So, I am almost finished packing. Really all I need to pack now is my make-up and other toiltries, which I still need to use this morning, hence why they are not packed. I have to take my garbage out and clean my dishes and then I will be all set to go. I hope work goes fast today but it will probably drag on. You know how it goes.

So, I won't be posting for the next two days because I'm not taking my laptop with me to Portland. I am proud of myself that I was able to keep with this all month long. Only missing like 2 days! That's amazing for me. Now that I have gotten into the habit of blogging again, I hope that I can keep it up. I can promise you it won't be every day like I tried to this month but it will more regular, I promise. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Well, since the rumor is already out there.

I really should be packing right now but I sat down and I can't get up. *lol* I am so stoked for this weekend! I really wish I could just skip work and just go straight to Portland. But alas, I do. Speaking of work, I guess the cat is out of the bag (is that how that expression goes?) So, for those of you who don't know. I applied for a Assistant Buyer position at B&N's head office. I wanted to keep it on the download just in case nothing came of it but I was asked about twice this week by people so I guess word has already spread. The reason that I wanted to keep it quiet was when I was planning on moving to Chicago a couple of years ago, I basically told everyone that was what I was planning on doing. People would ask me, "Weren't you going to move to Chicago?" and it really got to me. I was kind of embarrassed that after I told everyone I was going to and that it turns out I didn't. I really didn't want to do that this time. If I don't get this position or end up moving to New York, I didn't want to have to explain to people in a year, why I'm still here but I guess that boat has sailed. At least this time around, I can say, hey, I just didn't get the job and there shouldn't be any shame into that. I'm not really sure I am qualified for it and I am pretty positive they prefer someone already living in New York to someone who will have to relocate. I'm really not trying to get my hopes up. About two weeks ago, I did have an initial interview, I guess. The HR representative wanted to ask me a few questions and give a brief overview of the job. She did say that it was early in the job search and that she will contact me whether they want to do a formal interview or not. I'm sure the fact that I haven't heard anything yet is a good thing. It means I still in the running, right? Again, trying not get my hopes up but wouldn't it be so cool to live in New York! You all will have to come and visit me.

Ok, now back to packing. I mean start packing! Go USA!

Oops, I forgot to post something last night. I was going to do it after work but we went out to Old Chicago and when I got home I was just too tired. Yesterday wasn't that busy. I think everyone got all their shopping done on Friday and Saturday and were using yesterday to get ready to go back to work after the long weekend. It's funny. When I wanted it to be busy it wasn't. So, you know, Today will probably be crazy because I don't expect it to be and I have several things I want to get done before this weekend! Yes, this weekend! The most amazing weekend of my life! DAVIS CUP! and KATHARINE! I don't know how Kat feels about coming home but I'm freaking excited! I've really missed her. I have cleaned my apartment in and got out some good dvd's and vhs tapes in anticipation of her staying here. Just one more week!! She did ask me what I wanted for my birthday and really her coming home is the best present I could ask for.

Maybe Christmas doesn't come in a store.

I'm sitting on my floor watching The Holiday (LOVE THIS MOVIE!) and trying to get myself psyched to get out my Christmas Tree. I figure if I don't do it now while I still have some holiday spirit in me then I won't do it. And that is what I hate the most about my job. Christmas used to be my favorite holiday of the year and now I just wish it get over with and done. Working in retail has really shown how materialistic the holiday has become. It is no longer about Good Will Towards Your Fellow Man but more of what can I give them to impress them. It's no longer about enjoying your time with your friends and family but worrying and stressing out about spending time with your friends and family. I really do feel like a Grinch but my goal is not to get caught up with other people's drama. Not to get to upset with customers who are rude or coworkers who complain. I want to enjoy the season for all it's worth. So, today I am going to put up my Christmas Tree and my singing penguins and later put on the Muppet's Christmas Carol and get into the Holiday Spirit!

In other news, today is my last day off before what will hopefully be a really great Week! Thursday, Mom, Dad and I are going to Portland for the Davis Cup Finals! USA vs. Russia! It's a tennis thing if you don't know. We are actually leaving Wednesday after work and driving to Chicago and leaving from there. This wasn't the original plan but it works out quite nicely because the Monday we come back, Katharine is meeting us there and we are going home TOGETHER! And then Tuesday, we all go back to work! My birthday is the Thursday after we come back (December 6, for those who want to know) And then that Sunday is my bday party with Jackie, who is also a December birthday! So now that I think about it. I have too many great things to look forward to be buried down in all this holiday no-spirit non sense. It's going to be a great Holiday Season! I can feel it.

Black Friday!

The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday in the retail world because it is the biggest sales day of the year. Or at least it has been in the past. Today is going to be hella busy but I think the biggest sales day of the year now falls on the Saturday before Christmas. You know, the final weekend for all those procrastinators to shop. Yeah. Anyway, Today is Black Friday and I am currently mentally preparing myself to go to work. I still have another 3 hours before I have to report to work and every minute that goes by makes me more anxious. To be perfectly honest it's not as bad as people think it is. Yes, it is busy and crazy and there is a lot of people walking around asking stupid questions but this is only the beginning. I mean it's still early. People will have some of the Thanksgiving glow on them and will be a little bit more patient and nice but as the season goes on, they start to get cranky and well, just plain mean. I rather work today then that last Saturday before Christmas or even Christmas Eve. Nothing says, Good will towards all men then have have a book thrown at you on Christmas Eve. See, what I mean, people get me. But enough about that. I'm sure I will have more rants later in the season so I will save those for later. Today is Black Friday. Our store has been open since 6am. The openers have been there since 4:30am! and will be long gone by the time the closers (me) comes in at 3pm. Now I much rather close on a day like this then open because I think it's better to be incredibly busy when I first get there and it be slow at night then the other way around. To me it just makes the day go faster. Plus, there is always the possibility of going out for beer after! I think I'm supposed to be a line supervisor, which is the worst job in the world because you have to stand at the front of the line, ask the customers if they have a membership card, if they need gift cards and gift receipts and so on and so on. I feel like I am really wasted here. It should be someone new or at least someone who is slow on the registers and info. I should be out there on the floor helping customers. Not only do I work 40 hours a week and know what displays are up and where they and what is on most of them I AM A LEAD! If they don't want me to be at info, then put me on a register. I know I can ring faster then all of the new hires! I think this makes sense. On one of our busiest days of the year, we should be highlighting our best people and not just throw anyone anywhere to fill up space. I know schedules are difficult to make but to me this is just common sense. Oh well, there is nothing I can do about it now but do the best I can in whatever role they give me. And to all of you still planning on going shopping today DON'T! Or at least wait until later tonight when it isn't so crazy!