Well.

Christmas is over. At last.

The New Year is here. At last.

Inventory is over. At last.

Wowzers! I'd forgotten what The Festive Holiday Season - including Pre- and Post- - is like in the wonderful world of retail. Lots of very nice people, with a smattering of pills and pests. I'm torn between vowing "Never again!" and thinking, "Okay, next time I'm gonna . . . "

What gets me in a twist is the realization (and I apologize in advance for the lamentable lack of humility about to be displayed) that Retail is what Anne Does Best, at least regards outside employment. Contrary to popular opinion, not everyone is good at working with the public, learning stock, resolving problems, etc. The ability to handle all those elements is what makes someone good in the realm of retail.

I can do it.

Gee, how neat! How exciting! I excel in one of the lowest paid fields out there. Ain't I the lucky ducky?

But then I think, "So? What's up with using the Fallen World's gauge for success? The more money a position pays translates into a more important job?"

Professional football players make lots more than I do, but let's face it . . . when was the last time anyone really needed a professional football player?

Judging by the desperate expressions on the faces of those wandering the aisles, searching for someone to help them, we store salespeople can have a far more immediate, personal, and practical impact on a person's life.

Pretty cool. ;->