life: expressed

So…It’s been months. Again. Since the last entry, in early December, it seems an entire lifetime of things have occurred.
Probably best of which is I am working. In retail, again, but I like it mostly.
Therapy is at a standstill at the moment, in terms of seeing my therapist, but should pick up again in the fall.
I took a break from talking to the ex, but we’re working on our friendship again.
My avatar is seeing a lovely British man, and he makes me laugh. We’re in agreement that I don’t laugh nearly enough. In fact, I think I cry too much.
I’ve ended friendships, rekindled others, and tried to learn more about myself.
Other piece of information of note, I think, is having gone through the criteria listing for Borderline Personality Disorder and realizing just how many I meet. I’ve described a meltdown, and have gone through more than I care to handle. I don’t know how I function somedays, but I’m holding on.

I still pay for my webhosting to have this site, and eventually I’ll start posting here again. More often. But no promises.

For the parents out there who are willing to take their children shopping with them:

Please, for the love of [insert diety here]...

keep an eye on your children!!

Now, it’s no secret that I work in retail. I work in thrift store retail, which is a circle of hell reserved for either the really resilient, or those who ticked off the Grand Poobah of Non-Soul-Sucking Jobs in a past life. I haven’t decided which one is me yet. Digressing…

I was at work Monday night, staying an extra hour plus later because a fellow cashier called in sick. Every so often, a family (or a single parent with some kids, or a group of pre-teens) would come in and head in the direction of the books and toys. I didn’t have to work back there, but my co-worker was ready to start stringing people up by their toes.

Before you start your arguments on customer service, and job security…just keep in mind something: more often than not, you would not allow your children to behave this way at home. So why let them run all willy-nilly in a store? Do you let your child get away with taking an object from its “proper” location and leave it strewn in the way in another part of your house?

Despite any opinion, a store is not a playground. You share the space with the people who work there, and with fellow customers. Letting your child drag out toys in the middle of the floor is, at the very least, a safety hazard. Your precious Billy or Susie could find themselves on the wrong side of a cart or a pair of shoes. We are also not a daycare, where you can drop your child off in the toy section so you can spend the next hour or three trying on clothes.

For that matter, the clothing racks are not jungle gyms. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone through a section, straightening hangers, re-hanging clothes, and picking things up off the floor just to have someone’s heathen demon spawn run under the rack, knocking clothes and hangers on the floor. I don’t know about you, but I can only pick up a piece of clothing so many times before I feel a sense of deja vu.

I don’t ask for much in this world. Or, at least my job. My job should be me showing up, ringing up customer purchases or organizing the store for five to eight hours, sharing a few laughs and going home. I shouldn’t have to worry about whether I’m going to twist my ankle on a toy that a customer’s child left in the middle of the aisle. I also shouldn’t have to worry about someone’s daring and brave child opening up the handicap door (the kind with the automatic button) and running out into the parking lot. Nothing would ruin my day faster than having to call 911 cause someone didn’t keep an eye on their child.

Shopping at a store is a priviledge. Your child should be taught in a way that they understand and embrace this concept. Because, really, one of these days, you shouldn’t be surprised if we discipline your child for you.

Today was productive, even if it didn’t seem like it very much. I learned new things today.

I learned that if one wants to record a video, it is usually helpful to install the webcam software.

I learned that one way to freak out my husband is to leave the camera on and pretend it isn’t there.

I learned that until I understand the idea of embedding video, I’m better off uploading to YouTube for now.

I learned how to hook up the headset I found on my husband’s side of the bedroom and record my voice. Podcasts, here I come!

I learned that it is good to get up out of the chair once in a while, lest one doesn’t hear the very soft knock of a Jehovah’s Witness trying to give away literature.

I learned that I let off some rather snarky steam when I’m relieved. [context: I’ve been waiting for a week to find out if I would get my birthday off from work, because it is my weekend to work, so I can attend the VAST concert in St. Paul.]

I learned that asking the opinion of others is better than beating your head against the wall when trying to come up with an ad.

I learned that calling someone to request permission is a good segue into getting another cover from them for a future issue.

I learned that by asking, whether directly or indirectly, for help when money is tight can be a good way to strengthen a friendship. Because of this, I am trading an ad for an ad to promote ITAK, as well as getting a little closer to working on my Associates Degree. It is also the reason why Orlok is attending the VAST concert with me.

I learned that sometimes it is better to plan the budget then let it sit for a couple days (and spending time with your spouse) instead of planning and going to get everything finished right away, and not relaxing.

I learned that sometimes it is better to ride things out instead of reacting right away.

I learned that there is such a concept as drinking too much milk.

I learned that woman can not live on Cheez-its alone.

I learned that sometimes it is good to turn off the alarm and sleep in (even if you wake up early anyway).

I learned that sometimes it is good to go to bed early and snuggle.

Acquire Wisdom and Live With Passion: The Wisdom of Asking Questions

I came across this site the other day, and this post is sticking with me.