l'étranger.

build-a-bear moment of the day:
me: "so hailey, what's your favorite TV show?"
hailey, age 6: "Rosanne."
me: ????
lol!

it's funny how busy the world is. how absorbed everyone is in their own lives and in such a hurry to get what they need to done, and if anyone interrupted their momentum, they'd immediately throw a fit. it's amazing how people think how others inconvenience them and that others should stop to make things easier for them. no time is allocated in their day, for even just a minute, to appreciate others that serve them voluntarily or do what they do because their job is to service others. people that have the luxury of being tended to [which is pretty much anyone] don't realize that the littlest gesture of appreciation can do so much.

today at work was a rather hectic day. customers were very ungrateful and bitchy. i came into work at the right moment when the store was a complete mess, customers were complaining, and i had to start a party right as soon as i clocked in. it's hours like this that make it quite difficult to maintain that happy "customer service" smile on your face. it's always in my nature to be kind and courteous to those i help. working at build-a-bear, you kind of have to or else you'll make a kid cry. but everyone once in a while you get adults that come in and want to make a bear themselves.

during the slow hour, a man came to me at the stuffing machine to make a bear for his sister as a birthday gift. i stuffed it, and asked him to do a heart and the corny heart ceremony. he obliged and just went along, even though he wasn't too thrilled, but after i had him do the silly routine, i told him "you're a real good sport. thanks!"

he mentioned in reply, "you have a kind attitude, and a great personality. you must be really good with kids. are you gonna work with kids in the future?"

"actually, no. i'll be screenwriting, or so i hope," i explained.

"wow! i used to write, too! keep it up! and keep up your positive attitude. i can tell you're going to be successful. i wish i had a business card on me, i'm going to have to remember you," he said.

he asked for my name, but i doubt he'd remember. but in those few minutes we spend conversing, i realized that i had met someone that may have potentially altered my life. it may seem like he may not have said much, but his kindness and appreciation meant so much to me. it was so relieving to discover that strangers could be so warm and nice, that only an archaologist discovering a new species through bone digging would understand how i feel. we didn't talk much, but those few words mean everything to me. for someone to acknowledge me as a great person in the littlest interaction.. i'm completely dumbfounded and astonished. and it makes me proud to have given that kind of impression on someone.

if only i thought to get his name. if i ever ran into him again, i would offer to buy him coffee or something. i would do anything to repay him for his kindness. but all i could do is pay it forward.

from this point on, it doesn't matter if people tell me i'm too nice. that my attitude would allow others to take advantage of me. i understand that.. sure. but to be affected through genuine kindness, i'm inspired to make someone's day, everyday. everyone deserves to feel that appreciated, even in the smallest way. knowing that strangers could still be that considerate and kind to others is worth coming across people that wouldn't acknowledge or appreciate me.