When did I get so serious? Not to mention so depressed, and so depressing... The more I read over that last post, the more I realize I am being torn apart by the conditions of my life. I used to be so happy. Anyway... I'm going to try and focus on the positive things in my life. I used to be so good at keeping myself happy. So, a list of things that make me happy, even here:
-The first sip of the first cup of hot coffee each day.
-Having sand in my shoes.
-Absolute silence on the Cape.
-The combined smells of my shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and body wash.
-Gorgeous fall foliage.
-Crawling into bed between freshly laundered sheets.
-8:16 AM, my favorite time of day.
-Bad, and I mean awful, jokes. Puns.
-Running in Brookline.
-Pirates.
-My hair.
-Cooking something new.
-Smiles from strangers.
-Watching clouds and stars through the skylight over my bed.
-Hearing my phone start playing John Mayer's "Daughters" - which means a family member is calling.
-The moment when I put on my tie and my black apron each day, and clip a Sharpie to the top of my apron.
-The smell of my freshly baked brownies.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Misery loves company.
The manager I was working with tonight at Chipotle let it slip that I get moody starting between 7 and 8 PM and stay that way for the rest of the night. He said all of the managers had noticed it (no one had said anything to me), and while I had also noticed I am more and more frustrated starting around then lasting through close, it is moderately embarrassing that everyone has noticed it, talked about it behind my back, and refused to say anything to my face.
7 or 8 PM:
-Everyone else on the floor has taken a break. I will be the last person to take a break, around 8:30 or 9. Meanwhile, if I stand still for any period of time, or try to take a quick 5-minute break, someone starts yelling at me to ring up a transaction, check the lobby, collect baskets, watch the line for them, etc. And they wonder why those of us who are trained on cash hate being the shift cashier...
-The dinner rush has just ended, or will be ending soon. I'm sick of people telling me "no" when I ask for sides of salsa or guac, and I'm cataloging in my mind how many times I or the line screwed up on customer service. I'm also just sick of seeing people and doing the exact same thing hundreds of times.
-By this time, most times I'm working at Chipotle, I've been awake since around 4 AM, and I have worked around 12 hours so far that day.
-I'm starting to think about the rest of the night, which means anticipating having to clean bathrooms (my least favorite thing ever), and cleaning up the lobby after the dinner rush, so running around sweeping, wiping tables, cleaning baskets, filling ice, stocking the drink station, and ringing up every customer.
-I'm also starting to think about going home, which includes crying throughout the 20-minute drive home as I remember that I won't see my family for months and am, for the most part, very alone here. It also means I start calculating how much sleep I will get, which is usually 4-5 hours, maximum.
So yeah... not that those are excuses... I am usually a nice person. But there are valid reasons for my apparent bitchy-ness. More importantly, the fact that this is showing, when I'm a naturally happy person, means more than just me being bitchy sometimes. It means I am really that miserable. It has been six months since I saw my father and sister, and eight months since I saw my mother - and that time was only for an hour. My dog is dying, and I am not there to spend time with her as her energy fades. I hate the taxes I pay in this state, and I hate knowing that they will probably go up. I hate knowing that as hard as I work, I earn very little money. I am frustrated by the knowledge that I work my tail off - often on little or no food, because I can't afford more - and it doesn't seem to make a difference or garner much respect from anyone. When did hard work lose its value? I hate how mean people are here and the fact that everyone seems to think that's okay. I hate that I can't afford some important things, like body work, new brake pads, and new tires for my car. I am sick more often than not. I don't have many friends; the ones I do have don't have much time for me. I am finding less and less willpower to go into work and give great service for eight hours when I know there will be at least one or two people who will flip out on me over something, whether it's the wait time on a drink, the quality of brewed coffee, or the length of the line.
Seriously, how do you people live like this? How are all of you so miserable all of the time, and why are you so anxious to spread it around? How many times do you have to shove me down to make yourself feel better?
What is more frustrating than anything else is that the whole reason I'm still here is that I believe the managers in my Starbucks district are more devoted to my development than any managers for whom I have worked. And yet... because I work 70 hours a week, I can't take advantage of this opportunity like I could if I just had one job. But if I just had one job, I couldn't pay bills in order to stay here and take advantage of the opportunity. Getting to the point where I will be promoted to the next level while I work 70 hours a week seems like some Sisyphean task God put in front of me to make me want to kill myself. I've been working 70 hours a week for three months, and I can't imagine continuing like this for nine more months while I watch myself utterly fail at trying to be a good, well-developed Starbucks manager. With recognition being rare and the wages I get paid, I have never felt so worthless in my life.
I'm not sure how or why I keep going. I just do.
7 or 8 PM:
-Everyone else on the floor has taken a break. I will be the last person to take a break, around 8:30 or 9. Meanwhile, if I stand still for any period of time, or try to take a quick 5-minute break, someone starts yelling at me to ring up a transaction, check the lobby, collect baskets, watch the line for them, etc. And they wonder why those of us who are trained on cash hate being the shift cashier...
-The dinner rush has just ended, or will be ending soon. I'm sick of people telling me "no" when I ask for sides of salsa or guac, and I'm cataloging in my mind how many times I or the line screwed up on customer service. I'm also just sick of seeing people and doing the exact same thing hundreds of times.
-By this time, most times I'm working at Chipotle, I've been awake since around 4 AM, and I have worked around 12 hours so far that day.
-I'm starting to think about the rest of the night, which means anticipating having to clean bathrooms (my least favorite thing ever), and cleaning up the lobby after the dinner rush, so running around sweeping, wiping tables, cleaning baskets, filling ice, stocking the drink station, and ringing up every customer.
-I'm also starting to think about going home, which includes crying throughout the 20-minute drive home as I remember that I won't see my family for months and am, for the most part, very alone here. It also means I start calculating how much sleep I will get, which is usually 4-5 hours, maximum.
So yeah... not that those are excuses... I am usually a nice person. But there are valid reasons for my apparent bitchy-ness. More importantly, the fact that this is showing, when I'm a naturally happy person, means more than just me being bitchy sometimes. It means I am really that miserable. It has been six months since I saw my father and sister, and eight months since I saw my mother - and that time was only for an hour. My dog is dying, and I am not there to spend time with her as her energy fades. I hate the taxes I pay in this state, and I hate knowing that they will probably go up. I hate knowing that as hard as I work, I earn very little money. I am frustrated by the knowledge that I work my tail off - often on little or no food, because I can't afford more - and it doesn't seem to make a difference or garner much respect from anyone. When did hard work lose its value? I hate how mean people are here and the fact that everyone seems to think that's okay. I hate that I can't afford some important things, like body work, new brake pads, and new tires for my car. I am sick more often than not. I don't have many friends; the ones I do have don't have much time for me. I am finding less and less willpower to go into work and give great service for eight hours when I know there will be at least one or two people who will flip out on me over something, whether it's the wait time on a drink, the quality of brewed coffee, or the length of the line.
Seriously, how do you people live like this? How are all of you so miserable all of the time, and why are you so anxious to spread it around? How many times do you have to shove me down to make yourself feel better?
What is more frustrating than anything else is that the whole reason I'm still here is that I believe the managers in my Starbucks district are more devoted to my development than any managers for whom I have worked. And yet... because I work 70 hours a week, I can't take advantage of this opportunity like I could if I just had one job. But if I just had one job, I couldn't pay bills in order to stay here and take advantage of the opportunity. Getting to the point where I will be promoted to the next level while I work 70 hours a week seems like some Sisyphean task God put in front of me to make me want to kill myself. I've been working 70 hours a week for three months, and I can't imagine continuing like this for nine more months while I watch myself utterly fail at trying to be a good, well-developed Starbucks manager. With recognition being rare and the wages I get paid, I have never felt so worthless in my life.
I'm not sure how or why I keep going. I just do.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Back in black!
I am proud to announce that as of Wednesday, October 15, 2008, I have a Coffee Master's black apron that I am now permitted to wear, as I have been deemed a Coffee Master by my regional director. Actually, to be exact, I own HER black apron. She was impressed with my coffee tasting, and after I asked why it was so hard to get a black apron, she gave me hers. Someone who has been with the company for fourteen years was that impressed.
If I had known she was going to sit in on that tasting, I would have had time to work up some nervousness. But... I didn't know... so I just said and did what came naturally to me... and she loved it.
My next challenge shall be... blind coffee tastings. Which coffee is which? Can I tell the differences between coffees of two different regions without knowing which is which? Can I tell the differences between coffees of the same region without knowing which is which? I know I can lead a coffee tasting and rock it with my coffee knowledge. Now, let's see how well I really know those coffees.
Wearing that apron for the first time this morning was very exciting. The thought of it actually got me out of bed on time. I was so excited about it last night that I had a hard time sleeping. Like a little kid on Christmas Eve.
I'm telling you... this is the start of something big.
If I had known she was going to sit in on that tasting, I would have had time to work up some nervousness. But... I didn't know... so I just said and did what came naturally to me... and she loved it.
My next challenge shall be... blind coffee tastings. Which coffee is which? Can I tell the differences between coffees of two different regions without knowing which is which? Can I tell the differences between coffees of the same region without knowing which is which? I know I can lead a coffee tasting and rock it with my coffee knowledge. Now, let's see how well I really know those coffees.
Wearing that apron for the first time this morning was very exciting. The thought of it actually got me out of bed on time. I was so excited about it last night that I had a hard time sleeping. Like a little kid on Christmas Eve.
I'm telling you... this is the start of something big.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Singing baristas!
So, Sunday at Starbucks was a little insane. Okay... we got massacred. Seth started throwing up and had to go home, and the line just got longer and longer. I was working the bar, experiencing a bit of a throwback to my days at the downtown store. I reached my barista zenith there, sometime during the colder months. I remember barring by myself on a Sunday, and Dave Matthews Band music was playing, and it was like everything slowed down enough that I could just kind of watch my hands working. Time slowed down, and I was going insanely fast. Almost everything I was doing was automatic. Nonstop line for hours, nonstop line of drinks for hours. I miss that.
Anyway. By the time Zoe came in, we were still busy, but it was slowing a little. At that point, the other Diana, Gail, and I were losing our minds a little. So... I started singing. Then, Zoe joined in. Then, Gail joined in. We went through an entire Beatles set, to Alanis Morissette, the Pretenders, Prince... we finished with "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." Then, I threw up, so I left.
A customer on Monday morning who had been in on Sunday approached me and started to say something about Sunday. I immediately apologized, saying we'd gotten slammed, were understaffed, and started to go a little nutty. Her reaction was, "No, it was great, I loved it! You were singing some of my favorite Beatles songs!"
Really??
Zoe and I don't have the greatest voices, but it helped lighten the mood, and we were having fun... so we're going to make this a regular thing. Singing baristas when we work together. We're building a list of songs now, with lots of the Beatles, Prince, even the Talking Heads ("Psycho killer, qu'est-ce que c'est?"). So, um... come see the singing baristas. And get a Clover.
Anyway. By the time Zoe came in, we were still busy, but it was slowing a little. At that point, the other Diana, Gail, and I were losing our minds a little. So... I started singing. Then, Zoe joined in. Then, Gail joined in. We went through an entire Beatles set, to Alanis Morissette, the Pretenders, Prince... we finished with "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." Then, I threw up, so I left.
A customer on Monday morning who had been in on Sunday approached me and started to say something about Sunday. I immediately apologized, saying we'd gotten slammed, were understaffed, and started to go a little nutty. Her reaction was, "No, it was great, I loved it! You were singing some of my favorite Beatles songs!"
Really??
Zoe and I don't have the greatest voices, but it helped lighten the mood, and we were having fun... so we're going to make this a regular thing. Singing baristas when we work together. We're building a list of songs now, with lots of the Beatles, Prince, even the Talking Heads ("Psycho killer, qu'est-ce que c'est?"). So, um... come see the singing baristas. And get a Clover.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Life at one thousand miles per hour.
I realized how fast things are passing me by today. I can't believe it's already almost October, and I haven't taken a real vacation in ages. I've worked 42 consecutive days as of tonight. It doesn't look like I will have a vacation until January, maybe February, and who wants to take a vacation then? I can't afford to go anywhere tropical.
It seems like every minute I'm not working, I'm doing something for work, or I'm moving heavy stuff, like furniture and boxes. I can't believe my hair is already in need of a haircut again. I can't afford one anyway. I don't remember the last time I actually did my hair; I've been just washing it and then running out the door for months now. Somehow, it looks nice most of the time. My body has gotten into the annoying habit of aching really badly every time I move a limb later in the day, which is seriously slowing me down at work. I'm starting to wonder if the way I schedule myself makes me slightly masochistic. If I could have anything, I would just ask for a hug from each of my parents and my sister. I'd kill to be ten years old again, with my mother yelling at me to finish my milk at the dinner table while I feed things to the waiting dog under the table. Things I want to keep up with - world news, reading, cleaning my room, having clean clothes - have fallen by the wayside. I never feel like I have time to think anymore. One of these days, I'm really, truly going to have some time off, and all of the things that have been stuck in some corner of my mind are going to hit me all at once. Like driving too fast and then hitting the brakes hard, an ugly pileup of cars that is an insurance adjustor's nightmare. Like a ton of bricks.
