Where in The World Koryn Knudsen?

Well she is here of course!

But where is here? Let me explain.

In early August some friends that own the local pharmacy and gift shop approached me and asked if I would like to work a few days in the shop while the kids are in school. They said that after knowing me for a bit they felt I had the ability to talk to anyone who would come in the shop and that I could do a good job decorating the gift store. I am not sure where they get the talking thing, as we all know I am practically a mute, but I do like to decorate and put little vignettes together. I only work when the kids are in school, including holidays and weekends (we have great girls from the high school that can and will happily work any time school is out!)

Starting in mid-August I trained a few hours a week and as school started, so did I.

I thought a photographic tour may be in order for the many of my friends and family who may never have the chance to make it down this way.

The San Juan Pharmacy and Gift Shop sits right on Main Street and 100 S. I have always been partial to the striped awnings.

It is difficult, at best, to capture the feel of a place within the confines of the lens. I tried to catch some of the views of the store that best fit what I think of when I see the store in my mind's eye.

The toy section can keep children young and old entertained for quite some time. There is so much to see and dream about.

Here is my boss and friend, Dr. Tim Young doing what he does best. This man always has the phone propped on his shoulder. It make my neck sore just to watch. We did have the discussion about the hands-free set but he prefers this method. Good thing we sell ibuprofen in all its varieties. Tim is such a pleasure to work with. The definintion of easy going while still getting it done.

This is my other boss and friend, Sidney Young (yes, gorgeous wife of aforementioned Tim Young). Sidney runs the gift shop side of the house and does all the purchasing for the store. She has great taste and I believe she can satisfy all her shopaholic tendencies by ordering fun stuff for the store. She is truly a woman of many gifts and I am lucky to have her as a friend.

Next to her is my coworker Liesel. Don't you just love that name!? Liesel and I never get to actually work together because we share the shifts of the weekdays. Mostly we have communicated through notes back and forth and many phone calls. It has now become a treat for us to run into each other at soccer games and the grocery store so we can talk live and in person. She and I are trying to figure out how we can finagle a few hours together in the week to "work" really hard on the displays, unpacking, etc.

So far I have truly loved the work. It is right up my alley to chat all day with customers and just see to the little details of the store. I love that almost everyone in town comes into the store at some time for some thing. They are now familiar faces and I am learning all the stories, relationships to others in town (everyone here is related, sheesh!) and even looking at pictures of grandchildren.

As well as putting out all the darling stuff (and yes it is difficult to make any money at all when I want to buy one of everything) I also restock the medicines. Strange thing, I really like doing that. The drugs come in big boxes and I find the specific medicine, put the label on, then put it on the shelf. It is like a grand matching game and for some inexplicable reason I find it very soothing. Here is some of the handiwork - don't you find it soothing just looking at it? Oooom.

With all these positives there have to be some drawbacks and here are the main two:

Favorite treat, ever. Dutch Mints and just sitting there all day long, singing the siren song of fresh, minty chocolate-ness. Yes, I think I shall.

Of course, if I can withstand that temptation I can just turn around next to the cash register and have this

staring at me. I think there is a lesson in self discipline somewhere here. I am working that one out.

Obviously the job is great and fits my life perfectly right now. Now, all full-time working moms, stop reading this because I am going to whine.

OK - now that they are gone, I have to confess that these 16 hours a week are throwing off my groove. Gone are the hours making meals at a leisurely pace, doing laundry during the daylight hours, blogging and reading other blogs, and just taking care of the business of wife and mother. I knew, I really knew, I had it great last year (and I took full advantage) but the past few weeks have been an exercise in adjusting to this new routine. I am just now starting to dig my way out but I do see the light up there and still thinking life is pretty darn great.

Is there anything else I can get for you today? Another blog post you say? Well, I will see if I can get that for you! You have a great day and I'll see you next time. Take care.