Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Things are not always what they seem
I was leaving work and saw a man, very disoriented, standing beside a young woman trying to help him. She looked very concerned. I walked up to them to see if I could help. The man had lost his wife. He was looking for her and wandering in and out of traffic through the bustling parking lot. Afraid he would get hurt we moved him under the awning in front. He seemed very agitated and told us that his wife told him to meet her by the recycled bag drop off. He was rambling and not making a ton of sense and the lady and I assumed that this older gentleman might be having some sort of aged episode. We helped him look for her and even went back in to the store to make an announcement. We feared not only for his safety but for hers as well. We searched the store. I checked the bathrooms and still no luck. We started to think that something in his story may have been confused. He grew angry with us when we began to ask questions like "are you sure your wife came with you today?" We went back with him to his car to check thinking perhaps she was waiting there for him. We asked if he wanted us to call his house to check and make sure that she had not gotten home somehow or call another family member for help. 30min go by and after we make an announcement in the store again we decide the next step is to call the police. This whole time the man keeps yelling at us saying he's not crazy, but honestly at this point we are suspicious of his behavior. He kept trying to walk back into on coming traffic and almost got hit in front of us a few times as we were trying to convince him to stand with us. He says " she does this to me all time." Finally one more sweep through the store by the lady helping us and she comes back out as I was standing with him to quietly tell me, ", there's only one older lady I see but she's very well quaffed and does not look like the kind of lady that would belong to this man I think we need to call the police now". Sure enough three seconds later both our jaws drop as this very elegant lady comes out to meet her disheveled , hygienically challenged husband. Boy we felt guilty and foolish. All this time we were treating this man as if he were completely senile and in the end we were the ones who were left standing confused.
The Belgian Way
Life on a grand scale. The love of my life is also my best friend. With a lot of clever planning and hard work we have made it a priority in life to travel the world. We are slowly knocking countries off our "to do" list. As travelers you learn so much about yourself and the world. Seeing how others do things and learning about different cultures is like having a magic spy glass with you. Once you have stepped foot on another soil your perspective on everything changes. Your life will never be the same and with every new experience it is enriched.
One of our favorite places in the whole world is Belgium. This unique and wonderful country is full of all things eclectic. A wide variety of foods, languages, people and ideas. It is the country where cultures of the world collide with enthusiasm and spirit. It is a remarkable place and just so happens to also be home of our parent company. Yes our hometown stores are connected on a grander worldly scale. Who would have thought? After falling in love with this beautifully historic country we wanted to be a part of it. It's socially aware European flare was addictive. We just couldn't let it go. So when we came home from our wonderful journey I tried to transfer. I talked and talked, made connections and sent e-mails trying to make things happen. Roadblock after roadblock I finally became too frustrated to pursue it. No one with any power seemed to share my enthusiasm. Basically everyone thought I was crazy to take such a leap and no one tried very hard to make my dreams come true. Much of the time my attempts were met with only sarcasm. I let it go .
Funny thing is that we went back. As a launching point for an even grander journey we went to Brussels, Belgium. We have friends that live there and had a blast sharing adventures, beers and stories with them. We made a new friend. He is a native of Belgium and took it upon himself to represent his county with pride, showing us Americans how to do everything "the Belgian way". What a great ambassador he was as we left cherishing every memory making moment we shared. One night while we were out in Brussels he learned of the "American way" we treat our employees of the same company. At first he thought I was so lucky when I told him where I worked. He was shocked describing to us how different things were for the Belgian employees. Apparently my company is one people aspire to work for. They are well known there to have outstanding pay, fair rights and perks desired by many. How could this be? How can there be such a drastic difference of philosophy in a company split between the large pond? I couldn't help but laugh at all the differences he described. We made a point of stopping in one of these stores just to see for ourselves and so I could come back and tell everyone at work about it.
