Zel-kun’s Words

Things are finally calming down a bit at work.  I can actually see a little of my desk.  I worked late again yesterday, out on the road in Indiana.  It’s strange that my job leads me back to my old hometown of Merrillville, being as I scarcely even visit it anymore, it’s like a world I long left behind.

I had to check up on a kiosk in Southlake Mall, a mere 10 feet from the front door of Things Remembered, where I worked as an engraver for three years.  It was my first job, and where I picked up my loathing of malls.  I’m always tempted to walk on in to see if I see anyone I know there, but I’m always on a tight schedule.  I know myself too well, and I’d waste bare minimum of half an hour catching up and bragging about the direction my life has gone.

My old hometown has really changed since I left, as though I was the only factor holding the rapid growth of yuppie establishments in check.  The food court in the mall had been replaced by a sprawling two-story Borders, hot dogs on sticks replaced with books on shelves.  Around the mall grew at least two dozen new food places: Red Robin, Chipotle, Potbelly’s… the old Burger King had been demolished to make way for a a chocolate shop… it was like a whole different town.

Unfortunately, the Wal-Mart stands as still and strong as the day I left it.  I had to visit a kiosk in the Circuit City directly across from it, and I could still feel the evil resonating from across the road.  I had bought my PDA from that very Circuit City ages ago, the one I was accused of practicing witchcraft with, and the store hadn’t changed at all in that time.  And just like before, there were never any other customers in sight.

When I’m out in the field, I get to drive a company vehicle, which I both love and hate.  I love not putting miles on my aging vehicle, and I love not having to buy gas.   It handles well and has a lot of pickup, but it’s uncomfortable to drive.  The seat doesn’t go far back, so my legs are a little confined.  But beggars can’t be choosers.

I drove back to Schaumburg and gassed it up with the company card, then handed the keys to my boss so he could drive up to Wisconsin.  Those are busy vehicles, we bought it brand new earlier this year and there’s already 40,000 miles on it.  Sound like my car for when I worked for XSport running around everywhere…

Zel-kun out.