a sense of entitlement?

Sometimes we get happy messages from happy people who come to the shop, and we love and appreciate it! It has also happened more than once, sad to say, when someone complains about me, or John, or our shop in general, via email, or through a more public place such as myspace.

These few people complains about how rude we are (and I'll explain why,) and how much they wished our business would fail.

There have been occasions when a person comes into the shop, finds a table, sets down his backpack, pulls out his water bottle, plugging in his laptop, and starts surfing online, or typing his term paper.

We wait by the register for him to come and order, and the person does not even look up from his screen.

We ask what we can make for him, and he says, "Oh, I'm OK. Don't need anything right now."

Then we'd say things like, "Hey, if you're staying, we'll need you to make a purchase."

He may stand up and get something, but other times he'd reply, "There are other coffee shops you know. I just don't want anything. You are asking me to leave?"

We say, "Yes, we'll need you to order if you'd like to say."

The person gets angry and leaves.

Really? Coming to a coffee shop, not purchasing anything, to just using the laptop (or reading the magazines, or going to the bathroom, or hanging out,) and thinking it's OK?

After he leaves, he finds our email or myspace page and sends messages to tell us how rude and bad we are, how much we suck, and how much he wishes that the shop fails.

It doesn't make sense. We're a small local business that's making a living by offering great products, and SELLING them. People don't go into a restaurant, a bakery, or a bar, to just sit down, relax, and not make an order, or go watch a movie in the theater without paying... why do they think it's OK to do it at a little coffee shop?

When a person stays without buying anything, but uses our space, electricity, and heater or a/c, he is ripping us off, and he is also ripping off all of our customers. He is a coffee shop leech!

We enjoy making the perfect cup for those who appreciate it and supports us. We love having friends, families, and customers in the shop, where we share coffee and tea ideas and talk over a serious brew. When a person doesn't respect us or our family and friends, he will get thrown out.

sunshine

The sunshine went away for a while, but I see it running back to me!

being ready

I'm not quite ready, but I will be.

John said to think like the Irish. It made sense.

Celebrate. Cheers. Run. Jump. Chase. Rainbow.

opinions

A little while ago I realized it was important for me (and most people) to know when not to talk. I later read in Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Women and learened that when people come to you and want to talk or complain, it's best to ask first, "Would you like my opinion, or would you like me to just listen?"

How truthful and useful is this? I think I'll be saying this a lot to people around me, and only give my opnion when they want and ask for it. I think I'll be able to better stay out of trouble this way.

30

I turned thirty today. I had been very skeptical about this whole turning 30 thing for the past few days, even though my friends said nothing would be different when you turn 30. I guess it's true.

John said I'm still really cute at 30. Awww. Now that's cute.

Ryan asked me what about turning 30 that freaked me out. Nothing serious, really, but it's just that being 30 almost means I have to REALLY grow up. There are decisions that need to be made. There are things that need to be done. There are responsibilites that I have to take.

But then this morning I got an email from my mom. It was one of the most simple and beautiful "letter" I had ever read. All of a sudden I felt really relaxed and happy about turning 30. Yes there are a lot of decisions, things, and responsibilites that come with being 30, but there are also tons of fun, excitement, and adventures that are coming along.

I'm happy with what I've "accomplished" for the past decade... hmmm... decade is a serious word... but I've finished college, grad school, got married, started my own business, visited amazing countries and places, met cool people, and more! Being 30 will be even more exciting!

I remember my beautiful friend Kat wrote in her blog about aging gracefully. I hope I can do the same thing.

Thanks John for being my bao bei, the best, and all the gifts here and there! (and more to come!?)
Thanks Mom for the wonderful letter.
Thanks Dad for the most generous gift.
Thanks Brian for Sushi Prince, and for remembering my birthday year after year.
Thanks Ryan for the "turning 30" fun talk.
Thanks Kat for the most beautiful card and all the hugs.
Thanks Joyce for the wonderful dinner and friendship.
Thanks Joanne for the yummy food and all the invites!
Thanks EC for being the best sister ever.
Thanks everyone who sings Happy Birthday to me at the caffe!!

I love you guys!

And damn yay I'm 30!

know when not to talk

Most of the time I think I'm really good at saying the right things at the right time, and I know when to shup up, but once in a while I give my comments and express my opinions too much and it irritates people. I must learn to know when not to talk sometimes.

it's ok

So I was really grumpy because of the A/C and equipment problems at the caffe, and when I went home in the afternoon the dogs probably sensed it. They wanted to get really close to me, to sniff me, and to lick my head.

I think the dogs were realy trying to help... or to see what my frustration "chi" was all about. All of a sudden I realized it was no big deal. So the A/C is down. So we had to spend some money on a new unit. So I had to sit in the 86 degree room that one afternoon. After I calmed down I was able to figure out how to keep the store cool with buckets of ice cubes and fans with John (both retro metal and high-tech spinning ones!) So it got cooler.

Yes the A/C situation still needs to be taken care of, and no I'm not too excited about the whole new unit purchase and installation thing, and sure I'm still feeling a bit warm sitting here in the kitchen, but shit happens, and being upset or grumpy is not going to "clean up the mess." Everyone was safe, so it's OK. We just have to take care of things one step at a time... to get to where we want the end result to be.



Thanks doggies!