These pics were taken on Aug. 27th...the day before opening. Notice all the stuff on the floor in the kitchen--I was pretty surprised when it all came together at the last minute. On the night before opening we have a private party. Those invited: new hires and their families, other store associates and managers from the area and their families, people from the shopping center we're in. There was a pretty good turn out. The all-stars (those who come from surrounding areas to help open the store) run the kitchen and everyone eats for free. It's kindof like a dry run to make sure all the equipment is working. It's a great time to visit and get to know the families of my new hires.
My friend Cathy and I

This is "mini-me"...Alicia, my assistant manager

Our little INO family

My beautiful store, 221
This is my shift team (l to r):

Alicia-2nd manager

Tommy-4th manager

Joe-3rd manager

These last few weeks have been pretty trying. It's hard not to see my little girl--I miss her lots. My crew is doing great and I've already given out about 14 raises. The kids were pretty excited.

Ok, enough about the store... my dad just told me that he and his girlfriend broke up tonight. :( His heart hurts, but he's a strong guy--he'll move on. His words, "There's other fish in the sea." Everything happens for a reason and I think part of this happening was to get him back to Arizona where he's closer to family.

Well, it's late and I've got to hit the hay.