Sunday, March 10, 2024

Finally, I understand why I’m writing this blog later than the unofficial, typical timeline. You’ll be guessing right: I forgot to change my clocks. Not really, because only two don’t change themselves, and so I think little about time changes. Today, however, I emerged from beneath my comfy comforter wondering why it was so late. I wandered through the house, befuddled by the too-bright early daylight. Finally, cranking up my computer reminded me of DST.

That means I’ll be late for work unless I start moving quickly. I’ll pause to share a bit of fun. On Friday, the department store where I work hosted its annual employee recognition event. I couldn’t attend because I had to stay home with a crew fixing a serious furnace issue.

Throughout last week, the department store’s employees cast private votes identifying employees they considered the best in various categories. Yesterday, I showed up to work and learned I’d been very narrowly beaten for “best dressed” by a long-time employee who’s won year after year. To be fair, she always dresses fashionably and she deserved to win. Everyone, including her, enjoyed that she had serious competition for the first time.

I especially feel this way because working in retail clothing has returned me to fashion. That’s what I hoped for after years of riding horseback and wearing rags. Last summer, I attended an event where I didn’t have the “right clothing.” I was unsure about how to improve my wardrobe, felt out of touch, and didn’t know what looks are in fashion or where to find help.

I decided to search for work in retail clothing, to learn. It happened I chose the right place. The company’s motto, Own Your Style, inspires and invigorates me. I examined women’s clothing racks, decided what I liked, and before long, bought pieces of clothing. In that workplace, I started practicing wearing them.

It’s important to feel comfortable in one’s clothing, and practicing has helped me get used to being in my choices. I’m not trying to be a fashion plate; I simply wish to learn how to mix and match contemporary pieces. The playing has brought encouraging feedback from coworkers and customers, and to my surprise, earned those fun votes.

I’m glad that my coworker won again; I’m also pleased to be voted a nearly as good dresser at work. The upside of this story is that I have appropriate wearables for most occasions. Unfortunately, it also has a downside; after months of working, I’ve brought home little money.

Dear Friends: I’m still recognizable for continuing to wear beloved rags otherwise. Diana