In the world of retail, there's a hidden gem of expertise that often goes unnoticed: the Server Mindset. It's a notion that might seem peculiar at first glance, but for those who have worked in both the fast-paced environment of serving tables and the dynamic landscape of retail, it's a valuable asset that can make all the difference.
As someone who has traversed both realms, I can attest to the incredible parallels between waiting tables and assisting customers in a retail setting. The skills I honed as a server have seamlessly translated into my role in retail, and I find myself relying on them more often than I expected. One of the most noteworthy lessons I learned from my days as a server is the art of defusing tension. In a restaurant, tempers can flare, and conflicts can arise at any moment. Learning how to navigate these situations with grace and composure is essential. Similarly, in retail, emotions can run high, whether it's due to long lines, product unavailability, or customer dissatisfaction. By drawing on my background, I've been able to effectively manage these moments and turn potential crises into opportunities for positive interactions. Another insight I've carried over is the speed at which information spreads. In the restaurant industry, rumors can spread like wildfire, and the same holds true in retail. Whether it's news about upcoming promotions or changes in company policy, being aware of how swiftly information travels allows me to stay ahead of the curve and address any concerns before they escalate. Furthermore, I've learned that relationships matter, both with coworkers and customers. Just as having a supportive team in the restaurant can make all the difference during a busy shift, growing strong connections with colleagues in retail fosters a sense of camaraderie and support that improves the work environment. And when it comes to customers, building rapport can mean the difference between a one-time transaction and a loyal, repeat shopper. But perhaps the most ingrained aspect of the Server Mindset is the drive to excel and exceed expectations. In the restaurant industry, up-selling is second nature, and the same competitive spirit carries over into retail. Whether it's encouraging customers to sign up for rewards programs or suggesting the purchase of extra products to complement the items they already have; I find myself instinctively looking for opportunities to sweeten the customer experience and drive sales. Despite the differences between serving tables and serving customers in a retail setting, one thing remains consistent: the satisfaction that comes from delivering exceptional service. While I may always be a server at heart, my journey in the world of retail has proven to be equally rewarding. Who knows what the future holds? Perhaps someday I'll combine my passion for hospitality with my retail expertise and open my own bakery. Until then, I'll continue to embrace the Server Mindset and strive to excel in every role I undertake.
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Hey there, fellow wanderers of life! Today, I want to delve into a topic that's been bouncing around in my head for a while now: the misconception that being perceived as a positive or happy person equates to having everything figured out. Spoiler alert: it doesn't!
Let's clear the air from the get-go. Yes, I'm often described as the eternal optimist, the one with a smile plastered on their face, even when the sky seems to be falling. But let me tell you something: that doesn't mean I have all my ducks in a row or that I possess some secret roadmap to navigating this crazy journey called life. Far from it, actually. The truth is, life is messy. It's chaotic, unpredictable, and sometimes downright cruel. We face challenges, heartaches, and setbacks that can knock us off our feet and leave us feeling utterly lost. And yet, despite it all, I choose to embrace positivity—not because I have it all together, but because I refuse to let the darkness consume me. You see, being a positive person doesn't mean I'm immune to pain or hardship. It doesn't mean I haven't experienced my fair share of failures or moments of doubt. Trust me, I've had plenty. But what it does mean is that I've made a conscious decision to focus on the good, even when the bad threatens to overshadow it all. Why? Because life is too short to waste on negativity. There's simply not enough time to dwell on anger, resentment, or bitterness, no matter how justified those feelings may seem at times. Sure, the world can be a shitty place. It can test us in ways we never imagined and push us to our limits. But even in the darkest of times, there's still beauty to be found, moments of joy to cherish, and reasons to keep moving forward. So, the next time you see me with a smile on my face, please don't assume that I have it all together. I'm just like you—figuring it out as I go, stumbling and falling along the way, but always choosing to rise again. And maybe, just maybe, that's what true