The store I work at in San Francisco has been a blast. I really have been enjoying the people I work with and the customers that come in. The guys are really into the brand we represent, and love talking about it. They are all incredibly passionate about what they represent and willing to share that knowledge and joy. It's one of the best places I have ever worked. And the owners are fantastic.
One of the odd things about this store is that I really haven't had any of the odd customers asking the weird questions I normally get. Which isn't to say I don't get the odd stupid statement ("where are the cars?" is a popular one, but I can't say more without revealing the store, which I am not allowed to do!).
We do have some fun customers. I have been meeting and talking to people from all over the United States and the world in general. We have, regularly, people calling from all over the US to buy things, which is a lot of fun for me. I have also talked to customers who have called from Paris, France and Hong Kong.
The local customers are a lot of fun, too. Some of the regulars are just great people who love the brand. And they really do enjoy coming in and talking with us while they shop.
Now, working in San Francisco has its fun moments, too. For example, back in December, we had Santa-con, aka Drunk Santa Fest. A bunch of people dress up as Santa and/or his elves and basically do the ultimate pub crawl in the city. Where else can you see Santa in a thong? Or even better, Mrs Claus in a thong? Of course, I would love to be the tourist parent explaining to their child why there won't be a Christmas when they see Santa being busted by SFPD, and toted away in a paddy wagon...
We have also been front and center for a Hotel Strike protest march in the city, which was fun... C'mon people, at least you have jobs! Other fun things include the various protests against the major banks in the City (such as Wells Fargo and BofA). You also have the various political protests (it is San Francisco, after all) and basic left wing fun in the city.
Basically, I have spent the last month or so learning the product and history in my store, just having fun and getting into the swing of things after my long summer off. I was there a week and the previous manager left, so instead of being an assistant, I am now acting manager (a spot I hope to take over permanently) for the time being. And as I get my feet under me, I am starting to make changes, hopefully for the better. I know the guys are responding to it, and good things are starting to happen.
Looking back, I am bitter on how I was treated at my job in SoCal, and even more so on how I left. But I know it was a good thing for me. This is the most fun I have had at work in years. BossLady has even commented that she likes it when she can see me having fun at work.
Domestically, BossLady and I are finally settling into our own place. We aren't far from her family, which has pros and cons, but we will take it. I was finally able to live up to my promise to her to get a new kitten for her graduation. So now we have two tortoishell cats with very different personalities. Which, of course, means I sleep on the floor since they have taken over my spot on the bed at night.
It's also been fun reconnecting with friends here in the Bay Area that I haven't seen in a few years.
So as more things happen, I will post more. I just hope I get some good fodder for my stories...
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