As we headed to the airport on a Dutch bus eager for the next part of our grand adventure we drove right past the corporate headquarters. We looked at each other and laughed. For a split second I pictured myself leaping off the bus and rushing into the building with gusto telling everything to any one that would listen. I thought about explaining to them my situation and begging for a job on the spot. I wondered about how my life would have been if one single person had been on my side. If the one right person with enough influence had taken on my cause and made it possible for me to pursue a better life for my family. I could be eating a fresh baguette with French butter as my kids play in the park. I could be exploring Waterloo after work and quenching my thirst with a Trappist beer. I could be laughing with friends on the train to Ghent for a canal ride and a visit to my favorite tea shop in Bruges with my family. If only I were on the right side of the pond and the correct company building. I would be living my whole entire life the Belgian way.
One of our favorite places in the whole world is Belgium. This unique and wonderful country is full of all things eclectic. A wide variety of foods, languages, people and ideas. It is the country where cultures of the world collide with enthusiasm and spirit. It is a remarkable place and just so happens to also be home of our parent company. Yes our hometown stores are connected on a grander worldly scale. Who would have thought? After falling in love with this beautifully historic country we wanted to be a part of it. It's socially aware European flare was addictive. We just couldn't let it go. So when we came home from our wonderful journey I tried to transfer. I talked and talked, made connections and sent e-mails trying to make things happen. Roadblock after roadblock I finally became too frustrated to pursue it. No one with any power seemed to share my enthusiasm. Basically everyone thought I was crazy to take such a leap and no one tried very hard to make my dreams come true. Much of the time my attempts were met with only sarcasm. I let it go .
Funny thing is that we went back. As a launching point for an even grander journey we went to Brussels, Belgium. We have friends that live there and had a blast sharing adventures, beers and stories with them. We made a new friend. He is a native of Belgium and took it upon himself to represent his county with pride, showing us Americans how to do everything "the Belgian way". What a great ambassador he was as we left cherishing every memory making moment we shared. One night while we were out in Brussels he learned of the "American way" we treat our employees of the same company. At first he thought I was so lucky when I told him where I worked. He was shocked describing to us how different things were for the Belgian employees. Apparently my company is one people aspire to work for. They are well known there to have outstanding pay, fair rights and perks desired by many. How could this be? How can there be such a drastic difference of philosophy in a company split between the large pond? I couldn't help but laugh at all the differences he described. We made a point of stopping in one of these stores just to see for ourselves and so I could come back and tell everyone at work about it.
As we headed to the airport on a Dutch bus eager for the next part of our grand adventure we drove right past the corporate headquarters. We looked at each other and laughed. For a split second I pictured myself leaping off the bus and rushing into the building with gusto telling everything to any one that would listen. I thought about explaining to them my situation and begging for a job on the spot. I wondered about how my life would have been if one single person had been on my side. If the one right person with enough influence had taken on my cause and made it possible for me to pursue a better life for my family. I could be eating a fresh baguette with French butter as my kids play in the park. I could be exploring Waterloo after work and quenching my thirst with a Trappist beer. I could be laughing with friends on the train to Ghent for a canal ride and a visit to my favorite tea shop in Bruges with my family. If only I were on the right side of the pond and the correct company building. I would be living my whole entire life the Belgian way.
My Essentials
Loyalty. We are selling the idea that we are here to make life easier in this time of economic hardship. "Be loyal to us, for we are loyal to you and your family". We are going to stick together to put food on the table for your children. Hand in hand we are the ones to provide you with the bare essentials during a time when anything beyond is considered luxurious. All weekend I kept hearing the campaign on repeat. Corn, toothpaste, cereal? These are not my essentials. You see, my essentials are not represented in the new ads.
In all irony one of my essentials is LOYALTY. I have given all of myself for nearly a decade to a place where I am dispensable. In the blink of an eye the institution I have always remained faithful to would cast me out, take advantage of my good nature and toss me aside for a penny. The smiles and shallow statements are never truly authentic. In a heartbeat deceit would overrule what's in my best interest. Who's got my back?
