Day 1....First trip out. Been up since 5 am. Lost a hour sleep. The town is small, very quaint and almost unimaginable. Its astonishing that once going through the country roads we would ever see a pretty decent size town. As you drive you stare out the window to the rolling hills, the cattle and the small farm houses that line the road. Yards are full the stereotypical pieces of cars and debris. Now, By decent town I mean the town has one stop light lol. Yes...just one good ole' Garretsville, let's see what this little town has to offer.
As we arrived at the store i was overcame by a nostalgic time when I set up stores for Deals and traveled. The dirty concrete floors, the building still in mid construction. I smiled thinking back to the days when I did this on the retail side of things on a weekly basis. Even after 12 years the excitement took over.
After work we Went to a place recommended by the hotel. Not a lot to offer but, went to what appeared on the outside a nursing home too much surprise the inside did as well. Lol. The food was decent. My co worker ranted about the pasta dish he ordered. I myself, indulged in the salad bar knowing the repercussions of traveling and eating dinner out every night. I'm not as young as I once was and well, i still am in the process of meeting a goal.
Came back to the hotel and decided to work out. Why do hotels always put the work out rooms by the lobby obviously so they can see people at the worst lol. And not only that but, I love how they put you in a room bug enough to hold 2 treadmills and a bike and a wall completely covered by a mirror. Gross. Thank you Holiday Inn some things are better left unseen lol.
Day 2....I'm getting a better feel for the town. There must be a Amish community close which if you know me makes me a very happy girl. We have a Amish gentleman named Jon working at the shop. Very quiet as most Amish are. And then at lunch was intrigued to see more. Hate to say it to my boys in STL but, their beards put yours to shame lol. Everyone I have encountered has been exceptionally kind and sweet. The hardware store next door has Boston baked beans...get outta here! All the people of the community have been so kind and they are very excited about us opening this store. They informed me they have one grocery store in the town a IGA. They said the gentleman that runs it price gouges everything and they have to drive 25 minutes one way to another grocery store. They are at ease knowing they no longer have to buy milk for $4.50 a gallon. Im happy knowing that a company I work for is able to provide them with opportunities to save some money.
I'm starting to feel comfortable with the portion of the training we are doing and feel more of myself coming out of my shell. Even my sarcastic remarks were welcomed and I was informed that it was "game on" time. Apparently I come off not knowing if I am the offensive type lol. Not at all! Lol.
Day 3....first day of hands on training. I am feeling so confident my trainer left me to do the training on the second half of people. It is amazing how natural it came to me and how the group responded to my teachings and explanations. It was enlightening to know I was helping and guiding people. They are so appreciative and you can tell they want to retain all the information they can. They simple comments of "are you going to be with me my first day if I have trouble" is rewarding. Knowing I can provide them the sense of relief and help overcome fears is very gratifying.
After work we went to a micro brewery in town. The atmosphere is rustic. Exposed wood beams, old framed newspaper clippings, water mill wheels and looking outside from the windows a water fall and blue lit bridge. All the waitresses are so nice. They came over and sat with us and even one of the waitresses after our conversation said I should just move to Ohio because she loves my personality lol. Not really sure she can handle me to be honest. And if I am moving here to Ohio I am going Amish. Although, becoming Amish intrigues me the thought of not being able to straighten my hair freaks me out (not sure Muffassa is allowed in the country) but, after talking to Brian about it we did come to a resolution that I can just tuck it in my bonnet lol.
The weekend went fast and now I am back in Amishville oops I mean Garretsville. Found out this morning that Suwallers caught fire this morning. Very sad to here especially with it being right before Christmas.
Today was a pretty short day and I am actually exhausted but, I'm sure I will be up until midnight. I did however get greeted by all the Amish guys in the store this afternoon. I definitely need to find out about their jeans. They are stunning.