that fine line

My adult interaction during the work week is minimal. Most of my contact comes from talking to the baristas at Starbucks, or chatting up the grocery checker at Vons. 

I value my alone time, need it really, but there is an absence in my 9-5 that sometimes feels like a black hole. And it explains the verbal diarrhea that sometimes escapes at dusk when M walks through the door.

Ordering a coffee this morning in a different Starbucks than my norm. I remember the barista taking my order, noting that our interaction a few months earlier was significant to me, and he clearly had no recollection.

I thought about sharing the story with him, he seemed like he was having a rough day. But the line was winding out the door, (as its known to do at this particular location), so I held back. 

As I stood there waiting for my drink, I realized my little story might not be as charming to him as it is to me, but I also know that Los Angeles can feel particularly alienating and perhaps my story would have made his day.

+++++++++++

I was having a particularly craptastic afternoon, and happened to find a parking spot in front of a very busy Starbucks. Even better, the store was empty and I walked right up.

The barista smiled and said,

"I'm giving you a sticker. Here, hold out your hand..."

Which is sort of strange, but he had a big smile and as I said, my day wasn't that great so I did as asked.

He planted a bright, blue anchor sticker on top of my left hand, and I said it was perfect, because I'd been swearing like a sailor and the anchor was somehow significant. 

I said I could hold up my hand and show my anchor when I felt the urge to curse. He threw down a few piratey puns, we had a laugh, and I went on my way.

As an aside, all Winter I'd been obsessing about knuckle/finger tattoos and how I wanted one, but couldn't think of what to get.

(I'm sure you can see where this story went...) 

Yep, an anchor tattoo on my finger. I've found my image and it's pinned on my board. I'm going to sit with it, have it drawn on my finger, and if I'm still in the market, I'll get it in the new year.