I almost slipped the other night while I was back in the deli all alone. I wondered how long it would take for someone to notice if I had gotten hurt. I heard about the accountant a while back who died in her cubical at work and no one noticed for a couple of days. How is this possible? I would hope that someone would notice. But then again, until there was some problem or cake order would anyone really notice? If I didn't show up for work would anyone come to check on me or would they jump to the conclusion that I quit and stand complaining about me while I lay suffering somewhere?
My other essential is to HAVE MY VOICE HEARD. It's all about policies and standard practice. We have open door policies but they have a stigma attached to them that cause even more problems when it's used. After a while of trying to be a team player and stepping up to play and consistently being shot down you learn to keep you mouth shut. Telling the truth only causes issues. Wearing this blue collar somehow makes my word less important and influential. Why would my thoughts need to be heard if they carry no weight? I am the one on the front lines who knows what's really going on, but somehow my experiences hold no credibility. I don't have the title to make decisions therefore I have no opinion. Is it that they fear my knowledge? The truth someone with no degree may have a better idea than someone on salary is too intimidating and embarrassing to admit so it's just easier to pretend that we don't exist. The truth is just far too inconvenient. I have so much to say and no one really listens. They hear the words yet nothing is done. Pride gets in the way of change.
My other essential is to FEEL FULFILLED. I have a great deal of pride in the things I do. If you're going to create something why not make it a masterpiece? Why be mediocre at anything in life? We get one shot at this life and laziness is just a waste of the short time we have. I always thought my paycheck would reflect my talents. I used to believe that working hard, and giving it your all would be an advantage. I have found this not to be the case in retail. I am surrounded by people who fight with each other over who has to do their job. I work with people who burn more energy trying to get out of having to work. If everyone put in at least one percent more effort into actually getting the job done, there would not be as much for one person to handle. These associates who take no pride in their work and have zero work ethic continue to get the same wage and benefits while actually "earning" none of it. It amazes me that someone can stand beside me, when they're not texting in the bathroom, and wait for the paycheck at the very same time I am sweating, running the deli/bakery marathon. You wouldn't assume that slicing ham is rocket science but you'd be surprised at how often it is a complicated burden to some co-workers. Picking up an empty box is much too strenuous apparently. Yet I am the one who gets reprimanded. Because I am capable of it, I am the one expected to get it all done. If only I was smart enough to have figured out how to manipulate others to do my work for me, my job would be so much easier. Darn me for having integrity and honor.
MY greatest essential is well, THE ESSENTIALS. I need adequate pay to feed my family. No raises, cut hours and greater responsibility. The math does not add up. I don't quite understand how I increasingly make my company more money, the cakes I make and sell continue to get more expensive and my wage is frozen. I make them more money and they have now taken away our only perk, the "holiday bonus". I am literally struggling and rationing everything in my house. I have to fight hard for every single insufficient paycheck. But don't worry, I do get a 1% raise at the end of September to ease the sting of no holiday bonus this year. Don't feel sorry for me because one whole percent of zero is; oh, well , that sucks, zero. Geez, it's going to be a shabby Christmas this year. I'm sure my children will understand after I come home late on Christmas Eve.
Rebrand them as many times as you like, but these continue to be my essentials. I cannot find my essentials in brand loyalty. And more than likely "my essentials" will not be playing over the loud speaker next weekend either. After all chicken and peanut butter are much easier to supply and deal with than contentment.
In all irony one of my essentials is LOYALTY. I have given all of myself for nearly a decade to a place where I am dispensable. In the blink of an eye the institution I have always remained faithful to would cast me out, take advantage of my good nature and toss me aside for a penny. The smiles and shallow statements are never truly authentic. In a heartbeat deceit would overrule what's in my best interest. Who's got my back?
I almost slipped the other night while I was back in the deli all alone. I wondered how long it would take for someone to notice if I had gotten hurt. I heard about the accountant a while back who died in her cubical at work and no one noticed for a couple of days. How is this possible? I would hope that someone would notice. But then again, until there was some problem or cake order would anyone really notice? If I didn't show up for work would anyone come to check on me or would they jump to the conclusion that I quit and stand complaining about me while I lay suffering somewhere?
