June at long last

Once upon a time this was a blog that was updated on a fairly regular basis. I’m afraid it has now turned into a neglected blog. And what have I been doing instead of writing here?

I am still in the process of looking for a new job, what I call a Real Job. I realize there are people in this world who make their living as a coffee barista but I am not one of them. I can’t afford it. So, the job search is on and will probably end up lasting the entire summer. The remainder of my life has been occupied with work, spending time with friends and Skype conversations. A friend of mine has introduced Grey’s Anatomy into my life and so I’ve also become a recent addict to the show.

My longtime friend, Steve B, will be back on US soil this June and this fact is making me very happy. He has been in Iraq for the past year working in an army hospital. I am working on convincing him to take a trip to Michigan… Well, that is it in terms of news here. I hope those of you who still tune into this blog are doing well. Enjoy the summer!

6 Random Things About Me

Srah just completed this meme and so I thought I would give it a go...

1. I tend to freak out when someone enters my apartment but refuses to remove their shoes and ends up WALKING ON THE CARPET. WITH SHOES ON, NO LESS! This drives me quite mad and I try my best to hold it together. I take a deep breathe, imagine a happy place (Southern France usually works) and then I prance on the person and end up throwing their shoes out the window. I live a few floors up, so the fall is quite dramatic. This usually reinforces my stance on the No Shoes on Carpet Rule.

2. I can’t snap my fingers. I just can’t, I don’t know why.

3. Once I have a new favorite album I tend to play it over and over again on repeat. Often I narrow this down to the favorite song(s) on that favorite album, so I will end up only listening to track 5 a few thousand times before I move on.

4. I agreed to attend a friend’s graduation ceremony that takes place this Saturday, starting at 9 AM. I said, “Yes,” and then thought, “No. I can’t. Please don’t make me get up that early on a Saturday.” But I kept my mouth shut because this is part of being a friend and maybe I can still find a way to get out of it...

5. One of my favorite stores to go to is Whole Foods and while in NYC this past April I discovered the Whole Foods at Columbus Circle is even cooler than my Whole Foods at home. I am not a person who goes around bashing Michigan, or who likes to the use the line, “New York is better,” but in this one area there is superiority. I’m sorry if this offends some of you but have you compared the two Whole Foods lately? I thought not.

6. At my apartment we happen to have the worst magazine selection of all time on our coffee table. My roommate signed up for Cosmo Girl, Good Housekeeping, Redbook and Glamour (all for an art project) and we also receive Martha Stewart Living (which I used to read/love). With this many magazines arriving each month, things can get cluttered fast.

What is practical

I am finding the search for a Real Job to be a challenge. When I sit at my laptop and begin analyzing my resume or searching for potential jobs online I suddenly lose inertia in the process. The trouble might have something to do with the fact I don’t want a serious job at the moment. Actually, not working at all sounds ideal. And if I am forced into working can’t the task be exciting or glamorous at the very least? Is that too much to ask for?

A month ago I received an unexpected letter from National Geographic. I was terribly excited while opening it because I let my imagination rush ahead of me. “They probably want me to go on assignment and are writing to tell me to pack my bags… I must remember to bring a Passport, sunscreen, chewing gum for flying…” Once the letter was opened I discovered they were merely asking for a magazine subscription. I tossed the letter into the wastebasket, thinking, “Fine! Send someone else to cover the situation in Myanmar! See if I care!”

I have a friend who recently graduated and had the chance to go on an archaeological dig this summer but turned it down for a pointless, well-paying job instead (the job also allows her to stay in Michigan). Her so-called practical decision is haunting her and she has taken to calling herself a, “sell out.” I imagine not being able to play in the dirt all summer must be painful. It may even become more painful if they discover the next Kennewick Man or a fossilized insect and she won’t be there to witness it because a memo needs to be delivered ASAP.

There is also the added pressure of finding a Real Job because I happen to live a life that requires the transfer of US dollars, often on a daily basis. Working at a coffee shop is not enough to survive on, even if I feel great loyalty to my café and would probably work there for the rest of my life if it were in fact practical.

My beating heart

This past Sunday my family put together a party in order to celebrate my graduation. After the party ended a few of my siblings came over to my apartment in order to fix my wireless Internet problems. Theresa worked at it for hours, while I served tea and made small talk. She wasn’t able to fix the problem after hours of work and explained she would need to leave for now. My sister had just devoted her entire weekend to planning and putting together a party in my honor and she appeared exhausted, so I decided she had clearly earned the right to leave.

