I work smack in the middle of downtown DC, so you can imagine the hustle and bustle each weekday morning as people are getting to their respective offices.

On my walk to work, I normally stop at the Caribou Coffee across the street from my office building and get my usual iced latte. Virtually the entire crew there have come to know me and the drink I order. There are times I’ve been standing in line five or six people away from the registers and by the time I get to the front, my latte is waiting for me because the barista caught sight of me waiting.

This morning’s trip made me really smile, though. I entered the line and as soon as one of the manager’s saw me (the one who hugs me almost everytime I see her, but I don’t even know her name! ) she turned to the barista on duty and simply said, “Amber’s here.” The barista looked at me, smiled, promptly reached for a large cup and pumped the five shots of sugar-free vanilla syrup into it.

It’s behavior and service of this nature that can sometimes give DC that “small town” feel, which I absolutely love. I used to visit the same Starbucks regularly and while they eventually came to recognize me, they never made me feel welcomed as the staff do at this Caribou.

The feeling is nice.

Because I stayed home today, I just threw on a pair of jeans and didn’t bother wearing a belt. As I’ve walked up and down the stairs and around the house, I’ve had to constantly pull them up my ass.

So, I must never forget a belt when I go outside my home.

I must say, that knowledge gives me a damn good feeling.

Someone please explain to me why it’s necessary to become miserly over $20 in late fees (I’m not exaggerating on the amount) when multiple consultants are being paid anywhere from $50-$115 per hour?

Um, where is the logic in that?

Fuck. Permanent people need to be hired and paid the normal rate of $25-$35 per hour. That would be much more logical, wouldn’t it?