I mentioned in an earlier post that Earl is out of town on business this week. He’s in the beautiful city of Indianapolis. I am resisting all urges to drive out and visit him after I finish my classes for the week on Thursday. It’s not really that realistic for me to hunt him down and barge in at the high point of his presentation to the corporate ladder. They’d probably poo-poo that sort of thing.
When Earl is out of town I’m usually on call for work, but since I’m unemployed and relatively caught up with my schoolwork, I’m finding myself with a lot of time on my hands. I decided to venture out into the snow and eat and surf at our local Panera. It’s rather deserted tonight, most likely because of the weather. There’s not a lot going on to entertain me, but I’m enjoying myself nonetheless.
After standing at the empty front counter, waiting for someone to appear out of thin air and take my order, a young woman walked around from the bakery area and asked, “would you like something?” Doing my best Bea Arthur imitation, I asked when the next Irish jig on the counter was to start. Being a redhead and all, I’d like to join the troop.
She didn’t find the humor in the sarcasm.
Everywhere you look in this restaurant are banners proclaiming the return of the “Chicken Bacon Dijon Panini”. Wickedly unhealthy, I decided that I would give this a whirl since I hadn’t tried it before it left.
“Oh, we’re all out of that,” was the curt reply to my request.
I settled for the hot turkey and artichoke panini. It’s rather good and doesn’t have any hints of microwave involvement, though I suspect there’s an Amana crankin’ around here somewhere.
I’m terribly lonely tonight. I’m thinking of going back home and getting a jump on the homework that’s due next Tuesday. I have to draw a survey map of the college campus. The instructor recommended that we wait until daylight to make the initial assessment but I’ve found a crystal clear satellite image online. There’s enough information available for me to get the basics, then I can fill in the fire hydrants and other small stuff later. I must be a really big geek or a really good student, because I’m looking forward to doing the assignment. It’s what I’ve wanted to do all my life.
Now if I could just get a heart stopping Chicken Bacon Dijon Panini with an Irish Jig on the side.
Ah….the sad current state of customer “service.” Taking the “less is more” attitude to new heights. Did they have a tip jar on the counter? Apparently, if you don’t actually see them spit or pee in your food, you’re supposed to reward them for taking time out of “chillin’ in the back” to come listen to you bark out your orders. I wonder if “we’re out of that” translates to “I don’t feel like makin’ that for you asswipe, so order somethin’ else” in retail shop talk!??!?!