Ubelievable.....

What a surprise!! I never would have expected this to happen to me. I was completely flabbergasted. Complete and utter disbelief. I usually don't like public attention, but this time it was kinda sweet. Yes I know I'm a teacher and that is a very public job, but I don't count that because you really don't get many kudos from sharing your nerdy passion for literature in a public setting.

I stopped in Starbucks yesterday after work to pick up a 1/2 lb of coffee. We are drinking the Espresso Blend, in case anyone is wondering. This month they are having a promotion where you use your Starbucks card for discounts on certain drinks.

Well, I guess the card that I had which is made out of paper, was the actual card, and not some promotional piece. The cashier told me, "you need the card. I'm sorry. no more." What?? I tried to explain to her that I didn't know it was the actual card and that it's all in Korean, and I don't speak Korean. Duh?? was what I was thinking in my head. "Have mercy on me," was my facial expression.

She wasn't budging. Last ditch effort: pretend you don't understand. That way the go and get another person who may speak better English than them. Also, you know have another opportunity to get what you want. Always try to increase your odds.

The manager came out and I explained the situation. I ended with, "I come here all the time."
Her response," I know. You're Maria. You work at Pagoda. You're here a lot. Let me see what I can do."

Wow!! She got me a new card. I walked up the hill incomplete bewilderment. It's still hard to comprehend how they know my name. I guess there are not a lot of Maria's or I'm the crazy Latina that come in like a tornado demanding no room. I actually think I'm the only one that orders black coffee.

On a completely different note; this conversation between Patrick and I took place the other night.

Maria: Patrick, what's wrong with you? You're not making any sense. You sound high.
Patrick: What's wrong with you? You sound like you're on Ritalin.

We both laugh at our comparisons. The joys of marriage.