My other essential is to HAVE MY VOICE HEARD. It's all about policies and standard practice. We have open door policies but they have a stigma attached to them that cause even more problems when it's used. After a while of trying to be a team player and stepping up to play and consistently being shot down you learn to keep you mouth shut. Telling the truth only causes issues. Wearing this blue collar somehow makes my word less important and influential. Why would my thoughts need to be heard if they carry no weight? I am the one on the front lines who knows what's really going on, but somehow my experiences hold no credibility. I don't have the title to make decisions therefore I have no opinion. Is it that they fear my knowledge? The truth someone with no degree may have a better idea than someone on salary is too intimidating and embarrassing to admit so it's just easier to pretend that we don't exist. The truth is just far too inconvenient. I have so much to say and no one really listens. They hear the words yet nothing is done. Pride gets in the way of change.
My other essential is to FEEL FULFILLED. I have a great deal of pride in the things I do. If you're going to create something why not make it a masterpiece? Why be mediocre at anything in life? We get one shot at this life and laziness is just a waste of the short time we have. I always thought my paycheck would reflect my talents. I used to believe that working hard, and giving it your all would be an advantage. I have found this not to be the case in retail. I am surrounded by people who fight with each other over who has to do their job. I work with people who burn more energy trying to get out of having to work. If everyone put in at least one percent more effort into actually getting the job done, there would not be as much for one person to handle. These associates who take no pride in their work and have zero work ethic continue to get the same wage and benefits while actually "earning" none of it. It amazes me that someone can stand beside me, when they're not texting in the bathroom, and wait for the paycheck at the very same time I am sweating, running the deli/bakery marathon. You wouldn't assume that slicing ham is rocket science but you'd be surprised at how often it is a complicated burden to some co-workers. Picking up an empty box is much too strenuous apparently. Yet I am the one who gets reprimanded. Because I am capable of it, I am the one expected to get it all done. If only I was smart enough to have figured out how to manipulate others to do my work for me, my job would be so much easier. Darn me for having integrity and honor.
MY greatest essential is well, THE ESSENTIALS. I need adequate pay to feed my family. No raises, cut hours and greater responsibility. The math does not add up. I don't quite understand how I increasingly make my company more money, the cakes I make and sell continue to get more expensive and my wage is frozen. I make them more money and they have now taken away our only perk, the "holiday bonus". I am literally struggling and rationing everything in my house. I have to fight hard for every single insufficient paycheck. But don't worry, I do get a 1% raise at the end of September to ease the sting of no holiday bonus this year. Don't feel sorry for me because one whole percent of zero is; oh, well , that sucks, zero. Geez, it's going to be a shabby Christmas this year. I'm sure my children will understand after I come home late on Christmas Eve.
Rebrand them as many times as you like, but these continue to be my essentials. I cannot find my essentials in brand loyalty. And more than likely "my essentials" will not be playing over the loud speaker next weekend either. After all chicken and peanut butter are much easier to supply and deal with than contentment.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Would you whistle at a lion?
Dignity. I pose these questions to consumers. Would you let your dog slice your ham? Would you holler to a Sliverback gorilla holding a sharp knife like instrument or whistle at a lion? Would you like to have someone standing outside your window shouting while you are trying to teach? Unless you are an adrenaline junkie I think not. Why then is it acceptable in this era of deli manners treat me this way?
The other day I was preparing raw chickens to put into the rotisserie. With a tsunami of chicken blood, spice solution and guts all over I was dog whistled to for assistance. Now perhaps this lady was confused about where we were considering the primitive vision of handling raw meat, but I am not canine. If I were would she really have wanted me to be the one handling her weekly ham? I politely stopped what I was doing, cleaned myself up and filled her order with exceptional customer service. Outside= huge smile and fake "I am happy to be your servant" voice. Inside= quite a different subtext going on.
