Tag: Coffee

Smoke Breaks

Half of the people in my office go out for smoke breaks.

I've never found it to be fair that employers make accommodations for employees who are addicted to tobacco products, and it is widely accepted in our culture that these people get special treatment. Most other addicts wouldn't even be hired if it was known, except for coffee addicts, but you can have a coffee at your desk while working without polluting your work environment.

So, I have again began my practice of taking smoke breaks.

In my case, they involve walking around the parking lot briskly, mostly while talking to myself, or singing a song, but I think that can be accommodated.

Even if people look at me like I'm crazy.

At A Starbucks in O’Hare

Standing at the coffee & creamer counter, trying to get a napkin.

Woman: Sorry, did you need creamer? Am I in your way?

Me: No, just a napkin, thanks.

W: You don't put anything in your coffee?

M: Nope.

W: Typical Chicagoan.

M: Umm.. no, I just landed here to catch another flight. I'm not from Chicago.

W: Well, still. Seems to be a Chicago thing, drinking your coffee black.

M: I just... like.. coffee to be coffee.

W: But it's still weird.

M: .... Ok. Have a nice day then.

Lady, I'm sure there are a thousand other reasons I can give you to consider me weird. The way I drink my coffee is way, WAY low on that list.

It’s Just Coffee, 2…

Taken at the Southside Bistro in Anchorage.  This was a great warm-up coffee and late lunch after I hiked a cross-country ski trail in motorcycle boots and a light nylon jacket.  I watched a snow-storm approaching from over the mountains near Flattop, high above the city of Anchorage.

Hmm... I will have to post those pictures in here somewhere, too.