Fierce Five-som (Upper Class Uma's Gang)

As I write, I have a song from an elementary school play running through my mind. I was costumed as a computer. Oh yah, I rocked that cardboard box wrapped in tinfoil and cut-up vacuum cleaner hose arms. I wore grey pants and my face was painted silver. The only color I had was a bright red felt heard glued to my chest.

“And though I have a glitch or two, computers are human too,” went the dirge I sang.

Baristas are human. No better, no worse than say, I don’t know, *any other person* walking this planet. But as a former-professional turned barista, I have noticed quite a shift in my current receiving side of daily human interaction.

A group of attorneys in town for a conference were staying at a nearby hotel. So, for three days, I had the privilege of interacting with this group of five very well dressed people that clearly follow all of GQs Rules Tips and Secrets.

They were the type that told me they were attorneys, (wait for it…) within 45 seconds of walking in the door. Really? Cool, good for you. I have a couple very good friends that are attorneys. I think they have an important role to play in our society. But really?

“Hi, we’re attorneys. (Several seconds pass in silence as they wait for an appropriate approval from me but instead faced my stone cold, no-change-in-the-face-reaction). “We’re in town for a conference, so we’ll see you for the next few days so we wanted to get to know you.”

So I replied to the “get to know you” statement with a sugar-sweet look on my face (yes, to hide the feelings inside) “well it’s nice to meet you. My name is (Currently) Decaffeinating Dee” followed by a smile and firm hand shake all around. The kind of eye contact and firm grasp that would make any interviewing coach proud, looking each in the eye, “attorney, attorney, attorney, attorney, attorney.”

Silent stares back. Then I turned to the next customer who, thankfully, was a regular. Oh, hey Great Tie Tim, good to see you” genuine smiles shared between us.

More about Great Tie Tim in another post.

So, as the fierce five-some left, I said, “thanks for coming, see you tomorrow, attorneys!” Huge smile and a friendly wave with appropriately friendly head tilt.

Next day in, the only female of the group came in and introduced herself as Upper Class Uma. I said, oh, how’s the conference going? Happy my point that their names weren’t attorney got through…

Point is, only someone that feels superior will actually introduce themselves by their hard to achieve title. For example, I can’t imagine that same scenario playing out exactly as it did if it were a group of five bell boys or garbage men or fast-food employees.

So I got to thinking about how I define myself now. I was once a person that would have listed my profession in the top five descriptors of “me” and now I wonder what those top five would be. So I wonder here, top-of-mind as I type. I’m creative, loyal, love to laugh, adventurous and curious. OK, I like those. And, did I notice their 'introduction as attorney' simply because I used to be like that?

(PS-I do recognize the irony of me saying this, when the title of this blog is barista blues…but this is a place for expression of the fascinating people I come into contact while I work part time in a coffee shop…)

Be sure to tip your baristas, and bye for now.
Currently Caffeinated, Dee