One night there was a very well dressed couple who came in and there was a price discrepancy. I immediately called for a manager to solve the situation knowing that this exchange was going to be an issue. I was told by the man in a tone even my own father never used "It is THIS price and you ARE going to change it RIGHT NOW because I TOLD YOU TO DO IT, DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?" Wow I could feel the blood beginning to boil, but I held it in. As we were waiting for the manager the man threw up his hands and said "I can't deal with THIS" (pointing to little ol' Hispanic colored me) and stormed away, leaving his beautiful well groomed wife to await the resolution. She then turns to me and said "You should not have spoken to my husband that way, now he's very angry at you". What? A scolding? All I had said was that I was calling the manager over to the department to take care of it and that he was with another customer but would be here in a moment. How was that out of line? These people were so condescending towards me and looked at me in disgust. I'm sure my face was red with frustration, yet I never lost my temper. As soon as my manager arrived they treated him the the utmost respect and turned into customers winning best prize for sugar dumpling sweetness. My manager had no idea how they had treated me and ordered me to kindly complete their order where he would give it to them for free for the hassle. WOW! The customer is always right.
People just see us lowly "deli girl's" in our little hairnets and aprons as the hired help. It's true it is our pleasure to serve you and provide the best service possible. It is our job. But we are more than just the little servant girls. We are individuals, each with our own stories, families and aspirations. It is not in our job descriptions to be your punching bag after a bad day at work. I do not get extra compensation from a super special secret mean customer treats you like poo under your shoe fund. Nope. I get the same pay whether you treat me with dignity or not. And once in a while there are a few of you shining gems in the sea of rudeness that go out of your way to treat us very kindly. I have made good friends from compassionate customers. To you sparkling diamonds in the rough, thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for adding some shine to our day.
To everyone, we really would appreciate it if you followed some department etiquette when stepping up to the counter. Honestly it's not that complicated. There is only one rule to follow and it's the one mama taught you. It's called THE GOLDEN RULE.
The other day I was preparing raw chickens to put into the rotisserie. With a tsunami of chicken blood, spice solution and guts all over I was dog whistled to for assistance. Now perhaps this lady was confused about where we were considering the primitive vision of handling raw meat, but I am not canine. If I were would she really have wanted me to be the one handling her weekly ham? I politely stopped what I was doing, cleaned myself up and filled her order with exceptional customer service. Outside= huge smile and fake "I am happy to be your servant" voice. Inside= quite a different subtext going on.
One night there was a very well dressed couple who came in and there was a price discrepancy. I immediately called for a manager to solve the situation knowing that this exchange was going to be an issue. I was told by the man in a tone even my own father never used "It is THIS price and you ARE going to change it RIGHT NOW because I TOLD YOU TO DO IT, DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?" Wow I could feel the blood beginning to boil, but I held it in. As we were waiting for the manager the man threw up his hands and said "I can't deal with THIS" (pointing to little ol' Hispanic colored me) and stormed away, leaving his beautiful well groomed wife to await the resolution. She then turns to me and said "You should not have spoken to my husband that way, now he's very angry at you". What? A scolding? All I had said was that I was calling the manager over to the department to take care of it and that he was with another customer but would be here in a moment. How was that out of line? These people were so condescending towards me and looked at me in disgust. I'm sure my face was red with frustration, yet I never lost my temper. As soon as my manager arrived they treated him the the utmost respect and turned into customers winning best prize for sugar dumpling sweetness. My manager had no idea how they had treated me and ordered me to kindly complete their order where he would give it to them for free for the hassle. WOW! The customer is always right.
 |
| Yes, Master |
People just see us lowly "deli girl's" in our little hairnets and aprons as the hired help. It's true it is our pleasure to serve you and provide the best service possible. It is our job. But we are more than just the little servant girls. We are individuals, each with our own stories, families and aspirations. It is not in our job descriptions to be your punching bag after a bad day at work. I do not get extra compensation from a super special secret mean customer treats you like poo under your shoe fund. Nope. I get the same pay whether you treat me with dignity or not. And once in a while there are a few of you shining gems in the sea of rudeness that go out of your way to treat us very kindly. I have made good friends from compassionate customers. To you sparkling diamonds in the rough, thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for adding some shine to our day.
