So here I am...
I just finished up a Christmas Eve work shift and I'm sitting in Starbucks waiting for my husband to pick me up after he gets out of work. Thank goodness for free wifi and semi-comfortable seats... and coffee! No, the coffee isn't free but the front-row seat on social behavior during the holidays is kind of amusing.

Let's interrupt slightly from the tale to wish everyone
alt

and an apology for not being present the last few days. If you read my post My JOB is really cutting into my Steemit time! you will know that I haven't worked a retail job in a few years. Being on my feet moving, talking to people, smiling... It's flippin' exhausting!

I've literally come home feeling like this:

_{Buh-buh-buh scene from Overboard}

So, if you've left comments, sent a Steem.chat, tried to find me anywhere on social media... Yeah... No. This little lady was passed out spooning my very upset puppies. Plus, it's hard to get acclimated when you're working an opening shift and then practically a closing shift the next day.

I think the only reason I'm conscious right now is because I'm sitting at a table watching the world go by instead of being bra-less and shoe-less in the comfort of my home.

So, my Steemian friends:
I love you.

I MISS YOU.

I'm not ignoring you.

I promise.

^{Good GOD! Look at the bags under my eyes?!? Selfies SUCK. LOL}

Where was I...?

Ah, yes - social behavior during the holiday season and watching the world go by...

Young and old, they filter in searching for the best deals on picked over items and clearance deals searching for the "best" presents their budget can afford.

Considering it is the day before the "big present reveal" and so many shoppers still have hours of wrapping to look forward to, there is a sense of calm. They're either very happy with their finds or they've simply given up; the attitude "This will do."

Finding the perfect gift for a specific individual doesn't seem to exist anymore. Forget crafting one's own gifts!

Nope. That doesn't seem to exist at all.

It's all about putting something - anything - under the tree.
Perhaps that's why there isn't any last minute panic?

Does anyone really give a shit?

Don't get me wrong, thanks to the holidays, I currently have a job. I suppose I'm thankful for that because I'm meeting some really cool people at work and this side of retail is pretty easy. Seriously.

You don't know hard retail work until you've been on your feet for 15+ hours working around food and/or alcohol.
The hardest part of my job is getting a price check because the guest says they saw a sign that it was 50% off or something ridiculous, you know...

...because arguing twice as hard for a gift they half want is so worth it! LOL

Oh ye sad, programmed people, corporate headquarters loves you...

And so do I.

Come frolic with me 'til the New Year!

This is a 50/50 post.
Click here to read more about my #payitforward initiative

There you will also find there a record of payouts and transfers for this initiative.

^{image source}

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