Meanwhile, I'm trying to make these great strides toward moving forward with Starbucks, and the extra work is eating up what little time I have to myself. I can't believe someone who had never had regular coffee before working for Starbucks now has her arms wrapped so tightly around a coffee company and its whole bean offerings that the smell of unadulterated coffee beans is a huge comfort that soothes my tired mind. It's the first thing I notice when I walk into my room. I don't know that the me of 7 years ago - about when I first became a Starbucks customer - would recognize me now at all. Coffee addict/connoisseur, workaholic.
I'd better get to sleep. I need to be up for my first cup of the day in five hours, and ready to serve a thousand cups in six hours.
It seems like every minute I'm not working, I'm doing something for work, or I'm moving heavy stuff, like furniture and boxes. I can't believe my hair is already in need of a haircut again. I can't afford one anyway. I don't remember the last time I actually did my hair; I've been just washing it and then running out the door for months now. Somehow, it looks nice most of the time. My body has gotten into the annoying habit of aching really badly every time I move a limb later in the day, which is seriously slowing me down at work. I'm starting to wonder if the way I schedule myself makes me slightly masochistic. If I could have anything, I would just ask for a hug from each of my parents and my sister. I'd kill to be ten years old again, with my mother yelling at me to finish my milk at the dinner table while I feed things to the waiting dog under the table. Things I want to keep up with - world news, reading, cleaning my room, having clean clothes - have fallen by the wayside. I never feel like I have time to think anymore. One of these days, I'm really, truly going to have some time off, and all of the things that have been stuck in some corner of my mind are going to hit me all at once. Like driving too fast and then hitting the brakes hard, an ugly pileup of cars that is an insurance adjustor's nightmare. Like a ton of bricks.
Meanwhile, I'm trying to make these great strides toward moving forward with Starbucks, and the extra work is eating up what little time I have to myself. I can't believe someone who had never had regular coffee before working for Starbucks now has her arms wrapped so tightly around a coffee company and its whole bean offerings that the smell of unadulterated coffee beans is a huge comfort that soothes my tired mind. It's the first thing I notice when I walk into my room. I don't know that the me of 7 years ago - about when I first became a Starbucks customer - would recognize me now at all. Coffee addict/connoisseur, workaholic.
I'd better get to sleep. I need to be up for my first cup of the day in five hours, and ready to serve a thousand cups in six hours.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Why bother?
The title of this post takes me back to Highland Park Village, working at Starbucks, watching Dragan shrug and ask, "Why bother?" any time anyone ordered something with no fat, no sugar, and no caffeine - like a decaf tall sugar free vanilla nonfat latte, or a decaf tall nonfat no whip no foam mocha, or something like that. I guess his point was, if you're not going to do anything fun with it or depend on it for a spark, then why bother spending the $3-4? Beats me. I drink caffeinated black coffee like it's water.
But the "Why bother?" here refers to my complete lack of purpose, especially in New England. If someone here giving a shit about me at all is the caffeine in my beverage, making enough to support myself and pay bills is the whipped cream on top. Unfortunately, I have neither, and as I go through the daily grind (pun intended), I can't help but ask myself why I'm still in Boston or alive at all. Why do I work so hard when it isn't enough anyway? Why do I try to be conscientious at work when the people who will benefit from it snap at me? Why do I even leave the house when my chances of meeting anyone - literally anyone - nice are slim? Why do I do people favors when I know I can't get one in return? Why bother?
I am so tired of being snapped at, yelled at, and told "no." One of these days, I'm going to have had enough, and I'll give up. I just won't show at work, and I'll be gone.
But the "Why bother?" here refers to my complete lack of purpose, especially in New England. If someone here giving a shit about me at all is the caffeine in my beverage, making enough to support myself and pay bills is the whipped cream on top. Unfortunately, I have neither, and as I go through the daily grind (pun intended), I can't help but ask myself why I'm still in Boston or alive at all. Why do I work so hard when it isn't enough anyway? Why do I try to be conscientious at work when the people who will benefit from it snap at me? Why do I even leave the house when my chances of meeting anyone - literally anyone - nice are slim? Why do I do people favors when I know I can't get one in return? Why bother?
I am so tired of being snapped at, yelled at, and told "no." One of these days, I'm going to have had enough, and I'll give up. I just won't show at work, and I'll be gone.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
My laptop lives again!
...Though I have to say, I didn't miss being online much. Really, I only missed it the couple of times I needed driving directions and then, the night I figured out I didn't have a country CD anywhere in my book of CDs in my car, and I really wanted to come home and burn a new one. So, I'm taking some time now to catch up on e-mail (yeah, 800 new e-mails, it's going to take a while) and facebook (while listening to Amarillo By Morning and Texas On My Mind, of course).
A lot has happened lately, but I don't think I'll get around to talking about any of it. I haven't had much time to process the craziness that is my life right now. I work 70ish hours a week and spend whatever remains of my time sleeping or doing laundry. I went for a drive late last night after work to give myself time to think. It reminded me of the times I used to drive down Preston Road in Dallas, from my Starbucks in Highland Park all the way out to Celina, past the creepy graveyard and closed gas station. Unfortunately, the territory was foreign, not familiar, so it was not as relaxing as it would have been had I been on State Highway 289 in my beloved state of Texas.
Really, I miss Texas, and all of the Texans I love. I'm tired of being alone. Work at Starbucks has been going fine, but I have utterly failed at meeting people outside of work. I'm not used to having to try so hard. I will be coming home for one of the major holidays (I haven't decided which yet; all I know is I've been told I can take one holiday, and the Starbucks that hired me has offered to take me in while I'm home). I hope I make it that far. Life isn't easy right now, and it seems like it's just getting harder.
Other things to look forward to this fall... my Starbucks anniversary is December 4th, so I will be hosting some sort of dinner. The Head of the Charles is coming up, and I will be flying my mother up for either that weekend or the one right after. Hopefully, I will have furniture by then. Ha. But really, it would be nice to get off of this air mattress.
Well, I guess that's it for now. Hopefully, things will get better, and I'll feel like eating again. At least I now have a working computer again.
A lot has happened lately, but I don't think I'll get around to talking about any of it. I haven't had much time to process the craziness that is my life right now. I work 70ish hours a week and spend whatever remains of my time sleeping or doing laundry. I went for a drive late last night after work to give myself time to think. It reminded me of the times I used to drive down Preston Road in Dallas, from my Starbucks in Highland Park all the way out to Celina, past the creepy graveyard and closed gas station. Unfortunately, the territory was foreign, not familiar, so it was not as relaxing as it would have been had I been on State Highway 289 in my beloved state of Texas.
Really, I miss Texas, and all of the Texans I love. I'm tired of being alone. Work at Starbucks has been going fine, but I have utterly failed at meeting people outside of work. I'm not used to having to try so hard. I will be coming home for one of the major holidays (I haven't decided which yet; all I know is I've been told I can take one holiday, and the Starbucks that hired me has offered to take me in while I'm home). I hope I make it that far. Life isn't easy right now, and it seems like it's just getting harder.
Other things to look forward to this fall... my Starbucks anniversary is December 4th, so I will be hosting some sort of dinner. The Head of the Charles is coming up, and I will be flying my mother up for either that weekend or the one right after. Hopefully, I will have furniture by then. Ha. But really, it would be nice to get off of this air mattress.
Well, I guess that's it for now. Hopefully, things will get better, and I'll feel like eating again. At least I now have a working computer again.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Brownie mania!
I love to bake.
It's very therapeutic. It is very similar to cooking, but is more simple. So, I do a ton of it when I have a day off. Last weekend, I baked a total of 120 brownies, and delivered them to several different locations - Brookline fire stations, Starbucks locations in my district, and even the Chipotle where I know a good portion of the crew.
There's a secret recipe involved. They are delicious. Aaron at the Dedham Chipotle described them as "chocolatey wow". They go well with Paulaner Heifeweizen.
I have taken them to five Brookline fire stations (1, 4, 5, 6, 7), six Starbucks locations, and the Chipotle in Dedham. If you are a partner or a firefighter in the area and want my brownies delivered to your store or station, leave a comment with the location, and if it's within a reasonable distance, I will add it to my list. I have twelve locations on the list now; I try to hit about eight of them each week, between the two days I have off each week, which may or may not shift. I bake between 40 and 80 in each session; 10 brownies go to each location.
There is no charge. There are two requirements: 1) you and your colleagues must be willing and able to eat all brownies before they expire (I would hate for them to go to waste) and 2) anyone with allergies to milk, wheat, or soy products must refrain from consuming the brownies.
It's very therapeutic. It is very similar to cooking, but is more simple. So, I do a ton of it when I have a day off. Last weekend, I baked a total of 120 brownies, and delivered them to several different locations - Brookline fire stations, Starbucks locations in my district, and even the Chipotle where I know a good portion of the crew.
There's a secret recipe involved. They are delicious. Aaron at the Dedham Chipotle described them as "chocolatey wow". They go well with Paulaner Heifeweizen.
I have taken them to five Brookline fire stations (1, 4, 5, 6, 7), six Starbucks locations, and the Chipotle in Dedham. If you are a partner or a firefighter in the area and want my brownies delivered to your store or station, leave a comment with the location, and if it's within a reasonable distance, I will add it to my list. I have twelve locations on the list now; I try to hit about eight of them each week, between the two days I have off each week, which may or may not shift. I bake between 40 and 80 in each session; 10 brownies go to each location.
There is no charge. There are two requirements: 1) you and your colleagues must be willing and able to eat all brownies before they expire (I would hate for them to go to waste) and 2) anyone with allergies to milk, wheat, or soy products must refrain from consuming the brownies.
Friday, July 11, 2008
One more reason I do not like Boston.
Don't you hate watching your car roll down the street? Obviously, if you're watching, you're not in it, and when you own a car, you kind of feel like if it's ever going down the street, you should be pushing the pedals and holding the steering wheel.
I was walking back from Arcie's apartment last night. Said goodbye one last time. As I'm walking back to where I parked, I see a black tow truck going the opposite direction down Comm Ave, pulling a green 2004 Honda Civic. The popularity of this car helps me tell myself it's probably not mine. But it's the same shade of Acapulco green, which is moderately rare among 2004 Honda Civics. My stomach turns over, and I start running to where my car is parked.
...Or not parked. That was my car being towed. I parked at the Brookline Liquor Mart, where I've parked before for short periods of time without a problem. There is a sign stating that if the store is open and you are parked there for reasons other than purchasing items from the mart, you may be towed. The store was already closed, so I figured I would be fine for a little while, especially since I've parked there late at night without incident before.
So I called the towing company listed on the sign. I give the guy the car make, model, year, color, and plates, and he tells me they definitely don't have a Civic with Texas plates. I protest, telling him I just saw it going down the street a few minutes before, and maybe they just haven't gotten it in the system yet. He tells me they haven't gotten a call to tow from that location at all tonight, then suggests that I call the police and see if they have it.
So I call Boston Police. I get put through to the towing line, get put on hold for a few minutes, and finally they check for my car. He tells me they don't have a green Honda Civic with Texas plates. I beg him to check again, tell him I just saw it being taken down the street, they must have it. He tells me to hold on a minute, something just came in. I hear some commotion, and then, the guy gets back on the line and tells me my car was towed without clearance, which basically means it was stolen, and the company that towed it is going to try and make me pay the fee. He says he told the company to return my car to where it was towed from in fifteen minutes or less, and tells me to call him back if it's not back in that fifteen minutes.
So I wait, and exactly fifteen minutes later, a tow truck pulls up with no car attached to it. The large Hispanic man driving the truck asks me if the Honda Civic was my car. I take this opportunity to lose it, telling him everything the police just told me, telling him there's no way the owner of the store had it towed because I know her, telling him I want my car back, now. His story keeps changing. First, he tells me they were told to tow my car specifically. Then, he says
that they must have gotten confused, because they were told to tow all the cars by the owner of the liquor mart. I ask him why they didn't use the posted towing company, as is the law, and then he tells me that a guy who rents the spots overnight called him to have it towed, not the owner of the liquor mart. I tell him I'm calling the police back and pull out my phone. He tells me to just get in the truck, and he'll take me to my car. I get in the truck.
He takes me to a yard off North Beacon pretty far out in Brighton. There's my car. I go over to inspect it, and he tells me to just leave, not to pay anything. Other people having their cars towed turn to watch me pull the car off the lot without paying. They looked a little pissed.
The police still say it was technically stolen, because if the owner of the liquor mart had called a towing company, it had to be the posted one, and since that was not the company that towed my car, the owner of the liquor mart did not likely call anyone to tow the cars in the lot. I can press charges.
I was walking back from Arcie's apartment last night. Said goodbye one last time. As I'm walking back to where I parked, I see a black tow truck going the opposite direction down Comm Ave, pulling a green 2004 Honda Civic. The popularity of this car helps me tell myself it's probably not mine. But it's the same shade of Acapulco green, which is moderately rare among 2004 Honda Civics. My stomach turns over, and I start running to where my car is parked.
...Or not parked. That was my car being towed. I parked at the Brookline Liquor Mart, where I've parked before for short periods of time without a problem. There is a sign stating that if the store is open and you are parked there for reasons other than purchasing items from the mart, you may be towed. The store was already closed, so I figured I would be fine for a little while, especially since I've parked there late at night without incident before.
So I called the towing company listed on the sign. I give the guy the car make, model, year, color, and plates, and he tells me they definitely don't have a Civic with Texas plates. I protest, telling him I just saw it going down the street a few minutes before, and maybe they just haven't gotten it in the system yet. He tells me they haven't gotten a call to tow from that location at all tonight, then suggests that I call the police and see if they have it.
