Andrea Maybaum

When Jenny asked me if I was hiring, at first I was a bit hesitant … maybe she’d prefer to simply become my supplier for baked goods? No, this most recent move looks like it will be the last, at least for many years to come. Her husband’s new job is very senior, and he’ll be overseeing a project that is scheduled to last at least ten years, so they’ll be settling down here. And she’d like to start working part-time in a cafe, preferably one where she could both bake and have more interaction with other people during the day.

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This morning I was at the store, painting the wall behind the counter before putting up some shelves, when there was a knock at the door. I’ve had a few people knocking since I started renovating, so I pointed over at the sign on the window that says the opening date, smiled and went back to my painting. But the knock came again.

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Well, perhaps not all hours but certainly long hours. I know that I’m going to need to hire some staff … coffee shop  hours are long and if I want to still be a halfway-adequate parent (as well as preserve my sanity) I’m going to need help. I want to open the store early, because this town is something of a bedroom suburb to a nearby major city and I know lots of people like to stop for coffee first thing in the morning for the drive to work.

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Gunther came to train me how to use the coffee machine and I am thoroughly overwhelmed. I’m still not sure whether or not this coffee maker can simultaneously knit me a sweater and drive the space shuttle by remote-control, but nothing would surprise me.

Eventually I turned to Gunther - this kid who was decked out in full black, little round glasses, spiked hair - and simply said: “How do I make coffee with the darn thing?” And thankfully he finally realized that I’m not cool, not hip, and not a coffee maven - I’m just a gal who’s starting a coffee shop and who wants to make a nice cup of coffee for her customers. I mean really, that’s not too much to ask is it?

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This week is promising to be a long one, and it’s barely begun.

Having kids home sick from school is rough for everyone, but it’s a triple strike when you’re single, and work for yourself. With no spouse to share the burden, there’s no question about who has to stay home to look after him; it’s me. And there’s no point calling my boss and saying that I’ve got a sick kid … I am the boss, and I already know.

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It’s very exciting … our new coffee machine was delivered this morning!

Now this whole project is becoming real. The machine itself is a beauty … sleek, almost industrial looking, with some pretty serious capabilities! The purchase comes complete with a training session so that I can learn all the bells and whistles of how it works, and how best to tweak it to my taste.

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Hi, I’m Andi (yes, my real name is Andrea but I’m almost never called that).

I’m excited to start writing for a broader audience … I’ve always kept a journal, but haven’t ever written for anyone beyond myself. So I’m not clear yet how much I’m going to reveal on this blog about people, places, or anything else that would make someone recognize themselves and feel uncomfortable. OK, disclosure over.

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