Coffee Lord

I've been chosen to take over the Seventh Floor Office Coffee Club. I'm not the person responsible for making the coffee - just collecting the monthly coffee dues and ordering a new supply. We have one of those fancy machines that all you do is put a fresh filter and coffee grounds in the top portion, then press a button and a pot of coffee is ready in 5 minutes or less. 

The challenge for me, is that as of September 1st we have only 3 members, including me.  The previous coffee lord, and a few other members are moving to another building.  He was very economical and kept the monthly cost down by ordering a supply of so-so coffee and only charging what it took to cover that cost. His cost per cup for non members was $0.75 a cup.

I noticed all of the other floors were charging members $10 a month for unlimited coffee or $0.50 a cup for non members.  So my first decision was to do the same.

I started a campaign to get more members by offering "FREE" coffee from August 15th to September 1st for anyone who will join the club.

I'm also trying to encourage coffee consumption with homemade fresh baked items I call "Coffee Cravings" which I place right next to the coffee machine.  Last Monday it was fresh baked Banana Bread.  So far only one more person has committed to join.

But tomorrow I'll tempt them with homemade fresh baked Sour Cream Coffee Cake.

It's not like no one drinks coffee on our floor - it's just they prefer the Alterra brand and are willing to walk next door or down to the cafeteria and pay about $2 a cup for it. If successful by raising more cash, I'll order a higher quality of coffee like Dunkin Donuts or maybe even the Alterra brand. 

If I'm not successful then I guess there will be one less member, and someone else can take over being the Coffee Lord.

Oh What A Night

The Jersey Boys!  Last evening, Shelly & I attended the musical show at Milwaukee's Marcus Center for the Performing Arts and was blown away!  A year ago we saw Wicked, the musical; and last June while in NY we saw Chicago, the musical; but I honestly believe neither compared to what we experienced last evening.

Jersey Boys is a jukebox musical with music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe and the book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. It is a documentary-style musical, based on the lives of one of the most successful 1960s rock 'n roll groups, the Four Seasons.

The story dramatizes the forming, rise and eventual break-up of the original four members of The Four Seasons. The musical is separated into four Acts, each narrated by a different member of the band: Spring (Tommy DeVito), Summer (Bob Gaudio), Fall (Nick Massi) and Winter (Frankie Valli); each member has a different perspective on the band and their contribution to it.

It could have gone on for four more hours and I wouldn't have complained!  We bought the CD and I listened to it at work today about 3 times at least!  Oh What A Night!

Taking time to be with friends

I have a few friends, met through a former employer that continue to be an important part of my life. This evening three of us met for dinner and conversation.  John Hawks pub was tonight's destination and while the food selection wasn't great; the location was lovely, and the time we spent together very satisfying. I kind of smile when the waitress stops at our table to see if we ready to order, we say "not yet"; over and over again. Most of the time we don't even open the menu - just ask for a recommendation and go with it.  I hope to always have friends like these in my life and the time to spend with them.

Arlington Race Track

Our day at the races was worth it - well maybe not monitarily; but at least it was better than a day at work. We picked up Chris & Ray about 9:30 a.m. and headed down to Arlington, IL. Traffic was not an issue at all. Thursday's is "senior citizen" day - we were probably some of the youngest there.  We arrived when the track opened, at 11:15 a.m.  We got programs, and the "green sheet" which are tips for which horse to bet one for each race. There are 10 races, the first one starting at 1 p.m. and the last one staring about 5:30 - 6 p.m. There is about 1/2 hour between races which gives us time to visit the Paddock where they parade the horses and jockeys around, then place a bet, then go to the grandstands and watch the race.  The grounds are absolutely beautiful and very clean.  They have a food court with the typical food items and beverages. We stayed until the end and bet on all.  No one came out ahead, but when a typical bet is $2 a race, it is an inexpensive way to spend a summer afternoon.  Check out the photos on my Shutterfly Site - 2011 Arlington Race Track.

Off to the races!

It's been a long time since we went to a horse race, but we've decided to try it again. We'll be visiting Arlington Park, IL tomorrow with friends. Tonight we're studying up on Win, Show, Place and all the other terms we'll need to know. Sweetie has printed out lots of stuff so I'll be burning the midnight oil reading up on all the horses and betting protocol I'll need to know. I think the last time we were at Arlington was about 25 years ago - I bet it will come back to me, just like riding a bike. Wish there were a "wager" on that one :)

What a day for a picnic!

We had a picnic lunch today instead of eating in the NM cafeteria. Jimmie John's subs; chips and cookies at the Lakefront with co-workers to celebrate with our summer intern who's heading back to Howard University. It was a hot, humid day, but surprisingly not too uncomfortable with a breeze off the lake. It was a very nice celebration...but I ate stuff I usually don't and am feeling very guilty. I guess I'll get over it.