Lately I’ve been drawn to the articles of Salon Life. I slouch over my computer (too) late at night reading Cary Tennis’s advice or the latest cheeky sex feature. It’s got to be the most eclectic corner of the Salon. Maybe I’ve gravitated there seeking respite from the breathless intensity of the election politics on the front page. Let’s face it– I’m decided when it comes to the election. But when it comes to life– hmm. Undecided fence-straddler– confused, emotional, curious– timidly stepping out to gather information in advance of making decisions, choosing new directions.
Well, anyway. At the very least, these reads are good for a giggle. And I often admire the writing too, no matter the subject.
This might be a "you had to be there" kind of thing, but I felt such glee tonight at the fortuitous connection between this profile of the "customer service crush" and Tom Waits’s hilariously poignant rendition of the phenomenon in the prologue to his "Invitation to the Blues," live in Warsaw. (The latter was conjured from some remote tangle of the Internet by the wizard of Corvallis. Thank you, Scott!)
The customer service crush can be dangerously powerful! I think if I continue to patronize coffee shops, I’m going to turn lesbian; I always encounter the most scrumptious earthy waitresses (is being old-fashioned an excuse to be politically incorrect?) when I sit down to a latte or mocha instead of ordering to go. Mmm…coffee shop girls – to go! I could start my own girly pin-up calender! Warm me up, Miss November! Sinorina Mochachina!
well, my friend, be glad that you’re decided about something. i cast my absentee vote today, and with little certainty (i talk politics with very few people so i’d rather not go down that road). I, too, find myself wavering between the two sides of the fence in more than one area of my life, often afraid of making the wrong choice. i’m hoping that i will become more decisive and confident as i grow, and that i won’t have too many regrets when it’s all said and done.
So far the only regrets that I have are of missed opportunities due to my being overly cautious or indecisive. I think as long as you do not compromise your core values, then you should not fear making a wrong choice. Trust your instincts! If it doesn’t turn out so well, you can always make new choices. So hop off that fence, friend, and dance on with a grand smile and full life.
Now if only I would have told that phone service representative how special she made me feel. How I long to hear her sweet seductive voice! "For billing press 1, for customer service press 2…"