Tuesday, November 20, 2007

How may I help you?

It is with great joy that I announce my departure from the House of Wal.

It is with a far greater amount of sadness that I announce the likely end of regular posting to behindthecounter.com.

You, my faithful readers, deserve to know the rest of the story.

On October 20, 2007, in the year of our Lord, I walked out of the Wal-Mart a free woman. FREE AT LAST LORD, FREE AT LAST. I had spent 1,097 days in bondage to the Lords of Low Prices.

For most of the last year, I have struggled to come to terms with the fact that the only real reason I worked at Wal-Mart was to have material to post. The increasing popularity of Behind the Counter made it harder and harder for me to walk away from something that I had literally poured my heart and soul into over a period of three years.

This is how the argument went in my head. “My life is horrible. What’s good right now? My blog. What’s bad right now? Wal-Mart. What can I do to make my life better? Quit Wal-Mart. But if I quit Wal-Mart, I won’t have a blog.” Yeah. Vicious, please meet my friend Circle.

When I started my blog back in April of 2004, I was searching for myself, happiness and a purpose in life. Five months later, I happened to start working at Wal-Mart and Behind the Counter was born. Writing my blog gave me a purpose and a focus.

When I began writing, I never imagined that the things I put out there would attract such a diverse group of readers, fans and people who generally appreciate my work.

I started working at Wal-Mart for the sole purpose of being able to pay my bills. Over time, my real job began paying me enough so that – with prudent budgeting – I could survive without the House of Wal. I need to break the Starbucks addiction, but we’re working on that.

I cut back to just the weekends at Wal-Mart and tried to stockpile stories for an entire week of posting. One side effect of this was that I never had a day off from work. Ever. Monday-Friday at the office and Saturday-Sunday at Wal-Mart. It was a grinding schedule that I kept up for more than two years.

As Behind the Counter grew in popularity, I felt the pressure to pump out more content. Most weekends, I would come home after a 2-11 shift on Sundays and stay up writing until 5 a.m. – when I would go to sleep for three hours and then get up and get ready for work at my real job by 9 a.m.

Over the past year, I have battled depression, the likely beginnings of diabetes and come face-to-face with the fact that my life is a completely screwed-up mess of my own making.

In all that time, Behind the Counter – and constant stream of comments people leave – has been one of the only things that made me feel like getting out of bed in the morning.

Every time I checked my email, I hoped for a comment. Comments – be they good, bad, hateful or inane – were like little happiness grenades in the dark hours of my days.

If you, my readers, were making an effort to tell me how you felt about my work – I owed it to you to give you fresh content.

Even the haterade. You don’t exist on the Internet until you have haters. For every voice that speaks out, there are ten more that scream in silence.

I made mistakes – lots of them. If I had it to do over again, I would probably try to interact with my readers more. My paranoia over being discovered led early on to me instituting a “zero-contact” policy for all but the most extraordinary requests. In retrospect, I think that only made some people MORE curious about me – including some stalkers who analyzed every single post for clues.

I also wanted to sell merchandise. I had some T-shirt designs in the preliminary stages, but never got around to setting up a store on Zazzle. I really, really wanted to sell T-shirts where someone tries to return a baby.

Over the past year, my responsibilities at my real job have grown enormously. Some weeks, I spent up to 80+ hours at both jobs. Something was going to have to give.

I have always made no bones of the fact that I personally feel that Wal-Mart is not the best steward of its workers. The company as a whole needs to be broken down to its component pieces and completely rebuilt.

The current attitude of the bean-counters in Bentonville – who are issuing directives for the store-level employees without ever having been inside a store – are incredibly damaging to employee morale. So too is the absolute refusal to acknowledge the fact that stores cannot deliver even a minimal level of customer service if confined to the insanely low limits of the Bentonville directives for staffing.

In the time period from March until I left in October, I got a 2-11 p.m. shift nearly every Saturday and a 2-11 p.m. nearly every Sunday. I can count on one hand the number of shifts that were not 2-11. For that entire time, I was the only person scheduled at the Service Desk after the morning people went home at 4 p.m.

Psychologically, I knew that I could handle it. Wal-Martians don’t scare me. I am smarter, better and a thousand times meaner. However, it is immensely draining to go through weekend after weekend after weekend of the same crap, facing down the ghetto trash, the white trash and the dregs of society that only crawl out from under their rocks after dark. Nearly every Sunday, I had to plead for someone to give me my lunch; if I got a second break I sent a silent prayer up to the heavens and Kali’s waiting arms.

Wal-Mart literally does not care about its employees. They will mouth pretty words, but they are as empty as Paris Hilton’s head. The final straw came sometime in early summer. I had a rare 10-7 shift on Sunday and was actually looking forward to getting home in time to do laundry and sleep before going to work on Monday. When did I leave? 10 p.m. TWELVE HOURS AT THE HOUSE OF WAL.

I have had several long talks with the very few people in my life that I trusted with the secret of Behind the Counter. (Thank you all, you know who you are!) Every time they asked me “Why are you still working there?” – the only answer I could give was that I needed material for my blog. Finally, that answer just wasn’t good enough anymore.

I had to make a terrible choice – between my sanity and my blog. To be fair, it took me nearly a year to finally decide to walk away from Behind the Counter. I don’t believe that my writing should make me unhappy – and going to the House of Wal each weekend simply made me miserable.

At the end of the day, I wrote about entitled idiots trying to scam the system and generally acting like they need a beating with whips made of scorpions. I saw a niche in the blog ecosystem and I filled it – maybe not especially well or with great style and verve – but I filled it.

My next project is going to be “21 Minutes” – which is linked in the top right-hand column. (I thought seriously about concentrating on my Howler Monkeys project, but at the end of the day, I don’t think it has real legs. I mean, how much complaining about children can I do?)

What is “21 Minutes?” Well, the premise is that I’m going to go somewhere each day and describe the action for 21 minutes. The same snark, the same fashion critique, the same howler monkeys, the same WOACAs, the same witty wordplay. We may even do a post at the Wal-Mart from time to time. I hope you like it. If not, that’s fine too. This is something I’m doing for myself – and it doesn’t make me hurt inside.

Right now, I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time. I’ve had a few weekends to spend reconnecting with my friends, rebuilding my social life and trying to figure out what exactly it is that I’m going to do with the rest of my life.

For the record, I want to personally thank each and every reader of Behind the Counter over the past three years. Thank you for reading. Thank you for leaving comments. Thank you for subscribing via RSS. Thank you sending me your emails. Thank you for clicking on the advertisements. Thank you for putting links on your own personal Web pages and blogrolls. And to the two people who purchased me gifts off my Amazon Wish ListI LOVE YOU!