Me: “Okay, don’t worry about it… I’m sure we can get to it later. Thank you for trying so hard. I guess I can live without Internet for a second or two…”

My brother, Alex, jumped in just then.

Alex: “Are you sure it is okay? I thought you said earlier that it was causing you heart attacks. That sounds serious.”

Me: “Oh, well, it was causing me heart attacks… but I guess I can get by…”

Alex: “Are you sure? I mean, even one heart attack sounds serious. But you said you had several.”

Me: “Yes, I know… but maybe I exaggerated a little bit…”

Alex ended up staying after Theresa left and worked on the problem for another few hours. He wasn’t able to fix it but I appreciated the effort. I left my apartment to run up to the store and when I returned my new roommate, H, had a message for me. Apparently she had taken over while I was away and had devoted her night to tackling the problem. My new roommate was a stranger when she moved in but she is clearly on the right track to winning my heart.

As I sit in my apartment now I can’t help but feel quite lucky. I don’t have reliable Internet here, not yet, but I have so many people in my life that will go out of their way to help me. This is no small thing. I am fortunate. And even if reliable Internet never reaches me, I'll still have people around me who will step in and care.

Apartment listings

I've been reading through all kinds of apartment listings as of late. Many are dull or in some cases questionable. I know a listing for "Room for Rant" caught my eye and I considered emailing the individual with the proper English corrections. But then I stopped because I refuse to turn into that kind of person. The type who is offended by poor grammar and feels the need to preserve the language. No, I refuse to become a William Safire. So "Room for Rant" is fine. Besides, the "rant" part gives the listing a certain amount of flair, don't you think?

One of the more interesting listings I've found is shown below.

Who I'm looking for:

Sweet, down-to-earth, cultured people who are kind and considerate, would appreciate the artistic, family vibe of our building, and be able to return all the good Karma that's floating around the place. Seeing as two out of three of us are musicians, making noise is not a problem. The building is couple-friendly, foreigner-friendly, pet-friendly and queer-friendly. Basically just friendly period.

After I read this I wanted to scream, "That's me!" But then I stopped myself because the room is going for $1000 a week. Apparently living a Bohemian lifestyle does not come cheap these days. Not in Manhattan, at least.

My second favorite listing I came across was written in the form of a poem. The poem was organized into exact stanzas and made use of clever rhyme. Except, there wasn't a great deal of information concerning the actual apartment. I mean, it was clear the apartment was in Chelsea and the landlord had a knack for poetry but that was about it. I passed up the offer but made a mental note that poetry might be useful for apartment listings, if done right. Here is how I would list my current apartment:

You, in your own room, imagine it
We have cable TV and wireless Internet
At 955 total square feet you can't go wrong
And the rent is cheap, so there is no need to frown

I wonder if a haiku would be more effective?

Because Michigan is sometimes boring

It hasn’t been easy transitioning from a life of college classes followed by a week in New York City and then back to normalcy in Michigan. The fact I finished college is a good thing, don’t get me wrong. I imagine my parents will be able to rest easier at night knowing their daughter won’t be in college until the end of time. And, I must admit, life might be easier without exams, or papers to consider. I don’t have my life plans mapped out at the moment, so please don’t ask, but I imagine this will become clearer with time.

I have been keeping an eye on possible apartment openings in Manhattan. Please note: I am not looking to permanently move there. However, a summer in the city might be what I need. Already I had plans to visit my sister again over the summer but then I thought, “Why not just stay for a month? Or why not make it two or three?” At that point it would be easier to have a room of my own. And so, the search is on. I would love to live in Chelsea or Soho but will settle for other locals as long as I’m in Manhattan. And in the meantime I would sublet my room in my Michigan apartment. I would also work a summer job in the city, just to make sure I have enough money to pay my bills.

Of course, everything is still very much so up in the air and I may just be suffering from The Grass is Always Greener Syndrome. Is there a cure for those experiencing this? I think not.

New York City, I miss you.

Trip recap

I had a fantastic time in NYC. I stayed for a total of seven days and was hosted by my lovely sister, Sara, who lives in the city. She abandoned me for four of the seven days but this ended up adding to the excitement for I had to explore the city as a solo traveler. And, for the record, solo travel can be quite fun. I recommend it. As a solo traveler you rely more on your wits and have to actually pay closer attention. You set your own schedule and can take more time to stop and smell the roses, if that kind of thing suits your fancy, that is.

