Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Yesterday, I had fun at work in three departments: Intimates, Men’s, and Dresses, each a unique experience.

I often work in Intimates, and yesterday felt delighted when a former co-worker out shopping discovered me. I needed a moment to recognize Rebecca–her face relaxed and happy, unlike her former tension in controlling inventory for the feed store where we worked.

Yesterday, she explained her fun in feeling free nowadays to do whatever she pleases. She’s working in a major supermarket–preparing salads, in a closed environment with 50-degree temperatures. Rebecca bundles mightily against the cold, chops fixings for salads, and wears a headset–listens to music and podcasts. Loves it!

We are kindred spirits: she, chopping salads in a supermarket, and me, clerking in a department store. Comfortable with our educations, experiences, and capabilities, and having the chops to pause and play with various sundry opportunities.

It’s about allowing oneself, at least somewhat, to meander.

Soon, I moved from Intimates to Men’s, a fun department needing lots of work to stay organized and tidy. I’ve not zeroed in on why Men’s feels fun. After working there more, I’ll try to explain.

Then I went on to Dresses. There, high schoolers have been trying on fancy clothing for the school dances being held this week and next. While I was in Dresses, a woman was shopping with two teens who busily were trying on many dresses. Both girls are athletic high school wrestlers who work out constantly. Their fabulous bodies wore the long, sequined gowns with trains, and the short, sparking dresses revealing lots of flesh. Both wore everything fabulously. Their mom and I had a grand time, oohing, awing, and laughing. A treat!

The store is moving me to various departments with unique shopping focuses and personalities. Interacting with shoppers is wonderful, too, for making rediscoveries, creating connections, and enabling getting-to-know.

Dear Friends: I get it, Rebecca, about freedom, fun, and simply enjoying a gig. Diana