It turns out that you can pack a lot into a day when you get up at 3.50am.
We opened on time and even entertained one of the regulars with out attempts to unlock the espresso machine and my attempts to move the umbrellas. Turns out that it was not only my first time opening at that store, but my barista's first time as well. I don't recommend it. ha ha ha But we managed. People got their coffee. Then someone called in sick for the closing shift and being unable to find someone to cover them, someone had to go home so she could come back later - poor girl - leaving us with two people and two brand new trainees. I don't recommend that in the morning either. Afternoon/evening fine. Morning...not so much. People get cranky when they see people not doing stuff while they wait.
Then, when I finally got home later than planned, I discovered two - yes TWO - parcels waiting for me. One was the Christmas/Birthday parcel from my family sent early to make sure it got here in time. It definitely did. The other was a CD of
The Outsiders from Abigail, which I could NOT find here in Vancouver. If there anything that could be considered the soundtrack for my visits to WA, this would be it. It's fantastic, so it is mystery to me that the CD stores I checked didn't even have this latest release on their computer system. Oh well, I have it now! :)
As for the parcel for my family, I have to admit that I opened all the presents, which was a very mixed experience. Don't get me wrong, the presents were great, so thank you. It's just that as I sat staring at the wrapped presents I realised that this was what Christmas (and my Birthday) with my family was going to look like from now on. A parcel of presents and not a person in sight to thank. It sucks more than I thought it would. So I re-wrapped two of them. It's silly I know, but it makes me feel better than just putting them in my drawers like anything else just yet. I think I will feel better when I get to talk them them and thank them in person. I do have my first Christmas card though now, which is exciting.
Then after all that and watching a couple of episodes of Firefly in lieu of a nap, I led life group. We finished on time and there was no drama, so I guess you could consider it a success. I'm sure everyone, however, will be glad to be resuming normal scheduling.
And now I must go to work. Partner shopping days start today and I have plans.