This does not mean traveling with Sara was a burden. Oh no, I love my sister very much and it is refreshing having a “guide” on hand who knows all the secrets of the city. When I traveled with Sara I didn’t have to worry about Subway routes, or where we were actually going. I could just follow along blindly. Also, Sara is the kind of guide who is flexible and asks for suggestions so at any time I could interrupt our travels and suggest a new location. We had a terrific time in the city together and already I miss her.

While in NYC I also had the pleasure of meeting an old classmate named Virginia. We go back to the days of Catholic school at St. Philip and it was refreshing seeing an old face from my childhood. Virginia is a science writer living in NYC and has wonderful taste in shoes. She also maintains a hip science blog, which you can read by clicking here.

“What were your favorite spots in the city?” is the most asked question since my return. My favorites include: Brooklyn, Soho, Chelsea and Central Park (even though everyone picks Central Park as a favorite). I documented my travels extensively in photos but by the end of the trip I had to put away the camera. At that point I focused more on living in the moment, rather than simply photographing each moment. Balance is healthy.

Conversation over lunch, after returning from my week in NYC

Friend: Rachel, you look different...

The friend leans in to examine my face more closely.

Friend: Your hair is looking darker... That's it!

Me: Oh, really? Well, it is probably just because New York is a dirty city.

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.

April a little early

Please forgive the fact I'm posting an April banner on March 31 rather than April 1. I just can't wait, people. Also, I realize this banner may scream EASTER BUNNIES to some of you but please realize April is the month of Spring and bunnies are always a good thing. Even if you are someone who was scared by them after seeing a certain bunny in Monty Python and the Holy Grail as a small child..

Today I woke up the sound of my cell phone. It was an urgent call from a coworker that our night manager's birthday is today. I looked at the clock, noting I had one hour to pull something together (especially since I wasn't scheduled today and I had made other plans). I found a card, purchased gourmet chocolate and arrived at work in record time. Our night manager was thrilled I knew it was her birthday and had made an effort to celebrate it in some way.

"How did you know? How did you know?" she continued to ask me. After all, she hadn't told anyone in advance. I just smiled. "Oh, I know these things," I replied. I imagine this must be one advantage to being a psychic.

Taste and smell

How can one put into words taste? Or smell for that matter? Scents and Sensibility by John Lanchester tackles this matter right on.

In a coffee shop I often use the following descriptions when dealing with customers:

"It has a bold flavor."

"It is a light roast with a touch of hazelnut."

"Decaf? Well, it has a dash of disgusting followed by an aftertaste that will make you want to immediately scrub out your mouth... but with almost no caffeine content, who can say no?"

I once worked with a barista who was very creative with his descriptions. If someone asked about a particular coffee, he would have five minutes worth of speech to share. He would also make it a point to discuss the origins of the coffee bean. "This blend is a combination of Costa Rican and Sumatran beans..." Such details were interesting to include, except the majority of our customer base had no idea as to the differences and usually just wanted something to keep them awake.

One day I decided to actually listen in to the information this barista was sharing with customers. Within minutes I was surprised to discover he was making it up! Often on the spot. Some details were correct but the majority of his speech was a jumble of misinformation. Customers did not suspect a thing and he spoke with great authority and eloquence, so who would think to question him? This discovery amused me. Many customers had come to view him as an expert on coffee and he himself took great pride in this persona. I stayed silent on my discovery, for their would be no good in exposing his lies tactics and after all, at least he sounded correct.

NY in the spring, what a wonderful thing

At the end of April I will be celebrating my birthday but more importantly, I’ll be taking a mini-trip to NY to spend time with my dear sister, S. I’ve been eyeing travel guides and am amazed at how much is packed into each section of the city. I’ve done many of the standard tourist spots in NY in the past (Statue of Liberty, Times Square, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, etc.) and so I would love to see the city as an insider. Of course, if I end up spending all my time taking trips to Starbucks or Whole Foods I shouldn’t be surprised... Last July when I went on a trip with my sisters and Mom we ended up spending more than half of our time in Miami Beach at this location:



We had plans to drive from Miami Beach down to the Everglades but we needed to find a hotel room. So, out came everyone’s laptops and the searches began. I hadn’t brought my laptop (which is probably for the better) and so I entertained myself. By the way, this Starbucks happens to have terrible seating. But the baristas were kind and luckily, the arrangements were made and we were able to continue on.

While traveling I’ve often found the familiar is a comfort. Of course, one should try to find balance. Meaning, take in the sights and places you can’t find at home.

I am also reading Girl's Guide to City Life New York for travel ideas.

