Last Sunday marked the first week anniversary of my new job.  What a week!  In summary, I will say that the work is interesting, and at the same time challenging, yet still fun.  I can’t help but feel like I’m “playing store”, collecting money from customers, arranging stock on shelves, keeping the store clean, etc.

One of my bosses challenged me to push myself to learn still more about the cheeses and other products in the store, and I have taken him seriously.  Every time I’m there I write down a few more names of cheeses, and then later at home, I pull out my paper and read about these cheeses online.  I’m learning so much about history and cheese and food in general.  It makes a difference, too, when I go back to work, and recognize some of my new friends in the cheese case.  For instance, yesterday my eye caught a glimpse of the “Maytag Blue” cheese, and I smiled a greeting, remembering what I had read about the son of the guy who started the Maytag appliance company, wanting to make a name for himself, and researching and developing his very own blue cheese, with the help of scientists, in the great state of Iowa.   Now the Maytag Blue is not a stranger, but a friend with a story.  I can’t wait until someone wants to know about that cheese and I can tell them this interesting tale.    I suppose all this research is a bit like having homework, but it’s a pleasant study, and I can learn at my own pace.

Meanwhile, back at home, I am challenged to be much more productive with my time.  No longer can I take long afternoon naps and procrastinate on projects.  Time is short, so I must be diligent.  I’m sorry to say that it has been a good discipline, though I do still miss my more leisurely days.

Today I receive my first paycheck.  I’m so excited.  I can’t wait to put it in the bank and get it sent off to the credit card people.  That’s my whole reason for doing this!

Oh, of interesting note:  my co-worker quit yesterday.  So now I’m the only “underling” at the store.  I sure hope my bosses decide to hire someone else to help with the mopping at the end of the day.