Last Week at Area

For those of you who have not heard; after almost 3 crazy years of working at Area Emporium/Yoga&Baby/Kids, I am finally moving on. I have seen Area expand from one tiny little store into an urban outfitteresque boutique covering most of Brooklyn's trendiest shopping spots, the journey was a roller coaster ride, but it was worth it!

Some facts about my employment here in case any one is interested:

*Area has been my one and only legitimate job, before then I had had a job as a window mannequin in an African clothing store, but that was all cash and in junior high school, and therefore doesn't really count.
*Originally I was interviewed for the receptionist position at Area Emporium, but was not hired since my hours did not coincide with those of the spa.
*After a few phone calls, I was told that I could probably be placed at the new baby store (at the time I loathed children) because my schedule fit perfectly. When I came into the second interview, due to a huge mistake on the part of the manager of the baby store at the time- she told me when I finally arrived in my painful outfit, that she had been mistaken and it didn't seem my schedule fit- so I cried myself to sleep that night (no I didn't)
*I began as a "cleaning lady" Every weekend, and I believe some weekdays (it's all a little hazy now) I would open the yoga studio at 730 ish am time, clean the yoga studio, take attendance, and then clean the spa, and the then lone Area Yoga and Baby store.
*Myself, my coworker Megan, the handyman Jason, and probably a few other people were responsible for setting up 5th avenue. It wasn't as hard as it sounds since most of the furniture is IKEA.
*I was perpetually late for at least 3 months into my second year at Area, ask Loretta ;0)
*After working at Area I began to like children, and then shortly after I began to like them I decided I don't loathe them, but I don't think I want them.... =0o
*Last July or August I was promoted to "buyer" to the dismay of one of my ex coworkers who believed she was more qualified for the position (pah), and along with my friend Lauren who was promoted to creating the schedule shortly after she was hired, we helped the store get along until Loretta got back from her fabulous vacation
*I have had the pleasure of attending the New York International Gift Fair 2 years in a row. I really love the look on the vendors faces when they realize who or, the amount of stores I am buying for. When I first arrive they peg me as a delinquent (I don't know why since to a certain extent you have to be able to afford entry, and I believe, have a valid business). After they become aware of what I do, they swallow their gum, I actually had to perform the Heimlich maneuver on one of them.
*Area has helped me grow into a more assertive and ambitious person than I was when I first began. The ups and downs we all experience here have been lessons in diplomacy, and willpower...what's that saying "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger"

So, thanks to Loretta for hiring me, I might have ended up a hobo crack-head, or speed addict ;0) otherwise :0)

I am not leaving with any animosity, I have graduated school and informed Loretta at least 2 months ago that I might leave if I found a job in my field of interest, and I have!

I will be working as an "office manager/administrative assistant" aka receptionist for an organization I have been volunteering at for the past 2 months. I will also be training to become a NYS certified rape crisis counselor. I am very excited, but I will visit, and maybe disguise myself as a snobby customer, so watch out!!!

Finally,
Thanks to all my fabulous current co-workers for listening to me on non-work related matters, work related matters, your input, cooperating with me, and being awesome ladies and gentleman. Without all of you Area would not be as fantastic as it is right now :0)
-Nicole (My best buddy)
-Angel
-Kristen
-Patricia
-Charysse
-Jeff
-Jessica
-Afeisha
-Jackie
-Erin

And for those cowards who left without proper notice, and without proper reason except for being spoiled brats, I have to say, life isn't easy, and neither is working, but if you can't handle pressure properly you might not be able to live life to its fullest, or maintain any job at all. So, suck it!

My last working day is Sept 5th, once again thanks to all my coworkers, and Loretta for helping me on my journey to self actualization :0) I wish good luck for Loretta, and everyone else who keeps Area running and sane!

And don't forget to

KEEP IT REAL!
Whoopeeeeeee!!!