At the end of the day, all I did was write. Thank you all for appreciating it.

Yes. You all still have questions. No. I’m still not going to tell you my name or the location of my store. I’m not stupid. Anything else you want to know, please leave it in the comments.

208 comments:

1 – 200 of 208   Newer›   Newest»
siobhan41 said...

Damn it! I just found your blog and have spent the last week working my way through your archives--it is a rare blog that will drive me to do that. And now it is over! :(

While I will miss this blog, I definitely understand why you made this decision and hope it brings you happiness.

Looking forward to your next project!

Matthew said...

I've been reading since I found the blog ~ six months ago. Never had a reason to comment before. The one thing I always seemed to find myself thinking while reading was that you were too intelligent to be working there.

VERY happy to hear you quit, no matter how much I will miss the blog.

Anonymous said...

Some days your entries made me laugh so hard I cried. (And some days they made me want to cry for humanity so much that I had to laugh...) I used to do the same job and I can't tell you how good it's been to read your posts- like sitting down with an old friend who knows exactly what you mean without you having to explain. So thank you for bringing so much enjoyment.

Congratulations on making such a difficult and sensible decision- I'm sad to see you go, but happy for you too. I wish you much better health and happiness post-Walmart!

Anonymous said...

I've been a longtime reader and honestly I just love the way you write. I despise Walmart as well, though it's the only place I can shop since they've run everyone out of business in my neck of the woods - aka...small crappy town. So that added extra interest, but really your writing style is what kept me here. I look forward to reading your new blog. As another PP mentioned, you are way too smart to be working at Walmart.

I'm sure everyone will be happy with you analyzing as you said you would do in your new blog. Heck you could complain about anything in your day to day and it would still be amusing with how you put it out there.

I will always be a reader as long as you write. You should consider doing something professional with your creative writing.

Enjoy your weekends, just make sure to post! ;)

-smooches!-

Anonymous said...

I am so sad that I won't be getting any more 5 finger fridays or howler monkey stories.

But I am sure 21 minutes will make me laugh just as much.

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for writing. It's been fabulous reading, and I'll read your new venture as well. :)

Anonymous said...

*applaudes*
Bravo! I am glad you chose for yourself. There is only so much crap a person can take and you have done enough.
I am going to miss BTC. I have been reading it for a long time, almost a year and I always checked regularly. Your writing is entertaining, witty and eloquent despite your often obvious irritation or anger. That is a gift! And you should keep it up :-)
I am defenitely going to check out your new blog.
Thanks for Behind the Counter!

Kit Kaze said...

I'm looking forward to 21 minutes. what keeps me coming back isn't the house of wal.. it's your writing.

*off to bookmark 21 minutes*

Anonymous said...

Been subscribed to this blog since... honestly i dont remember, but a much dam longer time than ANY other blog i've ever come across. Your posts are hilarious and often sad portrayal of certain members of todays society and i've loved every minute of it. Will miss seeing that little unread symbol next to the words "Behind the Counter".

I hope you get to wherever it is you want to go with your life. *Subscribes to '21 minutes'* WOO!

Live up the weekend(s) !

Anonymous said...

I rarely commented, but read via feed. I'm SOOOO glad you're escaping retail hell, but I will miss your stories. (I've worked the customer service desk in retail-I understand completely)

Good luck with everything!

Unknown said...

Well good for you. I've been reading your blog for about a year now, and, while I was getting a lot of enjoyment out of it, I was seriously thinking that you sounded way too good for this job. Congratulations on making a difficult, life-changing decision. I've already subscribed to 21 minutes and I'm looking forward to it. Take care.

Anonymous said...

Holy crap, Beeb! You kept working there for us? Had I known that I would have organized an immediate boycott. Trust me, there are idiots everywhere to mock. No need to descend into the fiery depths of wal for material. Talent works in any setting.

Anonymous said...

I did the same job juggle from 2001 until last September. I'd started with Walmart back at home for a Christmas and a few months after and when I moved to a new city it was the easiest place to get work. My student loan was hovering over my head like the Sword of Damocles.

I managed to get a second job with the library and every moment of my life seemed to be given over to work or commuting to and from. Nobody could figure out why I put up with it, but those damnable bills and loans.. one job's wage just wouldn't cut it.

In August of 2006 I made the last payment on my student loan. It took all the savings I had to do it, but it was done. I stayed with Walmart for another year still, still hating it, still wishing I the balls to walk out, still coming to work (almost) every shift.

Opportunities arose with the library for a bit of advancement (seniority sucks until you're senior) and it was with great pleasure that I handed in my resignation in Sept of this year. That was a happy moment.

I look forward to your new project. I'm sure it'll be something you'll put your heart into because you want to. Make a note never to martyr yourself again.

See you at your new home.
LuckyC

Anonymous said...

Wow, your commitment to the blog and your readers speaks volumes for you. Thanks for the great stories that sprung from your mind. I've been reading for months since discovering you from the Consumerist, and yours was one of the first stories out of all my RSS feeds (about 30 total) I would click on. Good luck to you in the future!

Tifffany said...

I'm glad you're finally getting out (for you!) but sad too (for me!). I really enjoyed reading your blog - as one ex walmart employee to another.

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for all the posts... they always gave me a little more understanding for what Wal-employees go through on a daily basis, made me act a little nicer to them when I went shopping there myself.
Every time I pass customer service I give the employees a look and somehow feel like I understand what they're having to put up with on a daily basis.
Already enjoying 21 minutes!

Unknown said...

Congrats on your freedom! I loved the blog and could relate after 4+ years in retail.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your blog - loved reading it in my lunch hour before going back to my own customer service job.

It helped me to find the humourous side of customer service when sometimes I wanted to scream.

Thanks again - cant wait to see your next venture - enjoy your weekends :)

Anonymous said...

Do I sense a book, with the best of Wal-Mart stories?

Anonymous said...

I thought you might have suddenly gained more time on your hands when you had that theme-post week. Congrats to you on doing what's right for you. Thank you for the many howls of laughter I had reading your post. And good luck on your next endeavour.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your funny writing and good luck with future endeavors!

Figaro said...

I am another one of those who just recently found your blog and while I love reading it, that reason is not good enough for you to work 7 days a week! Especially at Wal-Mart!!

You know, I always knew there was a reason my home town/county banned Wal-Mart from coming in there.

Enjoy your weekends, you have defineatly earned them...

Anonymous said...

Congrats on quitting! The House of Wal doesn't deserve your awesomeness.

Anonymous said...

Ha! "Woman"? Not hardly. Listen to the NPR interview, no way you're a woman unless you're in serious need of hormone therapy.

Diabetes? Could it be that YOU are as unfit and overweight as the Wal-Cart people your write about?

