Ale for the Soul

Thank you, God, today is Friday!  It is also a much-needed day off for your favorite blog author.  I am one day away from finishing the two weeks of training at The Walking Company.  Concerning matters of procedure, the only item of training left to master is the closing paperwork at the end of the day.  Of course I will become more proficient with the passage of time.  In every other matter, I feel as if I'm on the right track.  I am making great strides in learning the product as I work the inventory in the stockroom and merchandise the shoes on the shelves.  In addition, I am beginning to re-discover the salesman I once was as I continue to make product knowledge a priority.  (Can't sell the shoes unless I am familiar with what I'm selling.)  Slowly but surely, everything is coming together nicely.  Yesterday was a good day in sales.  After a big goose egg in sales on Wednesday, I simply refused to have a repeat performance on Thursday.  In the end, I topped sales with a

What a week I had!!  On Monday, July 9th, I started a new job at The Walking Company in NorthPark Center, Dallas, Texas.  As excited as I am to make a return to the shoe business, I was exhausted by the time Friday rolled around.  I worked my ass off during this first week.  Yes, I have been out of the shoe business for nearly twelve years, but not a whole lot has changed.  Old shoe dogs, like myself, may be a dying breed, but people will always need shoes.  Over the next few weeks, I will continue having to adjust to a new job, acclimating myself to new surroundings, meeting people working at the other stores, and so much more.  The commute will also remain a challenge considering my small bladder.  Mother Nature strikes at the oddest moments, regardless if I relieved myself before leaving work or home.  Thankfully I am a man and can re-purpose empty water bottles.  (Was that too much information?  Needless to say, the re-purposed water bottles aren't empty for very long.  Ha ha!)

After a twelve year hiatus, I am back in the shoe business.  I couldn't be more excited for what has finally come to pass.  My joy is overflowing!  If there is one thing I know how to do in this life, it is how to sell shoes.  Yes, please call me Al Bundy from the TV sitcom Married With Children.  The day started and ended beautifully.  I arrived at NorthPark Center at eight o'clock in the morning.  The manager scheduled me for 9 a.m., but I wasn't sure what traffic would look like at this time of day.  After walking around taking pictures of all the beautiful artwork on display, I finally grabbed a cup of coffee and proceeded to the store.  (The retail center prides itself on acquiring and displaying current art in the common areas of the mall.)  Once the store opened, I immediately began to help customers.  Right off the bat, I sold a pair a shoes plus some shoe care items.  Then I sold a pair of shoes plus two pair of inserts.  After lunch, I spent the remainder of time

28 October 1701 WILLIAM PENN, Proprietary and Governor of the Province of Pennsylvania and Territories thereunto belonging, To all to whom these Presents shall come, sends Greeting. WHEREAS King CHARLES the Second, by His Letters Patents, under the Great Seal of England, bearing Date the Fourth Day of March, in the Year One Thousand Six Hundred and Eighty-one, was graciously pleased to give and grant unto me, and my Heirs and Assigns for ever, this Province of Pennsylvania, with divers great Powers and Jurisdictions for the well Government thereof. AND WHEREAS the King's dearest Brother, JAMES Duke of YORK and ALBANY, etc. by his Deeds of Feoffment, under his Hand and Seal duly perfected, bearing Date the Twenty-Fourth Day of August, One Thousand Six Hundred Eighty and Two, did grant unto me, my Heirs and Assigns, all that Tract of Land, now called the Territories of Pennsylvania, together with Powers and Jurisdictions for the good Government thereof. AND WHEREAS for the Enc

Since leaving the employment of the bagel shop, I have quickly adjusted to a new, more normal sleep routine.  Of course this is also in anticipation of the new job I have with The Walking Company beginning Monday at nine o'clock in the morning.  I also managed to swipe four days off for personal enjoyment and enrichment.  The need for mental and emotional refreshment and healing was at a point of desperation.  On Thursday, July 5th, I set out on the highway for Yoakum, Texas.  Not wanting to waste any time, I quickly set about taking care of a few goals once in the area.  Mom had to work both Thursday and Friday mornings, so I figured this afforded me the time to take care of a few personal items of interest.  Would it surprise you if I divulged the time was spent cemetery hunting?  In all, I visited four cemeteries and took a lot of pictures.  The exciting news around Yoakum was the opening of a new coffee shop.  It was quaint and inviting.  Personally I thought the prices were hi

The wind is strong, the water's deep My heart is heavy and my mind won't sleep Oh can You hear, my fear it breathes I need to know if You're the shadow I can see I wanna run to You when the waves break through I wanna run to You and not turn back There's no turning back Nothing in the past My eyes are on You again Can't see nothing at all But Your outstretched arms Help me believe it Though I falter You've got me walking on water The oceans singing, the song of grace But if I'm honest with myself, I am still afraid I wanna run to You when the waves break through I'm gonna run to You and not turn back There's no turning back Nothing in the past My eyes are on You again Can't see nothing at all But Your outstretched arms Help me believe it Though I falter You've got me walking on water I was sinking like a stone again I was halfway in the grave and then I looked up and saw Your face again You pulled me out of the water, water, water There's

On Thursday, June 21st, I had an employment interview with The Walking Company at Northpark Mall in Dallas, Texas.  Bringing along my lucky shoe horn, as well as offering many prayers to Almighty God, I was ready to hit a grand slam during the appointment.  The interview went so well, the manager offered a full-time job right then and there.  The only catch was to pass a background check.  Since all my legal stuff is over eleven years old, I was hoping for slightly better odds than from other failed attempts at obtaining better, more gainful employment; however, I was still on pins and needles the entire time.  Finally, two weeks after the initial interview, I heard back.  The good news?  I passed the background check and will begin work on Monday, July 9th at nine o'clock in the morning.  The anxiety was killing me, and now I am overjoyed with the results of what has transpired.  I was praying for redemption and mercy, and now I can claim another blessing in my life.  A return to