Yesterday I felt sick. So jacked up sick. I was at work, and everything was fine. Then around noon, I started to not feel as well. I told Bruce just so no one would be surprised if I ran to the bathroom or anything. Ilissa said I looked bad, and Kris said I looked pale . . . not good signs.
So the other day, I went to watch Jocie. I knew it was going to be different than watching the boys, but I was amazed how amazingly simple it was. My niece was hard to put down months ago just because she was more attached to my sister in law. It wasn't necessarily me because Gen would even cry herself to sleep when it was my brother (her dad) putting her down.
The best days of being an uncle are now. Of course I can always spoil my niece, but it's something to spoil your niece in person. I'm not sure if Gen remembers me from a few months ago, but it didn't take long for my wonderful charm to work on her. It's interesting that for some people, I'll shave to be respectful - i.e. some weddings. For Gen though, I thought she might like my goatee.
So I got a call to be a mystery guest at Cheesecake Factory the other day. So Pete and I met there for lunch. He got the Cajun Jambalaya Pasta and I got the Hungarian Beef Goulash. Both pretty good dishes. I thought our server was pretty good - Melissa. She had a good cordial humor along with professionalism. I couldn't put my finger on her accent - NY/New Jersey like. Being Mr. Productivity, I thought they were pretty efficient. Everything was pretty good until the end . . .
Why am I a monster? I simply had not eaten all day. It was a crazy day - constant work. But even more, it was emotionally draining to hear that 600 SBUX stores were closing - some potentially in my region. I'm 99% sure that I'm safe. So I'm driving home after too long of a day. I decide to redeem my free Papa John's pizza. - free medium 1 topping.
I wasn't "supposed" to be at work again. I was there for a shift supervisor meeting, and then I wanted to spend some extra time with my ASM. As we came back from lunch, one of my partners was sitting on the patio. She told me that the group of people inside the store were the family of one of our regulars that passed away. I put up my stuff and got my assistant to tend to the 1:00pm interview as I went to talk to the family.
You see Starbucks was one of this things that Stephanie just did all the time. I could tell because her husband and friends all had Starbucks tumblers too. Stephanie's husband said that you'd sometimes see him more than her because he would go out and get Starbucks for her. Her mom showed me a button with Stephanie's picture and their dog. They would swing by Starbucks and Petsmart.
So why were they at my Starbucks? Because they were trying to ease some pain, and they remembered always going to our Starbucks with Stephanie. We were a piece of that healing process. Something to bring back some good memories. Stephanie's mom and I got to chat a little. I thanked them for coming in and letting us be a part of their lives. She thanked us for what we mean and the simple gesture of offering and asking if we could do anything for them. I told them how it was an honor to get to meet them and to get to serve people like Stephanie every day. We talked about how at the core, it's not the coffee and all, but rather the people - and we would miss Stephanie as well.
I can't begin to express how that entire conversation felt. Instead of "the manager" at the Starbucks, I felt like part of the family. I practically lost my composure with the family. I have a series of stories I share with partners during First Impressions and the Customer Care module about how we're in the people business serving coffee. This is definitely something that I add in there. We get a few people at our store that are visiting relatives at the hospital or going to the funeral home up the road. But it's another thing when your every day regular passes away - even more when their every day job is saving other people's lives . . .
I didn't expect any of that today when I was going to work. I was just expecting some great development conversations with my ASM and giving some good energy and excitement to them. We talk about our customers and what they're saying or thinking of us in our customer voice surveys. Sure that's part of what I'm rated on, but today's experience reminds me once again of the real reason it matters how we connect with our customers - that human connection.
As I look back, I really enjoyed Harmon and Jennifer's wedding. It was really indicative of our community. I loved seeing the village of support up there for Harmon and Jen. That's what we are - a community of normal people. I loved seeing how honest and genuine everything turned out to be. The kids were just running everywhere - during pictures, during the ceremony, etc - but it's normal - that's us. It's not the crisp organized presentation - it was the beauty of life - a little unpredictable, a little crazy, and very cute. I got to be around for the rehearsal and pre-wedding pictures. It was awesome seeing Harmon and Jen's family - very happy people.
Been lots of in and out lately. I was in San Fran for awhile. Matt went to Boston. Gid, Wey, and Sam's families were in and out. Teddy got married. The Power family finally moved to Austin. The last month has been full of transitions seeing people here and there. It's been refreshing to travel here and there, but its also really refreshing to have people back.
I've always liked documentaries. I don't know if it's because you get a more direct angle from the director or because there's more "truth." - don't include Michael Moore's opinionated Fox news/entertainment stye. There was this heart warming/inspirational feel from Young@Heart.
There's something about old people. I saw some cool old people in SF. One old grandfather chasing his grandson around. An old dude just hanging around at a bench for his friend. There's always this sense of calm from them.