To everyone, we really would appreciate it if you followed some department etiquette when stepping up to the counter. Honestly it's not that complicated. There is only one rule to follow and it's the one mama taught you. It's called THE GOLDEN RULE.
Our Perfect Employee
Spongebob: Remember Patrick, flatter the customer, make him feel good.
[Man opens his door.]Patrick: I love you.
Some day, with a little luck, and a tiny pinch of magic, all your dreams will come true!-Spongebob
Spongebob, stop! Your kindness is bringing everybody back!
-Plankton
Mermaid Man: Now, who wants to save the world? SpongeBob: I do! Patrick: I do! Sandy Cheeks: I do! Squidward: I don't. Mr. Krabs: Oh, yes you do, no world means no money, so either save the world, or you're fired!
Psst, Squidward, I'm working in the kitchen... at night! Hey Squidward, guess what? I'm chopping lettuce... at night! Look at me, I'm swabbing the bathroom... at night! OW I burned my hand!... at night!-
SpongeBob SquarePants
Isn't this great Squidward? Just you & me together for hours and hours and hours! And then the sun'll come up, and it'll be tomorrow, and we'll still be working! It'll be just like a sleepover! Only we'll be sweaty and covered with grease!
-SpongeBob SquarePant
Possessing these qualities will keep your mind intact and allow you to have a long career with our company.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Quality Customer Service
People are shocked when they learn of the extremes when working with the public. The levels of rudeness are off the charts. We allow ourselves time and time again to be abused for a paycheck. It just goes with the territory. I always hear" If that had been me..." The thing is is that we must endure these insults and poor manners if we want to stay employed. The customer is always right! We wear the painted smiles and clutch the edge of the tables at the same time to keep from launching ourselves over the counter to strangle people.
I have been instructed to tell that "fat B*#ch" to get her fat "as*" out of the office to help an upset man. I was standing beside my friend and co-worker as someone called her the N-word. She just continued to help him. I have had managers bend over backwards to help a customer who is standing there cussing them out at the top of their lungs. I have been yelled at, cussed at and one lady even swore she put a curse on me. As policy we must still keep cool and provide the best customer service possible in the face of the devil himself. It happens everywhere and it happens all the time.
I was running the deli and bakery by myself the other night. I was down in the deli slicing meat for a customer when another couple walked over to the bakery and started shouting at me. I told them I'd be right with them. The lady walked down over the the slicers and stepped in front of the other customer. She told me I was rude and snapped at the customer I was currently helping. Once I could focus all my attention on her she grew very frustrated with me. Nothing I could do for her was going to make this intoxicated lady happy. No matter how hard I tried to please and appease her she found fault in my attempts. I was called every name under the sun and she was making tons of threats. When my manager came to help me he walked upon quite a scene. The lady was being held back by her friend from climbing on my cake case. After the manager was berated by this lady for trying to do his best to help her and the situation we had to call the police. The lady was so out of control that she fought with the Sheriff and ending up being banned and cited. In the end of all of this, I still sold a cake when her friend came back in to apologize, and I still went out of my way to decorate a beautiful cake and make him feel better about the whole situation. Here I was shaking from the craziness of the event and I was consoling him. This is what I mean about the sacrifices of a job in customer service.
At what point are we allowed to keep our dignity and stand up for ourselves? Where is that fine line between good customer service and slavery and who decides? We uphold the image of the company, but we are also people with a right to decency.
