After almost a life time of going to a coffee shop for my first coffee of the day, I gave it up to save money for our trip to Spain last September, that and the fact I needed to switch to de-caf and it just didn't seem worth the price. I did successfully add $600 to my trip piggy bank. But these last two Fridays I've gone to Panera's after 6:30 Mass at St. Andrew's with my notebook and current reading in hand. I'm a people watcher--I like to see a man (or woman) take pride in his appearance--it just feels like they are going to accomplish something that day. I'm good at spotting the "interview costume," because the person just doesn't look comfortable. Twenty years ago I could tell the workers from the retirees, professionals from housewives, but not any more. It's equal opportunity sloppy, casual Friday even on Wednesday.
So when I saw him--my eyes followed--not in a lustful way, although he was very nice looking and well proportioned in a 20-something sort of way, but in wonder and awe like visiting a new city. He was wearing clean, pressed khakis, a tucked in shirt with a collar, and well fitting loafers. He had a touch of facial hair, neatly trimmed, and a good hair cut. No visible tattoos, no studs, no earrings. In short, he looked like he cared about himself and his job. Praise God. He was washing the windows.
When I gathered up my things to leave, he was working outside in a coat--also neat and clean. I stopped and inquired if he were a Panera's employee or a private contractor, and I think he responded, Ohio Window Cleaning Co. I complimented him on his work, and he gave me a smile that could light a cloudy day and said, "Thank you."
This company, which has obviously invested time and energy in training its employees, could give workshops on the side.
Friday, January 29, 2016
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1 comment:
Lovely post. I too enjoy seeing well-dressed people, not for romantic purposes, but aesthetic ones. I confess I have been looking rather sloppy lately myself. It's been cold and I've been layering on big sweaters over my outfits, giving me a big bulky look, which is unattractive, depending on what's underneath. Sometimes I'll even keep a jacket on all day on top of that! I'm trying not to keep the jacket on at work. My hair has become very long, and consequently messy, even when I keep brushing it, so tomorrow I'm finally getting a cut, a big cut. It's time. I hope this inspires me to look neater and more put-together as I used to. :)
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