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.