Things that make the job worth it

1. Hiking on days off. I seem to find the hardest way up a mountain, and I tend to get my butt kicked. But, the views from the top are certainly worth it. Saturday July 3rd I climbed South Bubble, North Bubble, and then went on to Conner's Nubble.
2. Exploring places we aren't supposed to explore. After services today, we went to Bass Head Lighthouse. The lighthouse was at the top of the rocks and there were some stairs down, but we took it to the extreme and went down the rocks to the water, back up the wrong side of the rocks to climb over the fence to see the lighthouse.
3. Conversations with overly grateful customers. Such as this one:
Setting: 6:30 Friday Evening. It was about time for me to be off.
enter: An older couple carrying a take out container from the restaurant
Man: "Excuse me, do you sell batteries"
me: "Yes. they're right here" half-heartily pointing in the general direction of the batteries seeing how I had been there for almost 9 hours and didn't care at the moment.
Man: "Um, those are the cameras. I need batteries."
me: Yes there are batteries there too.
Man: Oh yes I see
Women: Do you have a plastic spoon?
Me: Um, I don't think so, Sorry.
Women: Oh, I got some ice cream and couldn't finish it and the restaurant didn't have a spoon. I thought maybe you would. Or do you have a straw? I could let it melt and drink it
Me: Well, let me see what we can find for you. I know we have straws. Hold on
*Runs up stairs, gathers 2 stir sticks, a napkin, and a straw and runs down*
Me: Here's what I found.
Women: Oh bless your soul. You are too kind.
Man: Do you have one of those collectible spoons? You know, some people collect metal spoons. Do you sell those?
me: yep, right here. Let me show you!
Man: I was thinking i would buy my gorgeous wife one so she could eat her ice cream
me: oh! Maybe she will share!
man: maybe.

So i ring them up and say goodbye.
I get ready to check out, do one last store walk through, and go to check out when...
re-enter women.
women: Excuse me. I forgot to ask where you are from.
me: I'm from Iowa!
women: Is everyone from Iowa as polite and nice and helpful as you?
me: generally, Iowans are pretty friendly.
women: well i never knew anyone from Iowa. What is your name?
me: Amanda. Oh, I see. I dont have my name tag on. Well now, you know someone from Iowa.
women. Yes. Honey, come here with the camera! (directed towards her husband.) take this young ladys picture.
me: Why dont you get in the picture too?
women: Okay where can we take it at?

This whole situation was kind of funny and put a smile on my face.