Overheard at . . . Zoka

"About how many cups do you go through a day?"

I returned to Zoka and was intent on writing a quick post about my coffee spot hunt. The fact that I was back at Zoka obviously meant they are at the top of my list. My coffee, while not as good as last time, was adequate. And the parking was easy(ish). So what threw me?

Well, for one thing I only had a bit of time and the internet kept kicking me off. I must have started this blog post about three times before I gave up and did something else.

.... And that something else turned out to be listening in on a conversation happening near me. Because, from all appearances, it looked like this group of three men, one pacing as if he had just had one too many shots of their extra strong espresso, were working on their plans to open a coffee place.

As you know, I have overheard many interesting conversations... but this was the first time ever I had heard business men talking about opening a competing coffee place, in a coffee place. The nerve! Right? I tried desperately to log back in so I could post an overhear, but it was no use.

And, it turned out to be a good thing.... because after a few more minutes of paying closer attention I realized they actually were working on something related to Zoka (the big star logo on their computer screens finally gave it away.)

And... while I was relieved, it has also made me a bit nervous. These guys looked a lot like consultants- and were asking suspiciously consultanty questions of the barista; thus the reason I thought they were opening a store of their own. So what do I do now? I don't want to invest myself in a new writing spot only to have it go all scale on me. "Oh, sorry, now we charge by the teaspoon used." "WHat are we doing? Oh, nothing. Just removing half the chairs so we have some merchandising space. Want a Zoka mug?" or finally,  "Wifi is extra." (Well, I'd probably pay for this if it actually worked, so that might not be a bad thing.)

So, I am still on the hunt. Not ready to commit. Not ready to begin chatting up baristas and making friends, only to lose them when move someplace new. Or perhaps... I am not ready to write and am simply avoiding it by scoping out coffee places . . .

Nah!

Here's to your next big commitment. And also, I want to give a shout out to a new Barista at Starbucks back in my home town . . .  although it is a bit scary to think I watched him riding around in a Barbie jeep not that long ago (If he denies it, I'm pretty sure I have photos:>) Good luck Zachary and don't forget to say interesting overhears for other writers who may need a prompt. It may not have been in the training manual, but I guarantee it is part of the job description.