Monarch of the Glen

If you lived with me for any period of time one of the many things you would discover is my love for BBC shows. The library has just about every BBC show known to humankind, which is why my free time has been devoted to Monarch of the Glen. The show takes place in the Scottish Highlands (the region of Badenoch and Strathspey to be exact) and tells the story of a ridiculously wealthy family who lives on a large estate complete with castle. The son, Archie MacDonald, who has always been at odds with his family has recently inherited his families estate. Except he discovers the family home is in dire financial trouble...

Of course, I can relate to this show on so many levels. My family home may not have a glen but we do have a pond... and my parents somehow manage to continue taking cruises to Alaska but can't simply purchase their own boat in order to cruise at their own leisure, which is an obvious indicator of real financial trouble. My guess is I'll be expected to step in one day and smooth out the family troubles. I know I have other siblings but I am the most reliable when it comes to picking up the phone or returning missed calls and this will probably be the determining factor.

Also, I recommend visiting this website which takes one through Monarch of the Glen Country.

Gypsy Dances from Rajasthan to the Nile

Last night I saw Leila Haddad perform in Gypsy Dances from Rajasthan to the Nile. I found a video on YouTube which was taken from a New York performance of this same show:



I enjoyed the show quite a bit. In the middle of the performance I was wondering if I missed my calling in life* and should have become a professional belly dancer. I was enrolled in ballet classes as a child but gave it up after my teacher, Flower, retired. Perhaps if I had stayed with it I would have moved on to other forms of dance... perhaps I would have studied among the gypsies and have traveled from village to village learning new dance techniques, as Leila Haddad did...

My roommate attended a Wedding in Turkey last summer and a male belly dancer performed for the occasion. She said he was amazing. I hadn't heard of male belly dancers before but apparently they exist and are just as skilled as female belly dancers.


* I'm always having these thoughts. My "true calling in life" could really be anything, depending on the day of the week or my current mood.

A quick check

After writing about yesterday's dream I was curious as to if Starbucks really has made it to Gaylord, MI (a place I spent way too much time in during my childhood). I did a quick Google search and apparently they have. I guess this isn't a big surprise but sometimes you never know. There are cities where Starbucks hasn't reached yet. Ypsilanti, MI is one, while in so-called liberal Ann Arbor the franchise coffee shop is everywhere.

The dream

In last night's dream I traveled to our old family chalet up north. (Just outside of Gaylord, Michigan to be exact.) I took the trip with my roommate, The One from Spain, and was eager to show her the chalet... Which is somewhat odd because I've never been a fan of family trips to the chalet. I suppose I resented the fact my parents selected a chalet outside of Gaylord of all places rather than somewhere exciting. Anyway, in the dream I was very excited about the trip and was eager to reach the destination.

When my roommate and I arrived everything was as I had remembered it and I was thrilled to be deep in Michigan wilderness. Then I looked closer, noticing the forest had disappeared and our chalet that had once stood in the middle of nowhere was now a part of suburbia. Development had arrived. A golf course was in place, along with a ridiculous amount of new homes and fast food restaurants. I turned to my roommate, feeling a wave of disappointment because what was once a part of my childhood had been replaced and was simply no more (due to the vicious spread of globalization of course). I couldn't find the right words to express my sorrow. Then, an idea hit me and I suggested with optimism, "Well, maybe we can find a Starbucks."

From then on the dream was quite happy and we set out looking for the franchise coffee shop, something one simply couldn't find in the Gaylord of the 1980s/1990s. I woke up, smiling at the absurd nature of my dream. Now that I'm awake I can assure you: I don't prefer a world of sameness rather than a world of the unique. Also, even though I hated the family chalet I would never want to see its destruction. And the fact I can be completely shallow and superficial in my dreams? This matter is equally scary.

In the cold of winter

This photo is a reminder of warmth, Art Deco, and endless amounts of sunshine. (It is of Miami Beach, Florida from July 2007.) It is also a reminder there are exotic and warm places in the world and that my sister who lived in Florida has now relocated to the cold civilization that is Manhattan. *Sigh.* I suppose one can't live in Florida forever. Is it possible to get tired, or bored of having constant sunshine and warmth? I've pondered this before but haven't found an answer. So if anyone from Florida happens to read this entry and has particular insight on this issue, please share. I am in the process of uploading old photos onto flickr and will continue to do so for the next few days.

I am also finished with the entire The Sunday Philosophy Club and The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. I have started on The 44 Scotland Street series. Right now my first impressions are: Poor Bertie. Parents need to just let their kids be kids, even if this means things tend to be messy or awkward or your child doesn't master Calculus by the age of six... Wait until the child is seven, at least!

