Mirror, Mirror, Who is THAT?

     I don’t like to shop.  Let me rephrase that, I don’t like to shop for me.  I have a hard time finding clothes I like.  Maybe I’m too picky.  Maybe I don’t care.  In reality, I’m a blue jeans girl in a fashionista world.  My idea of looking presentable these days is a newer pair of jeans with a comfortable top.  I appreciate good fashion, and I like watching Project Runway, but the whole ordeal of finding something to wear is exhausting and frustrating.  There are times however, when an occasion arises that forces me into the mall.

     Recently I was invited to a wedding.  Looking in the closet, I realized I hadn’t bought a dressy outfit in about 10 years.  Some still fit, but none seemed suitable enough to wear to a winter event.  So, I eventually decided to hit the mall.  I was determined to find something.  I walked the entire length, went into every store, and eventually landed in Macy’s.  I was surprised to actually find a few dresses to try on given the fact that many were for a much younger woman or, for a much older woman.  Being in that middle age range is like falling into the black hole of apparel.

    I was appreciative that the saleswomen didn’t follow me into the dressing room.  I know what I like, and know if I like how it looks on me.  I hung my selections on the hook, undressed, and turned around.  Maybe it was the glow of the fluorescent light.  Maybe it was the multiple angles in which I was given the opportunity to observe myself.  Maybe it was because I was tired and in bad need of a haircut.  I didn’t recognize the woman staring back at me.  Suddenly I looked so much older than I do in my mirror at home.  Suddenly I looked about 10 pounds overweight.   I looked like a cross between a before picture and a mug shot.  Who was that stranger looking back at me?

    After getting over the initial shock, I found a nice dress and was happy with my purchase.  The next week I got a haircut.  For some reason, it always makes me feel lighter and energized.  The wedding was fun (more in another post) and I had a great time.  Last week I was thinking about the eyes we look out with.  The eyes that make an effort to be happy, smile, and enjoy life as well as deal with hard times.  The eyes that observe all around us and help us make wise decisions.  The eyes that look toward the future, reminisce about the past, and watch generations move along.  Aging of the body is a natural process in which we have no control.  More important is how we feel, how we live, and what we experience.  The mirror doesn’t show us that.

Shopping During the Holiday Season

Article first published as Shopping During the Holiday Season on Technorati.

This is the time of year when people flocked to retail stores in search of presents for family, friends, and co-workers.   Tokens of appreciation are bought for individuals who have aided or provided us with service.   Malls and major retailers attract the largest number of shoppers.  This causes the workers in these stores to move at a never ending pace.  What is surprising is how exasperated customers become when they aren’t instantly waited on or checked out. Waiting 5 to 10 minutes suddenly becomes an eternity.   In a world of instant gratification,the retail worker cannot keep up.

I decided to do some shopping on Monday.   I thought this would be better than shopping on the weekend.   Even though it was early,the stores where already crowded.   My first stop was ToysRus.  Luckily I didn’t have to purchase any electronics because this area was bombarded.   They had 4 staff members working exclusively in this section.   Adults were shouting out what video games they needed behind the locked displays.   Who was first and who had been waiting the longest was constantly stated. Of course these people didn’t know if certain games worked on certain systems.   I have to credit the staff with being patient and knowledgeable.

When I got to the checkout, one line was open.   The young woman ringing people up was moving as fast as she could. Questions about price and what the circular promised kept coming up.   When it was my turn I could see that the cashier was already harried and sweating.   It was only 9:45 AM. I told her to slow down.   That she wasn’t going to make it through the day.   She smiled and gave a little laugh.   The register next to her finally opened providing some much needed help.

In the mall, the situation repeatedly played itself out.   The smaller stores weren’t overwhelmed, but Sears, Macy’s, etc. had larger crowds and longer lines.   People were talking out loud on how ridiculous it was that the line was going so slow.   There was little regard for the person who was doing the best they could.   On top of sales, they dealt with returns and questions about stock.   They also have to give the obligatory plea to open an account today and save 20%.

My guess is that these retailers probably staff the stores heavily on the weekend when shoppers are out in force, and then cut back early in the week.   What we have to remember is that many of these workers and enduring long hours for minimal pay.   They are doing their best they under the circumstance and are trying to earn a paycheck.   Once in a blue moon you may encounter someone who is discourteous, but for the most part they are polite and helpful.  Smile when you get to the checkout.   Say something nice and you may get better service.    A thank you and wishing them Happy Holidays might bring a moment of relief.