This post is a writing exercise, of sorts. I’m free-writing to warm up for all the other writing I have to do for clients. I’m also making an effort to do more off-blog writing. You’ve noticed that comments are closed on most posts. Monitoring comments, “unsticking” legit comments stuck in the spam filter, and dealing with trolls and contrarians was taking too much of my time. Yes, I miss some of you. I’ll open comments for select posts.
I’m having some painting done in my place, so I decided to work and blog (the same thing, actually) at a local coffee shop. I don’t get out like this during the day nearly enough. I’m in walking distance of two Starbucks and at least three other independent shops (with free wireless!), so here I am, blogging. In a coffee shop.
When I first arrived, I claimed a table and set up my equipment. Then I’m in line buying coffee and a croissant when I look over at my laptop and see a homeless-looking woman sitting at my table and touching my computer. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I get out of line, walk over to her and say, “Excuse me?â€
“Oh, baby, is this yours?â€
“Yes,†I say indignantly. She gets up and sits at a table across from me and stares at me, occasionally making grunting noises. As of this posting, she’s still looking at me. I’m unfazed by the glare, and as long as she’s not bothering anyone, the employees don’t seem too keen on kicking her out.
Although the employees here are OK, other places I go lately, the employees clearly are not enjoying their jobs. Either that, or they’re having the time of their lives but lost their ability to smile. I was once fired from a job because I didn’t smile enough. I’m always smiling! Just ask anybody who knows me. I make an effort to maintain a pleasant expression, no matter how I’m feeling inside. Sour faces are a turn-off, man.
So anyway, it’s a drag dealing with “customer service†types who take out their job and home life frustrations on customers. One in-your-face conservative guy I know actually confronts the situation head on, asking for the manager when he’s treated rudely. But get this: He doesn’t complain to the lowly store manager. He asks for the telephone number of the regional manager and calls the person on the spot. A few employees have been fired because of the way they’ve treated him. I love it.
OK, so I need to go earn the palace now. And yes, homeless-looking woman is still staring at me. 
Addendum: A Whitney Houston song came on, and the homeless-looking woman started singing. Needless to say, she was off-key. An employee asked her to leave and suggested she go to the free library. Old girl left with no drama. Billy Idol’s “Flesh for Fantasy” is playing now. Ah, the 80s…
