Patience is a Virtue

I don't know if many of you know, but I work at a women's fashion store as part of my summer job. That means that for the past 3 months, I have had to deal with not only the women that shop at our store, but their kids and boyfriends/husbands/brothers who do not know their way from a lacy top that needs an undershirt to a short skirt that may or may not cover them the right way.

I'm not going to lie, I love this job. It keeps me busy and I love the people who work there. The customers, on the other hand, are a different story. You can say it's a love/hate relationship between me and them. I love them because my day wouldn't be half as entertaining without them (plus I kind of need them for my manager to keep having me to come back) and I hate them because I don't know what it is with people, but the thought of even maybe putting things back wherever they got them from probably has never reached their brains. I'm not saying that I haven't done it before, but I am definitely aware of it now after having this job.

Yesterday was a very stressful day. I was assigned to take care of the shoes section and I can honestly say I have no idea how I survived. My patience was tested that's for sure. There was just shoes everywhere and having to clean up with strollers and people in the way definitely was a challenge for me. I had to wait almost to closing time for me to finally be able to move around freely and look for where the many single shoes belonged. Apparently, taking out one shoe from its box and leaving it almost on the other side of the store was the idea for the day.

Image retrieved from  http://www.retailconcepts.com/bout-us/shop-talk-newsletter/jan-12 

All I wanted to do was to go home and sleep, but alas that was not the case. We didn't leave until 11:30pm and, mind you, we close at 9:30. Usually we're out of there by 10:30 the latest, but life wanted to have fun and keep us there for an extra hour.

Taking deep breaths and just talking to my co-workers was what kept me sane. Maybe I should take up yoga, if I'm going to come back as a seasonal employee and do this for Winter Break.

Yep, I'm definitely going to do that; especially when Christmas and New Years comes...Namaste.

Organizing My Internet Life

I don't know about you, but lately I realized that I'm all over the place when it comes to online sites. Over the years I have forgotten site names, passwords, and usernames because of not going onto them for so long.

I have four (or maybe it's five) email accounts, twitter, facebook, blogspot, fanfiction (we'll get to that another time for those who don't know what it is), and many other sites that I have forgotten due to not being on them. But I'm sure you get the idea. The fact is I have probably signed up for so many sites and never thought of how that can affect me. I'm going to graduate college in two years and, by the time I interview for my first job, I'm pretty sure they're going to do background checks. Yes, sir, I think that's mine. When did I get it, you say? Who knows...I'm pretty sure the end of that conversation wouldn't look too good on me.

Even though there may not be anything bad on them (since I most likely signed up once and never came back), the image that I'm portraying is someone disorganized and not caring about what I'm signing myself up for. If I want to end up at my dream company, I need to be careful what I put out there now.

So I have to make a list of all sites that I have made accounts on and to close the ones I'm not using. If I'm not using them, then what's the point in keeping them, right? Being organized online is a great way for me to start taking charge of my life. You can thank my obsession on blogs about organization for coming up with this new goal. Not to mention this is the perfect time to start cleaning out the old. In 2 weeks I will be heading to my third year in college and I would really like to get handle of my life by then...okay sort of.

But like I said, it's a start, right?

3 Ways to Stay Safe

Two days ago an incident at work has reminded me that it's very important to stay alert to your surroundings. Here is what happened. Man wanted to be my friend. I said no. Man started following me around my work. Granted that the incident happened at my place of work, bad things can happen anywhere.

I never thought anything weird would happen while I was at work (that stuff only happens in the movies, right? If that's the case, where's my hot guy that's supposed to ward of the strange man from me?)

The fact is, we all tend to become too comfortable with our surroundings. Now, I'm not saying to become paranoid and to watch every single person that comes your way like a hawk. I'm just saying it would really benefit you to be aware of your environment.

I have come up with 3 ways that could help me, and anyone else, on becoming safer:

1. Taking a bus/train ride

Taking that long bus or train ride can be really boring and tiresome. But if you decide to listen to your iPod, play with your phone/iPad, or read, just know that you are letting yourself become more vulnerable. I am totally guilty of doing all three. It's important to remember that if you are going to do this, then to not let yourself become completely absorbed with what you are doing. Especially if you're traveling alone. We all want you to make it back to your place in one piece so you could hear that thing that happened the other day your mother wanted to tell you about...or maybe not, but you get the picture.

2. At your work place (esp. if your job requires customer service)

If you're like me and your job requires you to talk and interact with customers, I bet you barely have a moment's peace while you're on the clock. This is one place where not too many people think about their vulnerability (esp. if you're not a cop). I work at a clothing store for women, so the worst thing I thought I would have to worry about is a possible punch from someone trying to run with a bunch of unpurchased items (if only). You're going to greet customers all day; the nice ones and the really weird ones. If at any time you feel uncomfortable because of a customer, don't be afraid to let your manager know. You cannot say anything, in case it may come out offensive and then that's a whole other thing you have to worry about, but your manager or supervisor can. Their job is to settle the conflict. They are the peace keepers, so don't be afraid to ask for help if you really feel that your interaction with said customer is going down-hill. You can bet I ran to my customer when Man was starting follow me on the floor. Um, thank you, but no.

3. Taking a walk

For the love of god, do not walk down a deserted alley late at night! I don't care if it is quicker to your destination. You never know if there is something waiting for you in a dark corner. Use your common sense people! It's easier for other people to not notice if you need any help if you are in there, not to mention it's easier for the strange man to target you. Just don't do it, okay? Also, don't forget that if you are taking a walk with people around, not paying attention to your surroundings is also easy for you to get pick-pocketed or mugged. That amazing song on your iPod or text from that cute boy from class does not need your 100% attention. Yes, the text could mean a potential date that could lead to that dream wedding and house with two kids and a dog, but what's better? Becoming a better target and risk your hard-earned stuff or ending up at home with all your hopes and dreams still intact? Plus, you can think of an awesome text to send back to said crush that could lead you to that dream wedding. I'm just saying.

Hope this helps. I know for a fact that I'm going to try to follow these rules. The last thing I need is more stress added to my already growing to-do list. I definitely do not want to add: file stolen item. I work hard for my stuff and I dare anybody to try to take it away!

That is all.