November 18, 2010

I've Got to Wear Shades

Today I got to shadow the manager of Market Block Books in Troy. When I contacted the owner of The Bookhouse in Albany she suggested I shadow the manager of the Troy store because it's smaller and I would be able to see more stuff hands-on. After some confusing phone calls the date was set for November 18th. TODAY! I was really nervous about it because I didn't want to be in the way. Perhaps even be a help of some kind. Well, not only was I not a bother, I learned some stuff and was something of a help!

I planned my bus route to get me there right at 10am when the store opened. I was a little early so I headed into the local health store to get some homeopathic head cold stuff because my throats is starting to itch. And now I'm all stuffy and my eyes are swimming in haze. But that's beside the point. I walked right in and asked Stanley, the manager, if he was ready for me. He looked a little surprised and I realized he forgot. I asked him if he remembered and he said he had forgotten but it was still okay. We'd go to the bank and get some tea. And that's exactly what we did.

The rest of the day was simply great. I got to check a section for the correct books, do some shelving, and see the joy in Stanley's eyes when regulars came in to pick up their orders. I cannot wait to have my own store. Today taught me that yes, it's crazy to run a bookstore, but it will be so rewarding and everything I thought it would be. This is going to be awesome.

2 comments:

Emily said...

YAY! I'm glad you got to go! That day sounds fantastic. I love the little part about the joy in his eyes seeing regulars. YOU WILL HAVE THAT TOO! I just know it. If anything, me, every day. Buying lots of tea and books.
<3

Stanley said...

It was a pleasure to have you in the store and I appreciate your enthusiasm for bookselling.