Morning Stress Off-Ramp, Have Your Coffee With A Smile! - Monday, March 22, 1999 - Newsletters - http://maxpages.com/ljwbthisweek/Coffee

By Larry J. W. Brown

Published in the "So. Washington County Bulletin" newspaper of Minnesota.

Over the past 30 years, my morning ritual has changed drastically. It has gone from a relaxing family breakfast in the morning then, to rushing to get up and out before anyone else gets out of bed so I can get to work on time. I usually don't have much time to waste so I grab an instant coffee before I leave the house, or I just do without until I get to work and then have a machine spill it all over a paper cup as it keeps my change. Spilled coffee and no one to complain to about bad change, is NOT a stress reliever!

Therefore, I have determined to make myself slow down and rely less on machines and instant coffee, and add a few smiles and personal contact to my mornings. It is amazing how much a kind word and a good cup of coffee can affect my attitude. I would like to share a couple of places along my drive to work, where I have managed to find a little morning friendliness! (Keep in mind that in no place do I offer a 100% guarantee!)

If I need gas I usually stop at the Super America station in Cottage Grove for my coffee and smile. A lovable senior cashier, Diane, always has a familiar "good morning" and an infectious smile to share. The way she does it, you feel that she is glad you stopped by, as opposed to some cashiers, who make you feel that they are doing you a favor when they take your money.

If I don't need gas, and am hurried, I will likely stop at a place I just recently discovered, the quick and convenient drive-thru window of the little "Bean & Gone" coffee hut in the Newport shopping center. There I can pick up a quick, always freshly brewed and delicious "flavor of the day" coffee, along with a snack and a familiar smile and morning greeting from any one of the folks who work there. It seems that Jennifer Shultz, the owner-operator, has taken the time to staff up with helpers that are friendly and cheerful. And what's more, this is one drive-thru where they know how to count out change!

At times, I have even opted to rise a little extra early and stop at the cozy "North Pole Café" in Newport Center and have breakfast, usually served with a smile and a friendly word of conversation.

I know these are just a few, and that there are other, equally enjoyable places in our area that I haven't yet discovered. How about you? Do you have a place on the way to work where a person is likely to get a nice friendly greeting and good service in the morning? How about sharing it with me?

Remember, if you want a smile, be willing to give one! It could be that others won't smile because you're such a "sour puss" yourself! And by-the-way, if you aren't already doing it, practice at home, the people there need it too.
……………

Re: "Nice Neighborhood, So Why Don't I Know My Neighbors?"

I received a few responses on getting to know your neighbors. Surprisingly two of them, who shall both remain anonymous, agreed that you "shouldn't talk to your neighbors, it's the only way to get along with them. If you start trying to get to know your neighbors, you'll regret it."

Another person, Les Wick of Cottage Grove, suggested I should invite a neighbor over and burn a few hot dogs together on my fire pit out back. This seems to have worked well for him and he has a close and friendly relationship with his neighbors. That's worth trying!

The other day I stopped by the home of my neighbor, John, to thank him again and enlisted his help. Remember? He's the one who plows everyone's snow just to be a good neighbor. John was inspiring. He says we have great neighbors, and that I will enjoy meeting them, so I'll look forward to that!

I guess some folks feel that if they meet their neighbors, then they have them in their business all the time. That may be a risk alright, but I think I'll take the chance and just see what happens.

You may contact Larry at ljwb@bigfoot.com

ljwb@mail.com

Sign Guestbook

View Guestbook

Visitors: 01181

Page Updated Fri Aug 10, 2001 3:48pm EDT