Wauwatosa, WI (the city turning out Sephora soldiers)

I went back to Wisconsin a few months ago for one of my best friend's weddings. Like any time-starved traveler I had planned my weekend to a tee. Lots to do and so little time. Bridesmaid duty is not to be taken lightly.

Landing in Milwaukee at 8 a.m. on a Friday morning I had several important stops to make prior to the bridesmaids' luncheon and the rehearsal/rehearsal dinner.

My driver (ok, my mom) took me straight to the mall where I had to buy make-up and underwear. Yes, I know, who forgets that?!

By the time we arrived at the mall the stores had just opened. I entered Sephora on a mission. I surveyed the store. There was one other customer and 7+ staff all dressed in black with headsets on. Mind you the store is not big. As in, I could stand in the front corner and have a clear view of the opposite, back corner.

I've had about 3 cups of coffee on the plane and was on a mission. No browsing today. I'm here for mascara and lip-gloss. I made eye contact with the closest worker.

..Can I help you with anything today?..

Me: "Yes, I'm in a wedding tomorrow. We're wearing black dresses. I'll have various shades of purple eye shadow. I need mascara and lip-gloss. Could you please recommend something"

Her eyes go big. She's been handed a challenge. Will she succeed? She immediately grabs the mic to her headset.

"This is Shelly I'm taking client to lip-gloss. I repeat, I'm taking client to lip-gloss". She over and outs as we sprint to lip-gloss. Mind you, sprinting got us there in t-minus ½ second. Again, the store is not big.

I know it's early but I have had 3 cups of coffee. Yet I'm still confused. So, so confused. Who is she talking to? Can the rest of the staff actually not SEE that she is moving to the lip-gloss section? On a side note .. do they care? Is it necessary to keep them abreast every step of the way? I actually think every single person in Sephora could hear her...regardless if they were mic'd. Not to mention that NO ONE so much as glanced up when the coordinates of our destination were announced.

We arrive in lip-gloss. Sweat is glistening on her upper lip. I want to take her shoulders and tell her it will all be ok. Worst-case scenario she gives me a bad color, the pictures are ruined and I have a pissed off bride on my hands (please note this sentence may be overly dramatized for effect).

As I leave the aisle with lip-gloss and mascara in hand (I grabbed this on the way to lip gloss. I figured Shelly had too much to deal with at this point), I overhear her 10-4ing into her mic that I am approaching checkout. I believe I actually arrived at checkout before the message was finished being relayed.

At which point I waited 5 minutes while the manager behind the counter finished the morning announcements via headset..

"Good morning happy sellers. We've got the following goals for today..blah blah blah. Christy has already sold $50 worth of merchandise so keep those sales coming!"

I hand the manager my purchases with a look of complete awe on my face. Where am I? Where are the days when mall employees were young kids trying to make a few extra bucks? I actually get the vibe that resumes are now required for this position and experience as a soldier/secret op is preferred.

I grab my bag, say a quick thank you and exit. Shelly looks happy, serene. She was given a mission and saw it through. That's all you can ask for. Shelly, I salute you.