So I call Boston Police. I get put through to the towing line, get put on hold for a few minutes, and finally they check for my car. He tells me they don't have a green Honda Civic with Texas plates. I beg him to check again, tell him I just saw it being taken down the street, they must have it. He tells me to hold on a minute, something just came in. I hear some commotion, and then, the guy gets back on the line and tells me my car was towed without clearance, which basically means it was stolen, and the company that towed it is going to try and make me pay the fee. He says he told the company to return my car to where it was towed from in fifteen minutes or less, and tells me to call him back if it's not back in that fifteen minutes.
So I wait, and exactly fifteen minutes later, a tow truck pulls up with no car attached to it. The large Hispanic man driving the truck asks me if the Honda Civic was my car. I take this opportunity to lose it, telling him everything the police just told me, telling him there's no way the owner of the store had it towed because I know her, telling him I want my car back, now. His story keeps changing. First, he tells me they were told to tow my car specifically. Then, he says
that they must have gotten confused, because they were told to tow all the cars by the owner of the liquor mart. I ask him why they didn't use the posted towing company, as is the law, and then he tells me that a guy who rents the spots overnight called him to have it towed, not the owner of the liquor mart. I tell him I'm calling the police back and pull out my phone. He tells me to just get in the truck, and he'll take me to my car. I get in the truck.
He takes me to a yard off North Beacon pretty far out in Brighton. There's my car. I go over to inspect it, and he tells me to just leave, not to pay anything. Other people having their cars towed turn to watch me pull the car off the lot without paying. They looked a little pissed.
The police still say it was technically stolen, because if the owner of the liquor mart had called a towing company, it had to be the posted one, and since that was not the company that towed my car, the owner of the liquor mart did not likely call anyone to tow the cars in the lot. I can press charges.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Anonymous comments.
I received some anonymous comments (they seemed to be from the same person) on the post I put up about getting promoted.
I am sorry, but I am not going to allow those comments. I am not going to turn my blog into a place where people rant about Starbucks. The main point of that post was my growth with Starbucks, not the current state of the company. Whatever the stock price, whatever the roast being served, it is still a good company. Starbucks is my employer, and partners in all areas of the company, in high places and low places, have been good to me in many ways. I will not show them disrespect by allowing rants like that on here. There are web sites for people who want to argue about Starbucks.
I am sorry, but I am not going to allow those comments. I am not going to turn my blog into a place where people rant about Starbucks. The main point of that post was my growth with Starbucks, not the current state of the company. Whatever the stock price, whatever the roast being served, it is still a good company. Starbucks is my employer, and partners in all areas of the company, in high places and low places, have been good to me in many ways. I will not show them disrespect by allowing rants like that on here. There are web sites for people who want to argue about Starbucks.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Guinness burgers!
Alright, alright... I made these burgers weeks ago, and I promised I would post the recipe, so here you go.
GUINNESS BURGERS
Rich flavors saturating an American classic
Ingredients: bison meat (1/4-1/3 pound per burger, depending on how hungry you are), one can of chilled Guinness, aged English cheddar cheese, grainy horseradish mustard, whole wheat buns
This is a very basic play on the bison burger recipe I posted over a year ago.
Start by putting a sheet of wax paper down on a cookie sheet, covering most of the bottom. Pour the can of chilled Guinness into the cookie sheet. After creating flat, round bison patties of whatever size you like, place them in the Guinness on the cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet on a level shelf in the refrigerator so that the Guinness is saturating every burger. Allow the meat to marinate in just the Guinness for at least 3-4 hours.
Next, cooking methods. I decided to fry the burgers in a pan, because I wanted the burgers to cook in their own liquids, inside of grilling them, which would cause the Guinness to drip off into the grill, making the stout's flavor less potent than it would be if the burgers were cooked in the liquid naturally draining off of the cooking burger. I cooked mine for about 4 minutes on each side on medium heat, but I like my burgers on the rare side. You can adjust the heat and the cooking time to your own desires, but be careful to cook the burgers for roughly the same amount of time on each side.
While the burgers are cooking, prepare the bun. I used whole wheat buns, with grainy horseradish mustard, and it was delicious - it was just the right balance with the sharpness of the cheddar and the wholeness of the stout's flavor.
As the burger is finishing cooking, add grated aged English cheddar to the top of the burger. For the cheese to properly melt and add flavor to the burger, it should be put on the burger about 1.5-2 minutes prior to the completion of the cooking of the burger.
Voila. Guinness burger. The stout flavor stays, while the alcohol cooks off. I imagine it would be really good with potatoes.
GUINNESS BURGERS
Rich flavors saturating an American classic
Ingredients: bison meat (1/4-1/3 pound per burger, depending on how hungry you are), one can of chilled Guinness, aged English cheddar cheese, grainy horseradish mustard, whole wheat buns
This is a very basic play on the bison burger recipe I posted over a year ago.
Start by putting a sheet of wax paper down on a cookie sheet, covering most of the bottom. Pour the can of chilled Guinness into the cookie sheet. After creating flat, round bison patties of whatever size you like, place them in the Guinness on the cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet on a level shelf in the refrigerator so that the Guinness is saturating every burger. Allow the meat to marinate in just the Guinness for at least 3-4 hours.
Next, cooking methods. I decided to fry the burgers in a pan, because I wanted the burgers to cook in their own liquids, inside of grilling them, which would cause the Guinness to drip off into the grill, making the stout's flavor less potent than it would be if the burgers were cooked in the liquid naturally draining off of the cooking burger. I cooked mine for about 4 minutes on each side on medium heat, but I like my burgers on the rare side. You can adjust the heat and the cooking time to your own desires, but be careful to cook the burgers for roughly the same amount of time on each side.
While the burgers are cooking, prepare the bun. I used whole wheat buns, with grainy horseradish mustard, and it was delicious - it was just the right balance with the sharpness of the cheddar and the wholeness of the stout's flavor.
As the burger is finishing cooking, add grated aged English cheddar to the top of the burger. For the cheese to properly melt and add flavor to the burger, it should be put on the burger about 1.5-2 minutes prior to the completion of the cooking of the burger.
Voila. Guinness burger. The stout flavor stays, while the alcohol cooks off. I imagine it would be really good with potatoes.
You've come a long way, baby!
Tuesday afternoon. I am at the store, training a new partner, while my district manager looks on. I don't know it, but my highly anticipated promotion is on the table. I had been told my interview for my promotion would not be for another 2-4 weeks.
The district manager spoke with most of the partners in the store that day, one by one. So, when my store manager told me to go sit down and talk to Jon, I didn't really think anything of it. Yes, I was nervous, because I've spent the last month and a half trying to secure the promotion to shift supervisor, and every impression matters, but not nearly as nervous as I would have been had I known it was my actual interview.
So, it went really well... and I got the promotion. I was shocked. I did not even know I was interviewing right then and there... I just thought the district manager was quizzing me about Starbucks, which was fine with me, because I love to talk about Starbucks and coffee. This promotion is something I have wanted for over a year, and I think it came at just the right time for both the company and myself. If it had come earlier, I would not have been in the right state of mind to take it on properly, with the right amount of enthusiasm, knowledge, and maturity. If it had come much later, I would have started to become disgruntled, because my hard work and cultivated skills were being ignored. It is a good time for the company because, well, let's face it: the economy is not good right now, and that's not good for business. Starbucks, like many other businesses, is seeing a downturn in sales. On top of that, we are in the middle of restructuring our company. In my new position, I will have a greater capacity for sharing the passion I feel both about coffee and about Starbucks. As both my new store and the company turn the corner and go in a new direction, I will be able to contribute positively, and the company needs people who are passionate right now. I might say that we need passionate people as much now as we did when Starbucks was still a very young company.
I also recently celebrated my 18 months with the company. I cannot believe how much I have grown in the last eighteen, twelve, even six months. Obviously, I have learned volumes about coffee. Less obviously, I have learned even more about myself, leadership, and other people, both individuals and in general. As a result, I can deal with situations at work and in my personal life in a more constructive manner. I am better at taking things in stride. Just when I think I have grown more than I ever could in a particular period of time, I grow some more. I am a more mature, more professional, happier person. I have never loved a job this much or felt this comfortable with a company. It is a rare, beautiful thing to work for a company with values that match your own as intensely as the values of Starbucks match mine. I feel like I belong here. I guess the district manager feels the same way.
I cannot tell you how good it felt to repeatedly nail the questions he was asking me. Not only was I talking about two of my favorite things, Starbucks and coffee, but it felt good to instinctively know my answers were right. I can rely on the instincts I have because my values just matched with that of Starbucks so seamlessly and easily. Things just make sense. The logic in my brain can eat away at any piece of policy, and it always comes out making a lot of sense.
I am so excited about my promotion. This is going to be a long learning journey, and I cannot wait to get started. It could not have happened with a better company or at a better time in my life.
The district manager spoke with most of the partners in the store that day, one by one. So, when my store manager told me to go sit down and talk to Jon, I didn't really think anything of it. Yes, I was nervous, because I've spent the last month and a half trying to secure the promotion to shift supervisor, and every impression matters, but not nearly as nervous as I would have been had I known it was my actual interview.
So, it went really well... and I got the promotion. I was shocked. I did not even know I was interviewing right then and there... I just thought the district manager was quizzing me about Starbucks, which was fine with me, because I love to talk about Starbucks and coffee. This promotion is something I have wanted for over a year, and I think it came at just the right time for both the company and myself. If it had come earlier, I would not have been in the right state of mind to take it on properly, with the right amount of enthusiasm, knowledge, and maturity. If it had come much later, I would have started to become disgruntled, because my hard work and cultivated skills were being ignored. It is a good time for the company because, well, let's face it: the economy is not good right now, and that's not good for business. Starbucks, like many other businesses, is seeing a downturn in sales. On top of that, we are in the middle of restructuring our company. In my new position, I will have a greater capacity for sharing the passion I feel both about coffee and about Starbucks. As both my new store and the company turn the corner and go in a new direction, I will be able to contribute positively, and the company needs people who are passionate right now. I might say that we need passionate people as much now as we did when Starbucks was still a very young company.
I also recently celebrated my 18 months with the company. I cannot believe how much I have grown in the last eighteen, twelve, even six months. Obviously, I have learned volumes about coffee. Less obviously, I have learned even more about myself, leadership, and other people, both individuals and in general. As a result, I can deal with situations at work and in my personal life in a more constructive manner. I am better at taking things in stride. Just when I think I have grown more than I ever could in a particular period of time, I grow some more. I am a more mature, more professional, happier person. I have never loved a job this much or felt this comfortable with a company. It is a rare, beautiful thing to work for a company with values that match your own as intensely as the values of Starbucks match mine. I feel like I belong here. I guess the district manager feels the same way.
I cannot tell you how good it felt to repeatedly nail the questions he was asking me. Not only was I talking about two of my favorite things, Starbucks and coffee, but it felt good to instinctively know my answers were right. I can rely on the instincts I have because my values just matched with that of Starbucks so seamlessly and easily. Things just make sense. The logic in my brain can eat away at any piece of policy, and it always comes out making a lot of sense.
I am so excited about my promotion. This is going to be a long learning journey, and I cannot wait to get started. It could not have happened with a better company or at a better time in my life.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Where's me when I need me?
My life recently got turned upside down. I got kicked out of my old apartment with a little less than 40 days' notice (30 is minimum; my landlord decided that he needed to use the first floor as well as the second floor; we had to be out by June 1). I found a new apartment, but it will be more expensive. I spent the last couple of days trying to get everything cleaned, packed, and moved to my new apartment, which is on the third floor, and finally finished this morning. Before I found out about the apartment, I took an offer for a promotion at my transfer store, which means I have to quit my office job, which means a decreased income. I am supposed to go out of town tonight to a family reunion in Wisconsin. I have a shift tonight that really needs to be covered (I got my shift tomorrow covered), and I've been looking for someone to cover for over a week. I've called every single partner at my store who's not already working and is not maxed out on hours. I've called every store in the area. No one will work it. One person was considering it, but finally said she was not willing to work 14 hours in one day.
Where's me when I need me?
Seriously, though, when the store calls me to cover a shift, I will do it, if I am not already working. I'll offer to cover part of it if I can't cover all of it. I've opened and closed several times before. I've even opened, closed, and opened - three consecutive shifts. I worked 22 hours from Saturday afternoon through Sunday night last weekend in order to cover a shift for someone. The person I'd really need to call right now is me. If I wasn't already working, I'd definitely cover a closing shift. There was one night when I had opened that morning, walked in to pick up a paycheck at 8:30 PM, saw how behind they were, and immediately threw on an apron to help them close. Why aren't there other partners out there who care that much?
Really, I need to stop complaining and admit that I should have requested off on time, but the point is this: why is it that hundreds of partners, dozens of stores, are spread so thinly? Some stores refused just on the basis that they did not want to work at my particular store. Wow.
Where's me when I need me?
Seriously, though, when the store calls me to cover a shift, I will do it, if I am not already working. I'll offer to cover part of it if I can't cover all of it. I've opened and closed several times before. I've even opened, closed, and opened - three consecutive shifts. I worked 22 hours from Saturday afternoon through Sunday night last weekend in order to cover a shift for someone. The person I'd really need to call right now is me. If I wasn't already working, I'd definitely cover a closing shift. There was one night when I had opened that morning, walked in to pick up a paycheck at 8:30 PM, saw how behind they were, and immediately threw on an apron to help them close. Why aren't there other partners out there who care that much?
