Day 9

Yesterday was day 9.
I started by packing my bag for the day. I was having dinner with someone that night so I took some extra time to straighten my hair and contemplate my outfit. We had decided to meet right after my shift so I packed everything I would need for the whole day. I checked the time and was worried.

I was going to be late for work.

For a moment, I contemplated taking my car. Driving would have been much quicker. After weighing my options, I decided I valued keeping the gas in my car more than I minded sprinting a little to work.

So I sprinted. On and off the whole way. Glancing at the cars while I passed, I noticed I was getting some funny looks along the way. I wondered as I ran, what the people driving must think of me. I was hugging my black duffel bag under my right arm and holding a water bottle in the other hand. I looked like an ill prepared bank robber. They say you can burn more calories exerting short bursts of energy, so at least I was getting a work-out. By the time I arrived at work I felt like I had just met with a personal trainer. I was sweating, my make-up had rubbed off, and there was no reason for anyone to believe that I had straightened my hair that day.

I quickly changed into my uniform and tried to make myself presentable for work. The rest of the morning though, I felt the glow that comes from a good work-out.

For lunch my co-workers were all going out to a local restaurant to eat. They wanted me to go too, but they also knew I wasn't spending money this month. My boss had offered to buy half the queso for one of the assistant managers, even though she didn't like queso. We were all discussing our lunch plans over the walkie-talkie when my boss had an idea...
*I'll donate my half to Stephanie!*
I laughed and responded over the walkie-talkie *I don't want your hand-outs, we'll have to find something to barter for the food*

So everyone had a good time thinking of something for me to do in exchange for my boss's half of the queso.

She came to me with her offer.

She wanted me to do her sales floor audit for the day. I didn't mind doing the sales floor audit nearly as much as my boss did, so I accepted her offer. It was great to see my co-workers participating in the barter system. I put my packed lunch back in the fridge to eat the next day, and we all left for lunch. The queso was well earned and cost nothing at the same time....which made it taste delicious.