One of the best thing about working Sundays that first year was that it was a short day.  We were only open noon ’til 4.  It was usually a quiet day and you coul get a lot done. 

Saturdays, on the other hand, usually sucked.  That was a long lonely day (8 hours, by yourself) and you usually ended the day with more work to do than you started with.  Yet the consolation was when 6 o’clock rolled around, we were closed and I was going home….

Not Easter Saturday 1995!  My Aunt from Calgary had just flown in and had surprised me by meeting me at work to drive me home.  She popped in at around 5:30 and gave me a big hug.

“What time do you get off?  I’ll drive you home.”  I normally walked to work so that was fine by me.  I told her that I’d be done cashing out at quarter after she bought some music (Forrest Gump if I recall).

My Aunt stepped out to wait for me in the mall.  However, even though it was almost 6, people kept pouring in, it looked like one giant family. 

“Can I help you guys find anything today?” I asked.

“No, we’re fine, thanks,” replied the patriarch of this particular clan.

6 o’clock.  I pulled our sign in from  the hallway, and slid the door partway shut.  I went to the cash register and waited.  A last-minute straggler bought a cassette, and I opened the door to let him out, and closed it again.  Incredibly, after I closed the door, some more people from this one family arrived, opened it, and poured in! 

I just kind of stared like I didn’t see it happen.  Like, why do we bother closing?  Hey folks, let’s stay open 24 FREAKIN’ HOURS A DAY!

My Aunt was waiting outside clearly confused.

Half an hour later, she knocked on the store window.  I opened the door.

“How long do you think you’ll be?”

“I have no idea…these people are pissing me off!”

I reminded them that we were closed, and asked if I could help them find anything.

“No.  Just lookin’,” the patriarch replied.

Jesus Murphy!  The clocked ticked on, and finally they were done.  A few of the kids bought some cassettes, and the transactions took forever because kids always seem to pay in change….

I was out around 7.  Luckily having my Aunt in town salvaged what was a pretty rotten Saturday!