Anonymous said...

I've been reading your blog since almost the beginning.

Per your Starbucks addiction... I have HAVE to suggest you invest in a Nespresso machine and coffees. I discovered this little taste of heaven when living in Europe. Simply the best, 1,000% times better than Starbucks (even though I am partial to their Espresso Roast Whole Bean Coffee).

www.nespresso.com
Machines range from $179 to over $2,000, it just depends on what features you want. Their coffees have to be used in the machine (BEST coffee on the planet, hands down!) and costs approx .50-.75 per capsule. Much cheaper than a daily $4-8 Starbucks addiction, far better than Starbucks and will make you feel like you own a piece of luxury, like slipping into Prada shoes!

Greg Noe said...

Thanks for the great stories, they were awesome to read, but somehow I feel better knowing you're out of that job. Good luck with the future.

Anonymous said...

I've been reading your blog through most of the summer, wondering how long it would take you to finally quit.

As many other people have said, though I'll miss this blog, I'm thrilled to hear you are finally quitting.

I remember the deep satisfaction quitting my retail job a few years ago for a true career made me feel. I'm glad to hear you're feeling the same.


Time to re-direct my RSS reader to 21 minutes.

Unknown said...

I have greatly enjoyed your blog and will sorely miss it.
Good luck with all your future endeavors and may the forces of evil be distracted on all of your journeys.

Steve said...

Congratulations on getting out! This blog has been very entertaining and I look forward to "21 minutes." Best of luck!

jacquieblackman said...

I just found your blog recently and have very much enjoyed it (maybe because it brought me back to my days at The Big Red K?). I thought I'd come out of lurkdom to wish you the best of luck!

kelmeister said...

BBC, I love you and I love your blog. Congratulations on finally escaping retail. I'll miss the tales of howler monkeys and WOACA.

However, your new project sounds awesome. You doing the people-watching for us! I'm glad you're going to continue writing, and let us read it.

PS RE: Starbucks...they just posted their first quarterly loss. I can't keep the company afloat all by myself, as hard as I'm trying!

(One day, I'll be living in a cardboard box, but goddamnit I'll be sipping a mocha Frappuccino while I'm in there.)

Brad C. said...

God bless you. I'm grateful for all the pleasure spiked with pain you've dished out over the last few years. I'm glad for your sanity you're finally getting out. I hope the inevitable book deal is lucrative and that you hold many signings at WalMarts across the land.

Failing that, I hope you enjoy seeing your friends, relaxing, and enjoying your life on weekends.

Brad

Brad C. said...

P.S. You should totally park your self on a bench in Customer Service on Black Friday or the day after Christmas and just laugh, and laugh, and laugh...

comoprozac said...

That Wal-Mart will never be the same without you. Now I'll go back to my miserable exsistence in Wal-Mart Kingdom #2 (COMO). Good luck and be sure to post a link to any new blogs you might start up.

Anonymous said...

Woah! Sorry I never commented before, but I sure loved this blog! I found it not too long ago, but I read everything and then checked it every day hoping for a post. I didn't even know if you were male or female. What great fun reading your snarky wittiness! I hope only the best for you and yours! Thanks for all the great entertainment.

Anonymous said...

Oh, one other thing, what someone else said: book!

Anonymous said...

Oh BOY will I miss your blog! It was one of the very first spots I'd check online each morning and could be counted on to make me laugh outright at the beginning of a long work day. May you know much success with your job...personal joy in your life to come..and success with the new blog! I have already bookmarked it and will be reading. Enjoy your freedom! Blessings.....S.

Anonymous said...

Oh BOY will I miss your blog! It was one of the very first spots I'd check online each morning and could be counted on to make me laugh outright at the beginning of a long work day. May you know much success with your job...personal joy in your life to come..and success with the new blog! I have already bookmarked it and will be reading. Enjoy your freedom! Blessings.....S.

Unknown said...

I have enjoyed reading your blog for the past couple of years. I hope you decide to work this into a book at some point. As much as I hate to see you leave from my own selfish standpoint, I am glad that you are moving toward a better place. You deserve a baseline of happiness and I'm glad that you recognize that and you're moving toward getting there. Best of luck with your future.

Anonymous said...

I wish you the best of luck!

horsefeathers said...

Thanks for your committment and incredible effort to put out this blog for a bunch of people you've never even met. Your blog has been an essential part of my morning. I will happily move on to 21 and eagerly await your next efforts.

Anonymous said...

I've been reading for more than a year. I'll be sorry that I won't be getting new stories but like everyone else here - good for you that you quit! One's psyche can only stand so much. I have not purchased so much as a gumball from the House of Wal since I started reading your blog.

Ballz said...

I will miss reading on a daily basis, but I do like 21 minutes. The house of Wal has claimed yet another, but I wish you luck and prosperity

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your blog. Have rarely commented, but have been a regular reader for about a year or so.

My favorite personal House O' Wal story happened a few years ago when I tried to purchase a digital camera there. Because it was later in the evening (around 11 PM), the worker bees were unable to find anyone in the store with enough authority & responsibility to actually have keys to the cabinet where the merchandise was locked up.

I rewarded their forward-thinking, consumer-friendly security policy by purchasing the same camera at Circuit City the next day.

Best of luck with your future endeavors!

Larry Kollar said...

Congrats for getting outta there! I'll miss the funny stories, and relating the best ones to Mrs. Fetched, but that "21 Minutes" project sounds intriguing and of course I'll follow you there.

The beverage offer still stands, BTW.

Melissa Scott Sinclair said...

Ditto what adira said. It's not Wal-Mart, but your remarkable writing that kept us coming back. I'm a writer too and I envy your knack for the outrageous. Keep it up, but keep yourself sane too -- make time to do nothing and don't worry about satisfying your insatiable readers.

Congratulations!

MoralCompass said...

Much luck to you. I will miss your blog. It was a daily read for me. Thank you for all the laughs you've given us.

Anonymous said...

It was a nice run while it lasted. Thanks for the stories. :-)

Unknown said...

If I'd known how much the comments meant to you, I'd have commented far earlier than this. I'm sad that my daily fix of BtC is no more, but I'm delighted that you have found the strength to make a move that will make you a happier person. Congratulations on a momentous decision, and the absolute best of luck in everything you do.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the great entries you have made for the past 3 years. You gave me something to look forward to every morning at my awful job. I'm really looking forward to 21 minutes and I hope you get lots of rest now that you're out of Wal-Hell.

Anonymous said...

I have no idea why, but this whole time, I was under the impression that you were a guy! Sorry! Haha

Anonymous said...

Thank you, it's been a fantastic ride.

Anonymous said...

Although I'll miss your blogging here, I'm really happy for you!