Really, I need to stop complaining and admit that I should have requested off on time, but the point is this: why is it that hundreds of partners, dozens of stores, are spread so thinly? Some stores refused just on the basis that they did not want to work at my particular store. Wow.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
If I had to choose three things that stand for who I am, a book would be one of them.
It's true. The second one would be a coffee mug. The third... I haven't decided yet.
I have been reading like a maniac (MANIAC!) for most of 2008 thus far. I think I wrote a post about it earlier, listing the first few books I was going to read (the Lord of the Rings trilogy), and stating my intention to read a full 52 books this year (one for every full week of 2008). Well, I have made great strides since that post, and though I was behind on my reading for a while, I'm almost all caught up. Here's a list of what I've read so far, along with the date of the week with which the book corresponds (though I may not have read it that week):
Jan 1: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Jan 8: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Jan 15: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Jan 22: Love in the Time of Cholera
Jan 29: Thank You For Smoking
Feb 5: Catch-22
Feb 12: Act of Treason
Feb 19: Catcher in the Rye
Feb 26: The Kite Runner
Mar 4: As I Lay Dying
Mar 11: Breakfast of Champions
Mar 18: The Gathering
Mar 25: Pour Your Heart Into It
Apr 1: Cat's Cradle
Apr 8: Brave New World
I should be starting a new book every Tuesday, since the first day of this year was a Tuesday. I had to accelerate my pace to catch up, and I'm almost there - as soon as I finish Brave New World, I will start the next book, which I was supposed to start on April 15th. You can view my list of read books, books to read, books I'm currently reading, and my favorites if you look at the Books application on my Facebook page. Whenever I go to buy new books at Borders, I put them on that application as soon as I get home.
If you have anything to suggest I add to the list, I have about 35 more books to be chosen (I've already got the next four), so please comment with your ideas.
I have been reading like a maniac (MANIAC!) for most of 2008 thus far. I think I wrote a post about it earlier, listing the first few books I was going to read (the Lord of the Rings trilogy), and stating my intention to read a full 52 books this year (one for every full week of 2008). Well, I have made great strides since that post, and though I was behind on my reading for a while, I'm almost all caught up. Here's a list of what I've read so far, along with the date of the week with which the book corresponds (though I may not have read it that week):
Jan 1: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Jan 8: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Jan 15: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Jan 22: Love in the Time of Cholera
Jan 29: Thank You For Smoking
Feb 5: Catch-22
Feb 12: Act of Treason
Feb 19: Catcher in the Rye
Feb 26: The Kite Runner
Mar 4: As I Lay Dying
Mar 11: Breakfast of Champions
Mar 18: The Gathering
Mar 25: Pour Your Heart Into It
Apr 1: Cat's Cradle
Apr 8: Brave New World
I should be starting a new book every Tuesday, since the first day of this year was a Tuesday. I had to accelerate my pace to catch up, and I'm almost there - as soon as I finish Brave New World, I will start the next book, which I was supposed to start on April 15th. You can view my list of read books, books to read, books I'm currently reading, and my favorites if you look at the Books application on my Facebook page. Whenever I go to buy new books at Borders, I put them on that application as soon as I get home.
If you have anything to suggest I add to the list, I have about 35 more books to be chosen (I've already got the next four), so please comment with your ideas.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
For the love of coffee.
Twenty two years ago, on April 8, 1986, at 6:30 AM, in Seattle, Washington, a woman quietly waited outside the front door of a brand new coffee shop. I see her walking in, requesting a cup of coffee, and walking back outside the door, hardly noticing the nervous entrepreneur watching her and his employees with care. It was the opening day of Il Giornale, a coffee bar with a true espresso machine, inspired by real experiences had by that entrepreneur in Italy. Some 2,200 miles away, my mother was massively pregnant, my due date in just ten days (I was to hold out an extra seven days).
The entrepreneur's name is Howard Schultz, now famous not for Il Giornale, but for Starbucks - the colossal coffee company which has now expanded to many different corners of the world. Little more than a year after Il Giornale quietly stepped into the business of serving coffee, Schultz was able to purchase Starbucks Coffee Company - his former employer and the original inspiration for his love affair with coffee - and combined the missions of each company to create the experience millions of customers now enjoy daily both at home and in stores. Starbucks, originally a company focused completely on whole bean sales, brought a passion for coffee and an unwavering desire for the highest quality available; Il Giornale brought an appreciation for the social connection formed over coffee and the atmosphere and products of an espresso bar. Both companies heralded the strong, ethical values for which Starbucks is widely known today.
Fast forward to December 4, 2006. Starbucks is a wildly successful international corporation with millions of customers and thousands of happily employed partners (I am the newest of those). I am standing by the coffee grinder in my first store, Highland Park Village, tasting Sumatra (an earthy, spicy Indonesian offering which has become one of Starbucks' most popular coffees). An ardent drinker of caramel macchiatos, I had never tasted regular brewed coffee before, let alone an extra bold, dark roast coffee like Sumatra. I was instantly hooked. The biggest thing I remember from that tasting is instantly knowing the spices hidden within the coffee as well as I know the backs of my hands. I could see why people loved this beverage; I could see even more clearly that it, like beer, was an acquired taste. The "mud" qualities of the coffee were not lost on me.
Back to today. I woke up at half past 5, stumbled out of bed, pulled on pants of some sort, and made my way to the Brookline Village Starbucks. I walked in, made my own French press with my favorite coffee (Guatemala Antigua), and sat quietly in my favorite chair as I drank the entire press (black, cream and sugar dilute the beautiful natural flavors) by myself. I reflected on the things I have learned about myself, business, and life (and, of course, coffee) since that day three weeks before Christmas 2006. Starbucks has changed me, for the better, I think, and as I sip this coffee, I visualize the farms in Guatemala where it was grown. I want to see, experience, take everything in. Coffee feels natural for me. This coffee in particular. Starbucks feels natural. Even waking up between 5 and 5:30 every day has begun to feel natural for me (and I always was such a night owl). I have my own insurance - health, dental, vision, and life - and stock given to me by the company. I am a trained master of coffee, and people I know in my daily life outside Starbucks routinely use me as a reference for any and all questions they have both about coffee and about my beloved employer. I feel comfortable answering these questions. I feel even more comfortable with my place in the world, and then, ever more comfortable with my place in this company. That, however, does not prevent me from aspiring to more.
This is what I was meant to do. I have rarely felt such passion about anything. I almost feel like that nervous entrepreneur, except that this is not the success and path of a business venture I am trying to gauge. It is the future of my own life. I can only hope that my foray into the world will be just as enjoyable and successful (not just in terms of money... Starbucks is successful in many ways) as that of this company, which I hope will help me along as I learn and grow.
37 years ago, in 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company opened the doors of its Pike Place store (the new roast's namesake) and began educating normal consumers about the joys of the best coffee in the world. 22 years ago, Howard Schultz stood at the helm of Il Giornale, hoping desperately that he could recreate an experience he had found thousands of miles away for the Seattlites he had come to love while prospering as a marketing expert at Starbucks. On August 18, 1987, those dreams merged, and American business will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
The entrepreneur's name is Howard Schultz, now famous not for Il Giornale, but for Starbucks - the colossal coffee company which has now expanded to many different corners of the world. Little more than a year after Il Giornale quietly stepped into the business of serving coffee, Schultz was able to purchase Starbucks Coffee Company - his former employer and the original inspiration for his love affair with coffee - and combined the missions of each company to create the experience millions of customers now enjoy daily both at home and in stores. Starbucks, originally a company focused completely on whole bean sales, brought a passion for coffee and an unwavering desire for the highest quality available; Il Giornale brought an appreciation for the social connection formed over coffee and the atmosphere and products of an espresso bar. Both companies heralded the strong, ethical values for which Starbucks is widely known today.
Fast forward to December 4, 2006. Starbucks is a wildly successful international corporation with millions of customers and thousands of happily employed partners (I am the newest of those). I am standing by the coffee grinder in my first store, Highland Park Village, tasting Sumatra (an earthy, spicy Indonesian offering which has become one of Starbucks' most popular coffees). An ardent drinker of caramel macchiatos, I had never tasted regular brewed coffee before, let alone an extra bold, dark roast coffee like Sumatra. I was instantly hooked. The biggest thing I remember from that tasting is instantly knowing the spices hidden within the coffee as well as I know the backs of my hands. I could see why people loved this beverage; I could see even more clearly that it, like beer, was an acquired taste. The "mud" qualities of the coffee were not lost on me.
Back to today. I woke up at half past 5, stumbled out of bed, pulled on pants of some sort, and made my way to the Brookline Village Starbucks. I walked in, made my own French press with my favorite coffee (Guatemala Antigua), and sat quietly in my favorite chair as I drank the entire press (black, cream and sugar dilute the beautiful natural flavors) by myself. I reflected on the things I have learned about myself, business, and life (and, of course, coffee) since that day three weeks before Christmas 2006. Starbucks has changed me, for the better, I think, and as I sip this coffee, I visualize the farms in Guatemala where it was grown. I want to see, experience, take everything in. Coffee feels natural for me. This coffee in particular. Starbucks feels natural. Even waking up between 5 and 5:30 every day has begun to feel natural for me (and I always was such a night owl). I have my own insurance - health, dental, vision, and life - and stock given to me by the company. I am a trained master of coffee, and people I know in my daily life outside Starbucks routinely use me as a reference for any and all questions they have both about coffee and about my beloved employer. I feel comfortable answering these questions. I feel even more comfortable with my place in the world, and then, ever more comfortable with my place in this company. That, however, does not prevent me from aspiring to more.
This is what I was meant to do. I have rarely felt such passion about anything. I almost feel like that nervous entrepreneur, except that this is not the success and path of a business venture I am trying to gauge. It is the future of my own life. I can only hope that my foray into the world will be just as enjoyable and successful (not just in terms of money... Starbucks is successful in many ways) as that of this company, which I hope will help me along as I learn and grow.
37 years ago, in 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company opened the doors of its Pike Place store (the new roast's namesake) and began educating normal consumers about the joys of the best coffee in the world. 22 years ago, Howard Schultz stood at the helm of Il Giornale, hoping desperately that he could recreate an experience he had found thousands of miles away for the Seattlites he had come to love while prospering as a marketing expert at Starbucks. On August 18, 1987, those dreams merged, and American business will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
The intersection of imminent death!
Massachusetts Avenue & Albany Street.
Especially if you're crossing from the southwest corner to the southeast corner. There are people turning left into the southbound lanes of Mass Ave, many in order to get onto the freeway, and they really don't seem to care that pedestrians have a walk sign as they hit the gas and try harder to hit us. Crossing on that southern side of Mass Ave, both directions of lanes, I have almost been hit by cars too many times to remember. I feel like I will definitely die in a hit-and-run at that intersection if I keep working near it.
Especially if you're crossing from the southwest corner to the southeast corner. There are people turning left into the southbound lanes of Mass Ave, many in order to get onto the freeway, and they really don't seem to care that pedestrians have a walk sign as they hit the gas and try harder to hit us. Crossing on that southern side of Mass Ave, both directions of lanes, I have almost been hit by cars too many times to remember. I feel like I will definitely die in a hit-and-run at that intersection if I keep working near it.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Finally alone.
Most teenagers seem to have this sort of feeling of being alone, some very specific (and unsurprisingly common) idea that no one quite understands them, that they are very much alone. Aside from exceptional cases, this is far from the truth - most teenagers have parents willing to support them (emotionally, financially, or both), siblings to besiege them or to besiege, a community that watches them for signs of the future, a group of friends which is inherently vacant of truth but nevertheless full of the comfort that sameness brings. This feeling - angst, do they call it? - is a dramatic premonition of things that may come to be as teenagers age and, in many cases, become adults. For some teenagers, this glimpse is enough for them to desert the ideas of individuality and ingenuity - they settle into patterns that lead them to paths beaten to death by those that came before them, grasping onto anyone who seems to share any similarities with them at all.
Most people, I think, will eventually come to a crossroads; a place where they must choose one path or another. The way to the crossroads is often a tough one. In my case, I have become increasingly alone, in part due to the repercussions of my own choices, in a way that I feared as a teenager. So, this is what depression is like as an adult. No more angst. Some switch in my head flipped, and depression is no longer debilitating (though I can see how it would be), but rather, a needling pain that could literally make me insane if left to fester. It has become another hurdle, another item to be addressed, almost as if I were paying a bill. This bill requires persistence; there is no ultimate solution. Just as in the end, you always owe someone money (death taxes, anyone?), in the end, I will always have this very basic need that will have to be addressed.
There are varying degrees of aloneness, based on physical, mental, emotional, and financial needs that must be satisfied. I am not financially alone. I am mostly supporting my basic day-to-day needs, but there is help, if I need it, readily available. Otherwise, I am alone. I have basic contact with my coworkers, very rare contact with friends, and regular contact with customers. I would say, at this point, that I do not really have friends here. I have acquaintances through my jobs. I do not have a significant other or any promising candidates. My only confidantes live thousands of miles away. I have my family, but I can only get to them by calling them or jumping on a plane. I could disappear completely, and no one would know, notice, or care until I missed several days of work. I go to work, I go home, I go to Starbucks to enjoy tea and a book, sometimes I go to the gym and run some lonely miles before driving home to shower, usher the cats out of my room, and go to sleep, only to wake up and do all of it all over again. I go to my favorite bar to read and drink, alone, at the end of the bar, occasionally being addressed in a friendly way by the staff I have come to know. I feel pathetic, loserly. I don't have time to make friends, I guess, between the two jobs, and even if I did have the time, I would not know where to go.
