Some things may change, but they really stay the same.

I didn't really expect life at the big red T to be any different when I got back. It wasn't.

That's not to say that there weren't like 5 million personnel changes, rearrangements, and new hires. There are. It's just that I've seen it all happen before, and I think I'm finally numb to it.

I used to get really sad when people left. I remember the first time someone I really liked quit. It was at the old Kirkwood store, and I was 16. I was heartbroken, and I couldn't stop thinking about it for like a month. Granted, I WAS 16, so that probably had a lot to do with it. As the years went on, I would still be sad though, when someone I especially got along with (or maybe just had a huge crush on) would leave.

But for the past couple of years, I've really just gotten over it. I mean, mostly I'm jealous of the people who leave for another job. I know that I will be there someday, too, but if that day was tomorrow I'd really be thrilled.

Even with all of the people moving around, though, my 40-hour a week life at Target isn't going to be all that different. Probably just a bit quieter, especially with Jeff leaving. It was noticeably quieter when Jerry stepped down and wasn't there for break-time entertainment purposes and throwing pillows at people. Other than that, there are still going to be the same hoosier shoppers, screaming kids, grumpy old men, and me answering the same questions over and over again (a perk of being in charge of the first department that the majority of our shoppers walk through).

My main goal is to be ambivalent about it all, not let the masses get to me, and make it through two (maybe three) more transitions, one last Christmas, and as soon as humanly possible after graduation QUIT. That'll be the day, and it will be a BIG party. You all will be invited.