Anonymous said...

Awww, damn, I'm going to miss the snark about Wal-Mart, but yeah, I'm glad you got the hell out. Your health and sanity are the most important things.

I'll be there for 21. Best wishes!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your escape. While I'll miss your snarky comments here, your sanity is worth so much more. Best of luck with your new adventure!

DolfanDad said...

Thanks for the blog and I am happy that you are making a decision that makes you happy!

If you were to quit wal why not go out in flames!? I mean one last entry in BTC where finally BBC goes balastic and puts on a show that will never be lived down in the house of wal! Oh I can picture it in my mind.

Oh well, I look forward to 21 minutes. Thanks for giving us years of entertainment.

Anonymous said...

well, hell! i only found this blog a about a month or so ago. i've greatly enjoyed it. congrats on getting out of hell, and i'm looking forward to subscribing to 21 minutes!

Unknown said...

Thanks for giving me something interesting to read for the past little while. Behind the Counter has been one of my favorite blogs since I found it. I'll be sure to check out your new project. :)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for all of your writing and your insights into the edges of humanity.

You are a delightful writer and I look forward to reading your prose in the future.

Congrats for making the right decision for you, albeit at the expense of those of us who looked forward to a "day in the life" at the House of Wal.

Anonymous said...

I have been reading your blog for about the last 3 months and absolutely love your voice and your story telling abilities. I am going to miss the madness and mayhem from the House of Wal, however I look forward to reading your new project. Best of luck with everything you do, and thank you for keeping me entertained each day.

Congratulations on making a life decision that makes you happy.

Anonymous said...

Snarky and hilarious indeed. Thanks for the posts and I hope your new project maintains the same wit.

Anonymous said...

I recently found your blog and I loved it. Good luck with everything! I'll miss this blog but I hope that this leaves you a happier and healthier person.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the stories, they were a bright spot in my RSS feed. And thank you for making the decision to stop, even though it will be missed.

Matthew Robertson said...

Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

Good luck and I'll miss the blog!

Anonymous said...

While I will be very sad to see the end of one of my favorite blogs which was always an absolute highlight of my day, I'm glad that you decided to put yourself first. I think anyone who has worked retail knows how soul sucking it can be, and I can only imagine just how much worse working at Walmart is. You are funny, talented, and I thank you much for taking the time to share so much with us. I will definitely be checking out your new blog. Best wishes!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your first step to having a LIFE! I commend you for the crap you put up with at Walmart for the past three years. I don't know how you did it. I worked at a theme park one summer and experienced just how stupid the general public can be (actually, I pretty much knew that already). I'll miss reading your blog, but I'm happy for you taking a step to vastly improve your life. I'm looking forward to reading some of your other blogs. Godo luck in your endevors and thanks for the many laughs from Behind the Counter.

Anonymous said...

I've been lurking around your blog for quite awhile now, revelling in a fellow retail worker's commentary, and I too am sorry that BTC will be ending -- but your health and life goals are far more important!

I'd recommend compiling your blog entries -- perhaps fictionalizing the name of the store -- into a book. Obviously, the readership is out there.

Thanks again for all the laughter. And for the Stephen King story.

The Fritz Facts said...

Good for you! I love your blog, but could sense the unhappiness in your writting. I can't wait to read the new blog, can't wait for more entries! Good luck!!

Anonymous said...

Man, I can't believe you continued to work at Wal-mart just for the sake of the blog. I've been reading your blog for about a year or so, fun times. :D It's been cool seeing how it is having to deal with the daily detritus, and many emotions hath been shared through your writing. I'm glad that you're going to be keeping the other blog, I'll be sure to check that one out.

Beadknitter said...

Congratulations for getting out while you are still sane! I can't believe you kept working there just for blog fodder. While I appreciate your blog a great deal, your health and happiness are SO much more important.

It's your style of writing that I enjoy so much. Off to check out 21 minutes.

Take care.

Kevin said...

Despite having never met you, talked to you, or any such things, I must say that I am incredibly proud of you for your strength and courage to leave walmart.

Just make sure you never ever go back, even if you need the extra money. (I have a friend who's pulling that trick and has returned to her store 4 times now.)

Joe Urvina said...

Thanks for all of your amazing stories. I am happy you won't be working at the House of Wal anymore.

Anonymous said...

I have LOVED your writing and looked forward every day to seeing if there was a new post! I will really miss behind the counter, but am happy that you are doing what is right for you. Good luck!!!

Anonymous said...

Good for you. I too, stayed at a job just for the stories, even though I was miserable. I was depressed, mean, and turning into someone I didn't want to be.

It sucked the life out of me, and when I finally had the balls to quit the most amazing thing happened....

I got my life back.

Here's to yours.
Good luck.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your escape from the House of Wal! Behind the Counter was a wonderful blog and always made my day, but that's no reason for you to have to suffer the indignities of your weekend job and not to have any down time to yourself.

I've already bookmarked 21 Minutes and look forward to reading that regularly. I wish you all the best.

Love,
Fellow Starbucks addict

Anonymous said...

i have been a faithful reader here for a while now but havent commented. im very sad to see this blog go because it made by 9-5 go by quicker, but happy to see you making steps in the right direction and to focus on yourself! good luck and i will be following you on your new venture!!

Anonymous said...

Hello! I haven't commented before but I've been reading faithfully for a few months now. I'm glad to hear you're leaving Walmart even though I will miss the blog. I'm sure your next project will be just as entertaining though!! Best of luck. :)

Anonymous said...

Ditto what someone said waaaay back up there...

Nespresso all the way!

(www.nespresso.com)

you can also buy select machines at Williams Sonoma

Anonymous said...

I never commented before, but I've thanked you in my head more than once. I'll be watching 21 Minutes, and enjoy having weekends free!

nettiemac said...

Aw, man..... I had just discovered this blog. While I am sad to see it go, I have been reading the new one and loving it.

Can't say I blame you for leaving either!

haphazardmusings said...

I discovered your blog a few months ago, and since then it has brought me great joy. Good luck with your future pursuits, and I look forward to your 21 Minutes posts!

Anonymous said...

Thank you. Looking forward to reading 21 minutes.

Anonymous said...

Been reading & loving your blog for about a year now. Of course, I'll continue with your new blog. Keep writing...you're an inspired writer no matter the topic.

On an additional note, never stay in a job that is hurting you. It hardly ever is worth it.

gigi
Canada

Anonymous said...

Whatever you need to do, you do it. I will read your snark in any format. You have been a bright spot in my day every day as well. Kali bless you, hon.

Onward and upward!

