Making Friends at the Post Office!

Just another look at big town vs. small town....

We all know how the post office is. Why does it seem like everyone goes to the post office at the same time? And no matter how long the lines are, it seems like there are one or two postal workers. It can be frustrating, but I've learned to go when I have 30 minutes to kill, just in case.

In Oklahoma City, going to the post office, and standing in line for 30 minutes, was always a bit of a fiasco. I always made sure to take my phone with me, so I could catch up on texts, emails, etc while I wait. Looking around everyone would be on their phones, staying busy and doing everything they can possibly do while they are wasting 30 minutes out of the office. I learned this morning, that Muskogee is a different story.

Around 10:30am, I made a trip up to the post office (like 3 blocks from my office) to pick up a package that was delivered when I was not here last week. The parking lot was full, and I was a little hesitant to walk in and waste 30 minutes waiting in line. My office is crazy busy right now, and I have too much to do, than sit and wait! Like I would in OKC, I made sure my phone was in tow, so I could catch up on my emails while I wait. But I was pleasantly surprised when I got in line.

There was a sweet woman standing in front of me, probably around 70 years old. When I walked in, she turned around and said hello to me. I said hello back. She smiled, and told me how much she liked my dress and my boots. She told me how nice I looked and how she remembered wearing dresses, with tights and boots when she was younger. This sparked a conversation of how certain styles come back around years later. Then we talked about how chilly it was outside today, and how we're both looking forward to spring. She told me about her garden she has, and how some of her flowers are trying to bloom, so she hates hearing it might snow again in a couple days. I told her about my job and what I do, and she told me about her small boxes she was shipping off to one of her grandchildren for their birthday. After about 20 minutes, I had made a new friend. When it was her turn in line, she hugged me and told me it was nice talking to me, and told me to have a good day.

Perhaps it sounds silly, but this absolutely made my day. Working in an office alone, I often realize how FEW people I actually SEE everyday. Somedays I'm out and about in the community, working with non-profits, or committee members, etc. But lately, I've had so much work to do, I've been locked up in my office alone. When I decided I needed to go to the post office, I originally was dreading the time away from the office. Turns out this sweet lady gave me just exactly what I needed today, even though I didn't even realize it.

The people here are so warm and welcoming. And life rolls along at a little bit slower pace. I think I could really get used to this. =)