The Yellow Shirt...............

I work, as you may know, at Jim Marsh Kia in Las Vegas (plug plug). We have a variety of polo shirts that we wear, including White, Red and YELLOW.  We are only required to wear the YELLOW shirt on Saturdays.  Now, when I say yellow, I am not referring to a light canary, or even a mustard, or traffic light speed up to get through the intersection yellow. I am talking full blown, neon, glow in the darkness of space, stop traffic, blinding highlighter YELLOW. Even Yellower than that!

When there are fifteen of us gathered for our saturday sales meeting, we brighten up the room, and believe me, it's not because of our sparkling personalities. It is, the YELLOW shirts. 

When we got the yellow shirts, there was much grumbling. jokes about removing stains with a highlighter, radioactive references, and of course, the whole, 'We look like security guards'  narrative. 

(If you have ever been to Vegas, you know that all the security officers in the casino hotels wear bright yellow shirts. .... but, I dare say, not THIS YELLOW).  That being said, I really kinda like the shirts. We were all required to purchase 1 of the shirts. I purchased 3, because I like YELLOW.  I would wear the shirt every day, and actually wear it a couple times a week, prepared for the yellow shaming from my friends,  all in fun. I have even seen a few of them wearing the shirt when not required. ?  It works with my skin tone. 

Every so often on a Saturday, a customer will be on the lot, and out of professional courtesy, I will ask them if they have been helped.  "Oh, yes", they will say.  "The guy in the YELLOW shirt is finding a car for us".... Much like the man in the bowler hat in The Thomas Crown Affair.  Yes, very helpful.

Soooooo, yesterday, being a Saturday, YELLOW shirt day, my day ended by me having to pick a customer up at McCarren airport.  He was flying in to drive his new Kia from Jim Marsh Kia (plug plug) back to L.A.  So, being the extreme customer service kinda guy that I am, I drove the 40 minutes to the airport, dealing with flight delays and the whole bit (his flight was delayed over an hour) and waited patiently for him in the baggage claim area to arrive.  I did inform him that I would be in the brightest YELLOW shirt I believe he has ever seen, or indeed will ever see again. 

The flight board informed me that I had about a 25 minute wait until his flight arrived. So, there I stood, playing words with friends, and candy crush peacefully minding my own business when out of the blue, it began.

A weary disheveled traveler walked up and asked me where to go for lost luggage.  I informed him that I do not work there, and I am sorry, I have no clue.  He then read my shirt: the bold red letters above the left pocket saying Jim Marsh Kia (plug, plug), shook his head and walked away.  Within  30 seconds, a  young couple in party mode (there was no doubt), walked up to me with alcohol induced increased speaking volume, demanded I take them to the shuttle for the Flamingo hotel and casino.  I smiled and said, I don't work here.  They, in no uncertain terms, informed me that I should not be wearing a F****** YELLOW shirt.  They then proceeded to stumble up to a Limo driver, also waiting for his customer and yelled at him, for probably wearing a funny limo guy hat.  I just shook my head, made a remark to him about tourists, and continued my vigil. 

Within another minute, a somewhat looking confused gentleman with his cap on sideways and 46 pounds of gold chains proceeded to ask me, quite forcefully to show him where the international terminal was.  I told him, I wished I could help, but I don't work here.  He paused a moment, and said, "Hey, I was just askin'...do you know where it is?" I told him no, and he walk off in a huff. 

Now, I have been at the baggage claim all of about 7 minutes and have guided people to the rest room, shuttle busses, and baggage carousel 12.  Hmmm, maybe it is time to hide. So, I took a post behind the ATM in the corner.  Alas, the radiance of the YELLOW shirt is not easily dimmed.  More people, more directions, more "Sorry, I don't work here."  

I looked up. Another man headed toward me. My initial thought was to kick him square in the...."Hey, Ron....we made it...."  It was my customer. I hurried him and his girlfriend out of the baggage claim into the safety of my car, and drove to where the paperwork was signed. Delivered the car and put a cap on the night.  

On the way home, I stopped at the Casino to pop in to see who won the fight. As I peered at the board, happy in knowing I had accomplished my mission with my customer, Someone tapped me on the shoulder.  I turned around to face a nice older gentleman. "Excuse me," he said, "Do you work here?" 

I thought I would share Nikki's Blog this week. It's GREAT

http://dflenergyhealer.blogspot.com/2017/07/searching-for-spirit-addiction-energy.html?spref=fb

Please read and share

July 4th

Happy Birthday America.  I write this on July 5th, because I was really busy being a proud American last night.  I live in Las Vegas, so, it's all about finding a good vantage point where one can see the whole strip from a distance.  Then, let the fireworks begin.  The rocket's Red Glare....The Bombs Bursting in Air...