Anonymous said...

thank you so much for endless entertainment. i've linked all my friends to your blog, but i may have never left a comment before. i will be anxiously awaiting your newest endeavor, and i hope that i enjoy it as much as this one.

i also want to congratulate you for getting out of walmart. i've often wondered how you could stay as long as you have.

Anonymous said...

Reading your blog was the best part of my day. All of your snark had me convinced that you were a GAY MAN! Who knew all of this time you were a woman? I'm speechless!!!!

I loved reading about the genius (and I'm not being sarcastic here) scammers that tried to (and succeed in) ripping of Wal-Mart. What would they think of next, I would always ask myself.

Any you would tell us. Oh, I will miss that the most.

Thank you for sharing! And, just so you know, your blog meant a lot to me too. And I'm sure many others.

Anonymous said...

I worked at Wal-Mart for less than a year and I don't know how you lasted this long.

I hope this is a turning point for you. Good luck.

Anonymous said...

You are a very talented writer and I will miss this blog. It always made me laugh! Good luck with whatever you do.

Clean ClutterFree Simple said...

Dude! You'll be missed, sorely. Your blog was my only window into the House of Wal (since I do my very best to avoid setting foot in there).

Good for you for taking back your life--I'll definately check out your new blog. Hope you leave this one up...the archives rock!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your writing, and best of luck with everything!

Anonymous said...

PEOPLE, PEOPLE. Listen to the NPR interview, this is NOT a woman.

Chimera said...

Good Goddess, Girl! You were killin' yerself to keep us entertained? I dunno what to say to that...

As much as I loved reading, and even though I didn't often comment, I'm really glad you've sorted out your priorities and you're starting to put yourself first. Blogging should be fun, not lethal!

I will look forward to your style (and yes, you have it) on "21 minutes," which is already bookmarked. Just please remember to look after yourself, 'kay?

Anonymous said...

I will greatly miss "Behind the Counter", but I totally understand why you came to your decision, and I agree whole heartedly with that decision. I will follow you, I have already been reading "21 Minutes" every day now. I don't comment e very day, but ermm, my "howler monkey" (LOL)makes it a bit rough to, at times. Come to Italy sometime, do a 21 minute blog in our tavernette. You have excellent writing skills. I love you, man! You Rock! Brightest Blessings.

Anonymous said...

Nooooo..... *sobs *cries *blubbers

Just kidding! It's about time you quit that crappy job, I could tell it was really stressing you out (been their myself)and you deserve much better. I love your sense of humour and I hope that you get more enjoyment out of your new blog now that you don't have to sell your soul to Wallymart to get story ideas.

_V

clarkins said...

Thanks for the fun. I'll miss you but damn glad you got out of them.

dylan said...

it's been a great run

Anonymous said...

Good luck in life, Mr. Behind the Counter. :) I really loved reading your posts and you're a great writer.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Seriously, it's been a pleasure to lurk here. I'm sorry that I've not been reading for long ( a couple of months) and I'm sorry that I've never felt I've had anything interesting to say in regard to your posts.

We don't really have WalMart here, (although I think they bought the ASDA chain a few years back, but I don't have an asda near me so I'm not sure) So you've shown me a whole other world that I never even knew existed.

Good luck hun, you're much too good for the hellhole you've managed to walk away from. All the best,

MM x x

Anonymous said...

I've been reading your blog for a few months now and I wanted to say that I've really enjoyed reading your posts. You do not need to feel bad over stopping the posts. No blog is worth your health and sanity.

I'm not really sure what you do for your real job, but I hope you enjoy it and I sincerely hope that life gets a lot better for you.

Thanks again for all the great posts!

Anonymous said...

thank you thank you thank you for the laughs, head shakes, and horrified gasps! Best of luck to you!

Young HF29 said...

never commented, but I have enjoyed this blog for i can't even remember how long. Just know you did an amazing job and we'll miss you!!!!

well, we'll miss you here. can't wait to see how 21 minutes turns out. good luck!

Anonymous said...

I'm sad to read this news since I have enjoyed your blog for a LONG As someone who also lives in Florida and shops at the house of Wal, I give you immense amounts of credit for sticking it out as long as you did.

You are a VERY gifted writer - I look forward to reading your new blog. Good luck to you, and thanks for 3+ years of great reading! :)

Anonymous said...

I haven't commented before, but I've been a consistent reader for the last six months or so. You should be proud of what you've done, but you should also be proud of your choice to move on... your happiness is more important, in the end, than filling a niche. Misery makes for good copy, but bad lives.

Congratulations on your graduation from the House of Wal!

Anonymous said...

Another person whos never said anything meanwhile having read every post over the last who knows how many months now. Went from another blog that they quit, to yours, and I have enjoyed the stories, and enjoy the howler monkey blog and am enjoying 21 minutes. You have token'd the term howler monkeys to me and my friends because thats what they really are. =)

Thank you for the daily entertainment from my checking the blog, and for the part of your life that youve given. Wish you the best, and am really happy that you are no longer part of the wal, and look forward to the continuation of 21 minutes.

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy you have made the best decision for you. I found your blog a few months ago and have enjoyed your talented writing so much. I agree with other commenters that whatever you choose to write about will be wonderful to read. I love the concept of 21 minutes; I think it will be the perfect vehicle for your trademark scene descriptions. Good luck!!!

KnelleyBelley said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
KnelleyBelley said...

I didn't delete my previous comment because I regretted it . . . Caught a thorn-in-my-side typo and could NOT let it sit. Here's the corrected comment:

I only found your blog a short while ago, but boy, oh boy, did I love getting your ping on Bloglines. Your writing had me hooked from the first post.

I'll be happy to follow you to 21 Minutes. You've made a great decision for yourself. Be happy!

You go, girl!

Anonymous said...

Thank you very much for the effort - both in your blog and Behind the Counter... You have a unique and entertaining writing style. I look forward to 21 minutes!

RetailRobot said...

I, too, am in the same place as you were. I am getting SO sick of working at my (Target) store, but it's one of the only things I am super-knowledgeable about (not that I'm dumb or anything). Seeing that it IS possible to leave may be a starting pont for me, as I've known for a long time that I do need to leave.

THANK YOU! For everything. You've shown me there are others out there that feel the same way as I do. I appreciate everything you've done. If nothing else, you can be sure that I've at least smiled while reading your posts.

I wish you the best of luck with everything and I will be checking out the new adventure as you create it.

And CONGRATS for getting out of Wal-mart!

Anonymous said...

I look forward to reading 21 minutes! I've been reading your blog for almost a year now, and loved it from the beginning.

Glad to see you out of there, be happy, healthy, and please blog more about music (I love Sonny J!)

Anonymous said...

I'll miss your blog, but CONGRATS on moving on. Best of luck to you. Get some sleep and wash some clothes.

