I’ve got a few different posts I want to work on, so I’ll just start with #1.

This past week was my last week as a barista. Wow, that sounds so sad when I put it like that. I’d like to think I’ll always be a barista, in some way. Sort of like my work with the African Children’s Choir. Once an auntie, always an auntie.

Anyway, I’d been trying to work two jobs in the past two months or so (three if you count my music lessons). It was nice to make some extra money for awhile. But soon, the early mornings and long days were becoming too much. I was exhausted all the time, and sleep was getting harder for me. One morning as I stumbled out of bed at 5:15 a.m., I thought to myself, “I just can’t do this anymore.” So I put in my two week notice at Redeye, the coffee shop I’ve worked at.

It’s been nice to remove a burden from my schedule, but man it was hard to leave. Not only did I develop a passion for good coffee, I developed a passion for the customers. I grew fond of my regulars (including Ruth the dog, who received treats from me each morning… may she rest in peace) and looked forward to seeing them each day. I enjoyed handing people a hot cup of comfort. Because as I wrote in a previous blog, coffee is not just coffee. That cup holds a lot of comfort in it.

I was blessed to see how many of my customers were sad to see me leave. (They also didn’t blame me and most complimented me on taking a step to simplify my life.) One of my favorite regulars brought a cheesecake and a card to me on my last day. So sweet. (And the cheesecake’s long gone already.) My last morning was sad… especially as my shift came to an end. As I made my final espresso drink (a large nonfat cappuccino) I wanted to hug the espresso machine. It’s like an old friend. Sure, it was kind of temperamental and moody at times, but it was faithful and good to work with.

I will miss the free coffee I received, and I will also miss the community of people that I grew to know by working there. The fortunate thing is is that I can still go and be a part of that community, this time as a customer. And I can probably enjoy my coffee before it gets cold. .

So thank you Coffee Pub and Redeye (I worked at the Coffee Pub for a little over a year before it changed ownership to Redeye). Thank you for the lovely mornings and the warm hazelnut lattes I enjoyed free of charge. Thank you for the customers you invited into your doors that I grew so fond of. Thank you for a wonderful job opportunity that also brought many amazing friendships into my life. I will be back. Just on the other side of the counter.