People Stories

I'd leave it somewhere, and then get it when it's full.

Brilliant!

I was journaling* this morning. Once I had finished, I flipped back to the front and noticed the first page - the one where I put my name and address in case I lost my journal.

"I hope someone would send it back," I thought. "Maybe they could read it first and send it back." Yep, that's what I thought. I write as if someone else is going to read it anyway, so that wouldn't bother me. The thought progressed.

"They could even write a response in there. Fill up a couple pages. Heck, I guess they could write whatever they want in there." ...keep going... "And maybe they could pass it around to friends? Or just leave it somewhere for people to write in."

And then, it clicked.

Leave a journal somewhere. Blank, save for a page of instructions:

"Write a story about your life. Take as much space as you'd like. Funny, tragic, wonderful, enthralling, mundane. All are welcome. When it's full, please send to [my address]. I do love a good story. - Sincerely, Dan."

How amazing would that be? I'm thinking local coffee shops would be great for this type of thing. Then, when I've acquired enough stories, they could be published as People Stories.

Whaddya think?


*Blogger tells me "journaling" isn't a word. But it's also telling me "isn't" isn't a word. *sigh* Oh, technology...

The Best Kind of Rejection

Well, it could have gone worse.

I went back to a favorite coffee shop yesterday. Once again, I chatted with the cute barista. Once again, we talked for a while, and it seemed to be going well. And for the first time, I made a move.

Before I left I asked, "So, how'd you like to chat sometime when you don't have to help customers and clean?" She got that surprised look on her face that could really go either way. But the long pause really couldn't.

She needed a moment.


Okay, she didn't need a moment. Because she said what she wanted to say. And it rhymed with,

"Um, well, I'd have to see what my boyfriend thinks about that."

Alright, it didn't rhyme. That's what she said. It was a little slow coming out, but it was definitely there.

I was fine with that. It was honest, and honestly, I think it was the best kind of rejection. If she's already taken, it validates my taste in women. And I didn't get totally shut down for no reason. I mean, I could have, but why go there, right?

It's all a game of risk. Or, if you're more apprehensive, risk management. I'm glad I took the risk. It's nice to be turned down every once in a while. Keeps me humble.

Any good rejection stories out there?

La Spiaza - Still Open

When was the last time you had a really good night?

Mine was a mere 14 hours ago.

Yesterday was an unusual day because I didn't work, have class, band practice or anything with church. Yes, a full day off. That is the life equivalent of an endangered species. I am proud to report, though they are far and few, and often seen by unforeseen circumstance, they are still about.

I ran errands throughout the day, had a great free lunch at Uncle Julio's Hacienda (Crab-stuffed shrimp. Amazing.), and worked on items for church on Sunday. I still needed to work on my sermon, so Grant and I went to the library for about an hour, hoping to get back in time for NBC's amazing night of comedies. But after putting in an hour of work, I thought to myself, "Self, you should keep working." This is an extra-ordinary amount of discipline for me, so I was hoping to take advantage.

Two obstacles stood in my way.

(1) I really wanted to take a nap. Even though it was 7pm I was really flippin tired, and I figured I wouldn't be productive without one.
(2) I wanted to go to a coffee shop, but in the suburbs they're all closed at 9, and I was hoping to work till at least 10, after my nap.

First things first, I went to bed for a while. 40 minutes later, I woke up, a little groggy, but oddly refreshed. So, now it's 8:15. 45 minutes left for most coffee shops.

Then I remembered La Spiaza, what used to be one of my fave places, was allegedly open till 10. Sure it's 20 minutes away, but totally worth it. I have good memories associated with that place, and I could use the drive. I hopped in my car and headed on over, books in tow.

Commence really good night sequence.

First, when I pulled up, I noticed silly singing and dancing going on through the front window of the shop. Turns out they were doing open mic. The first open mic of a long series of them. Distracting from work, yes. But always fun.

Second, I went to find a seat, since the barista was one of the singers/dancers, and as I found a spot way in the corner, I heard my name. Twice. From two different directions. First was my friend Sarah from college, whom I had introduced this place to a few months back, hanging with one of her friends. Second, my friend Daniel was relaxing with some sudoku. Rarely have I felt so popular as to be called out in public. Twice.

Third, when I went to get my drink, I was encouraged to play the open mic by the enthusiastic barista. I said I had to do some work, but they had a guitar there, so I was totally peer pressured into playing. (Of course, you all know that I don't take much convincing, but we won't tell them that.) I ended up picking out some Jack Johnson, Goo Goo Dolls, and an original. Daniel moved up to the front of the store when I played, which made me feel pretty awesome. He's a great guy.

Fourth, I asked if they still do shows on Fridays and Saturdays, just so I could come out and see one, and the girl whose guitar I used asked, "Oh, you want to book a show?" Not what I was going for at all, but surprisingly fantastic.

Fifth, I actually got some work done. I read in my Luke commentary and really made some progress on where this sermon is going.

Finally, I chatted it up with the barista and learned that they actually close at 9, but if people are there hanging out she stays open for a while longer. How amazing is that?? There are good people in the world. We ended up staying till a little after 10. Sarah and her friend came up and the four of us (including the barista) chatted it up. Also, in my conversation with her she asked about my sermon, which was different, since most of the people I meet don't have a church background. This time I was able to talk about it without any explanation or background. Thank God for Wheaton.

What a good night. I could have stayed home, but I ventured over to a place I thought would be worth the trip, and it totally was. Spagno Cafe may be gone, but I'm quickly rekindling this old flame.

Now, if only it were in the same direction as the rest of my life, we'd be in business.

Spagno Cafe - Now Closed.

It can break a man's heart.

In every town, there are restaurants. Some are frequented, some ignored. Some are classy, others dives. Some are popular, others are well-kept secrets. Some are open, some are, well, closed.

Spagno Cafe has already completed its stay on Roosevelt Rd.

On New Year's Day I drove by, craving French Toast. They were closed. I figured it was just a New Year's Day thing, not an all-year long thing. But when John and I tried to go last Friday, there were the signs: "Now Leasing"

It's always sad to see someone's dream go down the tubes like that. Especially when it was such a good dream, with such good food! I had a take-out menu on my fridge, and I was marking each item as I tried it with a ranking system: ":D" was delicious. ":)" was good. ":|" was OK. ":(" was not good. Only one item each received the lowest marks, the rest were between good and delicious. I was really looking forward to having the entire spread. Now, that will never happen.

And what's worse? I can't even tell them how much I loved it. I'm glad I did while I was there, because I will likely never run into those fun-loving Albanians again.

R.I.P. Spagno. I'll miss you.

What's your favorite place to eat, sit or enjoy?