It may be April for another month or so

I would like to post a new masthead in a few days for May but something tells me this isn't going to happen. I'm still in NYC and the last thing on my mind has been spending time in Photoshop. I had a simple idea for a masthead, too. Maybe Alexander McCall Smith. Scottish kilts. Cups of tea... I know AMS always puts me in a good mood. My second idea was a NYC themed masthead. If this doesn't happen I apologize in advance for being a fickle blogger. If someone wants to design a masthead for me... feel free. I will credit you and love you forever.

Today in the city...

I used a public restroom (that is a single room) and discovered the lock was broken. Not knowing what to do, I shrugged my shoulders and used the bathroom anyway. I felt very brave considering I'm in NYC and when in public can't seem to stop thinking about dirt and germs and all the negative toxins I am breathing into my body...

I was mistaken for a Swedish person but discovered this made me happy. I regretted having to explain, "No, I'm not from Sweden..."

I used the Subway on my own and I didn't get lost or end up back home in Michigan. I consider this a small victory.

I overheard a rather amusing conversation between two girls in Central Park. Here is the conversation:

Girl #1: I'm not going to think about it. Thinking about it just drives me crazy.

Girl #2: I know! Don't think about it!

Girl #1: I know, I shouldn't think about it. (Pause) I'm still thinking about it! UGH!

I was reminded of the website, Overheard in New York.

Also, I've taken a ridiculous amount of photos thus far and am in the process of uploading them onto flickr. Here is the start.

I am really enjoying NYC.

Product names

Product names often amuse or interest me. Right now I'm a fan of Herbals Essences Long Term Relationship. I have long hair, so maybe this is the shampoo for me (even if long term relationships don't seem to be for me). Click on the Collections tab in order to view other great names.

One way or another

When I am melancholy, or weary, or simply stressed I find myself escaping to the coffee shop I work at. Under normal circumstances I would not recommend turning one’s workplace into a kind of sanctuary. I’ve worked plenty of other jobs by now to know the workplace is often the center of stress, the place where one considers jumping off a cliff, rather than a place of happiness… But the coffee shop I work at is in fact unique. My pet name for the shop is Rachel Café, or House of Rachel and this name is highly suitable, I find. I know the life stories of my workers right down to their mannerisms and accents and I also have an attachment to the customers who visit… It is a bit like the Cheers theme song “Where Everybody Knows Your Name,” but not completely, of course. We do serve coffee, after all, not beer.

I also find the job thrilling because I work with incredibly interesting people. We have a field herper on staff and a former librarian from Albania and a boy who rocks out for Jesus on his guitar. Our customers are just as eccentric and lovable. Many will play trivia with me before I give them their drink, or will ask, “How are you?” with genuine concern each day.

And the truth is, I will go far to make customers love the café as much as I do. Last night I gave a customer an extra teabag (no charge) “for later” because I knew he needed it (who doesn’t need Earl Grey?). If someone isn’t satisfied with their drink, I will make them anything on the menu with specific customizations until that person is delighted. Of course, if someone is rude my attitude changes swiftly and I tell them, “You need to leave. Your negativity is ruining my positive energy. Take your sorry self to Starbucks.” Actually, I haven’t used these words yet… I am saving them for the day I stop caring about customer service or keeping my job.

Last week my coworker brought in a mix CD for us to listen to and suddenly a Blondie song came on. K informed me, “I put on this song just for you.” You see, “Blondie” has become a nickname my coworkers call me. And no, I don’t mind being called it. I have blond hair, I get it. This is the song she selected:



Perhaps this will sound childish to some of you but here was someone who had put a song on a mix CD in my honor. I felt touched; I knew that song will always be associated with this specific memory and I didn’t really know how to respond, except to sing along to the lyrics and dance.

And yes, sometimes dancing at work is necessary.

High heels from Saturday night

This past weekend I found myself getting all gussied up for two parties I was invited to. If a girl is invited to two parties in one night then she must make a show of it, I reasoned. When I found a pair of black heels in my closet I knew they were perfect for completing my look. Even if my true instincts told me, “Rachel, your feet are not going to thank you later.” Because, to be honest, my feet prefer comfort and wearing high heels can be quite torturous. I put on the heels despite this and carried on. The evening was going rather smoothly… until my friend and I left for the second party, which required a 10 minute walk/jog in the rain…

“I hate wearing heels,” I whined.

“Yeah but you gotta have the heels,” he replied in all seriousness.

At that point I considered taking off my heels and chucking them at him in response to his outrageous statement. You gotta have the heels? Hello? What kind of gal does he think I am? But then I remembered I was the one who selected heels in the first place and so sometimes one must grin and bear it... and wear flats in the future.

Nevada Barr

It should be no secret I look up to and idolize authors. When I worked at a bookstore I had the chance to meet countless authors personally. (I also had the chance to brew their coffee…) Most of these authors had penned books no one had heard of, books that simply rested on some obscure bookshelf and would never achieve high readership. Once a local author appeared and after we put out thirty chairs we noticed only two customers arrived to sit in them. I was horrified by the scene and acted fast- making sure us booksellers filled a few more of the chairs. After all, what could be more horrifying than showing up for a book signing only to discover no one was interested in your masterpiece?

Yesterday I attended a book signing by mystery writer, Nevada Barr. The event was packed. She has a strong fan base and the fact she just penned a novel set in Michigan’s Isle Royale National National Park and was giving her talk in Michigan only added to the excitement.

Here is where I should casually mention the fact I’ve never read a single Nevada Barr novel… But my older sister is a huge fan and I’ve been hearing about her stories for years now.

So, what is Nevada Barr like in person?

She is tiny. She is adorable. And she has a fantastic personality. She knows how to work a crowd and loves to mix in humor with her stories. I was amazed and slightly jealous to be honest. Here was a woman who could be talented, charming and funny all at once! Also, in the past she has worked in several fields, from acting to law enforcement to being an actual park ranger. And not only does she pen bestselling novels, she is also a painter. And did I mention she has a beautiful smile? So yes, Nevada Barr is charming and I look forward to reading her mysteries.

My photos from the event are up on flickr.

Later this month (on April 19 to be exact) I meet AMS... MUST FIND A WAY TO CONTROL MY EXCITEMENT. I should also settle on what my one question for AMS will be. Something tells me, "Will you marry me?" won't work.

George Clooney for Nespresso

Petit Anglaise posted a link to this Nespresso commercial featuring George Clooney yesterday and since then I have gone on to watch all the Nespresso commercials featuring Clooney on YouTube.



They are extremely clever and I can identify with the commercials on so many levels. Sometimes coffee comes first, men second, and I'm not sure what comes third. Air, maybe?

Link list

I have a growing number of coffee related links and it is high time I post them rather than collect them for my eyes only. Here are a few:

Barista Brat. Another coffee barista is out there keeping a blog on her adventures in the coffee shop. I hope she updates more than I do. :)

How to Choose Your Coffee Barista. Interesting article, although I disagree with a few points but generally the information is quite good.

The Barmaid Blog. The blog of a barmaid living in Manhattan. Yes, I realize this isn't coffee related but I often feel like bartenders and baristas must deal with some of the same situations (not all, but a few).

Save the World with Tea. A beautiful tea blog.

Starbucks Gossip. This blog gives the insider scoop on the coffee giant, Starbucks.

Coffee vs. Tea, which analyzes the benefits and risks of both beverages. Here is another link that weighs in on the battle. Also, Coffee vs. Tea for Weight Loss. I happen to drink tea and skim lattes... of course, my skim lattes often have a flavor shot included and so I am far from perfect.

Vancouver Coffee. All kinds of coffee related information.