Shop sitting

I did something I have rarely done in my life yesterday. I played at being a shopkeeper at our Andy's new music shop as he's gone to visit his friend Tom in Poland for the weekend.

The day seemed to start badly because I didn't get up as early as I planned and realised I was an hour out with my timings. However I quickly caught up with myself and managed to catch the bus in time. Yes, bus! Why do people use buses? They are dreadful, well the ones here are. They are so badly designed and uncomfortable. I shouldn't complain as it got me to my destination early enough to pick up an excellent coffee from Red Roaster - a good way to start the day.

My first job when I arrived at the shop was to open the shutters. It wasn't an easy job and I immediately started to worry about closing them at the end of the day. Shop opened with lights on I was able to sit down and enjoy my coffee and read the morning papers. It wasn't a very busy day in that area of Brighton at all. The weather was good, maybe everyone was on the pier, which is just down the road, but I did have some lovely customers. My favourite was a 5-year-old called Poppy who had £20 to spend from her grandparents for her birthday. She wanted a ukulele, a red one. The excitement from her was heart warming.

I had another customer who was thinking of buying an oboe but I think I've persuaded him a flute is a much better option - no reeds, less expensive to buy and, of course we've got Flutewise! I gave him a magazine and he's coming back next week with his decision.

My last customer of the day was a dad of a little girl wanting to learn to play the clarinet. At the end of a nice long chat, he kissed me before leaving! Wow, is this why people run music shops because their customers kiss them?!

My fears of the morning were confirmed about not being able to close the shutters. Fortunately Andy's friend, Dan was around to help me. My shop-sitting day was over and all I had to do was find the bus stop to get home. I enjoyed the day - especially as every customer commented on how lovely the shop is and wished Andy luck - but I didn't enjoy the bus.