my SECOND first official night at panera

In lieu of, you know, not having money, Jonathan had applied for a second job at a local Blockbuster. Long story short: after a rigorous FIVE WEEK LONG interview (no joke) he was *finally* hired......... for minimum wage.

A 26 year old.... college graduate..... minimum wage..... Wah wah waaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.

Totally NOT wanting to sound snotty in an economy where people are jumping through bigger hoops for pay such as this, but HELLOOOO. Working for that little for as many hours as he would be every week would not even make up our monthly deficit, and would just end up stressin' the McCrackin' out of my sweet hubs. So, no. It was not good.

So. Jonathan got off the phone, told me this tidbit of sunshine, and I said, "Hells no! You're going to drive me around town, and I am going to talk to managers and I'm going to get a job TODAY, dammit!" I actually didn't say it this crassly, but I sure as hell and brimstone felt like it.

As if I could not drive myself, my loving husband toted me about Pewaukee. First I walked into Starbucks, which is practically right next to our apartment. The awesome barista with some schweet dreadlocks said that they weren't hiring, and that I wouldn't want to work there anyway because the pay was crap and the hours were, too. Bummer. But then, in a moment of distraction, we went on to have a wonderful conversation (over a pumpkin spice latte) about her dreadlocks. Her insight into one of the most beautiful hair styles EVER and my yummy latte were worth the 'not hiring' verdict.

After I pulled myself away from the magnanimous dreadlocked coffee lady, Jonathan and I drove over to Costco. They weren't open. Drat.

Finally, we drove to Panera.

Now see, I worked for a Panera back in the day (um, 2 1/2 years ago) when we lived in Grand Rapids. It was great. The people were amazing. The customers were sweet and generous and grace-filled (for the most part). I've always loved Panera's bread... and paninis.... and coffee.... and everything else. I've never minded polo shirts or aprons. And, I had left the G-Rap Panera on such good terms (and with an associate trainer status, no less) that I thought, geesh! I'll be a shoe-in!

And you know what? God be praised, I was.

I asked to speak with a manager and was introduced to Steve. When he found out I had been an associate trainer, his mouth basically dropped to the floor and his eyes lit up like a cinnamon crunch bagel catching ablaze in the toaster. He asked to interview me, right then and there, and hired me shortly thereafter.

And for more than minimum wage. Awesome sauce.


Jonathan was so relived. I, too, was relieved, and excited about working again (especially with flexible hours that would enable me to still clean Mija's house on Saturdays, and be with my boys throughout the day - M-F 5:30-9, Sat. 2:30-9).

All that said, here I am. Sitting on the couch after my first official day "back on the job." Everyone I worked with was friendly and helpful. I didn't work a really long shift, so I feel like it is totally doable, as far a stress is concerned. I don't have to take any work home, or agonize about this and that. It's bagels, for Pete's sake. It was like riding a bike, though there are a ton of new products I have to learn about... and taste test, you know.

So much Wii Fit.