1.23.2009

Coffee Regular

I rarely go to Starbucks. I make my own coffee black with either soy, 2% milk, or Coffee-mate. It depends on the day. When I do buy my coffee, I like the more local coffee houses and not the chain stores.

This morning I didn’t feel like heading home for breakfast after the gym. I decided to get a start on the pile of work awaiting me at my office. So, I figured I’d grab a coffee at Starbucks and eat a couple of granola bars at my desk.

I wasn’t the only early morning patron, which quite honestly startled me a bit considering these economic times. There was one sloppily dressed college kid all in black and grey, a woman dressed professionally, and another woman either on her way or from a gym.

The dude at the counter received his coffee and paid. He walked away sipping and nearly spit it out in his back pack. He turned and muscled back in front of the professional lady.

“Excuse me,” he interrupted to a wide eyed young girl at the register, “I asked for a regular coffee.” He held the cup out arms length to give it back as if it were a dirty diaper.

“It is coaffee regulah … 3 creams, 3 sugahs …” the obviously east coast accent explained. I was as surprised as everyone. New York, I figured.

“Uhm, ahhh,” stuttered Goth boy, “this is California. Regular means black.”

East coast barista grabbed back the coffee in a slight miff and dumped it and refilled it with plain, house black. She handed it back saying, “sowrry!”.

Do they train people anymore?

Professional lady ordered something and paid with an ATM. Gym mom ordered something and handed over her dollars dumping the change in a jar. They stood over next to the “self-serve” station and talked.

“Yeah, I have to buy a new phone this morning. Dropped mine in the toilet,” confided professional lady as she rolled her eyes in self amazement.

My interest was piqued. I took my time adding my non-fat milk. Please continue. I stirred slowly. As it turns out, the phone was in her pocket. She never puts the phone in her pocket. But this morning she put the phone in her pocket. Isn’t that always the case. From what I over heard, the phone is gone. The conversation somehow morphed to Rice Krispy treats, and surprisingly, I lost interest. My mind jumped to the work of the day.

On my way out the car, I wondered what would happen if I dropped my phone right here, in the puddle. (It's been raining.) Well, it would fritz out or something, I’m sure. It might be a bit sticky. There would be only myself to blame, and maybe the irresponsible person who spilled a caramel latte with whip or something. And, I could blame God, of course.

It’s cheaper, and I get my coffee the way I want it because I make it myself at home, but I must say I’m missing quite a bit of colorful experiences by not getting my morning fix from the shop down the street.

1.20.2009

HOPE


>"So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)."

America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."
- President Barak Obama

1.19.2009

I Have My Dream

Today is Monday, January 19. It is a day reserved in the name of Martin Luther King. And, I am happy to see that instead of it turning into another designated shopping day slash Hallmark holiday on the yearly calendar, it has become a day dedicated in service.

I don't blog about my company as a rule, but today I think we missed an opportunity. Instead of turning this day into an extension of another three day weekend, I'd like to see the firm suggest ways we can take the day to volunteer our service. If we don't chose to do that, THEN we can come into work regularly.

Not sure the powers at be see it that way, but I have a dream (albeit an itty-bitty, small one).

1.07.2009

Some people just call it networking ...

You've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya punk? - Clint Eastwood
I guess in a way, I feel lucky. I embrace luck and understand a large part of who I have become is because of placing myself out there and at the ready for luck. I always have. Always will, too.

Lucky is being in a wine bar last Valentines Day for a singles event.

Lucky is that chance encounter that changes your life.

It is precariously easy to plan for the day in order to minimize the obstacles in life. Nobody likes setting themselves up for the nastiness and potential disappointments that can come our way.

But I wonder ... where might I have ended up if I just hid and sulked? Instead, I got lucky.

Now that I live near downtown MudHole ....