Aug 10
My Favorite Job
When I was 16-18 years young I was fortunate enough to experience what I know now beyond a shadow of a doubt to be my most favorite job.
I didn’t know it was my favorite job at the time but as the years have gone by I’ve really come to appreciate my time as a “Certified Coffee Agent” at our local Second Cup coffee shop.
I have very fond memories of working morning shifts which involved grinding coffee beans and brewing coffee for the morning rush, setting out fresh breakfast foods and squares, preparing the espresso “chiller” beverages, getting coffee creamers all set out and ready for use, strategically selecting my most favorite coffee shop ambience tunes (hello Enya, Sarah MacLaughlin, Jan Arden and Joni Mitchell!) and when the clock struck 7:00am, unlocking the doors and welcoming my morning regulars with a warm smile and conversations about how their previous days adventures played out after I saw them for their morning coffee.
The busy times were some of my very favorite times because they were opportunities for me to challenge myself to get better and faster at what I was doing, all the while, providing the warmest service I possibly could. I was just a second in these peoples day but I wanted that second to be memorable.
I actually worked at two Second Cup locations simultaneously so I often would work from 6:00 am until 2:00 pm in one location and then from 4:00 pm until 11:00 pm thereafter.
It wasn’t all fun and games though…My feet would be far beyond what I would classify now as “achy”, I would open the shop smelling of freshly washed “Downy kissed” clothing and leave the shop smelling like I bathed in stale coffee and syrup for a decade. Not to mention the enormous amount of weight I put on because of the perks of free beverages while on shift 
Well, last night I was given the opportunity to sit back and reminisce about the “old days” at my ol’ stompin’ grounds.
Yesterday evening I went to meet my girlfriend Zena for a monstrous mug of green tea and some long overdo company.
Unfortunately my dear friend Zena could not make it(no worries at all Zena!) so I sat in a comfy chair by a big window and enjoyed two ginormous refreshing mugs of green tea all by my fantastic self.
I walked into the shop and felt as if I was being bear hugged by a long lost friend.
The smell of fresh coffee being brewed, the sweet fragrance of “frappa-bla-bla-bla’s” covered in whipped cream, caramel drizzle and chocolate shavings (which, by the way I LOVED dressing up my clients’ coffees…It was first class with me all the way!!), the sound of Tony Bennett sweetly serenading me, the romantic ambience that the dim lighting, candles and flowers on each each table provided…
At any other location, had I been unexpectedly left all by my lonesome I probably would have gone home and watched TV with my hubby but not here…No here I was being called to just sit…Sit and think…Think about how truly blessed I am to have such wonderful memories of working at a seemingly unimportant job.
Every time one of the ladies would smack the brewed espresso out of the basket, click the espresso grinder to fill the basket back up or steam and froth milk I would be taken back to my days as a “Certified Barista.”
The smile on my face did not disappear the entire time I was sitting in my quiet little corner with my beautiful green tea.
I believe everything happens for a reason and, though I don’t know what the reason for my evening last night just yet, I am very thankful for leaving the coffee shop with a greater understanding of my inner self.
My soul has been nourished.
My day today began with a 5km run and a bowl of honey greek yogurt, blueberries, banana, peach and a sprinkling of optimum slim cereal for my much desired crunch.
I know what you might be thinking…That is one gorgeous bowl!!
Well, last weekend I welcomed two new bowls into my cupboard. Courtesy of The Little Glass Hut in Lebret, Saskatchewan.
Aren’t they beautiful? I fall in love with them more and more each time I look at them! There’s just something about pottery…I think it’s knowing that there are no two pieces that are identical…It gets me every time!
Lunch today was craving city!
After work yesterday I went home and cooked up some portabella mushroom caps and kale chips! Voila! A lunch was born!
On my portabella mushroom burger is some romaine, pickles, ketchup and mustard. On the side were some unphotographed carrots and watermelon!
Well now I am off to channel my inner cravings and create some dinner! I also have to cook up some QUINOA because I have big big plans for it this weekend!!
What was your FAVORITE job and WHY?
I loved all of my high school and college jobs. I worked at a bagel shop, a restaurant and a pharmacy. I think my favorite was the pharmacy job – it was laid back but still exciting. It almost made me consider changing my career to become a pharmacist – the thought of 6 more years of school made me change my mind : )
A bagel shop would have been so fun to work at!
When I worked att he coffee shop in the mall I would visit the bagel shop for breakfast! It had a nice atmosphere too!
Those are super cute bowls! I love pottery too!
I KNOW! They are the apple of my eye!
I’m smiling because I visit a coffee shop on a VERY regular basis and since I’ve gotten to know some of the employees, it is SO nice to start my day with really friendly people who know my name – so people on the other side really enjoy and appreciate the warm service.
I agree…Sitting in the coffee shop the other night I really got to see that the “coffee agents” can really instill a great environment and leave clients feeling relaxed!
I totally appreciate the service now…And get frustrated moreso when it’s not great service…Just because I’ve set high standards I think…
I LOVE Kale chips!!!
Isn’t it great to have a job that you love?! Hah
Me too!
It is great to love your job!
My favorite job is the one I have now! I work at a daycare and I LOVE it. I love working with kids and getting to know them. It doesn’t hurt that the daycare is inside a gym and I get a free gym pass
I think working at a daycare would be amazing!!!
Free gym? That has to be the best work perk EVER!
Awww…just SO cute! I can see you being a totally friendly and adorable barista and I feel like I would have a huge smile after you served me.
Nice bowls and cereal…and funny story about that: Donna came to visit and we went shopping at the Superstore together and we were in the natural food section and saw optimum slim, and I was like “I think that’s the stuff Katie has.”…I think of you whenever I see it. I also talked about how you are a bad influence with the bowl addiction. 
Favourite job was probably being a Pampered Chef consultant and having my own catering business (which I still to a bit of from time to time, as you sometimes see on HHH).
What an awesome comment Hilary!
If I do say so myself, I was an amazing barista
Yes it’s definitely the Optimum Slim that I have…And I love that you think of me whenever you see it! I also love that you and Donna go to the supermarket together!!!
I am a very bad influence when it comes to bowls…But if you think that is bad, if I’m ever in a not so great mood, Jeff says, “Hey honey…Want to go to Homesense? We haven’t been in a while…”….He is an enabler….It’s like waving alcohol in front of a recovering alcoholic!
I love Pampered Chef! I could totally see you as a rep…And why did you STOP the catering business? (except for the bit you do now that is…)
I think that’s pretty dangerous that your husband is enabling your addiction…have you guys considered counseling? I’m only saying this because I care about you.
I’ve stopped catering for a few reasons: although I love cooking and creating in the kitchen, it is a LOT of work, and extremely exhausting. I can’t make as much money there as I do in a “stable” job teaching (unless of course I became a wildly successful caterer to the stars)…and when working full time, catering is just kinda crazy on top of it (trust me, I’ve tried). I also am not licensed at all, so I think I may be technically illegal if people are paying me to serve food to others, because you have to pay to get your kitchen licensed/inspected or whatever. *shhh…don’t tell! It always made me kinda nervous when I was doing it, so now I just stick to close friends and family.
Haha we haven’t considered counselling BUT if I have to get more cupboards as a result of my addiction and his enabling of my addiction, well, then IT IS ON!
I totally understand your reasoning….Plus it’s probably more fun now knowing that this isn’t what’s paying your bills! It’s just a hobby!