Jackson Dunstan said...

I've been reading for about six months and BTC has been great. Thanks for all the posts and good luck in your future endeavors.

Anonymous said...

I can not even begin to tell you how saddened I am that you will be ending this blog. I don't remember how, but I stumbled across your blog about a year ago, devoured all of your archives,lffgt and I have been a faithful reader ever since. I have checked out other blogs; a few are good, some are ok, most are bad, but none are as good as yours. You are a phenomenal writer and should consider writing a book. You have made me laugh at times in my life when I thought it was impossible for me to do so. You will be sorely missed. However, I have thought from the get go that you were too good to work there and I am glad you have decided to better your life by moving on.

Thank you.

Anonymous said...

I don't think I've read the archives yet so I hope you will leave this up for a while. I think you're a good writer and I know there is a book lurking in this blog.

21 Minutes sounds like a brilliant way to make sure you write. I may have to try something like that myself.

Best wishes, and don't stop writing.

Floating Gum said...

Working in customer service at a hotel, I feel your pain. I could really relate to so many things you posted. And I can understand totally where you are coming from with this one. There's only so much crap you can deal with, even when you truly enjoy what you do. When you're doing it and can't find a good reason to keep doing it anymore except great material ... well, it's time to throw in the towel.

Best of luck - I will try to keep faithful to your other postings as well

Anonymous said...

I really have enjoyed reading your blog over the past months - your wit and wherewithal in the battle against entitled white trash has been a gleaming spot of joy in my RSS feed every few days.

Although I'll miss the WalMart sass, I'm happy for you! Have a good one, and thanks for all the entertainment! :D

Anonymous said...

As someone who who worked retail management for well over a decade, one of the happier days of my life was when I finally left retail for good. Nothing will sour your outlook on life, and people in general, than working in a soul-sucking retail job. As much as I enjoyed Behind the Counter, I'm glad to read that you are moving on from that part of your life, and that evil corporation, for better things.

Looking forward to reading your new blog!

Anonymous said...

BTC,
I did NOT discover you in 2004, but I have thoroughly enjoyed your (ahem) comments, well ok, tirades about the Wal. I was in one once and it was just for the experience....I'd rather do without.
I look forward to any writing you do and post, I'm with you.... I like your style.
DMZ

Anonymous said...

I wish you all the best and send you my sincerest THANKS for the highly entertaining blog. I've been devoted for a year and have read most of your archives as well. I will miss your descriptions of the Wal patrons most of all - great visuals. GOOD LUCK!!!

Unknown said...

I just stumbled on your blog a few months ago and enjoyed most of it (you can't please everyone all the time), but I can truely say I will miss the entertainment. Good luck with all your future exploits

Anonymous said...

Each morning one of the very first things I would do upon waking was sit down with my first cup of coffee and read BTC. I only found this blog a few months ago, and like others, have checked other one's out, but this is by far one of the best! I am really going to miss reading your stories about your adventures at the HouseofWal. Though American, I live in New Zealand and this blog was a way of connecting to "home." But, all that said, I think what you are doing is awesome and I'm so glad your getting out of a job you hate. I wish you much success in the future, and I too think you should try a book out, you have some serious talent!!!! And yes, I'll be an avid reader of 21 minutes, because in your case, it's not the subject matter, but how you write, that brings me back for more. Much happiness,

Kayitlen
West Coast, New Zealand

C said...

I just recently started reading Behind the Counter, and as much as I've enjoyed reading it, I'm glad to hear that you've left Wal-Mart and are in a happier place. This is one reader who will definitely be following you over to your new project!

Hpaisan40 said...

Wow -- good for you! I just found your blog and really enjoyed it. However, now I feel a little guilty because my entertainment came at a price to you. Good luck and I'm looking forward to "21 Minutes."

Remember to always take care of yourself. If you don't no one else will.

Anonymous said...

Pixie said...

NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, yeah, I totally understand, and I will be reading your next project!

Thanks for the laughs, and best wishes!! :D

Cinnamonbite said...

"Nearly every Sunday, I had to plead for someone to give me my lunch...Wal-Mart literally does not care about its employees."

Sounds like a Disney job. I finally quit after I worked open to close for 2 months straight. I can't even count how many times I stood as perma-greeter, legs crossed because I hadn't had a bathroom break in 6 hours. Lunch? Forget about it. I took a day off and couldn't bring myself to go back.
Let this all be a lesson to the young ones. Get out before they suck out your souls! Do whatever it takes to make jobs like this temporary.

The Baker Family said...

I knew it--every time I find a great blog, the writer stops. AAUUGGGHHH. I LOVED your blog. But I suppose if you have to be sane, you have to be sane. Sigh. At least you're doing another one.

Anonymous said...

I was delighted when I found your blog about a year ago and always looked forward to reading new entries about the insane world of Wal. I will certainly miss it.

Best of luck with your new project!

Anonymous said...

Good for you for quitting! Walmart (and all retail generally) is horrible, and it's great that you get to leave. Congrats!

Sarah said...

While I am sad to see you go, I can totally understand why - I have worked in retail for far too long. And I care barely stand to shop in wal-mart, much less work there! I wish you the best of luck. Sometimes it is the difference between your sanity and going insane.

Unknown said...

I've been reading for a long time and you actually helped inspire me start my own blog about the adventures I have in IT Support. I started ID10TErrors.com last month and have slowly been putting it together. Hearing your experiences made me want to share my own and it has been very helpful getting through the day. Thanks for putting this blog up, thanks for the good laughs, thanks for... well, everything! :)

Best wishes,
ID10TErrors.com

Katy said...

I've never commented before, I just read your blog silently and love your writing style. I'm glad you're moving on to better things, and I sincerely hope you continue updating us with your witty prose. I'll be looking forward to your new endeavor!

Cyndi said...

Thank God you're out of there! A friend and I were just discussing tonight how your tone had changed lately.

I wish you the best! (You could still totally do the t-shirt idea, you know.)

Anonymous said...

I can totally understand the unhappiness at the House of Wal, having many friends who slave there.

We shall miss you, and congratulations on your newfound freedom!! I hope you continue to read our blogs every now and again when you have time, and hope that everything works out in the end.

Good luck with 21 Minutes, and thanks for the laughs!

RagingServer.com

Anonymous said...

We're gonna miss BTC, but fully understand. Congats on the escape! Thanks for the years of service!

Smoochies!

Anonymous said...

It sounds like you made the right choice. There are lots of us out here that love to read your blog and it has been really great to read. But the bottom line is you shouldn't be sacrificing your own happiness just to keep us amused! Good on you and I can't wait to check out your new blog.

ps. I hope the place falls apart without you!

Anonymous said...

