To Read, To Crochet and To Write

Having just ventured once again into the glorious place that is Barnes and Noble, it shall be no surprise that I did not exit empty-handed. Five new books have just joined the ranks of those awaiting a spot on shelves that I do not currently own. I haven't even finished all of the ones I bought last time, not that that's a bad thing. At least I've got my fill (temporarily) of book shopping. Minus the one I have on order, of course.

This trip was a bit harder than some. Not in book choices-courtesy my remaining gift cards I was able to splurge and get books that I haven't been waiting for. No, I recently decided that it would be a good idea to carry a full box of about 10 reams of paper on one shoulder, thereby straining my biceps and leaving me unable to do everything that my relatively physically-demanding job entails. Working in a gift shop one of the things I do every day, at some point or another, is to work a register (be it for minutes or hours at a time). While I can move my arm sideways, moving it forward just plain hurts. NSAIDS help, but I haven't been able to take the 2 to 3 days off that my doctor recommended to let it rest. Yesterday was just no fun at all in that regard. Its very frustrating not to be able to do everything that I normally don't even think twice about.

It is an interesting learning experience, however. Its humbling to have to ask for help where I've typically been very capable and independent, like in carrying boxes, stocking the store, especially vacuuming. I'm typically the one who vacuums the store in the mornings. I've got a very nice, efficient system worked out. Twice though this week I've had to take other tasks while Nate vacuumed. It really does take a whole new mindset. One that I'm glad to learn-not in order to take advantage of others, but more so in learning a new aspect of teamwork.

I also picked up my crochet hook for the first time in a long time. I crocheted something of a sling for myself- a more obvious reminder to myself not to do as much lifting. Its also more comfortable for my shoulder than to have my hand forever in my pocket, for all it looks rather tacky. I tell myself that its a new kind of scarf when my arm isn't actually in it :) I admit though I wouldn't even have bothered if I didn't occasionally here a faint popping sound in my shoulder (much like the sound of popping knuckles) where I haven't ever heard it before.

And now for the final part-the writing. It seems I'm more likely to get comments where I've posted another excerpt from my 'novel'. I still haven't decided whether or not to continue it, nor what my pen name would be, but here is the next installment, directly after the last:

"The conversation continued after they boarded the train, Sally appreciating how the mother of the young trio was able to calm them down for the ride, or at least curtail their exuberance by not letting it progress past limited bouncing in their seats at each stop and excitedly pointing out the window at the train’s speed and the mural- and graffiti-covered buildings flashing by. She silently applauded the mother for letting her children work out some of their energy at the platform.

The train ride seemed to fly by, startling Sally with how quickly they approached her stop. Apologizing to the kind gentleman, she began gathering her things. “Perhaps we could continue this delightful conversation by other means. Do you perhaps use email very often?” Pleasantly surprised at his question, she gladly exchanged email addresses with him, promising to send him information on the book that day. With a satisfied air, the man graciously thanked her for her time and bid her good day.

She breezed through the exit, making her way towards work with more grace than she ever remembered possessing. She barely heeded her surroundings as she pondered the strange yet utterly rewarding adventure she had just been party to. While sifting through her memories, however, she realized that she’d never found out how she had first drawn his attention, let alone warranted the conversation they’d had. Warning flags went up when she considered some of the negative possibilities of why a young woman would attract such attention. Unable to reconcile such predatory acts with the compellingly trustworthy man she’d just met, however, she determined to put such thoughts away, while keeping the warning signs simmering on a back burner in the event that she’d been mislead. It wouldn’t do for her predictable life to be overturned by the upset that unknown men had been seen to afflict on their victims.

Returning to the new insights she’d gained of the book in her hands, Sally lithely bounded up the steps to the private employee’s entrance of the book store. Upon entering, she took a deep breath of that wonderful paper and ink smell she loved so much. There was something incredibly calming, and yet energizing, by that inticing, memory laden scent. She had loved libraries and book stores for years, and had many happy and joyous experiences in such places. She always took a moment to “stop and smell the roses” as it were in anticipation of another wonderful day at the job she loved.

As her thoughts returned once again to The Last Lecture, and the insights she’d had through her conversation with the still unnamed man (his e-mail address didn’t provide any particular hints in that regard), Sally began the procedures to open the store for the day. Cash drawers had to be counted, activated and put into the registers. The registers had to be turned on and keyed in, ready for the cashier to log on to the point of sale system. A quick run through of the store had to be performed to make sure the night janitors had been thorough, and then another, slower journey made to that each book was shelved. She made a mental note to have Benjamin and Susan help her go through each section within the next couple of days to make sure each book was shelved properly.

As the day shift employees started to arrive, Sally made her way back to the manager’s office and started generating to do lists. One list was a set of tasks for each employee based on their general knowledge and strengths. Another list involved various book displays and the racks of related merchandise scattered throughout the store and her suggestions on which should be replaced soon and with what merchandise, to help the store seem “fresh” and the merchandise updated. It was also a great way to market the items that otherwise weren’t selling. She made suggestions on which merchandise should be shifted to the front after viewing their inventory. Items they had large quantities of went up front and by the audio visual section. New items for the secondary sections and also scattered so that they were placed close to their genres. Each section also included books on related topics, books by the same author, or books in the same genre though not necessarily closely related. Novels suggested by Oprah’s book club and other various talk shows went both in the front and next to the café.

The third list included items that needed to be ordered for the upcoming holiday season. Halloween was just around the corner, soon to be followed by both Thanksgiving and the ever busy Christmas holidays. Richard Paul Evans books topped the list, of course. This was, after all, Utah state. Richard Paul Evans, author of The Christmas Box, Grace, and several other novels and financial independence books, had a great following in his home state. He was also known to give firesides and speeches in the area on a regular basis. She also thought to showcase some other up and coming local authors next to his works. She enjoyed his books, but as she listed his publications her thoughts slowly drifted back to The Last Lecture and her conversation with the strange gentleman she had met that morning."

Sorry for the weird spacing, I'll fix that up later.