It seems that since I moved to Kalamazoo, I've been a lot more self conscious about my looks. I don't know what it is, but I have a much more negative attitude to things like my hair, weight, etcetera than I used to.
I'm thinking it's got to be a half empty/half full sort of thing. When I'm not here, I have a certain hope and zeal for life, and that reflects in my perspective on things. The same holds true when I'm here, and feeling the kind of defeat that comes with waiting out an unpleasant situation. I've got a negative spin on stuff so instead of seeing my more positive attributes, I notice the stuff I really don't like the most.
So, speaking of issues, did I tell you about the crazy woman at the art supply store?
We went there to get supplies for my design and appreciation class. Literally as soon as we walked through the door, we were nailed by an overly helpful employee. Now, as much as I appreciate the availability of help, I do know something about art and like the actual process of buying supplies. I don't necessarily want to feel like I'm in a mall clothing store at Christmas. But, I told them I didn't need help. So, we were looking at stuff, quickly filling up the basket with supplies when I saw an employee making a bee line for me. I was at the end of the aisle, and she headed straight toward me from the register.
"Oh no, I don't need any help. "I said."Someone already offered when we walked in.
"That's not why I came over here," the woman said. "I just need to fix this." And she reached behind me and grabbed at my tank top. I guess my tag was sticking out and she wanted to fix it!
"Oh no that's not necessary." I said. But she still didn't stop."Don't do that," I said more emphatically. "I don't even know you."
At this point she got offended.
"Well excuse me!" she said. "I didn't mean to burst your body bubble!" She said as she walked off in a huff.
"It's not a 'body bubble'" I said, really kind of pissed now. "I just don't want complete strangers coming up and touching me!"
"Oh yes it is," she said as she walked off."You've got some real body issues there!"
"Body issues, excuse me--"
"Oh yes you do, some real issues about your precious space!"
So I muttered something about her being a crazy hick as she walked off, then continued with my shopping.
Through it all, Rob and I were just amazed by the whole phenomenon, not quite sure whether to be outraged or just laugh at this woman's insanity. What the fuck? Since when do store employees go psychoanalysing their customers? For that matter, what planet does this woman live on where she can go and touch a complete stranger and not get thwacked upside the head? I mean, I know this is a small town and all, but still, it's pretty ludicrous. And, as for my "issues", what, does she have a phD in psychology in addition to the seven bucks an hour she probably makes working in an art supply store? (incidentally, this wasn't some college kid. This woman could easily have been forty years old.)Save the psychoanalysis to the professionals, and do your job: selling art supplies.
You also have to really wonder about someone who is so incredibly distressed at the sight of a tag sticking out that they have to run from the other side of the store to fix it.
So, you see, although I may have a negative attitude toward this town it truly is deserved. These people really are bat shit crazy.