This aloneness is not going to go away any time soon. Frankly, I'm trying to get used to the idea that it will be this way for me for the rest of my life, or perhaps until I have a child. I'm not trying to garner sympathy, but instead, convey the realization I recently had: the images we are fed as children of growing up to be instant husbands, wives, fathers, mothers don't just create themselves, and when they do, they do not always happen to the people who desire such things the most, or even the people who are ready for such things. I never doubted, until recently, that I would someday find a husband and eventually have children, figuring out a way to make it work with my other life goals. This isn't a feeling of angst or self-pity; I'm just going to keep carrying on like I do now. Do I wish I had someone I could love unconditionally, who loved me unconditionally, who was physically here when I needed them? Yes.
Maybe I'll just have to get a puppy.
Most people, I think, will eventually come to a crossroads; a place where they must choose one path or another. The way to the crossroads is often a tough one. In my case, I have become increasingly alone, in part due to the repercussions of my own choices, in a way that I feared as a teenager. So, this is what depression is like as an adult. No more angst. Some switch in my head flipped, and depression is no longer debilitating (though I can see how it would be), but rather, a needling pain that could literally make me insane if left to fester. It has become another hurdle, another item to be addressed, almost as if I were paying a bill. This bill requires persistence; there is no ultimate solution. Just as in the end, you always owe someone money (death taxes, anyone?), in the end, I will always have this very basic need that will have to be addressed.
There are varying degrees of aloneness, based on physical, mental, emotional, and financial needs that must be satisfied. I am not financially alone. I am mostly supporting my basic day-to-day needs, but there is help, if I need it, readily available. Otherwise, I am alone. I have basic contact with my coworkers, very rare contact with friends, and regular contact with customers. I would say, at this point, that I do not really have friends here. I have acquaintances through my jobs. I do not have a significant other or any promising candidates. My only confidantes live thousands of miles away. I have my family, but I can only get to them by calling them or jumping on a plane. I could disappear completely, and no one would know, notice, or care until I missed several days of work. I go to work, I go home, I go to Starbucks to enjoy tea and a book, sometimes I go to the gym and run some lonely miles before driving home to shower, usher the cats out of my room, and go to sleep, only to wake up and do all of it all over again. I go to my favorite bar to read and drink, alone, at the end of the bar, occasionally being addressed in a friendly way by the staff I have come to know. I feel pathetic, loserly. I don't have time to make friends, I guess, between the two jobs, and even if I did have the time, I would not know where to go.
This aloneness is not going to go away any time soon. Frankly, I'm trying to get used to the idea that it will be this way for me for the rest of my life, or perhaps until I have a child. I'm not trying to garner sympathy, but instead, convey the realization I recently had: the images we are fed as children of growing up to be instant husbands, wives, fathers, mothers don't just create themselves, and when they do, they do not always happen to the people who desire such things the most, or even the people who are ready for such things. I never doubted, until recently, that I would someday find a husband and eventually have children, figuring out a way to make it work with my other life goals. This isn't a feeling of angst or self-pity; I'm just going to keep carrying on like I do now. Do I wish I had someone I could love unconditionally, who loved me unconditionally, who was physically here when I needed them? Yes.
Maybe I'll just have to get a puppy.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Who needs sleep when we've got love?
(Title a quote from the title song of Jack Johnson's new album, Sleep Through The Static)
I'll make this short.
I was driving away from the Brookline Village Starbucks listening to the Jack Johnson album In Between Dreams this afternoon when I had a revelation. In order to find someone with whom I can happily spend the rest of my life, I need to find someone who can love as infinitely as I can. I have a lot of discretion regarding who gets a place in my heart, but once someone's there, I give them the best of the best, everything I've got.
I need someone with intensity and passion like that. Someone who can grasp a concept or find an interest and pursue it relentlessly. Well, anyway, someone who can at least understand my intensity and occasional detachment when I do that.
This is probably the most important thing. Other characteristics will factor in, but this is the most crucial.
I'll make this short.
I was driving away from the Brookline Village Starbucks listening to the Jack Johnson album In Between Dreams this afternoon when I had a revelation. In order to find someone with whom I can happily spend the rest of my life, I need to find someone who can love as infinitely as I can. I have a lot of discretion regarding who gets a place in my heart, but once someone's there, I give them the best of the best, everything I've got.
I need someone with intensity and passion like that. Someone who can grasp a concept or find an interest and pursue it relentlessly. Well, anyway, someone who can at least understand my intensity and occasional detachment when I do that.
This is probably the most important thing. Other characteristics will factor in, but this is the most crucial.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Spontaneity.
When you plan on something, you have time to anticipate all of the details. Any feelings of excitement are drawn out in the process of planning, having time to ebb and then return with a nearly hormonal fever as the event approaches.
On the other hand, when something enters your life spontaneously, you get to experience all of those feelings of excitement at hyper-speed.
Surprises are usually so nice. Even if the surprise itself isn't very nice, the rush of adrenaline sure is. Spontaneity runs along that same vein. Making decisions in a heartbeat can be so exhilirating.
On the other hand, when something enters your life spontaneously, you get to experience all of those feelings of excitement at hyper-speed.
Surprises are usually so nice. Even if the surprise itself isn't very nice, the rush of adrenaline sure is. Spontaneity runs along that same vein. Making decisions in a heartbeat can be so exhilirating.
Monday, March 10, 2008
What an Arrogant Bastard.
One of my favorite haunts is Parish Cafe, located at 361 Boylston, close to the intersection with Arlington Street. I am in the process of completing a beer card there, which means I have to drink about 75 beers over the course of a year. Once I finish the card, the establishment presents me with a huge beer mug engraved with whatever I want on it (I've chosen "The Texan"), and I only have to pay for a pint (but get a whole mugful) when I go in for a beer. Anyway, they require you to drink a variety of beers, some more obscure, some expected staples. It's a good introduction to the world of beer for those who never really drank beer before or people who found one beer they liked and have habitually ordered it since (like me).
One of the beers on the list is called Arrogant Bastard (click here for the official web site). It is everything that the name implies, though most of the arrogance and bastard qualities are on the label, not in the bottle. It is a remarkably strong-flavored beer, but if you drink beer on a regular basis (and when I say "beer," Miller Lite, Coors Light, Bud Light, etc. are not included... they're putrid water, not beer), it's not anything you shouldn't be able to stomach. I've watched a couple people force the last bits down their throats, but I did not have to force myself to finish it. It's huge, it has a 7.2% alcohol content, and it's very flavorful. At first, the flavor kind of kicks you in the tastebuds, but once you get over the initial potency, it can be an enjoyable beer. It's not smooth. It's not easy. It's not polite. This is what the brewing company (Stone) means by "Arrogant Bastard," I guess. Personally, I'll prefer a beer that errs on the side of being flavorful to one that doesn't have enough flavor (arrogant bastard as opposed to inchoate bastard, perhaps?), but too much flavor can be a bad thing. I would say that Arrogant Bastard is somewhere close to crossing that line, but does not. In other words, it's extremely flavorful, but not so flavorful that it's a bad thing.
Now, for the shocker... it's good with vanilla ice cream. I guess the two flavors balance each other out well, but seriously, it's good. I just had a craving for ice cream while I was drinking the beer. When I told the bartender, Jess, how good it was, she wanted to try it. She did. She said that from now on, if she was ever going to drink an Arrogant Bastard, she'd do so while eating vanilla ice cream. What a strange combination. I had been eating a man's sandwich (the meatloaf club) and drinking a man's beer (Arrogant Bastard), and then added vanilla ice cream.
Anyway, try an Arrogant Bastard. If you're man enough.
One of the beers on the list is called Arrogant Bastard (click here for the official web site). It is everything that the name implies, though most of the arrogance and bastard qualities are on the label, not in the bottle. It is a remarkably strong-flavored beer, but if you drink beer on a regular basis (and when I say "beer," Miller Lite, Coors Light, Bud Light, etc. are not included... they're putrid water, not beer), it's not anything you shouldn't be able to stomach. I've watched a couple people force the last bits down their throats, but I did not have to force myself to finish it. It's huge, it has a 7.2% alcohol content, and it's very flavorful. At first, the flavor kind of kicks you in the tastebuds, but once you get over the initial potency, it can be an enjoyable beer. It's not smooth. It's not easy. It's not polite. This is what the brewing company (Stone) means by "Arrogant Bastard," I guess. Personally, I'll prefer a beer that errs on the side of being flavorful to one that doesn't have enough flavor (arrogant bastard as opposed to inchoate bastard, perhaps?), but too much flavor can be a bad thing. I would say that Arrogant Bastard is somewhere close to crossing that line, but does not. In other words, it's extremely flavorful, but not so flavorful that it's a bad thing.
Now, for the shocker... it's good with vanilla ice cream. I guess the two flavors balance each other out well, but seriously, it's good. I just had a craving for ice cream while I was drinking the beer. When I told the bartender, Jess, how good it was, she wanted to try it. She did. She said that from now on, if she was ever going to drink an Arrogant Bastard, she'd do so while eating vanilla ice cream. What a strange combination. I had been eating a man's sandwich (the meatloaf club) and drinking a man's beer (Arrogant Bastard), and then added vanilla ice cream.
Anyway, try an Arrogant Bastard. If you're man enough.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Important asparagus + cream sauce update.
There's a necessary update I've been neglecting for weeks.
Last year, I posted a recipe for making asparagus with cream sauce. The update: add a little chardonnay to the saucepan as you are making the sauce. Serve with chicken marinated in the same chardonnay, and you have a winning meal. Seriously, it's delicious. You can even use your cream sauce leftovers on the chicken, which I found to be also delicious. Just add small amounts of chilled chardonnay to the sauce to taste. It gives the sauce a nice little poignancy, a bit of a kick, that it hinted at before but develops nicely with the wine.
Last year, I posted a recipe for making asparagus with cream sauce. The update: add a little chardonnay to the saucepan as you are making the sauce. Serve with chicken marinated in the same chardonnay, and you have a winning meal. Seriously, it's delicious. You can even use your cream sauce leftovers on the chicken, which I found to be also delicious. Just add small amounts of chilled chardonnay to the sauce to taste. It gives the sauce a nice little poignancy, a bit of a kick, that it hinted at before but develops nicely with the wine.
Flour Bakery & Cafe
The problem with this post: I'm going to have a hard time completing it without walking over to Flour to buy lunch. Seriously. Their menu speaks volumes about the creativity, talent, and care that goes into every morsel. You can view this menu at their web site, www.FlourBakery.com.
I'll start with the sandwiches, because they are what hooked me first. From my first bite of the fresh mozzarella sandwich, I knew I was in love. This sandwich ranks in my top five sandwiches ever eaten by me. That is not an easy feat. Other sandwiches from Flour that I love:
-Smoked turkey, Vermont cheddar, and cranberry chutney
-Applewood-smoked bacon, lettuce, and tomato (known affectionately around my office as The BLT)
-Roasted lamb, tomato chutney, and goat cheese
Now, those are just my favorites. They have ten sandwiches, about all of which I have heard wonderful things. It would not be an exaggeration to say that a sandwich from Flour can drastically improve one's day.
Not only do they have the regular sandwiches, they also have specials every day, including quiche, soup, stuffed bread, pizza, and usually a different sandwich. I LOVE their quiche. No, really, this is the best quiche I've ever had, and my mother made some darn good quiche when I was growing up. My favorite of all the quiches I've had there (probably a few dozen different types by now) is the salmon, herbed cream cheese, and scallion one I had the first time I ordered quiche. The ingredients change day to day, but there are a few common ingredients/combinations that you see a lot of the time - even once a week. My coworker had the soup today (told you I couldn't make it through this post without going), and this is what she had to say about it: "Not only did that taste like homemade soup, it tasted like the best homemade soup I've ever had." Yes, it's that good. I had some of their chicken soup a few weeks back, and though I don't have the nutrition facts on it, I was surprised by how little sodium I tasted. It seems like most soups these days pack in so much sodium, all you can taste is salt. Not so with Flour's soup. It was delicious.
Now for the bakery part... I think you know what I'm going to say here. Delicious. As an introduction, try their oreos. It's like the ones that come in the blue package from Nabisco, but freshly baked, bigger, and far more tasty. One bite, and you'll wish you had a big glass of milk to go with it. Fortunately, Flour's staff is more than happy to provide that, too. Look for it on the kids' menu. Some of the cookies have strange names (I still cannot pronounce the name of the chocolate chip cookie), but they are delicious. I have tried all of them. Also good: the raspberry crumb bar. Similar to a lemon bar, but with raspberry - what could be better? Try the mini tartlettes to get a taste of the pastries you see in the glass case. The Boston cream pie, a staple in this city, is delicious, though not the best I've ever had (I prefer the very unique style of Legal Seafoods' Boston cream pie). The sticky buns are every bit as delicious as the ones my mother used to make every Christmas morning. If you're there earlier in the day, try the cinnamon cream brioche. Don't ask questions, just try it. The bottom line on Flour pastries: they are freshly baked with care, they are deliciously conceived, and they are well-loved by patrons all over the South End and Fort Point. It kills me to go and not get a pastry of some sort, especially since the line snakes right past all of the delicious pastries.
