Favourite song of the moment

My favourite song of the moment is Barb Jungr's "Heartbreak Hotel". from her latest album "No Regrets - The Remarkable Barb Jungr" (available from ABC Classics). And remarkable, she is. In case you're not familiar with her work, she's a musical performer/composer/writer based in the UK. Much has been written about her, so I won't go on too much, but here is what her label, Linn Records, says on the website:

"With her unique vocal style, critics have compared her to Nina Simone, Peggy Lee and Edith Piaf declaring that Barb Jungr "is one of the best interpreters of Jacques Brel and Bob Dylan anywhere on this angst ridden planet today" (Village Voice, New York).  Since 2000, Jungr's releases on Linn Records have brought her to the world stage and revealed her to be one of Europe's most exciting voices."

Her version of Heartbreak Hotel is so haunting and beautiful, even though the song is about the dark hell hole people find themselves in when their bruised, bleeding hearts get shattered to millions of pieces. Yes, Elvis sang the original, but the two versions are very different.

Despite the depressing lyrics, I actually find the song soothing. Possibly because I've never been THAT lonely, hurt and heartbroken. Not even close. Yes, I have been dumped. Back in the days, I have cried myself to sleep, I wrote pages and pages about my anguish, forgot to eat, didn't want to face the world, earbashed my poor friends and wondered if I'll ever love again (and alas, I have). But I've never felt like I could DIE from a broken heart, that's for sure. Some people languish in that godforsaken place for a long time and according to one friend who has been there, it's not somewhere you'd ever want to be. when I hear the song, I feel grateful to the fact that I've never been there. And of course, her interpretation is a work of genius.

The rest of the album is brilliant too, but if you get the chance, I thoroughly recommend that you see her live. It's magic when she takes to the stage. Her banter is full of humour and her unique voice is mesmerising. As some of you would know, she recently toured Australia and I was fortunate enough to catch her show. And I know those of you that went to see her were bowled over. She's a dynamite, oozing charisma and warm stage presence. Both Barb Jungr and her accompanist Matthew Carey were enthralling. I hope they will tour again soon.

My new job

A friend of mine and her fiance (let's call them C & A) went on a bit of a shopping spree and bought a house AND a shop. They opened a small deli and had a staffing issue. I have very flexible hours since leaving my office job, so they asked me if I'd be interested in helping out in my free time (which I do have a lot of) few days a week.

While I was flattered that they trust me enough with their shop, I reminded them that, 1. I have no previous customer service experience, 2. I am NOT a people person by any stretch of the phrase, 3. I have no cash handling/professional food preparation experience, 4. I'm not good with numbers and 5. I am an extremely eccentric person. I was also afraid of losing the friendship if things didn't work out. But they insisted that I give it a try, and that if I don't like it, I can quit. They also said that if those 12-year-olds at Baker's Delight and KFC can do it, then so can I. Mind you, they're taller than I am! And that they won't hold it against me if things turn pear-shaped (provided that I don't burn the shop down, swear at every customer, and/or run off with all the cash and cigarettes, I'm guessing).

Then I thought, this is a great opportunity to try something totally new. There's a lot to be said about simple repetitive tasks with minimum stress. My friends nodded enthusiastically when I came to this conclusion. I eventually said yes.

I went into the shop for a few times and did a bit of training. I learned how to make sandwiches and rolls, as well as how to use the EFTPOS machine and the till. I also memorised the skyrocketing prices of bread and milk.

And the moment arrived. For the first time in my life, I stood behind the counter, greeted the customers and served them.

The first few shifts were totally nerve-wracking. The cash register constantly beeped at me for pressing the wrong key. To make the matters worse, the barcode scanner packed it in during my first shift and I had to refer to the price list every time when items turned up that I didn't know the prices of (which was often). But the customers were ever so patient. They smiled and said to me that it's okay. Some even tipped in sympathy. And my rolls and sandwiches were, and still are, tragic. I'd like to apologise to all my customers who had to pay for my below-par creations with lettuce and tomato hanging out the sides.

I've rediscovered my inability to do things efficiently. I'm SO slow at opening the plastic bags, counting the change, and stocking the drink fridges. Judging by how long it takes me to get ready, make my bed, do the dishes or any sort of housework, I should've known. I vowed never to be impatient with shop assistants again.

And the customers are indeed fascinating. I took an order for a beetroot, cheese and egg sandwich. Some people pay in really random amounts, like giving me $6.45 for the total of $3.10. Someone paid 10 dollars worth of stuff in 5 cent pieces. One person bought an entire stock of Paddle Pops because the family was one stick away from winning a holiday to the Gold Coast. I also had a conversation with a deaf person on a notepad.

I never thought I'd say this, but I actually enjoy this job a lot. Partly because it's so different to my main job and I'm constantly learning new things...a bit like a toddler who is discovering the world. I'd never be a people person, but I seem to be able to handle those 1 minute exchanges with them.

It's still early days and I'm not sure how my new part time job pans out, but so far, so good.

I will keep you posted with how this all goes. Never a dull moment in my life! Watch this space for more amusing stories :-)