A to Z 2014 : JAMOCHA

(An A to Z 2014 Challenge Entry)

Just like last year, it doesn’t seem to matter what subject matter i have planned for which letters, it can all change on a whim. My “H” post was originally going to be quite solemn. There is that oft used moniker of EmoJak, and I have a reputation to uphold. That evening the Ladyfolk urged me to focus on a more upbeat topic. I compromised and went middle of the road.

It was hard to pass on the positive swing, because just that night we had a hilarious run-in on our trip to Arby’s. We were in the mood for a snack and some of our regular options weren’t too appealing. Well, technically, by the time we decided to actually go out Dairy Queen was already closed. Their new (but old) confetti cake blizzards are delicious. I plan to eat 15 more between now and the end of the month, when they potentially take it off the menu.

Alright, not really, but I could… I promise you that.

So, Arby’s, and their amazing turnovers, it was. If you’ve never had them, I would recommend giving them a try. They come in apple, cherry, and chocolate (the latter two are what we prefer, though I’m sure the Ladyfolk is more than content with just chocolate), and are — generally — very decent in size. And a buck each.

When the employee working the drive-thru asked us for our order, I had inquired how many each of the cherry and chocolate turnovers they had available. Many times on our late night snack runs Arby’s is already out of these sought after treats. Especially the chocolate ones!

After a few minutes passed, the employee asked if I needed more time decided, and I politely reminded her that I had asked them to check on the turnovers for me. She apologized, not having heard me ask apparently, and went to do so. When giving us their current turnover count, in the background we could hear another employee exclaiming “Why are so many people coming so late to Arby’s!” Mind you, it was only 9pm.

“‘Cause we’re hungry!” I yelled into the intercom, interrupting the girl relaying her findings to me.

I apologized to her, and after connecting the dots, she asked if I had heard her co-worker. Then she was the one apologizing again, possibly thinking we were offended, but the Ladyfolk and I were just laughing. Once getting it out of our system, we gave our order and headed to the window. The cashier took our money and behind her, in the kitchen, I could see her co-worker. I pointed at him, mocking a disgruntled customer, and he waved to me with a pair of tongs, so obviously it would have been rude to not smile and wave back.

When the employee working the drive-thru came back, she asked if we wanted anything, like a shake, which we had been debating when ordering our turnovers. I was a bit taken aback, uncertain of what to say, and I looked my girlfriend with a confused look. Why were they asking us if wanting more while at the window?

It clicked and I looked back to the cashier and asked, “for free?”

She nodded and said she we seemed “pretty awesome” and that most customers would have been upset after hearing that and make a scene, so she wanted to know if we were interested in something extra.

So, this is how we received a free jamocha shake. Being awesome. I only asked for a small, but am sure they would have given us any size we asked for. I was just grateful anything was offered at all. It’s definitely something they didn’t have to do.

It’s apparent that the employees at this local Arby’s are treated really well. The employees are always so happy and fun, joking with one another. The culprit yelling in the background was even the one to deliver our desserts. He explained he had just gotten back from a meeting and all he wanted to do was go smoke a cigarette, but people kept coming through the drive-thru. We laughed and assured him it was not an issue, and that everyone seems to love working there. A few more laughs were shared and we were on our merry to enjoy our turnovers and shake.

And so ends the long version of explaining how we got a free jamocha shake.

Have you ever had Arby’s turnovers before? Jamocha shakes? Have you ever received free food or product from an establishment. If so, why?

A to Z 2014 : INCOGNITO

(An A to Z 2014 Challenge Entry)

In my opening A to Z post this year, ABSENCE, I spoke about my hiatus from the Blogosphere. As I’m prone to repeat myself, I also mentioned it in yesterday’s entry, HESITATION MARKS, as well.

I had a clear plan for my grand exit from blogging. A post I had been waiting to get out for months. One that had morphed so many times that it may be hard for me to recollect it’s originally intended content. It fluxed from silly, to emotional, back to silly, and then to emotionally supercharged.

No worries, it’s still a work in progress. Possibly still pertaining to leaving in some fashion. Oh, I know, all this cryptic pussyfooting is so dramatic. I can hardly contain myself...

When I decided to do the A to Z Challenge this year, I had the distinct intention of participating elsewhere. Somewhere completely unassociated with The Cryton Chronicles. I wanted to do it anonymously, distanced from those I had previously met while blogging. A solo act.

Be incognito.

I can’t fully explain why. It’s not like I have anything but love and joy for those I’ve known over the past year of blogging. I think I felt I would be able to focus more on writing for myself. It’s a known conflict I endure on a daily basis. It was the belief I wouldn’t be as overwhelmed with very little traffic and blog hopping to manage.

It sounds incredibly selfish, and I guess it is, but I honestly felt it may be necessary.

I’m glad I never went through with it, though. At least for the challenge. I made a compromise, however, that I wouldn’t share or post my blog entries on any social media. If others do it for me, that’s fine, but it’s something I decided not to engage in. Much to my surprise, Blogger is helping me by not notifying people who subscribe to get notifications (via email) until well over 15 hours after a posting. Even for posts scheduled for 2am, notifications aren’t sent out until past 9pm. So kudos to them, I guess, for somehow knowing my secret plan and assisting.

I feel like I’m still flying under the radar. Maybe not completely incognito, but nowhere near as prominent as I could attempt to be. People may catch a glimpse or three, but then I dash off into the shadows...

I’m going to end this before it starts to get creepy.

Have you ever desired to be Incognito? Left to your own devices to focus on yourself?