Down to the A&P, thing are hopping, as you’d expect. Busy, busy, busy! We’re selling poinsettias and wreaths up the yin-yang.
There was one small spot of gloominess on Friday. My co-worker Courtney was all shook up because she’d started getting Christmas cards from some of the customers. She’s in her early twenties, and still in the process of figuring out what she wants to do with her life.
“What’s wrong with getting cards from customers?” I ask her.
“Don’t take this personal, Ida,” Courtney replies, all mopey-faced, “but I think it means I’ve been working here too long.”
“No offense taken, Courtney. But you know, there might be another way of looking at it. Maybe folks are giving you cards because they like you. Because they appreciate the good job you’re doing.”
“Maybe,” she says, with a sigh. Courtney didn’t really perk up until later in the afternoon when Nate Thibodaux came to her register to check out, and she goes into full flirt mode. Well, Nate had his new puppy with him, a cute as a button chick magnet, if I ever saw one. I’m talking about the golden retriever, not Nate. Though, if I was forty years younger….
Oh, there was a funny incident at Charlie’s Christmas party up to Sky Lodge. I was in the Ladies, powdering my nose, fluffing my hair, when I’m suddenly aware of giggling in one of the stalls. Then out steps Margie Sanborn.
“Pretty dress, Margie. Love them glitter snowflakes.”
“Thanks, Ida,” she says, still giggling.
“What’s so funny?”
“Well,” she says, “I couldn’t decide on what to wear so I was trying on different outfits. Ralph’s waiting for me, coat on.”
“Sounds familiar.”
“Finally, I decide on this dress. So we’re in the car on the way over here, and I look down and realize I still had on my knee-high nylon stockings. I put those on thinking I was going to wear my black velour pants! I had to make Ralph stop at the Walgreens so I could pick up some nylons, which I just put on in the stall.”
“Wow, Margie: a fashion emergency, if I ever heard one. You look fabulous, though.”
“Thanks, Ida,” she says, stuffing her knee-highs in her coat pocket. “I need a cocktail!” And off she goes, still chuckling.
This holiday, I hope you’re not letting yourself get too crazy. Remember, the best gift you can give your friends and family is a stress-free you. Really! And if you need a little pick me up, sit down, have a cup of tea (or something stronger), eat a few Hershey kisses and put on something that sparkles. That should do the trick! Every once in a while it’s good to put yourself at the top of the list.
That’s it for now. Catch you on the flip side!
Hear Ida Tell It: Busy, Busy