Of All the Things I'm Grateful for On November 21st

Well, I think I've chosen to start this seemingly easy task on two of the most emotionally challenging days I've had in a very long time. I'll spare ya'll the complete list of grievances (abridged version: a breakup I can't seem to let break, 1st anniversary of my father's death, overdue 10 page essay on genocide worth 35% of my grade, favorable living situation drawing to a close).
But yes! I will prevail! Because amidst all of that emotional sludge, I have today find another thing positive and happy!
I went to the mall to grab a smoothie before heading to the university to work on my two essays (I didn't even mention the other one). The semblances of Christmas are starting to sprout amongst the stores and kiosks and the scent of chocolate and aged cheeses waft through the crowds of bundled, ambitious shoppers. And the music... ah yes the music.
Any of you who have worked retail will understand what I'm about to address here. Let's say you, like I once did, work at a place like Staples. It's slightly above minimum wage, you only have to wear one designated item of apparel and a small name tag, so you are able to retain your dignity to some degree. You spend your days walking down aisles, answering varying degrees of questions from intelligent - is there really a difference between permanent sharpies and CD safe sharpies (by the way there isn't) to exponentially ridiculous questions - can you buy printer paper without the perforated feeding holes on the side, or do you just have to tear them off each sheet you use... But amidst the mundane tasks of day to day working, there is music. Sometimes... it's brutal. But every once in a while you get to hear fantastic songs at work, and it always seems to brighten your day. Then... there's Christmas time.
Now, today as I walked through Market Mall, with my JugoJuice in hand - just as I was about to get to the exit, I heard an all to familiar tune coming from the Suzy Shier. "All I Want for Christmas is You" by none other than the succubus herself...Mariah Carey. Now working at Staples, that song would most assuredly come on at LEAST two or three times a day during Christmas. And each time it would send a surge of discomfort through my body. I was forced to listen to this shrill banshee masticate and regurgitate this song over and over, and there was no way out. But today, I heard it come on - gave a little smile - and walked out the door into the parking lot. So for those of you who are in those retail jobs, and are forced to hear satellite Christmas songs on repeat for the next 5 weeks; take heart. This too shall pass.