Thursday, May 22, 2008

on simplicity

It happened again today. I was asked by a person who seems to have lots going on what it is that I did for a living. "I make the coffee," I replied. This is what I tell my daughter (three weeks old) when I have to leave her and my wife... "Daddy has to go make the coffee so that the people will be happy," I say. I sometimes feel awkward telling people, particularly people who are strangers and whom I imagine might think that a 33 year old new dad should be doing something more significant with his life than making the coffee. But that's where I realized the beauty of it all again. You see, for so long it has been all about what I could do, but lately, I don't seem much to care about what I can do. I want to go with my wife to Target for infant gas drops so that our kid doesn't have to struggle so hard with the incessant "tooties" that make her grimace and grunt in agony. I want to come home, not to worry about what is or isn't going on at work, but to be home. Yep, I make the coffee so that the people will be happy and leave me the hell alone once I hand the keys over to the next barista who will replace me on the next shift. It's a pretty good gig really... doesn't pay all that much, but tomorrow, I have the whole day off to be with Jenni and the little sweet pea, and I won't think a moment about my job. Rather, I'll rest assured that someone else is making the coffee, and if not, they can all make their own.

2 comments:

S'dizzle said...

Way to buck the societal pressures Todd. Your job may not rank among the elite in some eyes, but if it allows you to be a better husband and father and work towards your goals than there you go. No doubt you are a champ at the customer service also.

ppconiff said...

Todd, your daughter is beautiful. I am so happy for you. It has been a few years since we have seen each other. I know Patrice still wants to have you and your family over for dinner so we can get out the special person plates. Please drop me an email and fill us in on your life. We miss seeing you. Our family email is
pak@usfamily.net

When you have some down time drop us a line.

Paul Konop

Turkey Lurkey Lou all night a roo.
It still goes on in the fall but I am not sure if it still holds the same name. In search of the blue ganoe isn't happening anymore. That was a fun one.