Good Cop, Bad Cop

I have to keep a close eye on the new workers, who are quite unpredictable and do not always have an understanding of what means it means to be a coffee barista. You see, after working at the café that employs me for a period of years I have moved into a position of seniority or supervision, which actually doesn’t change my job title or pay dramatically. (Don’t worry, this is not my future career.) However, it does mean I have to sometimes play the role of Good Cop, Bad Cop. This requires a delicate balance of when to appear all smiles and when to frown.

There is a new worker who has fallen into a routine of showing up 20-30 minutes late for every single shift. He repeated this behavior just last week and while I stared at the clock, knowing he would most likely arrive at any minute, I concluded I would have to say something. The official manager had talked to him concerning his tardiness in the past but obviously this warning did not sink in. When someone is late it often means we become short staffed and often this brings about complete chaos. After all, no customer wants to wait for their coffee.

He arrived, at long last, rushing in at full speed and throwing aside his personal items. I looked at his face, which was terrified and on the verge of tears, and I immediately knew he was waiting for my words. “Look, you can’t show up late and expect to keep working here…”

I had planned to play Bad Cop that day but immediately knew I needed to change tactics.

“How are you?” I asked. And, he went on to tell me about his horrible day. When it was over I smiled and said, “Don’t worry about it. I hope you feel better,” and we returned to work.

I didn’t say anything about his tardiness. I didn’t resort to scolding. I did, what I believed, was the right thing to do at the time. I felt very good about it because I knew it was what management would say was the wrong thing to do. How can you stand by and allow workers to show up late and then pat them on the back rather than sending them home! How is a business supposed to function or profit with negligent workers in place! Well, you know, I’m not very interested in business matters and I’d probably make a horrible Bad Cop but I can do Good Cop and sometimes it is best to stick with what you know.

Current consumption

Enjoying on the WWW:
This post from Loose Tea.

I am sick of the "Yes, I can" campaign. I would rather Obama talked about his plans as a presidential candidate (if any plans do in fact exist) rather than chant this phrase endlessly. Also, "borrowing" lines is a big deal. If the words aren't your own, don't steal them and use them in a speech that is meant to inspire others.



Eating:
Burgers and fries from Sidetrack.



Reading:

In the Company of Cheerful Ladies by Alexander McCall Smith.



Listening to:
Barnes & Noble's Meet the Writers Podcast. So far, I've listened to the following interviews: David Sedaris, Yann Martel, Alexander McCall Smith and Frank McCourt.



Watching:

Lost Season 4. Who is Jacob? Where is Walt and Michael? Is Patchy still alive? I hope this season brings some real answers.



Waiting for:
Warm weather. The end of Winter. Being in NYC in the Spring.

When shopping is painful

My boyfriend spends nearly every day at the gym. If not every day, then every other day. Sometimes he sleeps there overnight in order to get in more time. This also guarantees he’ll be first in line for the machines he prefers to use. Meanwhile, I have no interest in going to the gym. Oh, I know it would be good for me… I could easily benefit from an active lifestyle, one that involved matching gym clothes and sweating to my favorite music courtesy of my microscopic iShuffle but I am, in fact, quite busy and capable of finding other things to do with the free time I have.

Because it has been a very cold winter, one that has forced me to favor being indoors 99% of the time, and because I haven’t been following any particular exercise routine, I find going into any clothing store at the moment to be quite painful. You see, spring wear is out at the moment and with this comes swimwear. And, after freezing to death outside one really doesn’t want to walk into a store and immediately be confronted with images such as this:



And, let's be honest, in Michigan no one will be looking that skinny come spring and summer. Simply add about 20 pounds or so and then you’ll be closer to reality. For me, you will only need to add 5 pounds (*Cough, cough*). Also, I would never wear a bracelet to the beach but obviously this girl is more flashy than I am.


* The swimsuit featured in this post is from J.Crew.

How I would spend Valentine's Day if I were single

Many of my single friends who are spending Valentine's Day alone have expressed considerable bitterness at the mention of today. So, you know, I thought I would rub salt in the wounds and compile a post about what I would be doing today if I were a single gal myself. Because although I'm fond of the boyfriend (who I imagine is looking into renting the Taj Mahal in order to declare his love today) I do believe I could survive Valentine's Day on my own. Here is everything I would do (although I admit some of these tasks may require more time):



1. I would have tea with my sisters and discuss the news of the day. Perhaps Victorian attire would be worn as shown in the photo above. (I look most like the one in the middle. I even style my hair that way. Every morning.)

