Ever heard that saying “giving up the ghost?” That’s what I’m doing. He is a ghost. I see him in reflections, in memories, in stores that I walk by, always there, a ghost, because I don’t know him anymore and he’s no longer there. A memory of a person that used to be. He’s changed. I’m being forced to change as a result, but ya’ know what…it’s awesome.
Yesterday was my first day at the mall…excuse, me…Plaza (we don’t have malls – we’re trying to be the Ritz-Carlton of malls, but, let’s face facts…IT’S A MALL.) Anyways. I’m more inspired, more involved, more of an “idea person” than I’ve ever been in my life. I really feel like all my years at Corporate are going to be put to use, but that I may also find a real “Career” out of this. My job title is just an admin, but my job description is payroll, HR, accounts payable, tenant coordination, contracts, and insurance. I was a little intimidated at first, but after a 2 hour “let’s get to know each other” with the GM, I’m confident that she’s going to let me learn at my own pace and accept as much responsibility as I like. (Plus I know this company is all about promoting from within, if I want to be I will be groomed and sent on my way to be an assistant GM or GM someday, or something or something, there is a future in other words.)
And let’s face it…if anyone knows shopping and shoppers habits and what they want and what they don’t even know they want? Frankly, I think it’s me. I had fantastic ideas, if I do say so myself, in our meeting yesterday and I’m putting myself out there, speaking up more than I ever have in my life. As 5:30 rolled around yesterday a visiting Leasing Specialist said, “well, everyone have a great evening, I’m going to go have a drink at the Hard Rock.” I stood up and said, “I’ll go with!” (That wasn’t the “me” of a few weeks ago.) I went, we drank, we laughed, got a little drunk, and planned a “single girls nights out” and will definitely get together again…I will even make the invitation. Another lady from the office joined us later on and tomorrow night she and I – and another guy from the office and his wife (and, like darn, cuz he is cuuuute, but I’d never mess) – are going to see “Hitch.”
I’ve lost at least 25 lbs. Or maybe only 15. I don’t honestly know but things are fitting different, my face looks different…hell, I’M DIFFERENT.
The ghost is there, no doubt, but I have more life than I’ve had in years.