One thing to keep in mind about their specials and food in general, though: they err on the side of gourmet foods. Much of the time, I have had to Google the ingredients just to figure out what's on the pizza or in the quiche. Stay open-minded and foster some trust in the talent of the chef, who is an absolute genius at pairing different flavors. He comes up with some things that you would not expect would be delicious, but I have never been disappointed.
If I move out of Boston, I can tell you that Flour is one of the things I will miss the most. Finding a combination of food this delicious, a staff this friendly, and an environment this warm and welcome is a rare thing. They capture a love for food while being a friendly part of the neighborhood. It's no wonder that Flour has developed a dedicated following. I can hardly resist making the walk of several blocks for a sandwich or quiche. With its variety, Flour has never met a palate it could not satisfy.
I'll start with the sandwiches, because they are what hooked me first. From my first bite of the fresh mozzarella sandwich, I knew I was in love. This sandwich ranks in my top five sandwiches ever eaten by me. That is not an easy feat. Other sandwiches from Flour that I love:
-Smoked turkey, Vermont cheddar, and cranberry chutney
-Applewood-smoked bacon, lettuce, and tomato (known affectionately around my office as The BLT)
-Roasted lamb, tomato chutney, and goat cheese
Now, those are just my favorites. They have ten sandwiches, about all of which I have heard wonderful things. It would not be an exaggeration to say that a sandwich from Flour can drastically improve one's day.
Not only do they have the regular sandwiches, they also have specials every day, including quiche, soup, stuffed bread, pizza, and usually a different sandwich. I LOVE their quiche. No, really, this is the best quiche I've ever had, and my mother made some darn good quiche when I was growing up. My favorite of all the quiches I've had there (probably a few dozen different types by now) is the salmon, herbed cream cheese, and scallion one I had the first time I ordered quiche. The ingredients change day to day, but there are a few common ingredients/combinations that you see a lot of the time - even once a week. My coworker had the soup today (told you I couldn't make it through this post without going), and this is what she had to say about it: "Not only did that taste like homemade soup, it tasted like the best homemade soup I've ever had." Yes, it's that good. I had some of their chicken soup a few weeks back, and though I don't have the nutrition facts on it, I was surprised by how little sodium I tasted. It seems like most soups these days pack in so much sodium, all you can taste is salt. Not so with Flour's soup. It was delicious.
Now for the bakery part... I think you know what I'm going to say here. Delicious. As an introduction, try their oreos. It's like the ones that come in the blue package from Nabisco, but freshly baked, bigger, and far more tasty. One bite, and you'll wish you had a big glass of milk to go with it. Fortunately, Flour's staff is more than happy to provide that, too. Look for it on the kids' menu. Some of the cookies have strange names (I still cannot pronounce the name of the chocolate chip cookie), but they are delicious. I have tried all of them. Also good: the raspberry crumb bar. Similar to a lemon bar, but with raspberry - what could be better? Try the mini tartlettes to get a taste of the pastries you see in the glass case. The Boston cream pie, a staple in this city, is delicious, though not the best I've ever had (I prefer the very unique style of Legal Seafoods' Boston cream pie). The sticky buns are every bit as delicious as the ones my mother used to make every Christmas morning. If you're there earlier in the day, try the cinnamon cream brioche. Don't ask questions, just try it. The bottom line on Flour pastries: they are freshly baked with care, they are deliciously conceived, and they are well-loved by patrons all over the South End and Fort Point. It kills me to go and not get a pastry of some sort, especially since the line snakes right past all of the delicious pastries.
One thing to keep in mind about their specials and food in general, though: they err on the side of gourmet foods. Much of the time, I have had to Google the ingredients just to figure out what's on the pizza or in the quiche. Stay open-minded and foster some trust in the talent of the chef, who is an absolute genius at pairing different flavors. He comes up with some things that you would not expect would be delicious, but I have never been disappointed.
If I move out of Boston, I can tell you that Flour is one of the things I will miss the most. Finding a combination of food this delicious, a staff this friendly, and an environment this warm and welcome is a rare thing. They capture a love for food while being a friendly part of the neighborhood. It's no wonder that Flour has developed a dedicated following. I can hardly resist making the walk of several blocks for a sandwich or quiche. With its variety, Flour has never met a palate it could not satisfy.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
The problems of a sober artist.
I have had ideas in mind for new posts a dozen times over the last few weeks. Instead, you only get the last post (about my car almost being towed) and this one, which is set to be a strange conglomeration of news and various commentaries about things I have seen and done lately. When I admitted to a customer and another partner at the Brookline Village Starbucks last night that I had a lot of material but could not get it out onto paper. The customer laughed and said it was the problem faced by an artist. My response: "I suppose it's more the problem of a sober artist."
I guess I like to think I am that rara avis, and that you would not be able to get my viewpoint anywhere else. So I should write, because I have something unique to say. However, there are thousands, or millions, of other blogs out there, and I doubt those people would also be writing if they did not also feel they had something unique to say. So, if thousands or millions of other people also have something unique to say, well, then we are not very unique, are we? When I was younger, I wanted to write novels but was discouraged by the idea that I could not tell any stories that had not been told before. I suppose the difference in and point of writing that story now is quality - how well one writes, so that the story is better - or worse, depending on the authors, I guess.
Anyway, on to other things. I visited Texas last weekend (flew into Austin on Friday, drove to Dallas on Sunday, drove back to Austin on Monday, flew into Boston on Tuesday), and I left my heart there for safekeeping. It was a wonderful weekend (aside from one brief aberration), and I want to go back. Friday night, we went to Pluckers after the hockey game. I had fried pickles, Dr. Pepper wings, spicy barbecue wings, macaroni and cheese, and a Psychedelic Frog. It was an amazing meal. Pluckers isn't exactly good for you, but it is really delicious, and it beats any wings I have had on the east coast. If you visit Texas or Louisiana, you must visit Pluckers (http://www.pluckers.com). The variety of flavors for wings, as well as the delectable appetizers, sandwiches, and mixed drinks (my favorite being the Psychedelic Frog) make for an enjoyable meal, and the atmosphere makes it fun. The restaurant started as a freshman year business project at the University of Texas at Austin. Let's just say they got an A.
The rest of the weekend consisted of Jenny & Jason's engagement party (excited for them), the Irish Festival in Dallas (I've never seen so many people who look alike crowded into one area... I've also never seen a midget expertly dressed as a leprechaun - this guy hit the nail on the head), dinner at Texas Land & Cattle Steakhouse (another Texas dining favorite), a visit with Mom, brunch at the Original Pancake House (delicious pancakes... so much better than IHOP), Marc's flag football game, and my first visit to Hooters (still love Pluckers wings more). It was so good to see my family. I feel a lot better.
We played Rock Band at Jenny & Jason's party on Saturday, and I think I'm addicted. I've even created a new playlist on my iPod just for the songs on the game (click here for a list of songs). I couldn't help but feel some pride over being able to nail songs like the Red Hot Chili Peppers's Dani California and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs's Maps as I felt my rockstar tendencies satisfied for the first time. I would love to be a musician, make awesome music, and watch people react to it positively. I can't imagine how it feels for a band to perform live. I need to buy Rock Band and make friends who like to play it.
I also created some other new playlists on my iPod. I revisited my days in Dallas and downloaded a bunch of radio hits from the Edge (http://www.kdge.com) and sought out new music I saw featured in Spin Magazine (http://www.spin.com) and Starbucks (http://www.starbucks.com, http://www.hearmusic.com). The results of this search for new music were mixed, but I'll share some of my favorites:
Jack Johnson - Sleep Through The Static - The entire album is good. It still has the surfer feel that Jack Johnson always has, but the lyrics have a tone that is darker than anything else he has produced before.
Beans - Thorns - This is a rapper with heart, style, good beats, and music that makes you want to move your body but not necessarily dance like you're having sex. His rhymes are thoughtful, though sometimes hard to understand. My favorite tracks include No Thrills, Sudden Death Academics, and Razor Boss.
Bob Mould - District Line - The former Husker Du and Sugar frontman returns with a solo album with no screaming - just songs of high intensity. He sounds deeply emotional but not too mellow. Some of my favorites are Stupid Now, The Silence Between Us, and Very Temporary.
British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music? - This is a very chill-sounding album. I thought the album title kind of ironic, because this is not what I would characterize as rock music. My favorite song of the album: A Trip Out.
Drive-By Truckers - Brighter Than Creations Dark - Country crossed with alternative rock is not typically my thing, but this band has a unique, heartfelt sound. Listening to You and Your Crystal Meth broke my heart; That Man I Shot was another favorite.
Nada Surf - Lucky - Unremarkable overall, but more entertaining than previous music I've heard from them. Tracks worth trying: Weightless, I Like What You Say.
Vampire Weekend - Self-titled - This band has a quirky, energetic sound, but I did not feel compelled to buy much of their music. It just did not come together the way hit music does, and they did not sound especially talented. I did enjoy Oxford Comma.
Well, I suppose that is it for now. I know I had more things in mind when I started this post, but that was more than a day ago, and I've since forgotten them. Sorry. I should be posting something soon on my favorite lunch place ever, Flour Bakery & Cafe.
I guess I like to think I am that rara avis, and that you would not be able to get my viewpoint anywhere else. So I should write, because I have something unique to say. However, there are thousands, or millions, of other blogs out there, and I doubt those people would also be writing if they did not also feel they had something unique to say. So, if thousands or millions of other people also have something unique to say, well, then we are not very unique, are we? When I was younger, I wanted to write novels but was discouraged by the idea that I could not tell any stories that had not been told before. I suppose the difference in and point of writing that story now is quality - how well one writes, so that the story is better - or worse, depending on the authors, I guess.
Anyway, on to other things. I visited Texas last weekend (flew into Austin on Friday, drove to Dallas on Sunday, drove back to Austin on Monday, flew into Boston on Tuesday), and I left my heart there for safekeeping. It was a wonderful weekend (aside from one brief aberration), and I want to go back. Friday night, we went to Pluckers after the hockey game. I had fried pickles, Dr. Pepper wings, spicy barbecue wings, macaroni and cheese, and a Psychedelic Frog. It was an amazing meal. Pluckers isn't exactly good for you, but it is really delicious, and it beats any wings I have had on the east coast. If you visit Texas or Louisiana, you must visit Pluckers (http://www.pluckers.com). The variety of flavors for wings, as well as the delectable appetizers, sandwiches, and mixed drinks (my favorite being the Psychedelic Frog) make for an enjoyable meal, and the atmosphere makes it fun. The restaurant started as a freshman year business project at the University of Texas at Austin. Let's just say they got an A.
The rest of the weekend consisted of Jenny & Jason's engagement party (excited for them), the Irish Festival in Dallas (I've never seen so many people who look alike crowded into one area... I've also never seen a midget expertly dressed as a leprechaun - this guy hit the nail on the head), dinner at Texas Land & Cattle Steakhouse (another Texas dining favorite), a visit with Mom, brunch at the Original Pancake House (delicious pancakes... so much better than IHOP), Marc's flag football game, and my first visit to Hooters (still love Pluckers wings more). It was so good to see my family. I feel a lot better.
We played Rock Band at Jenny & Jason's party on Saturday, and I think I'm addicted. I've even created a new playlist on my iPod just for the songs on the game (click here for a list of songs). I couldn't help but feel some pride over being able to nail songs like the Red Hot Chili Peppers's Dani California and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs's Maps as I felt my rockstar tendencies satisfied for the first time. I would love to be a musician, make awesome music, and watch people react to it positively. I can't imagine how it feels for a band to perform live. I need to buy Rock Band and make friends who like to play it.
I also created some other new playlists on my iPod. I revisited my days in Dallas and downloaded a bunch of radio hits from the Edge (http://www.kdge.com) and sought out new music I saw featured in Spin Magazine (http://www.spin.com) and Starbucks (http://www.starbucks.com, http://www.hearmusic.com). The results of this search for new music were mixed, but I'll share some of my favorites:
Jack Johnson - Sleep Through The Static - The entire album is good. It still has the surfer feel that Jack Johnson always has, but the lyrics have a tone that is darker than anything else he has produced before.
Beans - Thorns - This is a rapper with heart, style, good beats, and music that makes you want to move your body but not necessarily dance like you're having sex. His rhymes are thoughtful, though sometimes hard to understand. My favorite tracks include No Thrills, Sudden Death Academics, and Razor Boss.
Bob Mould - District Line - The former Husker Du and Sugar frontman returns with a solo album with no screaming - just songs of high intensity. He sounds deeply emotional but not too mellow. Some of my favorites are Stupid Now, The Silence Between Us, and Very Temporary.
British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music? - This is a very chill-sounding album. I thought the album title kind of ironic, because this is not what I would characterize as rock music. My favorite song of the album: A Trip Out.
Drive-By Truckers - Brighter Than Creations Dark - Country crossed with alternative rock is not typically my thing, but this band has a unique, heartfelt sound. Listening to You and Your Crystal Meth broke my heart; That Man I Shot was another favorite.
Nada Surf - Lucky - Unremarkable overall, but more entertaining than previous music I've heard from them. Tracks worth trying: Weightless, I Like What You Say.
Vampire Weekend - Self-titled - This band has a quirky, energetic sound, but I did not feel compelled to buy much of their music. It just did not come together the way hit music does, and they did not sound especially talented. I did enjoy Oxford Comma.