2. I would go to a movie theater and finally take in the film, Atonement.

3. I would go to the store and buy myself something pretty, or cute. Maybe something to wear in Spring, which I'm telling myself is just around the corner.

4. I would treat myself to Mari's New York brownies.

5. I would Tango dance with my roommate. She is an expert and has tried pushing me in this direction for some time now. And yes, she knows both parts.

6. I would compile a collection of my favorite love songs. Or I would simply listen to David Gray.

7. I would read up on Emily Post etiquette even though etiquette in the year 2008 is essentially dead.

8. I would spend all day bathing in rose water. (Actually, this would probably last five minutes as I tend to get bored while taking baths. Who has the time for such things?)

9. I would spend time in Scotland at The Elephant House.

10. I would spend all day reading this particular author, of course, because I don't read enough of him already.



*The photo in this post is courtesy of Getty Images.

Meeting The Poet

For one of my courses my Anthropology instructor invited a guest speaker to come in and talk to the class. She selected a poet and once I heard these words I was immediately intrigued. (I love meeting all authors but rarely meet poets. Also, poetry has a sort of romantic edge to it, so how I could not be intrigued?) When The Poet arrived I quickly had to tell myself, “Do not judge, do not judge,” for his appearance was quite… shabby. Of course, being a tormented poet may warrant such appearance and writing poetry doesn’t necessarily give one the luxury of paying bills, or having clean clothes to put on. I tried to keep an open mind, nonetheless, and proceeded to listen to the worst advice ever in regard to writing. Here are a few examples:

Don’t stress over word choice. Any word will do.
Edit your own work. Avoid editors.
Don’t set a schedule for writing. Instead, let it be random.
Don’t write daily.
Don’t seek out an agent. Instead, use your own money to go through a self-publishing company.
Talk to a friend about getting published in New York because said friend has connections and might be able to get you a spot.

There is more but I’ll leave it at that. I realize there is no one correct way to becoming a writer and what works for one writer may not work for another. However, writing is a discipline and successful writers tend to treat it as such. Word choice matters. One should write daily (or frequently, at the least). Agents are useful. You can’t sit around and be lazy; expecting that one day you’ll be a hit and your work will be read by anyone other than the people who personally know you.

It seems The Poet, although rich with advice, has never been published except by means of using a small scale self-publishing company. He works a full-time job, which is respectable, and in his free time writes poetry. He shared his complete life story with us, which surprisingly revolved around dropping out of college, getting and staying wasted, and a short-lived stint in San Fran before returning home penniless.

When his presentation ended my instructor asked politely, “Do you have a ride?” He answered, “Yes,” and let us know his younger sibling would be picking him up. At this point I was quite confused about the whole event. I’ve met small scale writers before (often while working at my former job, the bookstore) but even in these cases the writers had acquired some degree of success or at least they had it somewhat “together.” Was the lesson here: Avoid the life of a poet? Or: There is no money to be made in poetry? I’m not certain what the lesson is, or why my instructor chose him rather than someone who has achieved some degree of success.

On a side note, Alexander McCall Smith writes on a daily basis. He also wears a traditional Scottish kilt and appears polished for his book tours. I imagine he would shower before meeting fans, too, and I would argue the taking of showers can be incredibly helpful... And necessary.

Danger, danger*

Which sport is the most dangerous: bullriding at a Rodeo in the United States, or traditional bullfighting in Spain? One might even argue that The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona is the most dangerous of these activities. My roommate, The One From Spain, and I discussed this matter last night. She is from Barcelona and is not a fan of bullfighting but has been to several bullfighting matches in the past. Her boyfriend, who is from Turkey, even tried convincing her that they should take part in The Running of the Bulls, to which she said, "No." It seems she is in favor of keeping her limbs intact. (Smart girl.) Of course, Hemingway would have probably been right there with her boyfriend. Or, he would have taken enough photos to make it appear so.


*The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, would often recite these words throughout his show. One mention of "danger" is not enough to drive the point home. One must say the word twice in order to emphasize the seriousness of the issue. "Danger, danger" is far more effective than a simple "danger."

Around 10:30 last night

The night was winding down, customers were few, and so my longtime coworker, K, and I began going over all the necessary gossip. Standing around for hours can be exhausting and there comes a point in the night in which there is nothing left to do. No pots of coffee to brew, no counters to wipe down, no restocking of cream or sugar. Until closing time one can only wait and if no customer appears, this waiting can be tiresome. So, it is natural that gossip (or conversation, if you will) should take over. I am fond of K, we are of similar ages and although she is an avid smoker (I am not) and a bit more carefree than I am (meaning: she is a party girl who spends her weekends at the bar), we have quite a few things in common. We were in the midst of our most recent topic, the current election and our disgust for the endless supply of Hillary hatred (If you don't know what I'm talking about then I suggest you read this thoughtful article), when a customer interrupted our conversation.

