Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Day By Day

I cashed my first paycheck in over seven months today. I feel officially employed now even though I started my new job at the beginning of this month. I’m technically a “bookseller” at a calendar store which is a subsidiary of a company I used to work for. It’s a temporary part-time position for the holidays but I’m just glad to be working again.

The first few days was spent setting up shop in a space previously owned by an Ann Taylor. I like to joke that since we’re the only calendar store with its own dressing rooms, customers can check out if their calendar matches their shoes before buying it. That sounded way funnier in my head. On my second day there, I cut myself on one of the fixtures I was building and I don’t think it’s good business to be bleeding all over the merchandise. At first, I was worried I’d be stuck doing something I didn’t like. But as the days have passed and we’ve gotten more non-calendar items in- some books even- and we’re actually making money, I’m really happy.

One of the lessons I’ve learned living in Portland is gratitude- being thankful for all the positive things happening in my life. Getting this job just makes me appreciate them even more.

I was able to get my FICO score for free and I was surprised to see such an increase from last time I checked. At these times of financial uncertainty, having a high score of 788 makes me feel I’m doing something right. In fact, I think it was because of it, my request for a credit limit increase on my credit card got approved. Now I can spend more money I don’t have if I so want.

I also reached my reading goal of 36 books this year. Of course, I’m not going to stop reading for the rest of this year but I think it’s I’m meeting the tiny goals I set up for myself. This also included writing everyday for at least 30 minutes and, as much as I grumble while doing so, exercising for at least half an hour four times a week. I’ve lost at least 10 pounds since moving to Portland.

But one of the most positive and rewarding experience for me has been volunteering at the Friends’ Library Store. While in between jobs, it was something to pass the time- and not just idly so. I got to interact with people and freshen up on my customer service skills. A highlight was when another reader would come in and we’d get to talking about books and recommend titles to one another. I’ve also felt encouraged to share my ideas on how the store can be better and they’ve been well-received. It’s been a great feeling to be part of something that supports an institution I’m very fond of. And having volunteered over 75 hours, I automatically became an official Friend of the Friends of the Library. Luckily I can still volunteer and not have it interfere with my work.

I’d say things are looking up and for that I’m grateful.