I have been instructed to tell that "fat B*#ch" to get her fat "as*" out of the office to help an upset man. I was standing beside my friend and co-worker as someone called her the N-word. She just continued to help him. I have had managers bend over backwards to help a customer who is standing there cussing them out at the top of their lungs. I have been yelled at, cussed at and one lady even swore she put a curse on me. As policy we must still keep cool and provide the best customer service possible in the face of the devil himself. It happens everywhere and it happens all the time.
I was running the deli and bakery by myself the other night. I was down in the deli slicing meat for a customer when another couple walked over to the bakery and started shouting at me. I told them I'd be right with them. The lady walked down over the the slicers and stepped in front of the other customer. She told me I was rude and snapped at the customer I was currently helping. Once I could focus all my attention on her she grew very frustrated with me. Nothing I could do for her was going to make this intoxicated lady happy. No matter how hard I tried to please and appease her she found fault in my attempts. I was called every name under the sun and she was making tons of threats. When my manager came to help me he walked upon quite a scene. The lady was being held back by her friend from climbing on my cake case. After the manager was berated by this lady for trying to do his best to help her and the situation we had to call the police. The lady was so out of control that she fought with the Sheriff and ending up being banned and cited. In the end of all of this, I still sold a cake when her friend came back in to apologize, and I still went out of my way to decorate a beautiful cake and make him feel better about the whole situation. Here I was shaking from the craziness of the event and I was consoling him. This is what I mean about the sacrifices of a job in customer service.
At what point are we allowed to keep our dignity and stand up for ourselves? Where is that fine line between good customer service and slavery and who decides? We uphold the image of the company, but we are also people with a right to decency.
Always expect the unexpected
It seems sometimes that the whole world passes by as we stand behind that infamous "deli counter". It's amazing the things an observant girl may witness at work. Once in a while there is this strange phenomenon that occurs when the store is quiet. My apron acts like a cloak of invisibility, which allows me to sneak a peek at a tender moment. Other times it's the unique exchange while providing customer service that makes my day. Sometimes it's a one of a kind customer that brings a smile to my face. Then there are other times when all I can do is shake my head. In an eclectic town mixed with all sorts of associates and customers there is often a wide variety of personalities crammed together within the confines of our micro-community. There are sure to be different points of view and challenges to face between paychecks. Life would be boring if I always knew what to expect.
The other day there was a lady who came in to pick out a cake. She was an older lady who needed a great deal of assistance. After she finally chose the perfect cake I offered to write on it for her. She wanted me to inscribe : "Happy Birthday to the handsome prince". I had assumed it was for her great grandson. Then she said "he's 87 today and just as handsome as the first day we met". My heart melted and I couldn't escape my smile for the rest of the day. The genuine true love even after all those years together gave me hope in humanity . To find someone you idolize and adore for life is a rare gem in the chaos of this world.
I was lucky enough to be wearing my cloak of invisibility the night this middle aged couple came in. It was nighttime and the store was a little quieter. I was kneeling behind the bread table gathering bags to fill the bread wall so this couple felt safe to share an intimate moment. I watched as the man grabbed his wife's hand and spin her around. He kissed her and told her "damn, you look stunning tonight". She was obviously surprised and very coy in her red faced response. She was beaming and as her heart was filled with love could only say "oh, honey". These people are regulars and never dress up. They are always running to an fro in the monotony of life and rekindled a spark the night they had to dress for an occasion and I was lucky enough to bear witness to this magical, tender moment.
Sometimes it's the unexpected that makes me laugh. Sometimes it's so hard to keep my composure when something truly hilarious happens right in front of my counter like when a 90 year old man had his cell phone ring playing a vulgar porno song. This was actually more shocking than the teenage couple caught fornicating on top of the strawberries.
That's the thing about my job. I literally never know when I clock in in the morning what the day may hold. Will a drunk clown need some muenster cheese as the bread burns and the fryer catches fire? Will I get something thrown at me? Will I walk in to have a bouquet of roses from a secret admirer? Sometimes none of these will happen but once in a while all three in the very same day will and you just never know. When dealing with people I've learned to always expect the unexpected.
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