Since their xmas party, it came as a surprise that the local manager at my local cafe' was off ill, correction, after a huge booze-up of student proportions (I assume), this was somewhat to be expected, especially from somebody in the most authoritative position there, I mean being realistic about it even 'my' boss had a day & a half off, but the surprise part being that this had carried on for over a week.

The interim duration called for extra support from other branches of the nearby neighbourhood, The odd experienced staff member lending a hand, but a week later, with individual members doing double shift days (15 odd hours) consecutive days, more desperate measures were called for.

Let me set the scene: It's Saturday -- December the 22nd, the shopping sprees and traffic jams were at their peak, the normal 5-7 minute bus journey had taken me over 15 minutes. I could have walked in the same time, though obviously I wouldn't because a) it's cold out and b) I'm terribly lazy.

So as people cross people off their list of presents still to buy (which obviously they 'had' left his late, just like every other year), they found that taking a break in a cafe' between shops was the way forward. Good for them - Bravo! However this mean a constant queue almost out of the door, even my optimal table had already been taken.

No worries - I'm a patient kinda guy, my next film at the cinema upstairs was in a good four hours, I had ample work to do, but this mean putting it off, so why should I be concerned, so here I stand in a queue doing what I do best -- observing. Three of the four staff members greet me & ask me how I am, one by one, as they spot me.

In the midst of this all is another member who I will realise in the next few minutes is the area manager, she's come to help out on this merry occasion. I don't believe I've encountered her before, but her actions have authority stamped all over it. Keeping in mind the nature of the surroundings, she's keeping busy, but what's worth note is that though she's not watching the entire arena as closely as myself, she too is a spectator. Certainly efficient at the job, she knows the ropes & doesn't mind getting her hands dirty.

What stood out in her actions was the commercial outlook even at this busy juncture. She was focussed on keeping things stocked up. In and out of the staff storage place she ensured things looked stocked up. It's a strange thing but its true that if shelves are half full you are less inclined to buy if you were not already decided. I know this from my old jobs in retail. The exception being rare things & things that are made fresh.

Anyway, me being me, started talking to her. It was quite an immediate reaction that she didn't want me thinking that she was an average-level staff member. I was amused as I was thus told. :)

The fourth and longest standing staff member spots me last. He's been keeping busy with the two new trainees, showing them the ropes and what have you, it actually takes him about a half hour to spot me. Watching people on their first day is always quite amusing. They're doing a pretty decent job, but have that petrified look about them. They obviously want/need the job & are worrying about the quality of their work isn't on par with the others.

Observing in amusement, I notice my table has freed up & so I take my place, power up and start writing this up instead of doing any real work, but there's only so much I can put it off. I think t he time is now.

Silent Salutes
_ram-jaane'

P.S - I am wondering what's happening with the manager, I'll enquire later.