Today was the first Martin Luther King Jr. Day that I've ever worked. All my jobs since the 1980s were in offices so naturally we were closed on this federal holiday. Now I work in a card shop, and retail stores are open to accommodate all those school kids and office workers who were enjoying a long weekend.
Except it was 9ยบ today and no one was out and about. Not even the pre-teens who usually flock to our store and check out the scented candles and Jellycats.
But I was busy. I was given the task of re-organizing our sale section and I did it! Since Halloween, when the store's busy season began, it's been an unorganized mess. It took me over 4 hours, but now it's neat, with separate sections for cards, gift tags/bags, mugs and gifts, office supplies, etc. I've never had responsibility for anything like this and I was quite proud of my efforts. Rose, the manager on duty, told me this was my area, with my decisions to make, and that I'd done well and she had no plans to change anything.
YAY, ME!
It's funny. In my past life I was in charge of campaigns with six-figure budgets and I took 'em as they came. But the sale table at the card shop? I was nervous at first and now proud. So there you go.
We were also told by Corporate that today was the day we should "dispose of" all the holiday candy. So I stuffed my face with chocolate while I worked and stuffed my purse with more before I left. Hey, anything for the team.
But now the day is almost over and I still haven't honored Dr. King. Bill Clinton described today's holiday as a time for "recognizing progress and supporting community service." I want to create some extra notes for Letters Against Isolation before bed so I can mail them on my way to the dentist tomorrow.
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Because today is about more than a day off, or my small victory at the sale table, or chocolate or even Inauguration Day. It's for doing good in memory of a man who knew what he lived for and what he died for.
Rest in peace, Dr. King.
