WHAT I DID THIS WINTER

I've never had a summer job -- a job you took to keep you out of trouble and provide you with some pocket money, something you knew you'd have for only a few months, to do in-between the other stuff you normally did. But this was the closest to it.

This past Sunday was my last day and, as expected, it was all quite bittersweet. Even customers waved goodbye and wished me luck as I walked out the door wearing my store-issued tee for the last time. I suppose I felt like a kid again just being there, maybe because at times I felt stupid for not knowing something that should have been obvious, while there were many moments it seemed as if I were simply at play (though truth be told I felt like a grandma every time my muscles and joints ached -- which pretty much was every day for the last three months).

Before my first day on the job, I even had to -- geek that I truly am -- google how to bag groceries because I knew there were rules involved though I had absolutely no idea what they were. But let me tell you: I can build a bag now like no one's business. I even got whoops and cheers regularly from customers; the best compliment I received came from a geometry teacher who said I obviously learned my lessons well. My co-workers were the best bunch of folks I'd ever worked with and many of my customers were more neighborly with me than my very own neighbors.

Like there was the tiny old lady in her '80s who insisted on bagging her own groceries every time because she had fun doing it; she was hunched over and looked like her bones would break if I only sneezed in her direction but she kept up with me as I rang her up item for item. And I didn't slow down for her benefit either (I think I even went a bit faster just to prove I couldn't be outpaced by someone who walked with a cane). And there was the other old lady who still drove (very scary thought); I loved carrying her groceries to the car because she'd entertain me with her stories of life way back in the day. She walked very slowly so we'd get to talk for a while.

Then there were these two adorable Chinese-American girls, about 2 and 3, who'd chant my name nonstop during the entire drive to the store, according to their mother, and who shouted out as soon as they walked in and saw me. And this boy who overheard a random conversation I had with his parents one afternoon and so always remembered that I was allergic to alcohol and how that unfortunate fact possibly kept me out of all sorts of trouble (his folks were grateful to me, let me tell you). And there were all these other lovely people who restored my faith in the kindness of strangers.

The only thing I will not miss is doing cart runs -- especially in inclement weather. I realized I was in such a sorry state when I watched a Target employee haul a long line of carts back to the store in the middle of a storm -- and envied him because he got to use a motorized trolley. Me? I only got to use this thing that resembled a dilapidated, incredibly long black luggage strap and my own brute strength.So now I always make sure I return my shopping carts either back to where I picked them up or to their designated return area. Yes, even at Target. Because somewhere out there, every day during all times of the day, in every shopping area in the world -- is an employee cussing out everything about life simply for having to wrangle carts back to the store and on the way dodge speeding vehicles trying to run him or her over.

I'm certain that even when I'm an old lady I'll be bagging my own groceries and returning my cart to wherever it belongs. Some things you learn during the course of a summer -- or in my case, winter -- but that you remember all your life.

Comments

[jase]

You're so cute 'te! Ang sarap mong kurutin! Ching lang! :0

But it's really good to know this side of you! I like the fab and sexy Gigi but I most adore the DTE -practical bob the builder type too!

[buns]

ate,
i like your picture!!! my heart melted as i read this :-)

[BatJay, Ang Dating Hippopotamus]

you've got a nice summer job and you've lost a lot of weight doing it. that's really great.

[Gigi]

Jase - thanks sweetie! I have to say, though...the best part is that now, I can actually have a manicure that lasts more than half a day! Kikay na naman ako. :)

Buns - I still miss the crew and the customers. Even bagging groceries!

KB - Oo nga, pero now I have to deal with the 10 lbs that everyone in our company supposedly gains right away. So far I've gained back the three that I lost at TJ's. Buwiset.