I rode my bike to work today. The weather was cooperative for the ride in, if a little windy. By the time 5 o’clock rolled around, however, it was pouring rain.
On my way home, I rode past a group of joggers. My first thought was, “Jogging? In this weather? They must be crazy!”
The normal mode of interaction with an individual acting in a customer service capacity is one of courtesy but detachment — hello there, I’d like to purchase this. Yes, that will be all. I’m doing fine, thanks, and I’ll ask you how you’re doing in return, but I’m only making small talk and I don’t know you, so I don’t really care.
Of course, this all goes out the window when you become… a regular.
Case in point: The Noodle Box. They take your name when you place your order so they can call you when it’s ready. Being a frequent customer, a couple of the cashiers now know me by name, which changes the whole customer-employee dynamic. First of all, I suddenly have to find out their names. I advise doing this the first time they remember you, because the longer you wait, the more embarassing it is to have to say “I’m sorry, what’s your name again?” And now that I know their names, what are my social obligations to them? Can I say hi to them on the street? Should I be inviting them to parties?
Seriously though, it’s nice to be recognized. I should really start ordering the same thing every time so I can go in and just ask Suzanne or Amanda for “the usual”.
Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all…
And…
A fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2006, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make Canada great (not to imply that Canada is necessarily greater than any other country) and without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, or sexual preference of the wishee.
(By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law, and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.)
– Author unknown
This is one of many great photos that Jade took during our photo shoot for the band yesterday. Thanks Jade, you rule!
I don’t know if Jay and K.C. will want to get any of these printed in colour (it’s pretty expensive) which is a shame, since the black and white version doesn’t have quite the same punch.
Best Homestar Runner Halloween Episode Ever?
Possibly. The easter egg that comes up when you click on Pom-Pom at the end made me laugh out loud.
It’s been a while since I’ve partied with two particle physicists and a projectionist.
Colin and I went out to TNT Paintball today. I made a few good kills, and got killed a few times myself. I made it out alive, but my pants weren’t so lucky. I’ll spare you photos of my welts.
The gig last night was great. I dig the new stage at Logan’s, though they old PA system may be a little underpowered for the bigger room.
The word of the day is gestalt.
It’s been a musical few weeks. We played our first show with Annie Nolan on Sept 17, and it went quite well. (For those who were confused, I wasn’t playing with Jay that night, it was his last show with his old band.) Then I saw The New Pornographers at Sugar on the 22nd. They were mighty awesome. Then it was One Less Felon at Logan’s on the 29th, Jay Dunphy and David Chenery playing solo acoustic at the Spiral on the 30th, and K.C. Hingley opening up for Stone Creek at Steamers on October 1. And on Tuesday, it’s back to Sugar to check out Feist.
From an entry on Chris Clark’s blog, I’ve discovered I’m an INTP. The article about what it means to be an introvert is also linked to is required reading for anyone who can’t figure me out. (Jay and Annie, you are exempt. I know you “get me”.)
I’m on at least three other social networking sites, but MySpace is the one that’s been keeping my attention lately. Check out my profile here.
Closing thought: At the moment, Illinois by Sufjan Stevens is my pick for album of the year.
You may recall that back on July 10 I mentioned that I’m in a band again. Well, that’s a lie. In fact, I’m in two bands. The first one has me playing the bass for a lovely singer-songwriter by the name of Annie Nolan. Our first gig is on Sept. 17 at Steamers Pub, opening for Jay Dunphy and the Religion. It’s Jay’s CD release party, and also his last show with his current band. Doors at 9pm, cover $6, yadda yadda yadda. (Come see us!)
Which brings me to the second band that I’m in, which is… Jay Dunphy and the Religion. Except it’s not the same Religion, it’s a new Religion. Well, half of the old Religion—not the most recent Religion, mind you, but the original Religion… It’s like, Jay Dunphy and the New Old Religon Revival. Or something. Anyway, the point is that I once again have the honor and privilege of playing bass for my good buddy Jay. We may be playing a show in October some time—stay tuned.
I just made the Badger Badger Badger song the ringtone on my phone. I can’t wait for someone to call me. (About time I changed it, too—I’d probably get in trouble if my phone went off at work playing the Trogdor theme song again.)