Interrupted

My Life Thus Far
2015-09-19 07:12:15 (UTC)

No One Will Ever Know

I can't even begin to articulate how good of a day I had today. It was completely unexpected, but ended up being great.

I walked into work this morning (expecting it to be an ordinary day), only to find out that not only was it NOT an ordinary day (Laura our district manager was there), but I was teaching another bra certification class with 6 new associates for our store, and 2 new managers for The Commons in Federal Way location. I knew the class was coming up, but I'd forgotten today was the day. Not that it makes much of a difference, since I basically can teach the class in my sleep. I remember how nervous I was the first time I taught the class. Now I can run it with zero preparation.

Mid way through the class, Laura came out of the office on her way to leave, and being that it was the first time I'd seen her, she gave me a big hug and in front of the entire group, announced how fantastic I was. How I was the best Bra Specialist in the state, and that I was going to be partnering with the other Sales Specialists in the district to teach them some of my best practices. It was so embarrassing. Not because I think she was just trying to butter me up, but because my numbers really are that good (it was even a surprise to me, but I'm doing really well this month). I'm not used to getting that kind of public recognition, so to have her say all that in front of the group, was really surreal. I know I'm good at what I do. After 9 years, I damn well better be. It's just so strange to be receiving praise for it, when just a few months ago I felt like I was utterly unappreciated and being exploited. Perhaps they realized what was happening and chose to rectify it before I finally found the courage to leave? Who knows. Maybe no one will ever know.

After class, the 6 new associates were dismissed, and I spent the last 3 hours on the sales floor getting the new managers' observations done, so that they could be certified. It didn't take too long, because it was busy and the floor was understaffed. The last hour of my day, I solely spent helping customers. My very last customer of the day was a sweet girl named Raelynn. She's just lost a large amount of weight, and had never been able to shop at VS before. She'd just came from Lane Bryant, where the associate helping her really had no idea how to fit for bras, and nothing was working quite right. I assured her that I was very good at what I do. That I'd measure her, figure out her size, and find the right style for her in under 5 minutes. I didn't disappoint. I measured her and she absolutely loved the very first bra I put her in. It fit beautifully! She bought 3 of them! She was crying, her mother was crying, her aunt was crying. Kim, one of the managers shadowing me was almost crying. It was a great moment, and definitely one of those times I'm totally in love with what I do. It may seem frivolous, but it impacts women in very profound ways. I love it! I ran into them in another store in the mall and Raelynn's mom thanked me again, and assured me that what I'd done for her daughter was no small thing. It felt great to hear that. I got showered in praise today, and normally I don't feel like I need praise, but it's still nice to hear it.

Yesterday the Kitsap Mall Facebook page posted some pictures to their wall about the new store that opened across from us. Torrid. It's a plus sized store, but the sign says they start at a size 12. I'm anywhere from a 10-14 depending on the brand, so I figured maybe I could give it a try. One of the pictures was of kitty face tights, and I've been wanting some for awhile, but they are always sold out in my size no matter where I go. Even on Amazon! So, I ventured in. I can see why bigger women feel frustrated in VS, because I was feeling the same way for the opposite reason. I was hoping that I'd find something that I liked, but everything was too darn big. I'd dig until I found a 0 (which is how they label the size 12's. Weird that a size 12 would be labeled a zero. Talk about vanity sizing), but even then it looked so big! I found the tights, but I'm a little worried they too might be too big. The tights start at a size 1, which is a 14-16 according to the associate helping me. Too big for me, but I'm going to be optimistic, since sometimes tights can be, well... tight. I also settled on a cute lace edge tunic (since they were doing a BOGO 50% deal). It's slouchy, and I'll need to wear a tank underneath it, but it's adorable. If I keep losing weight like I have been, in a couple weeks the only thing I'll be able to buy in there is accessories. But those were cute, too. So, it could be worse. I did get a dirty look from another customer shopping in there. I couldn't help but get the feeling that she didn't think I belonged. Funny how the tables were turned. Usually its bigger women in my store feeling like they don't belong, but I got the opportunity to learn a new perspective. All I have to say about that is: I fucking hate fat-shaming, size comparisons, and all that bullshit.




Ad: