Since everything's related to coffee these days, I may as well let you know that I'm working at a cafe this week. They're short-staffed as it is, but this week their workers are out of town. Since they cater in part to homeless and illeagal populations, it's important that they have a consistent schedule. They didn't want to close for a whole week, so I stepped in.
Right now we're not open. 20 minutes to showtime. I started making coffee at about 4 in a huge barrel-style, 45-cup coffee maker. Antonio is here to help me, along with his three girls. We put up folding garden tables and covered them with plastic tablecloths. There are 6 of them, each with 4 folding chairs. There are also chips, cookies, and old chocolate that various vendors donate to this operation.
Along one wall are 5 old pcs, with internet access. There's a raggedy clipboard by the door where people can sign up for computer slots. I have the distinct pleasure of stirring up all the internet-junkies every 20 minutes to make spaces for people who have been waiting.
People come alone sometimes, but more often in twos and threes. After a cup of coffee and an elaborate greeting procedure where they greet all the other guests, most people settle down to read religious literature, to play a game of chess, or to start quietly heckling whoever's using their favorite computer. Christian music (all kinds, as I'm sure you can imagine) drones in the background. Right now Antonio has Mary Mary on, and I'm glad. It could definitely be worse- and probably will be.
Working here full-time would mean taking on some philosophical differences with other believers, but coming around occasionally to get the latest news on the city is just right for me. It doesn't hold a candle to j.krue's new job wearing a green apron, of course, but it's nice in it's own way.
Posted by nickles at March 21, 2007 11:38 AM | TrackBackand yes, mr. k. your new exploits at starbucks are definitely worth blogging about. and just for the record, so are your exploits in the land of theology. and in the land of greek.
so spill. we're all waiting patiently (we know you're busy).
Posted by: bob at March 21, 2007 11:49 AMum...
Wouldn't that be Greece?
Working at a coffee shop? You never know what's brewing up next with this one!
Posted by: Dad at March 22, 2007 11:24 AMwe would like to correct a few misleading impressions from the latest post. for starters, jon isn't in the land of the greeks. he's been sojourning in the land of a language no one speaks anymore except in seminaries and history departments, for the most part. this is a metaphorical land not very much like greece, which is a physical place.
also, bob is working this week in more of a coffee dispensary than a coffee shop. this is a technical distinction, based on the fact that there's no charge for coffee. or anything there, really.
and finally, antonio actually has four daughters and three sons. lest anyone think he has a small family.
thanks as always for your patience and loyal readership.
- the editor
Posted by: the establishment at March 22, 2007 12:56 PMYou funny boy!
(and I bet you didn't even think your mother knew blogs!) The evening your dad told me he had discovered your coffee shop involvement, we could hardly pray for laughing!! :):):) love you oodles honey!
Wow...it's funny that Mom and Dad checked up on this before I did.
Very funny.
So, bobs....coffee? Enjoy yourself, my friend.