A little Starbucks love

A little Starbucks love, originally uploaded by kyredbutterfly.

I had a great experience this morning. I indulged myself and stopped to get a little something at Starbucks on my way to work, which I do about once a week. I used the drive-through, and when I pulled up to the window, the young woman there asked how I was and if I was heading to work. I said yes, and then she asked where I worked. I told her I worked in Frankfort, in the capitol building, and left it at that because I usually get glazed looks when I say that I work for the state legislature. But she asked me what I do, so I explained who I worked for and said that I mainly "draft legislation," which is a huge simplication, but again, I was going for simple.

Instead of politely nodding and moving on, she lit up, and explained that she grew up in Alabama and paged in the Alabama state legislature when she was a kid. Then, to top it off, as she handed me my drink she said, "Thanks for everything you do for us."

Wow. I'm a public servant, and usually we're not particularly appreciated. Most public conversations center around how lazy, well-paid (ha!) or lucky state employees are to have the health benefits they have. While I'm sometimes thanked by legislators, and my job is appreciated by those who know me well, I don't think I've ever been thanked by a stranger. It put a smile on my face, and I stammered out my own "Thank you" before driving off. Her thoughtfulness made my day

*******

Let's just ignore that I'm jumping back on here after a 4 month absence, okay? Thanks. It's been a busy 4 months; sorry I failed to share.