Well, I suppose that is it for now. I know I had more things in mind when I started this post, but that was more than a day ago, and I've since forgotten them. Sorry. I should be posting something soon on my favorite lunch place ever, Flour Bakery & Cafe.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
How to kill a buzz, New England style.
I must be nutty.
I just ran out in a t-shirt and boxers (and nothing else) to save my car from being towed. There must be a foot of snow on the sidewalk from the road being plowed multiple times during the day. I fell in the snow (in a t-shirt and boxers and nothing else), then talked a cop out of towing my car.
The landlord is now shoveling the drive. Also, I somehow managed to get a big, nasty cut on my big toe and bleed all over the apartment.
The cat's going nuts over the blood. He followed me into the shower. I turned on warm water to defrost my legs and feet. That was when I noticed the blood.
The cat was like, "OH MY GOD, WATER, THIS IS WHY I HATE THIS ROOM!!"
I then went to go dig out my car so I could pull it into the driveway. My father, a Wisconsin native and a shoveling veteran, only had the following advice: "Wear shoes."
Thanks, Dad.
So I got the car shoveled out and moved and am now renewed in my faith that I, too, can be a New Englander. However, I do feel cheated out of the three beers I had earlier. Nothing kills a buzz like running in snow up to your bare knees, talking to a cop, having a bloody foot, and shoveling your car out of the snow.
I just ran out in a t-shirt and boxers (and nothing else) to save my car from being towed. There must be a foot of snow on the sidewalk from the road being plowed multiple times during the day. I fell in the snow (in a t-shirt and boxers and nothing else), then talked a cop out of towing my car.
The landlord is now shoveling the drive. Also, I somehow managed to get a big, nasty cut on my big toe and bleed all over the apartment.
The cat's going nuts over the blood. He followed me into the shower. I turned on warm water to defrost my legs and feet. That was when I noticed the blood.
The cat was like, "OH MY GOD, WATER, THIS IS WHY I HATE THIS ROOM!!"
I then went to go dig out my car so I could pull it into the driveway. My father, a Wisconsin native and a shoveling veteran, only had the following advice: "Wear shoes."
Thanks, Dad.
So I got the car shoveled out and moved and am now renewed in my faith that I, too, can be a New Englander. However, I do feel cheated out of the three beers I had earlier. Nothing kills a buzz like running in snow up to your bare knees, talking to a cop, having a bloody foot, and shoveling your car out of the snow.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Guess what!
Guess what!
I now have an oven that works and is clean!
This means brownies. Lots of brownies. I think this is what I'll be working on tonight. Brownies for work, brownies for Starbucks, brownies for same-day shipping back to Texas.
In other news:
-A weight has been lifted. I feel strange saying this... but thank you, Boston Police.
-A funny old man was handing out a story about a dog named Sex today on the T.
-I am going to Panera tonight. I love delicious bread.
-The new spring playlist really hits the spot. Maybe I'll post the whole thing... but it's a mix of 90s tunes I remember from being younger, plus a few particularly poignant ones from the last several years.
-The cat now likes to wake me up by nuzzling his face against my cheek. Now, I've always been a dog person, but this is undeniably cute. I never thought my roommate's cat would fall in love with me so completely. I think having an animal around again may have been just what I needed. I saw a golden retriever on the sidewalk today that looked like my old dog and felt like driving back to Texas right then and there.
I know it's likely that no one reading this cares about any of that. I'm just happy, and I needed to express it. I think people can hear it in my voice, because all of today's callers have been responding to me better than they have before.
I now have an oven that works and is clean!
This means brownies. Lots of brownies. I think this is what I'll be working on tonight. Brownies for work, brownies for Starbucks, brownies for same-day shipping back to Texas.
In other news:
-A weight has been lifted. I feel strange saying this... but thank you, Boston Police.
-A funny old man was handing out a story about a dog named Sex today on the T.
-I am going to Panera tonight. I love delicious bread.
-The new spring playlist really hits the spot. Maybe I'll post the whole thing... but it's a mix of 90s tunes I remember from being younger, plus a few particularly poignant ones from the last several years.
-The cat now likes to wake me up by nuzzling his face against my cheek. Now, I've always been a dog person, but this is undeniably cute. I never thought my roommate's cat would fall in love with me so completely. I think having an animal around again may have been just what I needed. I saw a golden retriever on the sidewalk today that looked like my old dog and felt like driving back to Texas right then and there.
I know it's likely that no one reading this cares about any of that. I'm just happy, and I needed to express it. I think people can hear it in my voice, because all of today's callers have been responding to me better than they have before.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Life on the D Line.
I got to Starbucks last night in 10 minutes... I got on the train at 6:16 PM. I arrived at Arlington, walked down the corridor (which by itself takes a couple of minutes), walked into my Starbucks, ordered a drink, made the drink, walked downstairs, and went into the back room... and only then, the clock displayed 6:29 PM. So the trip in itself had to have taken less than 10 minutes. That's amazing. When I lived on the B line, the commute took at least 30 minutes. I go a greater distance on the D line, and yet, I do it in about a third of the time. Amazing.
It's quiet. There are few or no students. It's mostly young professionals or professionals who have families. It comes on time. It's hardly ever overpacked.
I'm loving it.
It's quiet. There are few or no students. It's mostly young professionals or professionals who have families. It comes on time. It's hardly ever overpacked.
I'm loving it.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Green.
Tonight is my first night in the new place. It's also my first night sleeping on my new bed. Both are wonderful.
The room is green. Funny, it kind of matches the color of my car. I just realized that. Anyway, I was thinking I would paint it: either a deep, beautiful blue that reminds me of the ocean, or a bold red that reminds me of Red Delicious apples. I can't decide. I'm going to head over to Home Depot tomorrow and get some color cards.
Today was my first Sunday not working, and my first day not doing anything work or school-related, in forever. I hate working Sundays. Somehow, people are meaner when they come in on Sundays.
I'm making my spring playlist on iTunes for my iPod. I'm digging out all kinds of stuff from the depths of my music collection. Ben Folds Five (Whatever and Ever Amen) makes wonderful late winter/early spring music. I also threw in some Rilo Kiley and even a little Buffalo Springfield. We'll see what else I can find. It'll be nice now because I can put chill music on m iPod without needing to turn the volume all the way up because I live on the D line now, and it's so much quieter than the B line. Yuck. The B line.
I can't wait for green leaves and green grass and new life in general. I wish I could grow flowers outside my window. At least I'll be getting lots more sunlight in the morning now.
Anyway, I'm quite tired from moving today, and I've got a lot more to do tomorrow. Ciao!
The room is green. Funny, it kind of matches the color of my car. I just realized that. Anyway, I was thinking I would paint it: either a deep, beautiful blue that reminds me of the ocean, or a bold red that reminds me of Red Delicious apples. I can't decide. I'm going to head over to Home Depot tomorrow and get some color cards.
Today was my first Sunday not working, and my first day not doing anything work or school-related, in forever. I hate working Sundays. Somehow, people are meaner when they come in on Sundays.
I'm making my spring playlist on iTunes for my iPod. I'm digging out all kinds of stuff from the depths of my music collection. Ben Folds Five (Whatever and Ever Amen) makes wonderful late winter/early spring music. I also threw in some Rilo Kiley and even a little Buffalo Springfield. We'll see what else I can find. It'll be nice now because I can put chill music on m iPod without needing to turn the volume all the way up because I live on the D line now, and it's so much quieter than the B line. Yuck. The B line.
I can't wait for green leaves and green grass and new life in general. I wish I could grow flowers outside my window. At least I'll be getting lots more sunlight in the morning now.
Anyway, I'm quite tired from moving today, and I've got a lot more to do tomorrow. Ciao!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Moving.
When you're dreaming with a broken heart,
The waking up is the hardest part
You roll out of bed, and down onto your knees
And for a moment, you can hardly breathe
-John Mayer, Dreaming With a Broken Heart
It's after midnight. My roommate continues to play his bass downstairs. Before much longer, he will come upstairs, stomping on every step, and then walk down the hall singing at the top of his lungs. When he gets back to his room, he might watch TV loudly. Or have a loud conversation on his cell phone, which somehow has the same ring tones set for alarms and phone calls as mine. He'll do anything to avoid his dirty dishes. Things that are mine disappear into his room for days.
Thank God I'm moving out on Sunday. Safer, cleaner, nicer, quieter, with better roommates (who speak English!) and free laundry in the kitchen. Plus, I won't worry, now that I have a different address.
I need a vacation. Every day is a struggle here.
The waking up is the hardest part
You roll out of bed, and down onto your knees
And for a moment, you can hardly breathe
-John Mayer, Dreaming With a Broken Heart
It's after midnight. My roommate continues to play his bass downstairs. Before much longer, he will come upstairs, stomping on every step, and then walk down the hall singing at the top of his lungs. When he gets back to his room, he might watch TV loudly. Or have a loud conversation on his cell phone, which somehow has the same ring tones set for alarms and phone calls as mine. He'll do anything to avoid his dirty dishes. Things that are mine disappear into his room for days.
Thank God I'm moving out on Sunday. Safer, cleaner, nicer, quieter, with better roommates (who speak English!) and free laundry in the kitchen. Plus, I won't worry, now that I have a different address.
I need a vacation. Every day is a struggle here.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Perfect Sunday
My mind keeps going back to that perfect Sunday setup. The other day, I was thinking how my vision of it will change as I get older. Sometime in the next few years, when I walk to the corner store to get a paper, I will take a dog with me. He/she will keep me company as I read the paper and eat breakfast. Some time after that, there will be a husband who will wake up as I come back with the paper and the dog. Eventually, there may even be children, if I can be talked into that. Key word there is "eventually." I guess this is how I express what I want for my future. Just thinking about it in general, it is hard for me to specifically say what I do or do not want. In this day and age, the attitude seems to be that you can have it all.
The only problem is... I want so much.
The only problem is... I want so much.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Recapturing the glow.
I do not get much sleep. Maybe it is the air mattress... maybe it is all the crazy people or the violent crime... maybe it is the online sudoku... we may never know. Anyway, I have kind of gotten used to having that tired look. I recently started eating much more healthfully and had not noticed the absence of that tired look that I have had almost continuously for the last few years (I guess? I am not really sure when it started. I just know people were always telling me I looked tired for a long time). I knew that my face had changed in some way, but it was not significant enough for me to take the time to figure it out, and it was a positive change, so I assumed I was doing something right and should just keep doing whatever I was doing.
Anyway... I was working a shift at Starbucks one day after not getting much sleep. A woman came up to my register, and as usual, I started a conversation with her. At some point during this conversation, she paused and looked at me a little harder. Convinced I had broccoli in my teeth or a huge zit I hadn't noticed, I grinned a close-mouthed smile and nodded as if I were acknowledging her last comment. She then said, "You look really well-rested."
I do not think I have heard that... ever. At the first chance I got, I went to the bathroom and took a good, hard look at my face. Sure enough, there were no dark circles under my eyes, fewer lines on my face, and my skin had a good color to it - not too pale, but obviously not catching too much sun. I also just generally looked more alert. I am not getting more sleep, but I look seriously healthier. This new diet was intended to help me change my eating habits and be healthier, but I did not think there would be visible changes like these in my face. It never really occurred to me. My hair also looks and feels healthier and softer.
Then, Sunday, when I arrived for my shift at Starbucks, one of my coworkers remarked that I had a certain light in my face, that I looked really happy. I guess I have picked up a glow somewhere along the line. She asked what I had done that made me so happy, and I retraced my steps for the day... sleeping in... rising, pulling on a pair of jeans, and walking to the corner store to buy a Sunday Times... reading the paper while eating a healthy breakfast and sitting in front of a window looking out into a sunny day... very simple, but this was perfect for me. Sunday is my favorite day of the week in general, but I always end up working mornings, and this prevents me from doing that lazy Sunday morning stuff I love to do. Even just thinking about it now is setting my heart at ease.
Health and happiness are not just about diet and exercise, but figuring out what things you can do on a regular basis that make you happy. For me, it's the Sunday Times with a healthy breakfast, or reading a good book while listening to certain bands or artists... among many other things.
What makes you tick?
Anyway... I was working a shift at Starbucks one day after not getting much sleep. A woman came up to my register, and as usual, I started a conversation with her. At some point during this conversation, she paused and looked at me a little harder. Convinced I had broccoli in my teeth or a huge zit I hadn't noticed, I grinned a close-mouthed smile and nodded as if I were acknowledging her last comment. She then said, "You look really well-rested."
I do not think I have heard that... ever. At the first chance I got, I went to the bathroom and took a good, hard look at my face. Sure enough, there were no dark circles under my eyes, fewer lines on my face, and my skin had a good color to it - not too pale, but obviously not catching too much sun. I also just generally looked more alert. I am not getting more sleep, but I look seriously healthier. This new diet was intended to help me change my eating habits and be healthier, but I did not think there would be visible changes like these in my face. It never really occurred to me. My hair also looks and feels healthier and softer.
Then, Sunday, when I arrived for my shift at Starbucks, one of my coworkers remarked that I had a certain light in my face, that I looked really happy. I guess I have picked up a glow somewhere along the line. She asked what I had done that made me so happy, and I retraced my steps for the day... sleeping in... rising, pulling on a pair of jeans, and walking to the corner store to buy a Sunday Times... reading the paper while eating a healthy breakfast and sitting in front of a window looking out into a sunny day... very simple, but this was perfect for me. Sunday is my favorite day of the week in general, but I always end up working mornings, and this prevents me from doing that lazy Sunday morning stuff I love to do. Even just thinking about it now is setting my heart at ease.