positivity is all about: not having all the answers, but embracing the journey, flaws and all. In the end, whether you choose to see the world through a lens of positivity or let the negativity consume you is entirely up to you. But as for me, I'll continue to embrace the light, even on the darkest of days, because I truly believe that's where the magic lies. Until next time, keep shining bright, my friends. And remember, it's okay not to have it all together—none of us do. Well, I did what I thought I needed to, and apologized to myself on your behalf. It helped, it really helped to put all of that out on the table. Even if you never heard it, even if it didn't come from you. It was therapeutic, it was good. It helped. I realized that in my attempt to find closure, I had overlooked the emotions and feelings you have. It was a moment of clarity that led me to pen down this sincere apology to you because you deserve one too. To my friend, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for not living up to the expectations you may have had of me. I apologize for idealizing a version of our friendship that ultimately overshadowed its reality. I'm sorry for not making more effort to include you in my life, my small-town life with my small-town moments. And I'm so sorry for being distant and preoccupied with my business. I acknowledge my faults – I'm sorry I became irritated when you attempted to help, I'm sorry for speaking in a condescending town when I'd become upset, and I'm sorry I failed to communicate and enforce clear boundaries, causing unneeded arguments and friction. I'm sorry for expecting more from you without expressing it, and for any disappointment or rudeness I may have displayed. It hurts me to know that my actions have hurt you. I apologize if my actions or lack of action has jeopardized our friendship. I understand that you may never see this apology, but know that it comes from a place of genuine remorse. As I reminisce on our relationship, I realize that perhaps we both had delusions about each other. It's a difficult truth to accept, but sometimes friendships don't withstand the test of time. Despite the inflicted distress and moments I regret, I am beyond grateful for the memories we shared. Every moment, whether joyful or disheartening, has shaped our journey together. So here's to acknowledging mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and cherishing the moments that made our friendship unique. Though our routes may diverge, I will always treasure the bond we once shared. After a considerable amount of radio silence, it’s time for a catch-up. I must admit, even after soliciting ideas from friends for blog posts, I let them languish. But here I am, back in the digital realm, ready to share some recent adventures. Work has been the anchor of my routine lately. As someone in the retail sector, each day brings its own set of challenges and surprises. It’s a demanding environment, but I’ve found my rhythm within it. My colleagues and customers seem to appreciate my efforts, which makes the grind a little easier to bear. I'm known as always cheerful, and a pleasure to be around which makes me feel valuable. Last week, the Hubs, embarked on a brief business trip to Dallas, TX. It was a change from our usual routine, and I found myself feeling a bit adrift without him. However, he made it so easy and that is something I truly appreciate about him. The nights were restless, though, but before I knew it, Thursday arrived, and I was back at the airport, eagerly awaiting his return. He came back loaded with an assortment of quirky freebies—a small yet delightful reminder of his travels. But the biggest news on the home front? We’ve welcomed a new addition to our family: a puppy! With our beloved dog AyeJay growing older (she's almost 7, now), we felt it was the perfect time to introduce a younger companion into our lives. And so, Sudbury came bounding into our world, a nine-week-old bundle of fur and energy. He’s everything you’d expect from a puppy—curious, mischievous, and utterly endearing. Watching him navigate the world under the gentle guidance of our older dog has been a heartwarming experience, reaffirming our decision to expand our fur family. Now, I could ramble on about the intricacies of puppy training or the challenges of balancing work and pet parenthood. But instead, I’ll leave you with something guaranteed to bring a smile to your face: pictures of our dynamic duo, AyeJay and Sudbury. After all, sometimes a picture truly is worth a thousand words. As always, thanks for joining me on this journey. Until next time, stay pawsitive! 🐾 "We don't really do Valentine's Day," is a phrase I'll repeat a few times today, and my husband already has too. It might sound like a standard response, giving off a vibe of "we're not the romantic type," BUT it's just not our thing, and how we chose to celebrate, or lack thereof, today. It's not about lacking romance; we simply find today to be immensely overrated, and basically a Hallmark Holiday.
