Last week, I had my final shift working at the bookstore I had been at since shortly after I graduated from college. It was a really weird feeling having spent the previous three and a half years, regularly spending my work hours connecting with people over books, and then not doing that anymore. Of course I will continue to use books to connect with people, but it’s not my job anymore and it feels like the end of something a little mythical. Working in a bookstore was a huge dream of mine when I was little because books were often something I kept on my person and loved to talk about with anyone who would listen. I think that is one of the parts that I am going to miss the most about leaving, along with the many great relationships with regulars and co-workers that I have built over the years.
Some of the best regulars that I had were, a mom and daughter duo that were so much fun to chat to, a mom who always wanted to know what I was reading and always told me what was on her list, a family who would come in regularly that I always loved chatting with for a bit while they browsed books, and there was a father/son duo who were probably some of my favourite customers I ever connected with. They were often the highlight of any day that I got to see them. There were so many others that I built friendships with, some I even have on facebook now (hello friends,) so I know that I won’t lose touch with them through my next chapter, but I will miss seeing them walk through the door and finding out what is new in their lives.
Over the last three and a half years I also worked with some incredible people, people that I am so lucky to have in my life. People that I am thankful to have had in my life for the time that they were there, and others who I look forward to having in my life for a long time. Friends who I spent a lot of my time texting, hanging out on days off, ranting about life problems and going out to play board games to decompress. Some of my favourite moments in my life have included my bookstore co-workers. Nights out at The Boardroom Cafe laughing so hard until tears are rolling down our faces, walks around the city, drives and stops at different places. I am so thankful for the friends that I have made there.
For those who don’t know, about a month ago, I started working at IKEA, and it has been really great. Though leaving the bookstore felt bittersweet, starting this new adventure has been exciting. I’m making new friends, I am learning new things and overall just enjoying this change in my life. I truly miss my favourite regulars and the people I worked with, but sometimes change is really good and I know that I will see some of them at my new job. It has already happened, where one of the regulars at the bookstore saw me at IKEA, and knew me by name and told me he appreciated all of the help picking out books for his kid. I know though, that I am going to grow a lot with this new company, and that is something that I was looking forward to when I accepted the job.
So this a small farewell to this past chapter of my life, filled with nostalgia and some of my favourite photos from the past three and a half years. If you have been apart of my bookstore chapter, thank you so much. I know that I am a better person because of you. To those who are apart of my IKEA chapter, I look forward to the memories, the fun, the friendships and everything in between. You’re already making this new beginning into a great one.
Sprinkled in star dust... 