I posted a comment ast night, but wanted to add hat Wa Mart sounds exactly like the company I used to work for, Total uncaring, but with sugar coated empty words.

Anonymous said...

Good for you!!!

Don't get me wrong, I'll miss Behind the Counter a lot, but freedom and a conscious decision to change your life for the better (or even just less insane) are always good things.

I'll definitely check out 21 Minutes for my fix of your writing, and I wish you happiness and contentment with whatever lies around the next corner of your life.

Kay

Unknown said...

Good luck to you.
I will miss reading your latest adventures in retardland, but your sanity and well-being are more important.

Thanks for the laughs.

Anonymous said...

Wish that I had let you know before now how much I have enjoyed your blog. Since working at a local supermarket, I am able to avoid shopping at WM except for maybe 4 times a year. I can't imagine having to go there to work every day, or even every weekend! I'm looking forward to reading your new "21 minutes" blog...I really like your style, and would read you no matter what you write about.

Kasia said...

Congratulations on leaving, and God bless. I hope you will be happier.

Dawne said...

Thank YOU! I'm very happy that you are moving on! WalMart stinks!

Anonymous said...

I'm sad to see this end. But very happy for you to end your time at that awful job. Good for you!

Thank you for all the stories and many many days of enjoyment!!

Anonymous said...

Been reading your blog for over a year now, great stories funny stuff made laugh multiple times> Howeber leaving the Lovecraftian horrors of the House of Wal, to save your sanity was the best thing you could ever do for yourself.
The thing is I've been in a toltal of two wal-marts over the years, and I had an instinctive feeling of loathing that I just wanted to get out as soon as I could.

Unknown said...

Oh, I will miss you. I'm glad you're getting out of that hell-hole, though. Thanks for putting up with it for so long to keep so many entertained.

Good luck, and I will try to follow your new project.

Anonymous said...

I think in the end you need to do what is best for *you*.

Thank you for coining the 'howler monkey' description, when I hear or see a kid misbehaving badly I think of that and have to giggle.

Good luck with the new blog, it sounds interesting.

Anonymous said...

It's been fun while it lasted. I myself have been lucky enough to be out of retail for almost 10 years, and wouldn't go back for anything... congrats on getting out! Take care of yourself!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for all your work...you have made many a day pass with a smile for me...I wish you well in your future

Anonymous said...

<<<<<.HUG.>>>>>

Keep said...

:-o! Quitting! *sniffles sadly* Ahh well, I lived before I found your blog, I'll live after Behind The Counter is gone :(.

I agree with Susan, the first poster- when I found this blog I spent days going WAY back in time reading. It made me smile.

Anyway, glad you're free! Free at last, free at last.

Anonymous said...

As a former slave to the House of Wal, I understand completely. This blog, though great, is not enough reason to stay employed with a company that has no respect for its employees or customers. I love your blog and look forward to your new efforts. Take care.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to see the blog end, but I'm glad that you escaped the "House of Wal." As someone who as also done the 7-day work week, part of it in retail, I know how exhausting that can be. Good luck!

X_LA_Native said...

*applauds*
Good on ya! I've appreciated your insight for I don't know how long. You deserve a rest AND a life!

Karmakin said...

Yay for you.

Good luck on future endevors, and I shall bookmark your new site...

You deserve it:)

Anonymous said...

Bummer to see you go, but I support your quest for happiness. <3

Mark said...

Thank you for your blog. I've loved reading Behind the Counter (I'm a psychiatrist, but you wouldn't believe how many similarities there are between our jobs sometimes!). It's a daily must-read.

I'm glad to hear you're now out of there. I'll be reading 21 Minutes.

Anonymous said...

Just my luck I find you the day after you retire. Congratulations on NPR.

GrecoRoman said...

I am glad for you. Sucks for us as readers, but there are other websites. You only get one life. Enjoy it.

And I'll check on 21 Minutes...

Good for you!

Special Needs Sniper said...

Keep on keepin' on.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for putting the effort in to posting. I'll miss your posts, but it sounds like you're making the right choice.

The Scrivener Collider said...

*waves hand* I'd be one of your stalkers. :) I read your blog back to the first entry. *shrug* It was good reading. 21 Minutes sounds like an interesting blog, I'll def follow you over there, too. Good luck and we'll miss you!

(BTW, woman? Thought you were a gay man. Somehow you're less intimidating now.)

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the wonderful blog and all your hard work over the years. I'm a long-time reader and I had a feeling it couldn't last forever. I quit my job as a CSM about a month before you did so I can totally understand your decision. Customer service is easily the worst job in the entire store. In my opinion, even CSMing is easier.

I will definitely be reading your new blog. I'm glad you quit that hell hole!

Gretchen said...

Congrats on the move. :) I'm sure you'll get your life back fast.

Yes, I'll miss the stories, but a person's mental and physical health is more important.

Meadow Walk said...

I've only been reading a short time but I have really enjoyed this blog!

Good luck to you.

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your move to freedom. I enjoyed reading this blog and I will enjoy the next, I am sure. Your posts usually have me laughing out loud.

Enjoy your weekend off!!

Anonymous said...

Damn....I really love this blog...I am a social worker and I could put any one of my clients into pretty much any one of your stories...I can't wait for 21 Minutes though....Good luck to you!

Anders Wright said...

File this under: sad for me, happy for you.

Good luck.

Anonymous said...

I'll miss Behind the Counter. Hope your have an awesome life and keep blogging somewhere!

Anonymous said...

I don't comment very often, but as someone also in the dregs of retail--it always made me day to get online and check this blog
(which I do almost daily).

I support you in throwing off the shackles of the house of wal and I am especially happy (and sad) that you get avoid the hell of black friday.

Congratulations on getting out! I hope to one day follow in your foot steps!

Anonymous said...

Well, I've definitely been enjoying your blog for some time and loved the almost daily rants about the creatures in the House of Wal. Sorry to see it end but glad that it happened. It really put a smile on my face. I'll certainly keep an eye on your new project.

Enjoy your well deserved freedom and good luck. Thanks for all the great stories!

Anonymous said...

I've been reading your blog for over a year, and I'm going to miss reading all your stories. I hope you have great success in the future. *sob*

Anonymous said...

This is my first (and I guess only) comment.

I'm sorry to see you go but *so* get you leaving. Thanks for the entertainment.

See ya at the 21.

Elle said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Although I'm sad to see your blog go, I must say that I am SO PROUD OF YOU! Thank you for the closure, and I will be sticking around to read your new blog.

Anonymous said...

Ah! Much as I hate to see this blog disappear, I wish you the best. Goodness knows, you've earned it!

Thank you for making our days brighter.

missy said...

