June 2007 Archives
For a couple of months now, my usual morning ritual involves stopping at the Ralphs in Hastings Ranch to pick up some lunch, then getting an original-size Orange Berry Blitz with Immunity at the Jamba Juice. I'm such a long-term regular that they often start making my smoothie when they see me walk into the Ralphs. Since the recent price increase and the temporary extra charge because of the Florida orange freeze last winter, my smoothie is $4.25.
When I stopped at Ralph's yesterday, the Ceasar Lite salad was on sale, so I bought two, along with two packages of Hillshire Farms Pastrami (only 150 calories!) plus two small packets of sharp Cheddar cheese (for extra flavor). Doubling up would make today work much better, it turned out.
This morning, I woke up a little off. I hadn't slept especially well, and things just weren't flowing right. After reading the paper, reading my list of favorite web sites, and showering, I suited up for the ride to work. When I got to Hastings Ranch, I went straight to the Jamba Juice, since I had the second half of yesterday's lunch purchase already in the refrigerator at work. As I reached the door, I realized that I did not have my wallet with me.
My wallet normally goes in the right front hip pocket on my motorcycle pants, and this is the first time I've forgotten to pack it. In my pseudo-hazy state, I stood outside the Jamba Juice for about 15 seconds, trying to decide if I had packed it in my bag. I decided I probably hadn't, but before returning to my bike I noticed that Sharonda had already started making my smoothie.
I walked back to the bike, and found that my wallet was not in my bag. I poked around, and managed to dig up $4 in cash - probably enough to pay for the smoothie that was already in progress. The cashier this morning was Kenneth, who I'd seen a few other times but who did not know me well. I explained the situation - I left my wallet at home, was planning on just going to work once I realized it, but noticed that Sharonda had already started my smoothie, so would $4 be enough? Kenneth said sure, and then went above-and-beyond — offering to comp me my smoothie so I'd have cash for lunch. I thanked him, but assured him my lunch was covered, and made him take my $4.
I recently concluded that I should tip the person that brings me my to-go orders at real restaurants. Not as much as I'd tip for an in-restaurant meal, but still something.
Carole and I did to-go at Applebee's tonight, and while I was waiting I came up with a quick-and-dirty way to figure this tip. Here goes:
- If the bill is less than $10, round the total bill up to an even dollar. If that tip is less than 5%, add another dollar.
- For bills between $10 and $100, take the tens digit, add one, then add on the cents needed to get to an even dollar.
So, today's bill was $34.60. Take the tens digit 3, add 1 to get 4, then add the 40 cents. A tip of $4.40 brings the grand total to $39, with a tip of 11%. There you go.
Much to Jason's dismay, the Ducks hoisted the Cup yesterday after beating the Senators 6-2.
