"Everyone needs a hug!"

I set my alarm and went for a run this morning. It's been months, or even close to a year since I last excercised, but it felt amazing. Off the main road I ran down a dirt road that weaves through the woods with hiking trails and pathways. The air was at the perfect cool temperature, the sun was just peeking through the trees and reflecting off of the lake with that fresh, misty, dewey atmosphere that is "early morning"... it was beautiful.

I drove to Atlanta last Thursday to Turner Field since the Phillies were in town. It couldn't have been a better day; 70 degrees, Hamels was pitching, Burrell hit a home run, not to mention the fact that they swept the Braves and maintained their first place spot. I was surprised to see that the stadium sold beer in bottles as opposed to pouring it in flimsy plastic cups that you are guarateed to spill like in PA. Maybe surprised is the wrong word to use... ecstatic?

I'm beginning to think that I might love my job. Of all the shitty employees I've worked for over the years, I actually don't mind coming to work. Of course, I don't want to make coffee (for other people) forever, and I certainly don't want to stay in this damn town for any longer than I have to, but it's been going very well.

One of our regular customers - who comes in twice a day, every day, and orders the same exact drink, which she's been doing for 5 years now - told me I make the best coffee. She even used the word "perfect" as she said of all the other employees who makes her signature drink, she likes mine the best.

For a couple of days straight I've received compliments from customers, and not just for my mad-coffee-drink-making skills. For instance, yesturday I wore my hair down instead of hiding it behind bobbypins, headbands, and bandanas and a lot of people made a big deal how much they love my hair... the question is, does my hair really look nice? or are they just making note of the fact that they can actually see it?

I also had a Cuban sandwich for the first time. I've never heard of it before until working here because it's one of our weekly lunch specials. Jenny discovered it when she lived in Florida, so she decided to make her own "Americanized" Cuban. She puts ham, turkey, swiss, pickles, and this mustard/mayo spread on bread and grills it... so frickin' good.

And my trainee is going well too. It's weird to have someone literally standing over you all day, and following you around like a shadow. She looked like a deer in headlights the first day because there is so much to know that it's overwhelming. I wonder if I looked the same way on my first day, that I-feel-awkward-and-don't-know-what-the-hell-I'm-doing look. Yeah, probably.