LOVE this blog. seriously? some of the best writing on the interwebs. sorry to see it go. but? am very happy to see you move on from Walmart.

look forward to your next one...

missy said...

forgot to say...this is the only blog that i read every day. you're an amazing writer.

Anonymous said...

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Anonymous said...

Finally! I knew you couldn't stay there forever! You've had a fabulous run, and now it's time for the better part of you to come out! I will continue to read-it wasn't Walmart that kept me here, it was your wonderful wit and great writing!

Anonymous said...

I'm going to agree with Anonymous who said 'NOOOOOO!!!!' ! :)

Noneteless I'm very much looking forward to your 21 Minutes project.

Thanks for a great blog and alot of hilarious stories, I doubt any of us realized the physical and emotional drain it was taking off of you.

Anonymous said...

Woman, man, gay man, whatever the hell he wants to be called, who the hell cares, you, ma'am, are a fantastic writer! I love your blog oh so dearly & have been reading it for over a year now. It's sad that you're not posting in it anymore but I'm happy that you're getting your life back! From one ex-retail slave to another, take care of yourself & I will be turning my attention over to 21 min! :) xoxo

-K

Tyler said...

I've been reading your blog for about a year now and still get excited when a new post pops up in my RSS. Thank you so much for your entertaining stories. Anyone who has worked in retail can relate, sympathize and be relieved that they are not alone.

I look forward to 21 minutes, though I hope you turn your posts into a book, or at least keep them readily available. I'm sure its only a matter of time until I peruse the archives again. I remember the day I found your blog- i must have spent 4 hours just cruising the archives.

Best of luck with your future, be it on the web or otherwise.

jack said...

CONGRATULATIONS on the decision. if walmart depresses you just write about something different, I'm sure your new project will be just as entertaining.
I'm keeping this rss subscription though, please make a post when the BTC book comes to amazon :)

I wish you good luck in your wal-less future and please keep writing.

yeah and thanks a lot for staying there that long just to get new material for us.

Anonymous said...

This has been a great read at the end of a hard day. Thank you for doing such a great job. I'm glad you found a way to be happier and stay true to yourself- Good Luck!

kdoglady said...

Aww, dammit all anyway. I love your stuff and can't think of much to say that hasn't been said in the first 184 comments. Will BTC archives be available for a while? I'm not sure it will feel like Thanksgiving without my annual reading of your blog about the lady who returned an her Thanksgiving dinner...

Michael Mason said...

I've enjoyed reading your posts (your blog was always at the top of my favourite blog list of bookmarks.) I am looking forward to reading 21 Minutes - good luck and congratulations for making the big move.

I too am waiting for a job scene change - hopefully I'll soon be happy in the work place (once again) as much as you seem to be.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for all the entertainment and laughs, as well as some seriously sobering moments. Your blog was also a helpful reminder to me always think about the way I interacted with people, especially in a retail environment. I will check you out at 21-minutes. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for all the time and effort that you have put into your writing. As a Wal-Mart employee for nearly 10 years before I quit to stay home with my daughter, I can totally relate to that wonderful feeling of freedom that comes from walking out the door no longer a wal-martian. Good luck and I'll be reading your new blog and looking forward reading more of your interesting take on the world. :)

Anonymous said...

I guess one can only put up with a certain amount of Wal-Mart insanity. Unfortunatly for me my husband is still with Wal-Mart and probably will be until I can finish up my degree and get a good job. Your blog let me feel like I could better understand the things my husband goes through on a daily basis. I will miss your blog but I don't blame you one bit for quiting. My husband tells me everyday how much he hates working at Wal-Mart and how he wishes he could quit. Good luck with your new blog, I will be reading it also. Hopefully it will be more enjoyable than behind the counter.

Heidi said...

BBC, I am SO sad to hear Behind the Counter is finished, but I am SO happy you finally quit!

I know all too well how awful it is to drag your butt out of bed every day and go to a job you hate just because you have to work SOMEWHERE to pay your bills, so I am thrilled you've finally realized you don't need this stress in your life anymore. Not for the money. Not for the blog.

I am looking forward to reading "21 Minutes". Best of luck to you, BBC, and you better darned well remember me when you get your book deal and become a famous author! ;)

Heidi

Anonymous said...

Gotta say, I'm sad that the blog is coming to an end...but I'm sincerely happy that you're doing something for yourself. No one should have to work customer service --ESPECIALLY at Wal Mart-- forever. (I don't think anyone could handle the emotional drain from all the stupids.)

Best of luck to you!

Anonymous said...

I said this waaaay back near the top of your comments and after pouring over nearly a 100 more, saw someone else chimed in on my suggestion...

Seriously... Nespresso all the way. It will sooo feel like a luxury and at a fraction of the price of Starbucks.

Much luck to you!

BHC said...

"acting like they need a beating with whips made of scorpions"

I rarely read things that funny, thanks for all the laughs. I'll miss your acerbic wit turned towards white trash and their assorted ilk, but am glad you won't have to personally assist them anymore. Best of luck on your continued adventures.

Christie said...

So sad to see this blog end! Looking forward to the new one, though :-)

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear that you're happy, sweetie! And shit yeah, count me in for a loyal "21 Minutes" reader. Cheers to hoping that you'll enjoy your new blog WITHOUT all the nasty taste of a terrible job to go along with it!

Ol' Lady said...

After all this time I feel that you are a good friend :) and the decision to leave the wacky wally world is a great one for your health. I will see you over at '21 Minutes'

Anonymous said...

I have read this blog for well over a year and it is by far the best. Your writing is excellent and well thought out. keep up the good work and i'll be reading 21 minutes!

Unknown said...

This sounds wierd, but wow, all this time I though you were a gay man. It really blows my mind that you are a woman.

Anonymous said...

Well, I'm sorry to see you go, but I'm glad that you have found happiness in your life by leaving Wal Mart. You certainly lasted longer than I could've (my foray into the "House of Mouse," aka Disneyland, lasted for only two summers). Still, I will always remember your posts whenever the siren song of "low prices" tempts me to set foot into Wallyworld.

I will definitely be giving your new project a try.

Viva los howler monkeys!

Anonymous said...

BBC,
With 199 comments before me, you may never make it to this one. If you do, though, know that I wish you all the best.

I have been regular reader and occasional commenter of this blog for some two years now and will miss it.

That said, you have made the right decision, and I look forward to checking out 21 minutes

Some people have mentioned occasionally feeling sad for the human race through some of your posts. One I remember was the intruduction of the term "prostitots" to describe little girls dressed scantily. That term makes me laugh, but it also makes me sad to think of those little girls.


Fellow Readers,
About BBC's gender, my guess is that she made comments to make us think she was a guy so no one would figure out who she is.

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