Coffee Shop Memories

Before I was a teacher, I ran a coffee shop. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss the smells, sounds, and people of that shop. I did NOT run a Starbucks. Don’t get me wrong, I am a regular customer of the 4Bucks (inside joke with Matt… we call it 4bucks). I get a latte there at least twice a week when my bank account allows. But, there is something special about that local coffee shop that sucks me in. I love the atmosphere. I love the personality. I love the friendliness.

Everyday, I got to have deep wonderful conversations with people over a cup of coffee AND get paid for it. I made many friends over steaming drinks and clean counters. I got to know truckers, police officers, office workers, and sub shop managers. I got to hear their stories. Share my story.

Me at my Coffee Shop.

 Just the smell of a fresh brew takes me back. I can close my eyes and pretend that Tony is about to walk through the door with the next book that I just HAVE to read. Nate is going to come in, sit in the corner booth and make eyes at me but never actually ask me out until it’s too late. Steve and Josh from across the street are going to walk over and bicker the entire time about who is smarter, better looking, or just plain awesome.

It was a wonderful experience. I cried the day we shut our doors for the last time. Victims of poor ownership, bad location, and crummy economy.

Now, I spend my lunch hour sitting in Starbucks people watching, writing, or just enjoying a quiet few minutes to myself. I am constantly reminded of how much I miss those days. How much I miss those conversations, those friendships.

I guess working with three-year-olds leaves me longing for adult conversations. Sometimes, I just wish I could get an adult song stuck in my head… I said this today after  I spent the better part of the afternoon humming “Do You Know the Muffin Man?” Who can spend 9 hours a day with children and not long for a good conversation over a great cup of coffee. No children permitted.

~Joella~

I Talk To The Food…

… When I cook. I always seem to do so in an accent. I don’t know why. JB must think I am crazy! (One of those surprises that we discovered when we moved in together)

Today, I was making some hardboiled eggs and got impatient waiting for it to boil. I started encouraging the water to make a “Rapid Boil” using a voice that was reminiscent of Pavel Chekov from Star Trek. Upon realizing this, I laughed so hard I was in tears. If JB didn’t think I was crazy before, I’m sure he does now! First, I start speaking to water in a weird Russia accent, then laugh until there are tears… Even I think I’m a bit crazy! HA! The good news is my water did boil and I have some perfectly hardboiled eggs to devour!

Do you have any strange habits?

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In ONE WEEK, we leave for San Diego! I.can.not.wait. This is the weekend I wait for all year. It is the highlight of the summer. What is so special about this weekend? Why, tis the Switchfoot Bro-Am. Yes, you are reading that correctly. BRO-AM. It is a surf  contest and free concert on the beach. Switchfoot puts on the whole event  to benefit Stand Up For Kids. It is tons of fun! My best friend from OR comes down every year and we meet up for a weekend of music, sun, and ocean. Oh, and breakfast at Swami’s every morning! It is THE BEST place to eat. Period. I have, I kid you not, had dreams about eating there. I would wake up craving their food, but it is a bit of a long commute for a breakfast trip.

In 2009, my now husband, proposed to me the day before the Bro-Am. We were watching the sunset on the beach. It was very romantic, and it makes this weekend that much more special. It was wonderful to get to share those happy days with some of my very best friends and to continue to share this weekend every year with them.

If you don’t know Switchfoot’s music, I encourage you to check them out. And if you happen to be in the SD area on June 18th, you should head over to Moonlight Beach for a fun day of music and surfing!

(Also, the guys of Switchfoot, and the famous surfers, just walk around the crowd and mingle. So if you are into that kind of stuff, you are sure to meet them).

Jon Foreman and ME!

 

 

 

 

Is there an event/trip you do every year?

 

~Joella~

Between Me And The Stars

I am extremely lucky to live across the street from a beautiful green park.  The park borders the stadium so it’s often lit up late at night when there are games being played. Tonight was one of those nights. The day was hot and sticky, but, the evening brought a chill. I couldn’t resist one of the last  chances to take my dog to the park before summer really set in. I watched the last of the sunset as I played fetch with Jack. He loves going to the park because its big and I let him to run free off the leash (a luxury not often experienced in our apartment complex).

Jack

After exhausting Jack, I found a clear spot of grass and laid back to look at the moon and Jack settled himself  down beside me. The game came to an end not long after and the lights turned off. I found myself laying in a darkened park alone in the cool evening air. Yet, I felt more peaceful that I have in months. I breathed in the scent of the earth all around me and looked at the wonder of the stars above me. I was reminded of how amazing God’s creations are. He created all of this. He created everything, from the tiny blades of grass under me to the Massive Stars in the sky above me. It was a humbling thought formed during a beautiful moment.

I knew my husband would start to worry about me once he saw the lights go out, so I eventually dragged myself up and headed home. But the smell of the grass lingers on my clothing and hair reminding me of the small moments that make this life special.

Tonight reminded me of a song that I’ve sung a thousand times at least, but after tonight, it seems to have a new meaning… or maybe I finally understand what Jon felt when he wrote it.

~Joella~

 

“Under The Floor”

By Switchfoot

Under the floor
Between me and the door
There’s a presence
I cannot deny

It’s under the car
Between me and the stars
I see glory filling up the sky

And I’m certain that he hears me
He listens even as I sing my song
I’m emphatic that he’s near me
And I can see his touch in everything here

Deep is the soul
Is the space I control
Is the one thing I can call as mine

Deeper the cold
When he’s far from my soul
I surrender all of me inside