"Do you want a copy of your receipt?" Not!

I only have one more day of work.  And then I'm done. with. food. service. forever.  Forever!  Jamie has banned me from food service ever again, which I whole-heartedly accept.  It's hard to imagine life without it, I suppose, since I've been doing some form of it for most of the past four years.  I'm sure I'll do fine.  I will never again have to be on the receiving end of the explanation "It's for here, I mean, I'll be drinking it here, but can I have a paper cup?"  Not only are these people wasteful, insane, thoughtless, earth-hating individuals, but I don't care where they drink it, I just need to know what kind of cup to put the drink in.  Damn it.  Nor will I stare at people as they ignore me and whisper about the menu.  Or as they continue to stare at the menu as they order, refusing to look at me.  Nor will I have reply, "I'm doing well..." in answer to their inquiry as they interrupt to bark out their order (no doubt in a paper cup to be consumed within the cafe).

So...  Will I like people more?  Will I enjoy coffee again?  Will I still tip generously and glare at those who do not?  I think yes.

And Pittsburgh!  It's feeling more real.  Jamie and I have submitted applications plus deposit for a two-bedroom apartment (in anticipation of many visitors!) in the Regent Square neighborhood, on the eastern edge of the city.  One of the main reasons we picked that area was to be within walking distance to the East End Food Co-op.  Which made me realize how neurotic we both are about food.  But, seriously, check out their bulk section!

I receive two types of responses to the information that I'm moving to Pittsburgh, generally.  The first, most common, is pessimistic in nature.  Sarcasm as to the merits of Pittsburgh (especially from people who have never been there).  Fear about the thought of moving "so far away" and "change".  Disdain about the sports teams (really? do I look like I give a shit about their football/baseball/jai alai team?).  Skepticism about the "return on investment" of a degree in Library and Information Science (this one might be my favorite--unsolicited--from Passive-Aggressive Seattle Guy, a regular at my almost-former job).  The second response, less common but exceedingly more meaningful, is excitement.  Change!  Going back to school!  Adventure and expanding one's worldview and "finding one's self" and living somewhere new!  Clearly, I subscribe to the latter, and thank you to everyone who has been encouraging!

Jamie and I leave for Colorado in a week.  I can't wait!  I'm feeling the need to travel, and barring some crazy international trip (not in the financial picture at the moment), I suppose that roadtrips to the Southwest and hiking trips and moving across the country will suffice.