skillz

if you are new to a small town, get a job in the local coffeehouse. work mornings, preferably weekdays. more than anything, be prepared to get a taste of the local flavor unlike anywhere else in town. 

last summer, i wrote of a fascinating little place in my college town in southern minnesota. goodbye blue monday coffeehouse, its name borrowed from a kurt vonnegut story, sits at the heart of division street. its blue awning and conspicuous sign declare it the place to escape life and enter a caffeinated heaven of funky furniture, eclectic music, and a notoriously bustling crew of baristas.

now that i'm on the other side of the counter, serving instead of being served, i have discovered that coffeehouses are the ultimate in interpersonal communication skills. when i make eye contact with a customer from behind the counter, i am allowed into a few minutes of their daily life. when i finally memorize a regular's order (two caramel lattes, large to go, one half caramel, the other half decaf), i get a glimpse into an even more personal side: wants and needs. i am so fascinated by the variety of preferences that come through the door everyday. 

just an observation.