So winter has begun and amidst the complaints and surge of surly photos uploaded to Facebook of the snow, I can’t help but feel smug, and perhaps a bit annoyed.
It’s as if people are pretending they’ve been duped by the weather and were unaware of the climate when they moved here.
Newsflash: 1. Homegirl wasn’t born yesterday and 2. I’m well aware that us Massholes are incredibly spoiled with very little to complain about (hence why the weather is the thing people whine about the most). It is becoming a source of irritation more and more so each winter.
When I awoke this morning, it was not a surprise that the power was out. After spending much of the night hearing loud cracks and whipping winds, I expected as much. I definitely miss the days of merely moving my car early enough before the men came to plow our driveway and just having to clear off my car before setting off from my parents’ ranch-style house. Living on my own means though we have a snow blower, much cleanup in addition to clearing the walkways (which we have 3 of) has to be done. No mind.
After completing that somewhat daunting task (and clearing dozens of cumbersome branches off the driveway and lawn), I headed to my local Starbucks where I was unable to get a parking spot in the lot, thus the nearby post office across the street sufficed. As expected, moans and groans from uber-wealthy suburbanites were all one could hear during my 25 minute wait for a quad venti soy cinnamon dolce. Not used to the caffeine withdrawal (I say that seriously, I usually have my one cup at 6am), my head was pounding by the time I took that first sip at nearly noon. I appreciate my little Keurig so much more now.
One thing I have recently noticed is the influx of horrible service I’ve been receiving. Not only was I ignored at a nail salon about a week ago upon entering, given the snarkiest inquiry of “You know it’s like 6 times the price to buy just a cup right?” at Teavana when I went in to get a cup of Jasmine Rooibus and hung up on by a Fedex sales representative from the NY Office. However, it was an incident at Moe’s that had me wondering if this holiday season was going to be one lacking all notion of cheer and if it be a smarter decision to do all of my gift shopping online.
The nail salon was one I do not frequent so it wasn’t as if I expected the warm welcome I receive when I enter my usual spa. However, being the germaphobe I am, the situation at Moe’s seemed downright deplorable. After ordering my usual tofu rice bowl, I was waiting for the man ahead of me to finish paying and eyed the bag of chips resting on the counter that was to be mine. To begin with, some of the chips were coming out of the bag and resting on the less than spotless counter. Secondly, when the cashier had finished with the customer ahead of me and handed him his change, she used those very same hands to shove the chips from the disgusting counter into the bag that was to be for yours truly. I looked at her for a moment wondering if she was for real. Indeed she was because she sharply informed me of the price of my meal. I asked if she didn’t mind getting me another bag of chips that she hadn’t touched with her hands (after handling money) because I have an immune deficiency and get sick quite easily. Her mouth opened in disbelief and she replied “I cannot get the chips without touching them with my hands!” I refused to be the pushover I usually am and asked her about that nifty shovel-like tool I’ve seen other employees use. With exaggerated slowness and huge puffs of air emitting exasperated sighs, she used the scoop I previously mentioned all the while maintaining a put upon expression as if she couldn’t believe I was being so high maintenance. Maybe I was? Loving Moe’s the extent that I do (especially their perfectly seasoned firm tofu), I can’t say I will never return. In fact I will probably be back next week.
This week’s purchases: an mp3 player to replace the one I’ve let my boyfriend “borrow” and a pair of very Tom Ford-esque readers that give me an intellectually chic look (they are much more on trend than my rickety six year old Gucci frames that have seen much better days). I also purchased a pair of classic black patent leather loafers that are incredibly comfortable during my long work days. I also purchased the remaining duplicate beauty necessities to store at my boyfriend’s place as it is something I’ve been meaning to do for well over a year and had only half finished.
This week I celebrated the birthday of one of my coworkers with a few girls from the office at one of my favorite restaurants and then went for drinks the next night with another. I feel I’ve somewhat discovered a good balance between my social and work life (let me be honest, I could try much harder). I feel I am also cultivating an even larger group of positive people that I can be proud to claim part in their group.
Yesterday I received my weekly blow dry from Cida, one of the most talented stylists I’ve ever met (I’m not sure what it is she uses in my hair to make it so silky yet weightless) and my weekly manicure from Michelle. Examining the dynamics of each appointment makes me wonder why the two are so differing. It may be the ever-present noise of the blow dryer that discourages Cida from indulging in idle chit-chat with me, or perhaps she just feels I prefer silence. During my time with Michelle, all we do is talk about our weekend plans, recent buys, the wonder that is men along with whatever else is on our minds. The dialogue rarely halts.
After spending a few tense hours at a jam-packed Barnes & Noble having my chair kicked repeatedly by a 6 year old eating the most vile smelling meat ever (I was preparing for a work week that is bound to be overwhelming), I decided to come to my town’s library to do some writing (where I am now). Though the power is on, the wireless is not. The nice man across the table from me allowed me to borrow his USB cord so I could charge my blackberry. It is those small acts of kindness that remind me of all I have to be thankful for, and that they are to always be reciprocated. It seems I’ve allowed myself to forget at times.
Have a wonderful rest of your Sunday; we’ll see how this week develops. At least I can expect my boyfriend home this week (most likely, because it is never certain). While I have my hopes sky high, I can also wish that the electricity will have been restored when I return home so I can take a hot shower. Let’s not get crazy now though eh?
XOXO
