In Full Swing.

Today was busy. Busy busy busy. Before back-up arrived at 11am, I had already sent out two store pages emploring someone--anyone--to please come help me. Once T arrived, things were a bit smoother, as she was her usual effervescent self. (While I, of course, was in serious concentration, where I tend to look mad when I'm really just thinking.)

The first floor is rough during Holiday. We're completely bombarded with people needing help, wanting directions, or wanting to purchase. It's very trying and can be completely overwhelming. How stressful can a bookstore be? Well. People don't like to wait. People want answers. People that you may have to place on hold will hang up and call back WITHIN 30 SECONDS. There's a lot going on.

But, you say...it's books. How can people be so uptight about books?
People can be uptight about anything. And they will be mean.

Anyway. T had been with me for a mere fifteen minutes when she turned to me and said, "I don't know how you do this. I want..." and made a motion with the stapler in her hand.

Okay. If the MOST pleasant person in the entire store wants to bean someone with a stapler after 15 minutes? I'm ... well, I'm just going to use that to prove a point:

Retail? It is hard. Be pleasant. We're just all trying to get along here.