Today I had to spend two hours being friendly, smiling and making small talk. I worked the line at Rock and Roll Craft show. Basically I just had to point waiting customers to available cashiers. Pretty easy-peasy. That is certainly one of the great things about this show, you only have to be there in person for two hours. In previous years, I worked in one of the departments of the show; accessories, kids, glassware, etc. And for those all I had to do was stand there, watch for people pocketing stuff, arrange merchandise, and answer questions if need be. Well, working the line I had to actually talk to people and be friendly.
Surprisingly, I can be quite charming when need be. I get it from my dad who can chat up about any stranger be it bank teller, convenience store clerk, or workman. I don't know where he gets it from as he is quite a weirdo in real life. It is some sort of charming hillbilly switch he can flip, kinda amazing to see in action.
So, I was nice and charming for two whole hours, but most shows I have to be "on" for two days straight and that really drains my nice reserves. During those shows, when I am not actively manning my booth, I am asleep. I can not maintain that much good cheer, small talk and near constant smiling without lots of naps.
All that said, I really do like doing shows. It does feel good to be upbeat and smiling for that long, though it does start to wane near the end of a show. And it is some of the best people watching ever. It is on par with people watching at airports. When working a booth or table it is particularly great as you are trapped in one spot as a whole menagerie of humanity just wanders by.
Blah, I am exhausted and this post is going nowhere fast. Before my shift at the show, we went to the zoo and walked all over creation. I don't know if I am more tired from watching an ark-full of animals move thier bowels or being chipper.
Whatevs.
I have to go to bed. Sorry for the half-assed post. V is a crappy letter anyway.
Comments