Health and happiness are not just about diet and exercise, but figuring out what things you can do on a regular basis that make you happy. For me, it's the Sunday Times with a healthy breakfast, or reading a good book while listening to certain bands or artists... among many other things.
What makes you tick?
Friday, January 11, 2008
Fearless leaders don't cry at the prospect of losing a primary.
Now, two blogs in one day, crazy. Me revisiting my time in politics and commenting publicly on the primaries, crazier. Me doing this because I would legitimately consider voting for a candidate not in the Republican party this time around, craziest. In case you've been hiding in a nuclear shelter underground (understandable, given the obvious insanity of Kim Jong-Il; better safe than sorry), Republicans are not really Republicans anymore, Democrats are not really Democrats anymore, and the party lines have become quite hazy in the mass effort to win over the moderate voter.
Hillary Clinton (oh, excuse me, Hillary Rodham Clinton, she is her own woman, right?) cried during a conversation with a voter. The New York Times reports:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/10/us/politics/10clinton.html
Somehow, this is getting her voters. Women say that they are glad to see that she really is human. She feels, she has emotions, wonderful. Somehow, this is causing people to change their votes at the last second and vote for her. Absurd. Let us take a look at the Democratic primary situation.
1. Barack Obama is the junior senator from Illinois. He has not made much noise during his first term as a US Senator. He has received such valuable endorsements as Scarlett Johansson and Oprah. He won the Iowa Democratic primary.
2. Hillary Clinton is a two-term first lady in her second term as a US Senator for New York, where she is also the junior senator. She won the New Hampshire primary.
3. Hillary ran for the US Senate in a state where she had never lived and had absolutely no experience. Barack was elected to be an Illinois senator after he served for eight years as a state senator.
4. Both have law degrees from prestigious universities.
5. Hillary has the "first woman president" factor. Barack has the "first black president" factor. Can't we just have Oprah run and call it a day?
6. Hillary suffered public humiliation on the national stage when it was revealed that her husband (oh, you know, the president) was cheating on her with an intern. This was but one of many affairs. She did not divorce him.
7. Barack's wife talks about his smelly feet to the media.
8. In 1992, Hillary was campaigning with Bill and celebrating his first presidential win. In 1992, Barack was getting married.
9. Polls show that people view Hillary more favorably when she is referred to as Hillary Rodham Clinton, as opposed to Hillary Clinton. Polls also show that young people are fond of the phrase, "Barack the Vote!" And who said puns were going out of style?
Hillary has much more national face-time than Barack does. Like, 12 years more - first as a first lady, then as a senator. She has four published books. Her husband is only one of the greatest politicians of all time (he was able to come back from a "You stuck cigars WHERE?" scandal involving an overweight intern to be one of the most favorably viewed past-presidents ever). How is she not sending Barack home crying to his mother? Shouldn't this tell voters something? She cannot be trusted - she USED New York and the coattails of her husband to jumpstart her own political career. Sure, she cries, she has feelings, but she cried at the prospect of losing. She failed to put her cheating husband in his place. Barack has less political experience, but this man has to be some sort of political genius when you see how far he's come in such a short amount of time with no coattails for riding.
If I want a candidate to seem more human, Barack's campaign has done a much better job of satisfying that voter desire. The warm pictures of him with his loving family do the trick and do not detract from his apparent strength and resolve. Hillary continues to embrace a man who seems to be addicted to cheating on her and has her awkward adult daughter and mother campaign with her, only to have her daughter refuse an interview from a grade school reporter. Coming from someone who represented a state she had had residence in only to run for the US Senate, these tears mean nothing to me. She will always be less than genuine in my eyes. How long did she rehearse crying?
P.S. Just one quick note about the Republican primaries: Mike Huckabee won Iowa... after getting Chuck Norris's endorsement. To be honest, I had thought to myself some time ago that any smart candidate would get Chuck Norris on his side, but I figured Chuck was above that. I guess not, but it turns out I was right - he is a great ally to have in your corner.
Hillary Clinton (oh, excuse me, Hillary Rodham Clinton, she is her own woman, right?) cried during a conversation with a voter. The New York Times reports:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/10/us/politics/10clinton.html
Somehow, this is getting her voters. Women say that they are glad to see that she really is human. She feels, she has emotions, wonderful. Somehow, this is causing people to change their votes at the last second and vote for her. Absurd. Let us take a look at the Democratic primary situation.
1. Barack Obama is the junior senator from Illinois. He has not made much noise during his first term as a US Senator. He has received such valuable endorsements as Scarlett Johansson and Oprah. He won the Iowa Democratic primary.
2. Hillary Clinton is a two-term first lady in her second term as a US Senator for New York, where she is also the junior senator. She won the New Hampshire primary.
3. Hillary ran for the US Senate in a state where she had never lived and had absolutely no experience. Barack was elected to be an Illinois senator after he served for eight years as a state senator.
4. Both have law degrees from prestigious universities.
5. Hillary has the "first woman president" factor. Barack has the "first black president" factor. Can't we just have Oprah run and call it a day?
6. Hillary suffered public humiliation on the national stage when it was revealed that her husband (oh, you know, the president) was cheating on her with an intern. This was but one of many affairs. She did not divorce him.
7. Barack's wife talks about his smelly feet to the media.
8. In 1992, Hillary was campaigning with Bill and celebrating his first presidential win. In 1992, Barack was getting married.
9. Polls show that people view Hillary more favorably when she is referred to as Hillary Rodham Clinton, as opposed to Hillary Clinton. Polls also show that young people are fond of the phrase, "Barack the Vote!" And who said puns were going out of style?
Hillary has much more national face-time than Barack does. Like, 12 years more - first as a first lady, then as a senator. She has four published books. Her husband is only one of the greatest politicians of all time (he was able to come back from a "You stuck cigars WHERE?" scandal involving an overweight intern to be one of the most favorably viewed past-presidents ever). How is she not sending Barack home crying to his mother? Shouldn't this tell voters something? She cannot be trusted - she USED New York and the coattails of her husband to jumpstart her own political career. Sure, she cries, she has feelings, but she cried at the prospect of losing. She failed to put her cheating husband in his place. Barack has less political experience, but this man has to be some sort of political genius when you see how far he's come in such a short amount of time with no coattails for riding.
If I want a candidate to seem more human, Barack's campaign has done a much better job of satisfying that voter desire. The warm pictures of him with his loving family do the trick and do not detract from his apparent strength and resolve. Hillary continues to embrace a man who seems to be addicted to cheating on her and has her awkward adult daughter and mother campaign with her, only to have her daughter refuse an interview from a grade school reporter. Coming from someone who represented a state she had had residence in only to run for the US Senate, these tears mean nothing to me. She will always be less than genuine in my eyes. How long did she rehearse crying?
P.S. Just one quick note about the Republican primaries: Mike Huckabee won Iowa... after getting Chuck Norris's endorsement. To be honest, I had thought to myself some time ago that any smart candidate would get Chuck Norris on his side, but I figured Chuck was above that. I guess not, but it turns out I was right - he is a great ally to have in your corner.
Big changes and lessons learned.
It is only January 11th, and I am already tired of the phrase, "New Year, New You." Honestly, I am a bit of a different person every single day. Hopefully, I am going in the direction I intend with these changes. Working for Starbucks has helped me learn to adapt to change much more smoothly than before. Change is inevitable, but only you can choose how you will react to it.
Moving on.
Lessons learned:
If it makes you smile, it's nearly as healthy as a vegetable. Unless it's a cigarette... then it's just a cancer stick. Strive to genuinely smile as often as possible.
I love to make people laugh. I should never turn my back on my sense of humor, for any reason. It has the ability to pull me through tough situations.
Be more vocal when you see something going wrong. Be more vocal when you see something going right. Realize that we are all in this together.
The difficulty of being 20-something years old is very much understated by the general population. 20-somethings are all at once being expected to make huge decisions, while ultimately finding a mate, setting the course for life, and establishing themselves in society... all while we are young and have less experience from which we can draw wisdom than those older than us.
Alcohol can be extremely destructive, and consumption of it is something one should limit.
Some have it harder than others... but everyone will have a difficult time at some point. What doesn't kill you should make you stronger. Learn from your experiences.
It is so important to be supportive of the people around you.
There is not nearly enough reading going on.
I am not yet ready to discuss the biggest change of the next few months of my life, so I won't... but there are plenty of other changes occurring.
I have worked hard to incorporate healthier eating habits into my life... eating high-fiber cereal, reading nutrition labels more for the nutritional value and not for the calories, eating lots and lots of fruits and vegetables fresh and raw, limiting myself to drinking water, coffee, or things with nutritional value (tea, milk, orange juice), eating smaller portions but eating every few hours... Really, it's hard work, especially with as much as I'm out of the house.
I am going full steam ahead with my position at Starbucks. I am trying to leave a mark on the store where I work now by being a positive and proactive partner. I will soon be completing extra learning sessions so that I will be able to take more leadership on the floor as a knowledgeable partner. I am also working hard to recognize the strengths of other stores where I have worked and to cultivate those same qualities in this store.
I am working on setting boundaries with people and standing up for standards and values I hold to myself.
Life is too short to have any idle moments. So... I carry a book with me all the time, and when I'm not doing something of value (ie, just idly riding the subway), I read. I'm trying to read a new book each week. I am happier when I have been reading. So far...
Week 1: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Week 2: LOTR: The Two Towers
Week 3: LOTR: The Return of the King
How dorky! But now I wish I had the extended editions of the movies. Seriously, though, if you enjoyed the movies, you should read the books.
I think that's enough for now. I hope all of your New Year's resolutions are going well.
PS - to make you laugh:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_hMnT44Etk
I'M OLD GREG!
Moving on.
Lessons learned:
If it makes you smile, it's nearly as healthy as a vegetable. Unless it's a cigarette... then it's just a cancer stick. Strive to genuinely smile as often as possible.
I love to make people laugh. I should never turn my back on my sense of humor, for any reason. It has the ability to pull me through tough situations.
Be more vocal when you see something going wrong. Be more vocal when you see something going right. Realize that we are all in this together.
The difficulty of being 20-something years old is very much understated by the general population. 20-somethings are all at once being expected to make huge decisions, while ultimately finding a mate, setting the course for life, and establishing themselves in society... all while we are young and have less experience from which we can draw wisdom than those older than us.
Alcohol can be extremely destructive, and consumption of it is something one should limit.
Some have it harder than others... but everyone will have a difficult time at some point. What doesn't kill you should make you stronger. Learn from your experiences.
It is so important to be supportive of the people around you.
There is not nearly enough reading going on.
I am not yet ready to discuss the biggest change of the next few months of my life, so I won't... but there are plenty of other changes occurring.
I have worked hard to incorporate healthier eating habits into my life... eating high-fiber cereal, reading nutrition labels more for the nutritional value and not for the calories, eating lots and lots of fruits and vegetables fresh and raw, limiting myself to drinking water, coffee, or things with nutritional value (tea, milk, orange juice), eating smaller portions but eating every few hours... Really, it's hard work, especially with as much as I'm out of the house.
I am going full steam ahead with my position at Starbucks. I am trying to leave a mark on the store where I work now by being a positive and proactive partner. I will soon be completing extra learning sessions so that I will be able to take more leadership on the floor as a knowledgeable partner. I am also working hard to recognize the strengths of other stores where I have worked and to cultivate those same qualities in this store.
I am working on setting boundaries with people and standing up for standards and values I hold to myself.
Life is too short to have any idle moments. So... I carry a book with me all the time, and when I'm not doing something of value (ie, just idly riding the subway), I read. I'm trying to read a new book each week. I am happier when I have been reading. So far...
Week 1: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Week 2: LOTR: The Two Towers
Week 3: LOTR: The Return of the King
How dorky! But now I wish I had the extended editions of the movies. Seriously, though, if you enjoyed the movies, you should read the books.
I think that's enough for now. I hope all of your New Year's resolutions are going well.
PS - to make you laugh:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_hMnT44Etk
I'M OLD GREG!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year!
I would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy 2008! The coming year promises to be a big one, with the presidential election occurring in November. It should also be a big year for me personally.
What would a New Year's post be without resolutions? So, without further ado...
1. Maintain a more normal sleep schedule (check out the time stamp on this post).
2. Exercise 3-4 times a week. 2a) Figure out a plan for going to the gym. 2b) Choose a gym.
3. Work to eat a healthier diet.
4. Aim for a better job so I can work fewer hours.
5. Stick money into my savings account from EVERY paycheck.
6. Have a book completed and ready for submission to publishers.
7. Read a book every week.
8. Work on learning Arabic.
I've already made a significant amount of progress on most of these (all but the first one and the fourth one), so it's good to have the ball rolling. Hopefully, having a head start will help me keep them.
What would a New Year's post be without resolutions? So, without further ado...
1. Maintain a more normal sleep schedule (check out the time stamp on this post).
2. Exercise 3-4 times a week. 2a) Figure out a plan for going to the gym. 2b) Choose a gym.
3. Work to eat a healthier diet.
4. Aim for a better job so I can work fewer hours.
5. Stick money into my savings account from EVERY paycheck.
6. Have a book completed and ready for submission to publishers.
7. Read a book every week.
8. Work on learning Arabic.
I've already made a significant amount of progress on most of these (all but the first one and the fourth one), so it's good to have the ball rolling. Hopefully, having a head start will help me keep them.
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