"Unfortunately, someone has to win," he sneered and walked off as if he had just made the most brilliant statement ever.

I looked at him as he walked away. How could I not? He had interrupted my conversation. He looked to be in his early 20s, with shaggy, flowing hair, and K jumped in to describe him as a "hippie." Well, he was wearing Native American-looking boots with fringes that swayed as he moved and his patched clothing was snug on his frail body. Also, I got the impression he hadn't showered for days, or weeks even, so maybe one could describe him as a "hippie" if that is what the modern hippie has become (Has it? I don't know). What struck me, however, is first the rudeness. He interrupted my conversation, after all, and secondly: the attitude. If he had stayed around longer I would have replied, "Yes, because apathy is the solution to politics."

Or maybe I wouldn't have said anything at all. Often the angry, apathetic young man (or woman) is simply seeking attention and wants to create a response from others. In these cases it is best to ignore the behavior and give the person a few years to work out their issues or to figure out that there are better ways of interacting with others than going around and throwing out cynical statements to the world.

Perhaps what really bothers me about his statement is the fact apathy has become a common trend, or a religion in its own right. I imagine this young man views the political system with cynicism and disgust, or perhaps he is deeply angry that only two parties have political power in an election and if you don't find a party to represent your own views your voice is largely silenced in the process. Or, perhaps the young man hasn't given politics much thought at all but has better things to do, such as update his MySpace or meet with friends over drinks (and, perhaps such activities are more entertaining than listening to Obamarama or Ann Coulter whining about McCain). However, whatever his reasons may be, I can't understand how apathy is a worthy solution or how far apathy will get us. ("Us" being the larger society.)

When I put in my vote for the last Presidential election I was filled with hope. Oh, I had the thought, "My candidate might not win and in a few hours from now I'm going to have to listen to my friend Steve B. gloat about it," but I also knew that didn't matter. At least I was doing something powerful, something symbolic, I was putting forth my support in who I wanted to win. I suppose this has a lot to do with my tendency toward optimism and even optimism is dismissed these days as old-fashioned or naive but tell me this: What is the alternative? And where does that alternative lead you?

2008 US Book Tour for Alexander McCall Smith

I realize I am not the only one smitten with Alexander McCall Smith and so I thought I would share his book tour schedule. This is for April 2008 and only includes the United States. If you are elsewhere in the world then you should go here.

Tuesday 15 April: B & N Lincoln Triangle bookstore event, NYC
Wed 16 April: Harvard Bookstore event, Boston
Thursday 17 April: Washington DC Bookstore event
Friday 18 April: Borders Michigan Avenue event, Chicago
Saturday 19 April: Ypsilanti District Library, Detroit*
Monday 21 April: Des Moines Public Library, Des Moines, IA
Wed 23 April: Book Passage event, Corte Madera, San Francisco, CA
Thursday 24 April: Carlsbad City Library, Carlsbad, CA (San Diego area)
Friday 25 April: Powell's Books, Cedar Hills Crossing/Beavertown event, Portland, OR
Saturday 26 April: Pierce County Library, Tacoma, WA
Sunday 27 April: Las Vegas Clark County Library

*I'll be attending.

While at work

The coffee shop I work at (sometimes known as my home away from home) has experienced an influx of new workers. This is to be expected, as we can barely keep up with business as it is (which leads me to wonder about the true state of Michigan’s economy). With the wave of new workers inexperience seems to be a common trend. I walked into work the other day, poured a cup of coffee for a customer, noticed that with the coffee came a surge of coffee grounds and all but panicked. I asked my coworkers (new employees, of course) if they had noticed the grounds inside the coffee pot.

“No, why?”

Apparently they had been serving coffee all day without noticing the grounds seeping through. Apparently countless customers had been served cups of coffee complete with coffee grounds in them. And, apparently my coworkers had no idea this was a problem. When confronted with such a situation it is very difficult to not resort to scolding, panic, or screams. I explained to everyone who was working the importance of NOT SERVING COFFEE WITH COFFEE GROUNDS IN IT and took the next step, which is to write a note for everyone to see.

Here is what I wanted to write:

“Thou shall not serve coffee with coffee grounds in it. This is a mortal sin of which sinners shall not be forgiven.”

Instead I ended up writing the rather obvious:

“Do not serve coffee with coffee grounds in it. If you do, you’re fired.”

