It was almost 137 degrees in the shade when I noticed a shop offering healthy smoothies and teas.
So I wandered in and asked a few questions about their offerings figuring something cold and refreshing would offer a nice respite from nature.
The girl behind the counter was anxious to practice her wily sales technique upon me and in short order convinced me to buy the small size of a drink that would be refreshing, restore hydration and offer some digestive benefits.
As she put it together I realized I hadn’t seen any prices and wondered if I was going to get hit with a $7 drink. That was more than I wanted to spend but it was already being made and I figured I would help a small business.
Except it wasn’t $7, it was $10 and some change.
I paid for it, left a tip and said that was more than I expected.
“You’re going to think it is worth it.”
I nodded my head, walked out and made a mental note never to return. I should have asked in advance but I didn’t so that is on me.
That drink won’t break me, but I am not in the habit of paying that much for a drink at a smoothie place. Hell, I like my single malt scotch but I am pretty selective about when I put down that kind of scratch for a drink.
Pick Your Battles
Walking back to the car I thought about whether I should go back and say something or if I ought to send a comment to the email address on their website.
I wasn’t angry but I wasn’t happy either and then I heard my father’s voice.
“Pick your battles. Is this the hill you want to die on.”
That made me smile because it is sensible. He helped me learn long ago that making decisions while angry was a good way to get into more trouble.
And given where things were a chunk of years ago to where they are now there is no reason to lose more than a millisecond over the drink.
Was it worth $10?
No, but I enjoyed it and I have the financial wherewithal not to be concerned about it. Heck, I could do it more often if I wanted to.
That is not to be interpreted as bragging because it is not. The purpose is for my own internal gratitude list. I have put in significant time and effort to reach a point where I don’t have to live paycheck-to-paycheck.
Life wasn’t always like that and I am cognizant that things can change because they could. But life experience goes a long way in providing security that you can do things.
A while back a reader sent in some criticism about some expressions I used. Their color commentary of my editorial skills and command of the language made me smile.
Why?
Because when you get something as heated as that you know that you made someone feel something and sometimes it is nice to get feedback.
And the second reason is they didn’t realize we all leave digital footprints all over the internet. If you are going to sling insults and suggestions you might want to make sure you don’t do it from a work email or in any other fashion that makes it clear who you are.
I don’t always respond or make it clear that I have seen something or noticed people scraping the site but I do file it away.
See Dad, I learned a few things from you and not responding in anger is one of them. If I choose to respond/engage I’ll do it on my terms and my schedule.
But let’s go back to the girl who made me the $10 drink. I don’t know if she had malicious intent. Can’t say she was some 20 something who thinks she is smarter than everyone or if she was trying to be nice.
The latter is just as likely as the former. She could have been giving me her best effort and service and that is praiseworthy.
It’s highly unlikely she sets pricing or sets policy so yelling at her wasn’t likely to do more than make me look like a jackass who mistreats people.
Kindness goes much further and your ire should always be targeted and appropriate.
And now for a music break.
Skilled Writer & Musician
That is one of my favorite cuts off of Springsteen’s most recent album. He is a skilled writer and musician and someone whose work I admire.
Can’t say that either of these pieces match up to what he has done, but I am working on it.
The Boss has joined me on trips across the country and the world. Been to about 40 states with me and a half dozen countries.
Had a few people through the years tell me they didn’t appreciate his work and managed to convince a few to reconsider.
I don’t know that I would say he is my favorite artist but he is up there. As a writer I am consistently impressed by the volume and quality of his content.
If you are among the long time readers here and follow any of my fiction there is a pretty good chance I wrote some of what you are reading with one of his songs on at some point.
He is definitely on my list of people I’d like to meet. Would be awesome to be able to hang out and just talk, got so many questions.
Maybe I’ll ask him if he can help me write a song about buying a $10 dollar tea. Doh.=
