My "new" job

Yesterday was my first day of my "new" job.  It is part time with odd hours and scheduling.  I worked yesterday for 8 hours, I'll work today for 4-6 and then I'm not sure when I'll work again.  Six o'clock yesterday morning found me at a local department store - well actually just one branch of a national chain (the name rhymes with bowls). There I met up with my team leader and was given a set of instructions for the day.  It was chaos to begin with - the District Manager telling us one place while the store is telling us to start in another place. 

We began in juniors - my first run was sportswear - I had to scan an area ticket, scan each item, then hand count and verify. No yellow tags allowed (a handy little thing that helps keep track of counting). Two young ladies from the store hovered and verified my count - nothing like a little pressure to help you get your bearings.  It took a while to remember left to right, front to back and top to bottom.  I also found it difficult to get used to the machines which are now basically mini computers complete with wireless transmitting (no more finding a team leader to upload your data to), touch screen, and easier search tools.  Because I was new, I was only allowed to count the hanging clothes.  The morning consisted of sportswear, misses dress clothes (apparently handkerchief shirts are back in style along with suede jackets - hopefully not worn together - but can never be too sure), petites, winter coats, women's plus, clearance racks (yuck!!!!) and then starting on the Vera Wang line.  By the time our lunch break rolled around, my back was bothering me and I was remembering why I only lasted a couple of months on this job nine years ago.

I spent my lunch break sitting in my car - it was just nice to sit and talk with my mother on the phone.  I discovered the source of the spider webs I kept discovering in my car.  A large wolf spider took up residence in Horatio (my PT Cruiser) back in Minnesota - Mom said she hadn't seen him in so long she thought he left - well he did now - I squished him.  I then felt bad about it, but I couldn't very well have him crawling out of a vent and scaring me half to death while driving on the highway.

After lunch, back to the Vera Wang section, Elle and Daisy Fuentes.  The Vera Wang clothes made me send up a silent prayer to get an office job very soon.  I like the clothes and I'm better suited to that then counting all day - counting just makes me cross and I tend to want to guesstimate rather than be accurate - but  I fought that tendency.  Then I was sent over to men's basics - sleep pants.  Here is where I encountered problems - I got 118 both on my machine and my two counts - the sales associate got 120.  I had already transmitted so she had to go and get the print out and go through it - oh darn.  I was then promoted to ties - not too bad and rather pretty to look at.  I ended my day with men's shirts.  I hate them with a fiery passion.  Too many pins, too difficult to shove back into the cubbyholes they came out of - and then I was expected to recount every item.  This is where I didn't (I know - shame on me) but I figured since I had to take out every individual shirt there was no way I could be off - and I was right. Thus ended my first day - today a grocery store.  I'm thrilled, can't you tell?