We Escaped Today

We decided to do something CRAZY today and hold our tragically boring staff meeting off property. (That's a hotel term by the way, "off property"). With excitement at the idea of change, I opened the doors of Starbucks to find where my co-workers had settled in. As my eyes surveyed the room I was caught off guard with an interesting revelation. Why do work people look so strange outside of work???? I mean, I understand work people outside of work clothes- That's the weirdest thing ever- but just physically outside of the same building you are used to seeing them day after day, week after week creates a whole new dynamic. I guess a person's desk, computer and paperwork eventually turn into an extension of what you visualize that person as, without even realizing it.... Dark hair, light eyes, silver lamp. Tall, snazy dresser, messy desk. It just evolves into who that person is.

Sparked with interest, I began to study each member. I never noticed what a colorful group we are. There's the two Indian-boy-wonders (think Gilligan and the Skipper, just dipped in dark brown). Then there's Betty- the Ukoslavian lady with a thick accent and creepy obsession with Carmel Frappacinos. Next to her is Chef in full culinary uniform (which seemed out of place in the Nesconset coffee shop). He's from.. the Islands??? Sorry, Chef.. I'm sandwiched between him and my boss- Half French, half Pakistan... Need I say more? My gaze continues around the mini round tables we pushed together and it lands on the Engineer, doodling on his Weekly Forecast. I'm not sure what he is, but I recently signed his J2 VISA form so he could stay among us. Finally, there's the DOS- blond, blue eyes. She and I are the only true Americans. Out of eight people, only 2 of us lonely regular folk.

I actually enjoyed this staff meeting. Being that I've completely mastered the skill of listening without paying attention, I was able to take my minutes while thoughtfully studying everyone in a natural habitat.
After slurping down our four-dollar coffees and wrapping up the adventurous meeting, we all migrated back to our hospitality cages. Betty settled into her corner office, music blaring as usual. Chef, back to the gray kitchen. Front Office Manager assumed his post behind the desk, and all went back to routine.

I liked this meeting- Not that anything productive came from it, I would never expect that, but it was fun to see everyone in a different light. This is a Staff to remember...