September

Praise be to the back-to-school shopper! If not for sales, for social interaction. September blew into Portland on the smoky breeze of a forest fire. I am thankful it's here.

August was a sluggish retail month, a time for making lists because there is time to make lists when you are paid to remain upright and exuberant for a period of eight hours a day. For an introvert it can be an exhausting feat.

After punching my employee number into the register at mindblowing rate of five times per minute (in the event of a miraculous increase in sales figures), I am fabulous at waiting.


Waiting for that velvet hum of the receipt printer. That sound is nice.

Wait. Wait.
 Mistake woman's purse dog for domesticated squirrel. Laugh(discretely).
Wait. Point the way to women's restroom.
Wait. 
Answer phone. Wait. 
Take a stroll ( to the other register). 
Wait.
Swivel mannequins hands right side up after being tampered with by sugar-infused children. 
Wait again.
Scan the floor for signs of life. Wait. 
Locate happenstance customer. Appear casual, not desperate.
Maximize small talk. Ask questions. Lots of questions.
Accept a return, with enthusiasm.


Wait...