Okay, I’m kidding about the fired business. No coffee barista should be fired for serving lousy drinks, should they? And coffee grounds in the coffee, does it really make a difference? I, for one, haven’t tried it so who am I to judge?

Later in my shift I ended up explaining the following items:

"You can not reheat milk that has already been steamed over and over again."

"If you are serving tea, the water for the tea needs to be hot. Cold water won’t do."

"You cannot take off your shirt simply because standing by the espresso machine makes you feel hotter than usual. I don’t want to see your hairy chest, or your Chinese character tattoo."

Cupcakes

I was making cupcakes tonight for my brother A’s birthday, which we plan on celebrating tomorrow. I resorted to using a cake mix and pre-made frosting (the kind that is sold in a tube) and I decorated the tops by spelling out his name. Getting each letter right proved to be a challenge and when I did a sample taste of the final product I was immediately disappointed. The cupcakes tasted okay but, well, they were nothing to write home about. For a few brief moments I considered scratching the whole thing. I could go to the store, Whole Foods probably, and buy the most delicious tasting desert in the world. I wouldn’t pass it off as my own creation. I’d just explain, “I’m a horrible baker but you won’t have to suffer through it because these cupcakes are from somewhere delicious. And they’re organic.” But I stopped myself from doing this because I knew, my sentimental brother who is turning 28, would overlook my poor excuse for cupcakes and probably smile inside because I put forth so much effort. Even if such effort involved one Duncan Hines cake mix.

Alexander McCall Smith

Let's talk about Alexander McCall Smith, shall we? He has been an author on my "To Read" list for some time now but between all the busyness in my life and other novels I've been reading (or listening to in the car) I've never managed to work him in. Until now.

On Saturday, April 19 he will be in Ypsilanti, Michigan at Eastern Michigan University. His talk is scheduled for the evening and will probably be packed with hoards of screaming fans. My sister, T, will be one of them I'm almost certain. I need to read his entire works now, of course, so I can be prepared for this event. That way, when he shakes my hand or gives me a kiss on the cheek I can be the well-read fan rather than the clueless blonde who merely showed up at random. And yes, I would prefer the kiss over the handshake because this is Alexander McCall Smith we're talking about.

Here is a recent photo of the author:

Alexander McCall Smith with Jill Scott, the actor who plays detective Mma Ramotswe in the film. Image from the Daily Mail.

And here is a photo of him in a kilt for good measure:


I should also mention Alexander McCall Smith lives in the same neighborhood as JK Rowling, although he moved there first. I imagine they must swap scone recipes and writing tips often. He may even be writing Rowling's next novel for her.

"Joanne, leave your next novel to me... I've always wanted to write fantasy."

"Okay, but only if let me select the next setting in your book. I'm tired of all the stories involving England and Africa. I say, put your new series in Siberia."

This is how I imagine their conversations. I am starting with The Isabel Dalhousie Novels first. Then I'll move on to The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.

How to photograph your pet

When I was a child I wanted to be a veterinarian or zoologist very badly. My love for animals was so great my family ended up taking in pets on account of me. My parents are not exactly animal lovers, so I did not inherit this trait from them. They tend to view animals as animals and not as creatures that can be cuddled with or trained or loved in close proximity.

I continue to love animals and am very passionate about photography. However, taking photos of animals is not always a walk through the park. Often there is constant movement to deal with. Or if I am taking a photo of my sister's dogs they like to lick my face in the process or they will move closer in order to inspect the camera... "Sit still" doesn't always register. So, here are the strategies I use for pet photography:

1.) Take more than one photo. Like maybe 100 at one time in order to get 3 adequate photos.
And (I can not stress this enough):
2.) Get close. How close? Very close. So close you can smell your dogs malodorous breath or you can hear the vibrant purr of your cat. (Interesting enough, these two strategies also apply to taking photos of people.)

Here are a few examples:






Of course, there are other methods for taking amazing pet photos that do not involve close-up photography... but that will have to be another discussion for another time.

Dress up your burned CD

From time to time I will burn CDs to give away as mini-gifts. Last year when Nate moved away I was a CD burning machine. I would provide him with new music (or podcasts) for his frequent road trips back and forth. Usually I pulled out my Sharpie marker and drew a simple design on the actual CD. Nothing too fancy, as my drawing skills are limited. Today I came across a beautiful CD Packaging Kit. I love their designs and am thinking this would be useful. Here is a small sample:




And if pink is a little too much to stomach all at once:



You can find the CD Packaging Kit here and here.