In the very early part of 2000, I was asked to transfer from the Dorothy Lane Kroger in Kettering to the store in Xenia. After graduating college in late 1998, I had been planning on applying to enter the Kroger management training program – but then there were wedding plans to deal with, the wedding itself, our honeymoon, building our house, the holidays, etc. etc. So in short, I had put it off for an entire year.
My initial reaction was to refuse the transfer. I was just now ready to pursue the management avenue and wanted to live out my final days at the store that had been my home for more than three years. But finally I was talked into it, with the understanding that my stay there would be short-lived. It was, in fact, much closer to home for me.
Several of my Dorothy Lane workmates took me out for dinner and drinks to say goodbye. Terri Bolyard had been my customer service manager for the past six months and we got along very well. I had become particularly close with Sarah Boian and Jamie Judge. so saying goodbye to them wasn’t easy. Even my arch office nemesis Lisa Rentz was going to be missed. Nevertheless, I reported for duty at the Xenia store one day in mid-January. Here’s the card I received (along with some cash) from my Dorothy Lane pals and a note from Jamie.
On my first day, Thursday, January 13, 2000, it was very ironic that the beautiful Amy T., a pharmacist that I had gone out with a couple of times happened to be working in the store that day. But despite that, I never really cared for my time at
Xenia. Although I liked most of the people, it just never quite clicked with me. I had my specific way of doing accounting practices and the folks here were stubborn when it came to changing for the better. I also had to get used to working Sundays again, after I had been having them off for the bulk of the previous year. But my customer service manager Brenda was very easygoing and supportive and the store manager Gary D. helped me get my résumé together. I got along well with Melissa and especially Myla, too.
Overall, I have mostly nice memories of working there. Why, I even shopped there today after work!
2000 will continue…
Xenia is my favorite place on Earth!!!
Prof. Noodle
November 27th, 2006
What makes you think it’s on Earth??
Brad
November 27th, 2006