bittersweet departure

tonight was my last night of work at kohl's. I've been looking forward to this day for...well...a long time. finally, i don't have to drive clear to west Knoxville just to work a 5 hour shift. finally, i don't have to pick up after sloppy men who insist on trying jeans on and leaving them in heaps. finally, i don't have to argue with customers about sale prices. finally. however, as exhilarating as it is to not have to deal with the retail business, i have made some very wonderful acquaintances in the year that i've been there. i was somewhat overwhelmed this evening at the parting goodbyes and good lucks i received. i never dreamed so many of them would tear up and hug me farewell. i even had offers of places to stay if (or in their words, "when") i come back to visit knoxville. i realized that i really will miss that obnoxious store...or more precisely, i will miss those folks i have spent countless hours working along side. end of chapter.