VICTORY

Listening: Open Your Eyes - Snow Patrol

All this feels strange and untrue
And I won't waste a minute without you
My bones ache, my skin feels cold
And I'm getting so tired, and so old.

Tell me that you'll open your eyes
Tell me that you'll open your eyes...

Get up, get out, get away from these liars
Cause they don't get your soul or your fire
Take my hand, knot your fingers through mine
And we'll walk from this dark room for the last time...

It's been a while, but I wanted to have some actual news before I updated again. And, well, now I have the news.

I am the newest employee of Chapters.

I still don't really believe it. I kind of keep thinking throughout the night, "If I get the job--" before I suddenly remember that it's reality, not an "if" anymore.

Nancy called me back this afternoon (three days later than I expected, but that's not the point) while I was at work, so of course when my sister relayed the message I called back right away. (Much at the prompting of my sister, who was hanging on every word.) Clarence picked up as usual (ah, <3) and then he directed me to Nancy.

I believe her exact words were, "It is my pleasure to offer you a position at our establishment". I actually think my heart stopped at that second, I don't remember. The next thing I knew I was sitting down sucking information out of her. I've been surprisingly calm all night, given my propensity to blow things out of proportion. I don't think I've quite adapted yet.

Anyhow! On to the interesting bits. I'll be working part-time, which I told them I'd have to do anyway come the fall. I'll be going in for my orientation session on Wednesday night. They're starting me off on cash, which is fine with me. The training period takes place over the course of three months, so eventually they'll figure out where I'm best suited and stick me there. Which makes my head go boom a little bit. I get a 30% discount on Chapters merchandise, and a 10% discount on Starbucks, which I have an odd feeling is going to be my new favorite hangout.

Guess what this means, ladies and gentlemen?

It means I get to quit Wal-Mart.

I think I have waited the entire two years I've worked there to type/think/say those words. Don't get me wrong; I've met, and worked with, some phenomenal people there--but it's a soul-sucking, unforgiving place, and really not the sort of environment I can thrive in. I like not being yelled at all the time, and I like not being treated like I'm lower than dirt. I like not being called "pathetic" in my workplace. (A story for another day.) Yes, I know the new place will have its own problems, probably the same ones that I've faced before, but this is the case:

Fact: I love books.
Fact: I love people.
Fact: My new job has both in ample quantities.
Fact: Most of the people who will be walking through the doors will be literate.
Fact: No one ever yells at Chapters.

Updates will come as they happen. I'll be giving you guys the low-down and dirty on the happenings there.

Thanks so much to everyone who offered advice or support, or even just asked occasionally whether I'd heard back. I can't express with words how much this means to me. I know it's just a part-time job, but as I'm sure everyone knows, where you work can really make a difference in your life. I am the happiest little camper in the world right now. So, thank you!

Now I'm going upstairs to do a little bit of work before I turn in for the night. I may have to treat myself by going out for breakfast tomorrow morning. Wow, my diet has been really unhealthy lately. Note to self: eat an apple.

P.S.: Everyone go see the Transformers movie immediately. (This is from someone who never wanted to see it in the first place. It is way funnier and way more epic than the trailers make it seem. Trust me, go.)

Adieu! <3

Icarus is really looking forward to passing in her two weeks notice at Wal-Hell. Oh, is she ever.