Personal Blog of Ross Del Duca

It started out as a average morning.  I was running just barely on time, but I’d make my way out the door and start the (currently rather short) ride to the train station.

Then, as I’m going under the road next to I5 into Old Sacramento, I hit a rather harsh bump in the pavement.  Within seconds I realize the back of my bike has started feeling all squishy and rough.  Sure enough, a slight pressing to the side and I feel the back wheel slide.  I’ve got a flat.

I quickly jump off the bike and glance at the bike tire to verify what I already know.  Dammit…  Looking at my watch, I’ve got exactly 5 minutes to make it to my train - roughly 4 or 5 blocks ahead of me.  “I can still make it” I think.”  I decide not to stop and fix the flat (which would guarantee that I don’t make my train) but rather push the bike to the station.

Calves burning, I approach the parking lot of the train station.  Looking down at my watch, it says 7:00 on the nose - exactly when the train is scheduled to depart.  Maybe they’ll be late for some reason.  The sound of the train horn quickly denies that dream.

Sigh - so hear I am, flat tire and 40 minutes to kill until the next train.  Oh well.  There’s a Starbucks there by the train station.  Might as well grab a cup of coffee and fix my flat before getting on the train.

I’ve gone to this particular Starbucks enough that a couple of the people that work there know my name and what I drink.  As I get up to pay for my java, the woman behind the counter starts:

“How are you doing today, Ross?”

“Pretty good,” I lie automatically.  Then, “Actually, crappy.  I got a flat on my bike and missed my train.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.  Hope your day goes better,” she replies.

I get my coffee and go outside, sitting down on the wooden bench to replace the tube in my deflated tire.  I’ve got the tire off and the tube half way out when the woman that took my money earlier comes out the door.  She has something in her hand.

“Here you go, Ross.  I hope your day goes better.  Later today, have a drink on us - any size.”

She hands me a coupon for a free drink.  Just like that - completely out of the blue.  I manage to get out a “Wow, thank you very much” that doesn’t come close to expressing my suprise and gratitude.

I gotta say - that little action completely turned my day around.  Thanks, Starbucks worker woman.  Because of you, I was able to complete my tire repair with a smile instead of a long string of grumbled swear words.

Cheers, and see ya next time!