It is a bit concerning that a lot of people think of the 4th of July as a celebration of some kind of Fascist rule of America. I have seen a lot of reports about this.  Yet others think of it as no more than an excuse to get ripped and blow shit up.  It has gotten to the point where people are afraid to fly an American Flag in their yard. To many, showing patriotism seems to be un-American in some way.  In short, there are a lot of backward thinkers in this world.  People who jump at the chance to poop on our party. They don't like Christmas, or July 4th, or any holiday that celebrates greatness and goodness.  They seem to come out every time there is a Holiday. Oh well, to them I say, have a nice day.

No one has the power to ruin my good time. I am a proud American. I practice a Live and let Live attitude, as long as these people don't try to ram their beliefs down my throat. I am all about listening to all points of view. But, if I happen to disagree with a point of view, don't get in my face over it and tell me I am wrong. 

I was talking to someone the other day, and the topic came around to Johnny Cash. I told him that I do a Cash tribute show. We got to talking about John being a great american hero. A patriot. A man of the people. He said..."There aren't enough Johnny Cashs' in the world"..... Enough said. 

Have a great day!

My Kia Blog about your car and the heat.

I thought I would share my Kia Blog from today across the board. This is good advise for any car owner.

http://cashatkia.blogspot.com/

Have a great Day

Post Father's Day Thoughts

I thought I would save my Father's Day blog until after Father's day, as a reflective blog rather than a 'I look forward to...' thing. 

I spent the day with my wife and 22 year old son. He got me a beautiful watch and we all had a great time on Mt. Charleston (Just outside of Las Vegas).  Picnics in the woods are always great. Especially when it is 114 degrees in town. A nice 78 degrees on the mountain.  A lot of people do not realize that there is a whole world of stuff to do away from the strip in Vegas. But's that's another blog.

It was also somewhat of a sad day. It was the 12th anniversary of the passing of my 1st son. He was 17 and died in a car accident June 18th, 2005. So when father's day falls on the day of his death, it's tough. But, I was surrounded by love and caring throughout the day. So all was better with the day. 

I also am lucky enough to have 2 Dads.  My DAD in Texas and my Step Dad in California.  Both amazing men who I love dearly.  Father's day is always great in that concern.  Bravo to them for raising me right. 

There are a lot of scenarios around Father's day. Many don't have a Dad to wish Happy Father's day. Some are estranged from their Father.  Some have a Dad that has passed on.  I hope everyone took a moment to just thank the person who was or is your father. Even if it's was just to silently give thanks.  

May you always find peace and happiness in your life.  

Have a great day

In a world of Tech....

We forget that a lot of what we do is reliant on user names and passwords. 

My parents are both getting up in years, and as a result, there are medical issues that happen.  Life can change over night, and fortunately nothing has happened yet that warrant any "drastic action" on my part.  But, as parents get older, it is important that someone in the family, be it a child or sibling or even a close trusted friend have all the information needed to make a transition as smooth as possible.  

Many people will leave it to the attorney to handle the estate, but inevitably the issue of user name and/or password will pop up somewhere. Bank accounts, insurance, even utilities. You, as the relative or friend, need to sit down with your parent / senior friend and get a list of all accounts that have user names and passwords. Names of lawyers, auto mechanics, Doctors, insurance agents.... anything you can think of that may pop up.  If they change the password on an account, it should be updated on the list.  Ideally, if the parent or friend is not comfortable giving this information to you, they need to have it where you can get to it in case of death, coma, or any other reason that they can no longer take care of their affairs.  This makes it easier to wrap up loose ends. 

I know this sounds like common sense, but there are many many families out there that do not plan for the future. We don't like to talk about death, but it is waiting for all of us.  Make it easier on your loved ones to cope in what will already be a mega stressful time.  If you have older parents or siblings, make sure you have the information you need to get through the situation. Have a family meeting, talk about it and I promise you will all rest better for it. 

Have a great day!

Happy Mother's Day

I called my Mom this morning to wish her Happy Mother's day.  We talk every other day or so anyway, so there was not a whole lot to "catch up on".  She said something though that struck me.  We live a couple of states away, so we don't see each other on Mother's Day, and she said it was sad because of that fact.  I told her at that point, that we really should not have a day every year that forces us to remind ourselves that Moms are great. We would not BE HERE without her!  Every time you see your mom or talk to her should be Mother's day. Just like every day that you live to see another sunrise with your spouse should be Valentine's day.  And Christmas...you get the point.

Anyway, I will keep this short since you have to call Mom today.  For those departed Moms, there will always be time to say a little prayer...Happy Mothers Day to all the Moms everywhere!!

Have a Great Day!