By no means am I knocking on those of you celebrating today. You do you, Boo! Buy the expensive flowers, grab the boxes of chocolates, book that dinner at the fancy restaurant... indulge and enjoy every moment. As for me, I'll take a rain check. Now, why don't we celebrate? Well, for starters, the price of flowers skyrockets just because it's Valentine's Day. We treat ourselves to chocolates or candies whenever we please, and our gift-giving happens spontaneously, not bound to a calendar with the pressure of "having to". Beyond that, if you dare venture out to a restaurant for dinner, brace yourself for a crowd. It's a zoo out there. Long waits, grumbling customers, the whole nine yards. Just people. Lots and lots of people. And if you manage to snag a table (hopefully, you made reservations days ago), you're often stuck with a limited menu: a few choices but the full menu will be unavailable. As for dessert? They'll probably feature a Strawberry Shortcake and maybe a Red Velvet Cake. Again, do not let me rain on your parade! Do not let me deter you from doing all the Valentine's fun you want to. If this day is your jam, go all out and savor every moment. But let me drop a small truth bomb: You can show the ones you care about some love and appreciation any damn day of the year! No need to wait for a holiday to spoil someone with flowers or treats. Gifts don't have to be reserved for special occasions; surprise someone just because. At the end of the day, and any other day for that matter, your loved ones should feel cherished, without needing a holiday to validate it. I know it's just better to let something go than to wait for an apology. I know that if she wanted to apologize for all the wrongs she has done towards me, she would have. If she was in any way remorseful or felt any type of guilt, she would have let me know... but she hasn't and it's been 6 months. So, I guess it's safe to say that the apology will never come and that's fine. It's hard to let go but that's what I'll do and as for the apology... I suppose I could apologize to myself, on her behalf... just for myself... for some form of closure.
Where to start? Well, if I'm going to do this, I'll do it correctly. I would like to say I'm sorry. I'm sorry for the wrongs I did while you let me stay in your home. I'm sorry for the apology you never got. I'm sorry that I disrespected your home by smoking cigarettes in it when you made a point to mention that you quit smoking a few years ago (I'm sorry I never congratulated you on that, either) and prefer all cigarette smoking to be done outside. I'm sorry that I broke your dishwasher and vacuum cleaner. I'm sorry that I wanted to invite a toxic person from my life into your home while you were out of town. I'm sorry that I blamed you for when I neglected my diet. I know you cared but I'm not used to that so I lashed out and I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I borrowed your clothes without asking, assuming that it would be okay although we are different sizes and you made a very clear point that your clothing was important to you and so was the privacy of your room which I also invaded. Not only, am I sorry for borrowing one of your favorite white cocktail dresses, I'm sorry that I ruined it with my foundation, then hid it from you so you had to find it after coming home from vacation. I'm sorry that I said I was going to do things like rearrange the photos on your wall, only for you to come home to all the photos off the wall and stashed behind your couch. I'm sorry that even after you told me that the dining room was going to be turned into your production room I still made a disaster of it. I'm sorry that I assumed so much and never opened the lines of communication. I'm sorry that I stole from you, that I thought it was okay for me to rummage through your private sex toy drawer because you've allowed me to read the smut stories you have written. I'm sorry that I decided to steal not only nipple clamps from you but also a sex toy. I'm really sorry that I assumed you wouldn't notice. I'm sorry that at the end of the day, I made you feel bad that I did these things to you. I'm sorry for all the wrongs I did and I'm sorry that I wasn't the friend you thought I was. There, the apology I deserved and you know what? I do feel somewhat better about the whole situation. I know I shouldn't even need an apology but it's so hard not to expect when you know someone had done you wrong in so many ways and that there is no way they were unaware they did these things. But you know what sucks the most? Coming to the harsh realization that someone I had thought of as a "Best Friend" thinks so little of me that she would do these things to me and my family and live her life guilt-free. I doubt anything she has done to others bothers her and I think that really sucks. She'll just continue to leave a trail of disaster and debris through friends and strangers until everyone knows her intentions are never good and always selfish. I still love my friend, but I do believe that I only love the version that I pretended she was this whole time. She shined a light on her true form and it's not that pretty. I know... it sounds rude and uncalled for but seriously... I just don't like it. I'm very much