Prime

There are many definitions of the word prime, some dealing with numbers and grades, others dealing with the canonical hour (~6 a.m.) and even others with a comic book character. However, none of those definitions are the reasons I am writing about. Sorry, a Transformers post will have to wait for later.

These definitions are:

“The time of maturity when power and vigor are greatest”

“Being at the best stage of development; ‘our manhood’s prime vigor’- Robert Browning”

I am knee deep in this time of my life and I only today fully realized. Only now. Only today. Some think their prime is in high school, or college. My prime is now. The best time of my life is now. No, I have not found a lady (still looking if you are interested). No, I have not found my dream job (opening a restaurant will happen down the road). Honestly, not much has changed, but at the same time, everything has changed.

Today, as I do every Saturday, I worked at Nordstrom from 12-close with co-workers that I love. Even though today was essentially just another day, it was so different I don’t even know where to begin. I guess I will start with a list:

• New lady cashier (taylor): young, good looking, not single
• New man chef: young, interesting, good looking (ha!), single (double ha!)
• Cool co-workers working with other cool co-workers working with me
• Head boss closing (instead of opening)
• Assistant boss opening (instead of closing)

All these combined, with a great working atmosphere, created an amazing day. I have seen how much I morphed from the young, quiet, shy boy of 7 years ago (pre-college/pre-Nordstrom) to the mature, outgoing, interesting, man of now. It is amazing how all of these qualities came out today.

Sure everyone got into my head after making comments about me and the new cashier:

• Boss to Assistant Boss: Make sure to keep shane away from taylor…(why? cause she is cute…according to assistant boss)
• Mom to me: Hey you never know, is she Jewish?
• Mom to me: Boyfriend? No big deal…

..but even with all that swirling around my head, I did not freeze, or “shy-up.” In a matter of moments, I busted through the wall of shyness and said, “Oh Yeah!” I spoke to her. I engaged her in conversation. I questioned her. Sure, she has a boyfriend. Sure, she and I will never date. But it isn’t even about that. It is about personal growth, and maturity. It is about moving past the shy stage and into the prime of my life. The rest will come along.

Our lengthy conversation made me forget to put away the tomato soup, which I remembered before I left. Made me forget to put away the au jus, which I remembered before I left. Made me forget to toss out the old rolls AND turn off the warmer, which I remembered as I drove home. (Thanks Shannon in Customer Service!) I never forget these things. I am of course that good.

Yes, that was the highlight of the evening but it wasn’t the only event. I conversed with co-workers in a way that I don’t believe I had done before. I spoke with the new chef about life. Went to the e-Bar with co-workers to get a “drink.” We joked. We laughed. We had fun. I talked to my boss candidly and didn’t shy away from him simply because I work under him. I spoke to him as a friend first, never being nervous, or shy (which is the word of the night) to ask him a question. In return, I was rewarded with candor and honesty.

I do not know why this has happened now. Is it Nordstrom? “Real-work?” Experiences of college shining through? Or is it d) all of the above? It definitely is something worthy of more thought and investigation…and of course enjoyment. If it is only because of Nordstrom, what the hell am I still doing at Symphony? Something to ponder as I fall asleep and mutter three words: Thank you Nordstrom.

Where I Found It:
Define: Prime
Oh Yeah!