There are very few things that I will put off to the bitter end; there are very few things that I absolutely detest doing. These are three of those things. Actually, these are the only three that I can think of.

1) Vacuuming. I really hate vacuuming. I think this goes back to those times when I was five or so and had to hull our 20lb vacuum around the house. It was hard. But then the wheels on the vacuum we currently have went kaput sever years back. So not only does it weigh as much as an elephant, but it also refuses to move in any sort of rational manner. I tell you, this vacuum has it out for me. Every time I use it, I get a bruise somewhere. I would rather do any house chore over vacuuming. And don’t even think about asking me to vacuum the stairs… it sucks.

2) Making my bed. I don’t mind the simple task of tidying up my comforter each morning, although, that’s a bit cumbersome. I’m referring to the process of putting the sheets on the bed. My bed has always been in the corner of my room, whatever room that might be. This means the half of the bed isn’t in open access. How is one supposed to tuck the corners in? I mean, I can move the bed away from the wall a bit. But it’s heavy. As with the vacuum, bruises. My bed frame is made of wood. With sharp corners. Plus I think my actual mattress is made of rocks. I also hate making my bed because it’s extremely unsatisfying. My covers never seem to stay on my bed. So I spend all this time trying to fix it up and tucking and pulling and then they all just fall off. Every. Single. Time.

3) Taking a shower. Yes, I know it’s a bit gross, but I really hate showers. I will put off taking a shower to the very last minute. Which basically means until I completely smell in the summer and until my hair is a grease pit in the winter. So roughly every three days. I have a system see, I wear my hair down the first and maybe second day, then I’ll curl it, then I’ll wear it up or put a hat on for the last day. I’m really looking forward to sonic showers. I don’t like anything about the current bathing process. It’s itchy, soap get’s in your eyes, shaving is a drag, plus you have to dry off which takes forever, and the whole thing leaves me feeling like a wet moldy sponge all day. Now that is gross.

I don’t necessarily work in retail, but I think some of the retail stereotypes still apply at my bookstore job. I’ve had some interesting experiences. And I’ve really learned a lot.  Probably the biggest thing I’ve learned is how to make and deal with a mistake. Some situations are just rough. Here are a few rough situations:

1) When telling a customer you can help them at register 3, never say “I can check you out right here.”

2) When trying to recover from saying “I can check you out right here”, don’t say “I mean, I can do you right here.” Just don’t.

3) When asking a not too shabby looking guy for a phone number under his account, don’t say “Can I have your number?”

4) When answering the phone, remember that this is your territory and the other person probably feels just as uncomfortable.

5) But in case you still are nervous, don’t stumble over your own words, e.g., “Is there any other answers that you have that I can question?” Just take your time and get the words out correctly. Yeah…

6) Don’t read sad books when there are no customers to help. You might start crying.

7) When dealing with a crabby customer, try not to talk to them like they’re a child. “It doesn’t look like we can buy this book back.” Moments later, “We’re still unable to buy this book back… See this water damage? We can’t buy any books back with water damage… This book, we’re unable to buy it back… I’m sorry, we can’t buy this book… Okay, let me try this one more time and we’ll see if you can understand. WE CAN’T BUY THIS BOOK BACK.” At times like these, I’m glad I’m not a manager.