We all need a break from work sometimes. I do a lot of things to relax. Sometimes I enjoy going to the park to watch the sunset, or visit a coffee bar to decompress with a strong cup of coffee and good book. The funny thing is there always seems to be some drama to make the experience a bit sour or fortunately humorous.
One of my favorite spots is French bakery in Queens. They have many delicious desserts and some pretty good sandwiches too. It doesn't hurt that some of my former students work there, and I sometimes get a free cookie or two when they're there.
A few weeks ago I went the day before Thanksgiving. Big mistake because it was super busy and none of my students were there. All the customers wanted their pumpkin pies, and all I wanted a sandwich. They didn't have too many sandwiches to offer, but after ordering the man helping me started moving too fast and dropped my sandwich on the floor. After picking it up he started to put it in the bag, and I stopped him.
"Wait a minute," I protested. " I don't want that one it fell on the floor."
The man serving me replied, "It was wrapped. It's fine."
"No," I persisted, "it's really not I want a new one."
After realizing that I would't back down he said that he would make a new one. I saw him ask one of the chefs if the chef could do it, but because it was the day before thanksgiving the chef refused.
"I'll make you a new one." He stated.
I didn't see him make a new one in the back, and it's possible that he just warmed up the dirty one. The sandwich was pretty good though, but I can't help thinking that he just dusted it off and just put it in the microwave. So much for "gourmet food."
A few weeks passed and I went back to cafe on a Friday. It always seems to be a good place to relax after a long week especially if I'm feeling a pick peckish. At least I thought it was going to be relaxing.
It was a bit difficult to park though, and when I saw someone leave a space I jumped on it.
I put my book on a table with my gloves to mark my space, because there weren't a lot of free tables. It didn't occur to me that I should put my coat down, but in retrospect I probably should have.
After I placed my order and paid for my meal I walked back to my table only to find an old man having a big bowl of soup where I had left my gloves.
"That's my seat I said. Didn't you see the gloves on the table?" I asked.
"I did ask." he replied pointing to the other table.
I persisted and told him that,"If you see someone's stuff on a table you really shouldn't put your things down."
"Do you want me move?" he asked half heartedly.
"No," I said with anger. "Stay there."
When I left the table I walked to the back of the store, and wouldn't you know it, but an even larger table with a more comfortable seat was available. Karma.
Life Lesson 129: Try not to shop at any store the day before or after a big holiday unless you are hunting for bargains like black Friday, and when in doubt do the right thing even if other people aren't because what comes around goes around that can be a good thing, as long as it's not a sandwich.
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