Wow! Can’t believe 2009 is going to be over. I started this blog in September without any expectations but something for my co-workers to read. I always thought somehow people can relate because who hasn’t worked in the retail industry and who doesn’t go grocery shopping. Three months later, readers from all over emailed and commented on some of the things that they can relate to. I also received I don’t know what to call it other than “hate mail” telling me stuff like, “Why would I want to read about some grocery clerk, all you do is scan groceries” or “There’s nothing fascinating about your blog” or “Those stories can’t be true.” I’m sorry but this is really all I know. I worked in the grocery industry since I graduated high school and although I have ambitions of bigger things like finishing college which I hope to some day but this has been my life for a decade. I’m sorry if I can’t write a blog about “finding myself” or issues on dating but what I do see working in a grocery store is real people. I see how people really act. I was never much a book reader but lately I have been visiting many blogs. I guess my life has been a bit shallow but reading other blogs has opened my eyes.
Blogs such as Phoenixism, by David Quintero, talks about random stuff such as the makeover of his apartment, going to a rock concert with his son and playing the Xbox 360 with videos of it to boot! I personally think David is a literary genius. I really don’t know how I met DQ but he is my first blogging buddy and gave me the confidence to keep writing when he wrote about my blog in his Blogroll Chronicles. That post made me feel special.
The Trees Will Clap by Erika is about a girl from SoCal, trying to spread the word of Christ while living on less and finding the life worth living. I’m not really religious but I find myself on her blog with curiosity. On why she chooses to wait til marriage to have sex, going green by consuming less, and she’s even cut back on her wardrobe in order to live more minimally.
Nine Kinds of Crazy, by Sharon, writes about her life as a stepmom and dealings with her family. From her rants about the “other mom” to her drama queen son to moving into their new house, things always happen. Her site is also password protected to keep the “other mom” out which makes her blog even more fascinating.
And Secret Story Time, by Secretia. Her blog is very clever because she puts out a theme in the form a poem and you get to tell your personal secrets about it or you can remain anonymous. Its fun and a great way to let out something you’ve been hiding so everyone can read without being ridiculed.
As the New Year starts, I will be introducing some more of my favorite reads because they too deserve the attention.
Here are some favorite stories of 2009…
1. I Don’t Have Change
2. Sex in the Parking Lot
3. Blind Guy
4. Fine Dining on Food Stamps
5. Thanksgiving at the Grocery Store
And here’s to those who doubt the world of grocery clerks is humorous…
Happy New Years!
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Paul, everybody is interested in grocery store goings on, we all love food and we all get excited in a grocery store. Plus, you’re a good writer!
Thanks for the mention of my blog, too.
Happy New Years Eve, and a safe night.
Secretia
I think the main thing is that you write what you want to. People who want to read it will, people who don’t will move along. That’s how I approach blogging anyway.
(That video is kind of creepy!)
A very happy Hogmanay love from your Scottish auntie (who really doesn’t want any more IT guys, honest !!!!!) xxxx
Aw, thanks for the shout out. Truly appreciate it.
May you be blessed with a fantastic 2010.
Aww you’re so sweet to mention little ol’ me! After reading all those stories, I want to send you 4 pennies for New Years!
Thanks for your comment today. Great theme to your blog, especially seeing that my husband has worked the grocery store scene for close to 20 years now. My kids beg him for stories of all the excitement that happens on a daily basis. Never a dull day.
Hey Paul, thanks for the kind, closing thoughts to what’s been a very good year.
Keep up the good work and here’s looking to any even better 2010. Happy New Year!
Grrr. That video makes me mad. I kinda want to punch the guy in the head. Is that wrong?
I had somebody do that to my when I was a UC in a grocery store. Uck.
I like your perspective. The neat thing about reading blogs is seeing how everyone is so different and yet we’re all the same.
Hope you have a great 2010!
Hey Paul. Let those who dis your blog go their way. Let them start their own blog and say whatever it is they wish to say. Having worked in retail, and being a high school teacher, I have found most people to be a little on the idiotic side. I remember when I was a gas station attendant during the 70′s gasoline shortages (both of them). We would cover the pump with a big sign that said “Out of Gasoline”, and numerous, usually intelligent, people would pull up to the pump, look at the sign, then ask “Are you out of gas?” We so wanted to say, “No, we just like decorating the pumps.”
I believe I have witnessed just about every possible idiocy of the human race in my many years of dealing with the public.
Perhaps also, you would appreciate the comic strip “Retail” by Norm Feuti. I find it hilarious in highlighting (exaggeratingly) what it is like at a department store. Here is what it is all about (from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
@Secretia – Aww, shucks.. I’m red in the face. Thanks Secretia.
@Secret Agent Woman – I don’t let it get to me but who actually emails someone to tell them that.
@Auntiegwen – You know you will if the right one comes by, they’re not all bad apples… are they?
@Erika – Thanks love!
@Sharon – What!!! Just kidding.
@Darcie – Whoa! 20 years, he has some sharing to do.
@DQ – Your brilliant man. Hope I didn’t put to much pressure on you.
@Kat – Nah that’s not wrong at all. I wouldn’t mess with you either. Someone actually did that to you Kat…
@Peter – LOL, thanks for the encouragement. I read the gas pump incident, laughed. Read it aloud again and laughed some more. Great stuff. I read some of the comics, good stuff.
You know what’s so funny? I totally loved your blog when I read the first post!! Your writing is great, it feels like I’m at the grocery store witnessing this all!! Keep it up, and stay true to yourself!!
Hey Paul! I’m glad your writing, I love your blog and your writing. I always laugh out loud when I read you. That video…wow. That is one crazy, wack-job butt-sniffer. That clerk had to be like, Dude….get off my tail or I’ll dust you with a walk by stink bomb.
Paul I’ve also been meaning to address your final thoughts in this post. Never apologize for yourself man…you are doing what you want to do, no one has the right to question that. Blogs are like television. One day you’re in the mood for this, one day you’re in the mood for that…that is what the remote control is for. If someone has the nerve to question your blog concept or if they don’t like it, why don’t they head on over their bookmarks toolbar and move on? I enjoy reading you, I picture myself up there in Portland enjoying the green hillsides and cool gray air and all these daffy customers. LA sucks!
Sorry to hear you have been getting hate mail. I get it to.
You have a great blog, there are so many blogs out there and so much to learn!
Happy new year.
@Alicia – thank you Alicia!
@ByDSea – That would have been hilarious, although we wouldn’t be able to hear it, you can just imagine the reaction =P
@Phoenixism – Thanks again David! I like that, its like watching TV.
@Casdok – OMG, if your getting hate mail someone has to get shot.
Haha! Well, that video alone should silence the critics! LOL!
Anyway, don’t take any notice of the rude people. Some just get a kick out of upsetting folk, others have no imagination. Of course grocery stores are fascinating, because people are fascinating and everyone has to shop! And in many ways, blogging isn’t about your actual subject, it’s the way you write it up. Looks like you have something good going here, so just ignore them and carry on!