FamiLee Life

Random Moments

Okay, I am still sick with a hacking cough that keeps me up half the night. Yet, oddly, I feel alert and refreshed when I awake and even now as I type. Weird. Maybe it is the false start of Spring that is freaking out my body.

Here are a couple of random thoughts and things to share for today.

* I have made it a semi-habit of getting a small cup of americano at a coffeeshop (Bordertown Cafe) near campus. It's in between my parking ramp and my building, so it is quite convenient. There is one young woman who works there that knows service. When I come up to the counter, she smiles and immediately says "small americano?" and gets the espresso ready. I love that. It's the "where everybody knows your name" Cheers experience. I always look for places that have such good service because it means they like their job and are making a sincere effort to connect with the customer. It is a touch of small worldness in an increasingly big world. My mom and dad taught me the importance of such customer service, having owned many small businesses throughout the years. People respond to these small gestures. I sure do and prefer to support these small businesses.

* A couple of nights ago, I came home late from work and shortly after I entered my home through the back door, the doorbell rang. I went to the front door and there was a young Hmong American boy, maybe around 10 years old, standing there. He had a badge with his name on it and a pad/pen in hand. Then, he looked up and said the funniest thing. He looked at me and asked "Is your mom or dad home?" I almost laughed right there. He thought I was some teenage kid opening the door of his parents' home! Somewhat startled and taken aback, I responded, "What do you want?" He said he was selling fruit as a fundraiser. It's my policy to not buy anything at the door, so I sent him along the way. But I do need to thank him for giving me a nice chuckle after work.