working for a living

So I originally began this blog to talk about music, which is my passion. However, seeing as I work 50-60 hours a week, I haven't been listening to as much music as I would like to, so now I have to bitch about (what else) work. Let me preface this rant by stating that I love my job. Really, I do. I work for a really great independent company, I sell interesting products that I love, I have great customers (for the most part--see below), and I work with amazing people. However, I do work retail, and you know what that means. Standing on my feet for long hours, handling people's money (gross), less than stellar pay, working weekends and holidays, and dealing with the average customer. Let me reiterate, I really enjoy most of my customers. But then there are those that make you wonder how some people manage to actually get through life without getting socked in the face on a regular basis. You know the ones I'm talking about. I feel I must share my pet-peeves in the hopes that someone, somewhere, will read this and stop acting like an asshole to the sales clerks at their favorite stores.

Music Gal's Customer Pet Peeves (the list is endless, so these are just a few off the top of my head)
1. When I ask you if you'd like a bag, it's really not a life-altering question. You either want one to carry your stuff or you don't. It's simple really. Also, if you know you don't want a bag, perhaps you could tell me initially, rather than watching me bag up hundreds of dollars worth of items and then saying "oh I don't want a bag" after I've struggled to fit every last thing into your bag and now have to remove every little thing.
2. I know I work retail, but I'm not an idiot. Yes, I do actually know how to do my job, and no I don't need you to tell me how. Believe it or not, I actually get paid to do this. I have been trained to do this job--I can process simple transactions for you and make change! And bag each item successfully! So drop the holier-than-thou attitude--I'm not some idiot that walked in off the street and jumped behind the counter 5 minutes ago.
3. When you walk in the store, or up to my counter, when I say "hello" to you, common courtesy and decency suggest that you actually respond. I know we would never engage with each other outside of this venue, so I'm not trying to be your friend or anything. Completely ignoring my existence, while I handle your money, really isn't the way to go. I say "hi" to you, you say "hi" back. Just like kindergarten.
4. Gentleman, this is a store, not a pick-up joint. When I am helping you, it is never appropriate to stare at my chest, make lewd jokes/comments, or hit on me in any form or fashion. Period. Ditto for the ladies.
5. When you walk into a store and see someone with a name tag, company uniform or apron, that means that they work there. Do you realize how ridiculous it is to ask "Do you work here?" while staring at my name tag that has the company logo prominently displayed? Typically, people don't wear those just for fun while they happen to be shopping in the store of the same name. Strange, but true.
6. If you are having trouble finding what you are looking for, or are just generally irritated for whatever reason, it is not a good idea to ask how old I am or if there is someone older that can help you. First of all, I'm not as young as I look (and even if I were, being young doesn't make me stupid). Second, I've worked at my store for longer than most of the rest of the staff, so even if I find someone older to help you, it's doubtful that they know more about the store than I do. There are just as many morons over 35 as there are under 35. Hard to believe, I know.

So in conclusion (for now), whenever you go shopping, stop acting like a jerk. It may seem strange, but if you are polite and exercise some degree of courtesy toward your salespeople, they might just provide you with better service. Or, at least, not spit in your latte.

Have a nice day

The Coup

If you are into hip-hop, particularly less mainstream hip-hop, check out The Coup. I discovered them on the 2nd stage at Rock the Bells this summer, and they are really cool. "My Favorite Mutiny", in particular, is dope. It's just great lyrics and great beats, not like all that bullshit that's on the radio right now. Don't get me wrong, I do like commercial hip-hop, to some extent. But if you are looking for artistry, look at The Coup.

Fa la la la la

It occurs to me that Christmas music is some of the most beautiful, yet most irritating music ever. I find that most "good" Christmas music is rooted in nostalgia. For instance, Alvin & the Chipmunks singing Christmas songs is silly, and their voices are so obnoxious, yet I consider it classic because I distinctly remember sitting on my brother's bedroom floor playing the record (yes that's right, record) repeatedly. Is it good? Probably not. But there are so many memories attached to it that I think it's great.
I feel that I have lots to say about Christmas music. Working retail for many years exposes you to lots of bad holiday music, as does having a parent who thinks Kenny G is jazz. What makes me an expert, you ask? I'm not, in music or anything else, for that matter. I just love music and like to talk about it, much to the chagrin of many of my chums.
Your best bet for good holiday music is jazz. No, folks, NOT of the Kenny G variety. I'm talking Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Michael Buble, Harry Connick Jr. "Christmas with the Rat Pack" is my current fave, although, you really can't beat "Christmas with Dino". I'm sure some of you are thinking "Rat Pack? Are you kidding?" No, my friends, I am not. Just give Dino's "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow" a listen and you'll see what I mean. Are these perfect Christmas albums? Not quite. Are there a few boring songs and arrangements that you find extremely irritating? Yes. For some reason, nearly all artists who do a Christmas album feel the need to create a new song, hoping it's the next "Winter Wonderland" or something, I guess. A word of warning--these original songs are rarely good.
I could ramble on all night, but since this is my first ever blog, I'll wrap it up.
Try listening to Aaron Neville's "Ave Maria" if you have a chance. That's all.