A J~O~B ...and an A in Spanish!

A couple of weeks ago, I heard Emily say, "All I want for Christmas is a JOB and an 'A' in Spanish!"
Neither of which, can be purchased by me.

 But, that statement got me thinking...or remembering, if you will.
When I was younger...and always needing money...I wanted a job too.
I imagined a glamorous job like waiting tables in a fancy restaurant or answering the phone for an executive in a beautiful office.

One day, my mom brought home an employment application for a grocery store down the street.
"What! No way! I cannot work there."  I said, in the most "I am way too cool" tone of voice.
A few days later after passing a  personality test and completing an orientation program fit for IBM...I was punching a time clock at the local Harris Teeter and scanning groceries with the best of them.

I worked a couple of days a week and all day on Saturday.
I learned the value of a dollar quickly!
I learned that I had to leave the house a few minutes early to account for delays...so I would not be late to punch in.
I learned that some people are very hard to please no matter how much you smile or how kindly you speak.
I learned that some people are difficult to work for and some people are difficult to work with.
I learned that boys will be boys...even while bagging groceries...they say the most inappropriate things and make the biggest fools of themselves. Then they carry the groceries to the nice lady's car and return to find groceries piling up...and they brag about their tip.
I learned that coupons can save you a ton of money.
I learned that plastic bags are much easier to carry to your car....but "paper please" was what a certain type of person always said.
I learned that some people have a lot of cats.
I learned that if you stand in one place all day...you need to choose comfort over cute when it comes to shoes.
I learned that if you see someone you know, it's best to go ahead and speak. They are going to see you eventually and no matter how dorky you look in that outfit,  it is a job that pays money.
I learned that if I wanted a better, more glamorous job...or at least one with a discount that I could enjoy.. I would have to put forth some effort to go out and find one.

I worked at Harris Teeter for 3/4 of a year....it seemed like much longer.
The next job I landed was much more exciting....Rack Room Shoes....complete with a sweet discount and no dorky uniform. I kept that job until I left for college.

Emily had a job interview at Chick~Fila on Monday.
She will have a second interview next week.
I am excited for her and for all of the life lessons she will be learning.

She is doing better in Spanish... but she may need a little Christmas magic to get that 'A'.
Luckily she has added a few more tangible items to her Christmas list, as well.

Laughing along memory lane,


Today is alphabe-Thursday ...and the letter of the day is 'J'.
To enjoy more alphabet posts ...head on over to Jenny Matlock's blog.