talking about the Christmas gift my Mother-in-Law gave me this year... well, not THIS year because it's only January but you know what I mean... the most recent Christmas gift from her. It's a jacket-like piece of clothing. It's plaid but in white and light blue, which isn't really my cup of tea or color of choice. It doesn't go with anything I own and doesn't look like it even belongs in my closet at all. As bad as I feel about complaining, she's known me for over 15 years and knows me well enough to know that what she bought me isn't something I'd like. That's not even my real complaint. My mother-in-law was in Italy over the summer and as I was texting with her, I joked that I would love a sundress from Italy. She replied, "Haha, maybe not that but I was thinking of getting you and the other adult women (her 2 daughters, and other daughter-in-law) an Italian crossbody purse for Christmas." I LOVED THAT IDEA... and I let her know that I would literally love anything from Italy. Whelp, here came Christmas and I got this disappointment of a gift and the explanation of "Well, I just couldn't find anything in Italy that screamed your name"... NOTHING? Nothing at all, in the entire country of Italy, seemed like something that I MIGHT like? Yet, this overshirt, jacket, what-the-fuck-ever, seemed perfect for me? I feel like such an afterthought at this point. Like she may have gotten me something better as a gift but forgot about someone more important to her than me so they got whatever she got me and I got this POS what-the-fuck-ever from a wholesale, warehouse store (think Costco or Sam's Club). I know I shouldn't let this bother me but it does: I have petty thoughts and a bitter taste in my mouth. Oh, and just for clarity... I gifted her a storm glass for Christmas...It's a diamond shaped glass containing a transparent solution that is composed of a number of chemical substances. Crystals will form different shapes within the solution according to the temperature and weather. Cool, I know. I give good gifts lol. Thanks for listening to me bitch and moan. Enjoy your day! Find some time to relax and give a little kindness if you can spare it! Do well. Be well! I guess it's called a "Shacket"...whatever. Hey there, fellow joy-seekers! 🌟 I hope this blog post finds you in high spirits and ready to soak in the positive vibes because today, I'm here to share my newfound love for my job and the delightful resurrection of my garden. Life's unexpected twists and turns have brought me to a place where I can confidently say: it's not what I expected, but it's absolutely perfect. First things first, let's talk about the daily grind. A few months ago, I found myself in a job that I wasn't sure about. Fast forward to today, and I'm absolutely loving it! Who knew that the right mix of challenges, great colleagues, and a positive work environment could turn a job into a source of joy? Certainly not me, but here I am, happily punching in every day with a smile. Now, let's shift our focus to my little patch of paradise – my garden. It went through a bit of a rough patch (pun intended), but after a much-needed reboot, it's back in action! The vibrant colors, the soothing scents, and the satisfaction of nurturing something from seed to bud– it's therapeutic... it fuels my ZEN. If you've ever doubted the healing powers of gardening, take it from me: it's a game-changer. Life, with its surprises and curve-balls, has a funny way of steering us in the direction we didn't know we needed. While it's not always what we expected, it turns out that it's exactly what we needed. I've learned to embrace the uncertainties and find joy in the little things. After all, life's beauty lies in its unpredictability. With Christmas just around the corner, I want to take a moment to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas! 🎄 May your days be merry and bright, filled with the warmth of loved ones and the joy of shared moments. And here's a little nugget of wisdom: it's perfectly acceptable to want a stress-free Christmas. In fact, it's more than acceptable – it's encouraged! Let's face it, the holidays can sometimes come with a side of stress, whether it's the pressure to conform to traditions or the hustle and bustle of the season. But guess what? You have the power to make it your own. If there are traditions that bring you joy, embrace them with open arms. If there are traditions that feel like a burden, it's okay to skip them. Your happiness and peace of mind are the best gifts you can give to yourself and those around you. So here's to loving our jobs, tending to our gardens, and navigating the beautiful chaos of life with a smile on our faces. May your days be filled with unexpected joys and may your Christmas be stress-free and full of love. Merry Christmas, dear readers! 🎅✨ Have you ever heard the phrase, "I wish I was brave enough to try something like that with my hair"? Well, I've heard it countless times, and every time it leaves me pondering. The cause of this admiration? My BRIGHT red hair, or as I like to call it, Ariel red. The vibrant hue has been my signature style for the past five years, and I've proudly sported creatively colored locks for over a decade. But here's the kicker—I don't consider it an act of bravery.
