Got change?

Call me obsessive. My kids think that I'm borderline obsessive/compulsive with certain things.

Yes, I tend to be organized. I carry my trademark Man-purse (more like a bag across my chest) where I carry everything: from my wallet to my cell phone, including my money bag (or "chacarita" as my father used to call it). There is a compartment for bills and one for loose change in it.

All that is great. It helps me keep everything at my fingertips.

The problem is when I go to the supermarket and I pay cash. The cashier is trained to put the receipt, the bills and the change right on top of it all and hand it to you with the left hand while starting to scan the merchandise of the next client right behind you with the right hand. The "bagger" on the other end holds the bags in front of your nose with a big smile encouraging you to hurry up and go.

That means that I don't have time to pull out mi "chacarita", put the bills in its place, the change in its pocket, the receipt in the trash can and get the bags, all in twenty three seconds

Where is the inner peace and the harmonious rythm of life?

Ohmmmmmmm!
The supermarket and I are not the best of friends!

And now what?

A few days ago I had a business meeting with three ladies. We met at (where else?) Starbucks. Believe me, I'm not being sponsored by it! Unfortunately!

As the trained gentleman that I am, I offered to get the drinks for all of us. I'm not embarrassed to say that my knowledge of Starbuckisan language is very limited. I get all confused with the alto's, latte's, etc.

I any case, part of the order was a small hot chocolate. All the drinks were small (or alto) as they call it.

Everything was fine until the "barista" (i knew that one) asked me if I wanted whipped cream with the chocolate.

Now, I think that most women are very much aware of the calorie intake and such. I'm also aware than many people are very self conscious about hidden messages in someone else's attitude.

So here I am, suddenly, debating weather adding whipped cream to the chocolate and risking being considered insensitive to women's concerns or not adding the cream and having the lady think that I'm thinking that she has a weight issue and shouldn't add more calories. Total confusion and the barista is pressing for a decision

What to do?I finally decided not to add the whipped cream. I later explained to the lady that I made my decision based on general health concerns. A polite smile and many thanks put my conscience to rest (or did it?)