imanant :: look at me go.

Monday, March 14, 2005
discounts, senators and babies

I work at a used bookstore on E. Capitol and 5th called Riverby's. Nice place, tons of old books and we serve tea at 4:30. It caters to the local folk, mainly upper-class white liberal types. A couple of weeks ago, I had a customer who was clearly not the richest guy in the world. At some point he made a comment under his breath about wishing the books were cheaper so he could buy more of them. I felt for him. If it were my store, I would have given him some sort of discount. He was obviously a knowledgable fellow, as while I was ringing up the books he chose (a couple on Teddy Roosevelt), he began explaining the national debt at its effect on taxes and America's GDP. He probably would have appreciated reading our books more than our normal clientle, if simply because books at our store would probably constitute a major purchase for him.

Of course, this is all conjecture and influenced by my distaste for any significant concentration of wealth. I just hope the guy comes back and finishes explaining the national debt to me. While he's at it, I'll give him a discount, if only for having the good taste to shop at our store.

In other news, Senator Mary Landrieu came into the store the other day dressed down in a pair of spandex pants and a baggy sweatshirt. She introduced herself as Mary Landrieu from next door and asked to borrow some printer paper. I cut her off and said, "As in Congressman Landrieu?" She smiled politely and said, "Yes, Senator, actually." I meant to say Senator. I was thinking Senator. I wish I'd at least had the good grace to say Congresswoman Landrieu. It was a simple mistake and was forgotten immediatley. Just another classic example of my tongue moving waaay faster than my brain. I've resolved to, as best I can, think before I speak as to, 1) speak more clearly and slowly and 2) find the correct words before I open my mouth. For the past 22 years my father has been telling me to enunciate. My general reply is, "imwurkinonit." Hopefully, I'll soon be able to unclutter than miasma of syllables into "Yes father, I am working on it as we speak."

You know what's fun though? Babies. Helen, my bosses daughter, has a 4 month old baby named Sarah. She's adorable. Her knees are chubby. Who's ever heard of chubby knees? I've spent practically no time with infants in my life so I don't really know how they work. But I do know they're cute. I was left alone with Sarah for about a minute today and we just looked at each other inquisitively. I wanted to pick her up but was afraid I'd scare/break her. Then she spit up a little but I'm told that's normal. There was a constant spit bubble on her cute little baby faced lips. I asked Helen if I should get her a tissue and she told me not to bother, then wipped Sarah's mouth with her sleeve. Sarah didn't seem to mind or notice. One day I assume I'll learn how they (babies) work, till then, I'll just make funny faces at them when they pass me in their strollers on the street.

Hey buddy, you got a minute for Save the Children?

posted by ezruh sellof at 10:35 PM 1 comments

1 Comments:

Sarah D. said...: Hey! You promised us a post yesterday to explain your wish for a certain customer to disappear. What's the story?; 9:32 AM