Bravery? Dying my hair feels anything but brave. In fact, it's more like a routine, a ritual that allows me to express myself in a way that feels inherently me. The mirror reflects a palette of vibrant reds, and I can't help but smile. It's not about courage; it's about embracing the freedom to be myself. For some reason, the world sees coloring one's hair, especially in unconventional shades, as an act of courage. But the truth is, I don't feel brave; I feel authentic. It's not a daring feat for me; it's merely an extension of my identity. Encouraging others to take the plunge into the realm of funky hair colors has become second nature to me. Yet, I find it amusing that my encouragement is often perceived as urging someone to embark on a courageous endeavor. If only they could see it from my perspective – it's not about bravery; it's about unlocking the door to self-expression and letting your true colors shine, quite literally. So, the next time someone marvels at the audacity it must take to have hair as vibrant as mine, I'll simply smile and say, "It's not bravery; it's just me being me." And if that inspires someone else to embrace their own uniqueness, well, that's a journey worth celebrating. After all, there's a little bit of bravery in being unapologetically yourself in a world that often nudges conformity. I hope this finds you well, and I want to start by sending belated wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving to each and every one of you. I know I'm a bit late to the party, but life has been a whirlwind lately, and I wanted to take a moment to catch you up on what's been happening.
If you've been following my blog, you might have noticed that I've been MIA for a bit. It's not because I've lost interest or forgotten about you all—it's quite the opposite. Life has thrown a new adventure my way, and it's been a challenge to find the time to sit down and update you on it all. Recently, I took on a part-time job that miraculously aligns perfectly with my kids' and husband's schedules. It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up, considering the flexibility it provides for our family. While it's not the typical 9-to-5 hustle, it keeps me in a perpetual state of "go mode." From the morning school runs to evening family dinners, and now juggling a part-time job in between, it's been a balancing act but I'm graceful. But you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. It's a different kind of busy—one that fills my days with purpose and meaning. Sure, it's challenging, but it's a challenge I've willingly embraced for the sake of creating a harmonious life for my family. As we reflect on Thanksgiving and express gratitude for the blessings in our lives, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunities and challenges that come my way. Life is a constant ebb and flow, and finding the balance in it all is an ongoing journey. Now, as we shift our focus from turkey and stuffing to the frenzy of Black Friday, I want to share a little perspective. While the sales and discounts may be tempting, let's not lose sight of what truly matters. Our homes are filled with the warmth of family, the laughter, and the love of those closest to us. In the grand scheme of things, those moments are priceless. So, as we navigate the holiday season, let's approach it with a sense of gratitude and mindfulness. Instead of getting caught up in the hustle and bustle, let's take a moment to appreciate the simple joys that surround us. Whether it's a quiet evening by the fireplace or a shared meal with loved ones, these are the moments that make the holiday season truly special. And to my fellow readers, I want to leave you with a little motivation. In the midst of the holiday chaos, remember that you have the strength to navigate it all. Take a deep breath, savor the moments that bring you joy, and cherish the time spent with those you hold dear. As the holiday season unfolds, may it be filled with love, laughter, and a sense of fulfillment. Wishing you all a joyous holiday season. |
AuthorMarried. Mother. Writer. Artist. Witty. Clever. Positive. Obnoxious. Amazing. Archives
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