REI
Everybody (I hope) has that place they can go to where all is right with the world.
My place is REI. I was just trolling the internet, on my second cup of coffee to clear the blear from my mind, and I thought how comforting it is that there are four REI's within 50 miles. Of course, only one is near enough to be easily accessible, but there is possibility if I need it. So comforting.
I also saw that they're hiring.
This is how trouble always starts with me. I innocently go to research what to spend my 20% off coupon on, and next thing I know I'm looking to a life change.
They have these very lovely wheeling backpacks, you see. I have a very snazzy pack that I've used extensively over the past year, but at the 100,000 mile mark it's starting to bug. I feel like a tramp at the airports and it hurts my back & hips with putting on/taking off - but I don't want a simple wheeled one without backpack because there are so many places I go where that is impractical. And I need it to have a detachable backpack, which limits me to shopping options like REI. These perfect solutions are not cheap, however, so I research carefully. The big problem in my mind is not just the cost (around $200 - ouch!), but that the wheels and structure add weight. When airlines like Emirates allow only 15 pounds with carry-on, that can mostly go to just the bag itself! When I last left Ghana, there were two young men at the base of the stairs up to the gates who were weighing bags. I don't know what the limit was but I'm sure my bag was over it, so I used that disarmingly assertive-with-potential-of-"friendship" stance that serves me so well in West Africa. Especially with young men - they have a very hard time saying no to me.
But I digress.
REI's hours fit my schedule so wonderfully - I could easily work 10-20 hours there a week to earn the extra money I want before leaving town. But more importantly, it would give me a chance to fondle the goods. I would know the gear so well - and frankly, I already spend too many hours cruising REI. I could get paid for it! I could wear the green vest! I could share my knowledge! And, I'd be hanging with outdoorsy people who would inspire me to strap on that backpack again.
And, there's probably a nice employee discount. Because I'm sure the pay doesn't rock.
My place is REI. I was just trolling the internet, on my second cup of coffee to clear the blear from my mind, and I thought how comforting it is that there are four REI's within 50 miles. Of course, only one is near enough to be easily accessible, but there is possibility if I need it. So comforting.
I also saw that they're hiring.
This is how trouble always starts with me. I innocently go to research what to spend my 20% off coupon on, and next thing I know I'm looking to a life change.
They have these very lovely wheeling backpacks, you see. I have a very snazzy pack that I've used extensively over the past year, but at the 100,000 mile mark it's starting to bug. I feel like a tramp at the airports and it hurts my back & hips with putting on/taking off - but I don't want a simple wheeled one without backpack because there are so many places I go where that is impractical. And I need it to have a detachable backpack, which limits me to shopping options like REI. These perfect solutions are not cheap, however, so I research carefully. The big problem in my mind is not just the cost (around $200 - ouch!), but that the wheels and structure add weight. When airlines like Emirates allow only 15 pounds with carry-on, that can mostly go to just the bag itself! When I last left Ghana, there were two young men at the base of the stairs up to the gates who were weighing bags. I don't know what the limit was but I'm sure my bag was over it, so I used that disarmingly assertive-with-potential-of-"friendship" stance that serves me so well in West Africa. Especially with young men - they have a very hard time saying no to me.
But I digress.
REI's hours fit my schedule so wonderfully - I could easily work 10-20 hours there a week to earn the extra money I want before leaving town. But more importantly, it would give me a chance to fondle the goods. I would know the gear so well - and frankly, I already spend too many hours cruising REI. I could get paid for it! I could wear the green vest! I could share my knowledge! And, I'd be hanging with outdoorsy people who would inspire me to strap on that backpack again.
And, there's probably a nice employee discount. Because I'm sure the pay doesn't rock.
posted by NOLA at 8:45 AM
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