Is this really a job???

Thank God, it looks like the training is almost over for Cabela's. I spent the afternoon yesterday and all day today on the floor in the Camo Department actually getting to help customers. I mean, is it real that I'm getting paid to do this. Here's what my day consisted of:

1. Talked to some guy about a mule deer hunt he's going on in Montana in November.

2. "Straighten" the waterfowl section in our department. By "straighten" I mean sort through the waterfowl racks and look at the stuff that I really want. Found a coat I really need to buy. I don't have one and have been borrowing one of Ike's that's not waterproof.

3. Talk to some guy about how he's taking his little brother on his first youth waterfowl hunt this weekend and how I'm taking some kids too (at least it looks that way tonight....).

4. Helped this lady pick out a whole outfit for her first November deer hunt coming up.

That was just today. I mean, come on, getting paid to walk through Cabela's and learn about new hunting stuff that really could help me in the marsh or field. Most people pay money to go to seminars to learn about this kind of stuff. JP (my mentor and lead) is really cool, he doesn't waterfowl hunt and wants to pick my brain. Says he's impressed with my interactions with customers.

I mean, when I worked retail at the Gap, it was so stupid; I hated it! But here, I'm selling stuff I like, helping people with their hobby that also happens to be mine, and sit there and have conversations about hunting adventures. It's like a big toy store for grown-ups!!! Hopefully this excitement will remain....