll throw in a dumb question next time the Mexican dudes talk to me...

Mexican dude>> ¿Como esta?
Me>> Bien, gracias.  ¿Donde esta la biblioteca?
Mexican dude>> ¿¿??

An African-American girl came into the store and asked me about a job application.  I don't know why people assume I have any idea about things like that.  Or maybe she just assumed that I could speak English among everyone in the store...just like every Chinese person who comes in the store assumes I can speak Chinese.  She spoke decent English but I picked up a slight accent, so was probably born in Africa or something.  She left after I failed to summon Matthew, saying she'd come back another time.  I didn't know Matthew left the store and I didn't bother asking why when he got back.  I just mentioned her to him and he said they're in need of cashiers.  I instantly knew they wouldn't consider her when he said cashier because you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that cashiers working in a Chinese supermarket need to speak Chinese.  Sometimes I think everyone working in a Chinese supermarket need to be able to speak it.  They are so dumb.  I try to explain the shit they can and can't do to them sometimes and they just don't fucking understand me, which is another reason I hate this job.  Anyway, I just decided to tell Matthew the fact that she was a "mi dang" as I put it.  He shook his head and I was like "yea, you need Chinese-speaking cashiers."

Usually Matthew would see me trying to communicate with people who don't understand me and he'll have to step in to translate.  It's usually something stupid too like me just trying to tell them to leave their bags with me while they shop, its against store policy to bring in any bags into the store (full or empty).  Sometimes I just let it slide if its an old person.  Chances are they won't try to steal anything and even more chance they wouldn't understand me if I tried to tell them they couldn't bring their bags in.

I can't wait until I become a cop.  I'm going to be such a dick.  If they can't speak English, I'll be able to say what I want to since I'll be my own boss for the most part out on the street.  DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE WORDS THAT ARE COMING OUT OF MY MOUTH?!

The day after I was stopped by the police officer on a horse, the number of mounted police officers went down to just two officers at that fourway.  And today, there was just one police officer sitting in a car.  I wonder if thats their new favorite place to bust people or if its just that time of the year where police officers start "collecting."

So after being stopped, first thing I did the next day was go out and get an inspection on my car.  I always knew my horn didn't work when pressed via steering wheel, but it is operational.  I know this because the horn blips when I arm the anti-theft system.  However, it wasn't enough to pass the safety inspection, I didn't know this guy would fail my inspection on something like that.  The other minor problems that I didn't know about was someone jacked one of the lugnuts from my tire so there are four instead of five, and the light bulb that illuminates the rear license plate is out.

So after this son of a bitch failed me, I had to find a place that would do a ghetto inspection for me.  At least my dad knows a few car guys, wasn't hard to find someone that would do it for me, and my dad told me I should have came to him in the first place...I just didn't think I'd fail over something retarded.  So I had already wasted $40 on a legit inspection and failed.  The ghetto inspection costed me $100 dollars.  So I had to spend $140 that day.  It was worth it though because the mounted officers were there as they were the previous day when I was stopped.

One of the cashiers at work made a donation to the Earthquake relief.  Matthew's niece handed him a folded bill, I didn't catch the amount, and he said something to her and she exclaimed, "I'm a student!"  I guess Matthew said something about keeping the money or not donating as much or to use it on something else and her reply was that shes a student, perhaps meaning she doesn't need the money.  Or maybe she said "I'm stupid!"  I could see how those two phrases could be confused by someone when uttered by someone who doesn't speak English as their native language.  Or maybe I'm going deaf.

I saw a photo on one of the newspapers at work.  It was a man and a woman in tears, over the body of a lifeless child which looked to be half consumed by rubble, and a medic at the family's side.  The child was pale white, there was no mistaking that life had escaped his body.  It was heartbreaking to look at that photo.  I've seen similar photos before, some worse.  But I think this photo moved me because of the way the photographer captured this scene.  Its like one of those pictures that changed the world...like the picture of the man at Tienanmen Square, who stood in the path of tanks or the picture of the South Vietnamese police chief executing a suspected Viet Cong Captain, or the buddhist monk who sets himself on fire in protest.  I consider that monk to be my namesake by the way, although his name is spelled with an accented "A" and our names are pronounced differently.  His name was Thich Quang Duc.  Dude is hardcore...set himself on fire and sat there, didn't make a sound.  After he died, his body was re-cremated but somehow his heart remained intact.  WICKED.