The machine operator analogy is perfect. Some just learn their way around machines like they did their own body. Others are numb and have to be more robotic in their movements.
My favorite was the 100 ft lift. I could operate it so smoothly that a coffee on the platform wouldn't tip over. Others were not so smooth but I was ok with them operating as long as they were keeping safety in mind.
Let it go....
That's how I've been handling my friends with medical issues.
One has an auto immune condition and I've warned her about the pharma drugs they are giving her.
The other is elderly and getting roped into the blood pressure and blood thinner drugs.
I thought that I was not reaching them but both of them had started to ask me questions, even though they still trust their doctors.
I suspect people will have a lot more questions in the near future as it seems that pharma is part of a controlled demolition.
Great story Rob (c137). I think it's wise to do exactly what you are doing. BTW, I hate those 100 ft lifts! They scare the heck out of me because, as you mentioned, most people can't operate them smoothly (I've never operated one myself, but I rode in one that a guy was operating and it was jerking and bobbing and weaving around... I couldn't wait to get out of the damn thing! lol). Sounds like I would have felt safe with you at the controls. Thanks for stopping by!
I can relate! And I could tell very similar stories about learning to run a long log deck, and training my replacement, over sixty years ago. And yeah, each of the operators had a slightly different approach to getting the monster to feed the mill, but we all got 'er done.
As far as your observations about the propensity of those of us who are "sufficiently decayed" (Katisha - G&S 'Mikado'), to want to share with others our experiences - as I near my eighth decade, I may finally be learning NOT to do so.
"...I may finally be learning NOT to do so." Yep. And isn't that sad AndyinBC? But, you know, when our knowledge, experience, and wisdom is not valued (which in many cases it is not anymore), it's hard to continue to share it when it falls on deaf ears. I have often mentioned my grandmother who died at 102... I wish I would have listened to her more instead of feeling threatened. She loved me and was only trying to help me. If I would have taken just a fraction of the advice she gave me over the years I would be in a better position now. Why do we do that to ourselves? Things turned out pretty good in the end and we were close when she passed, but I often find myself wishing I could now *ask* her for her advice and wisdom. We should value the wisdom and experience of those who have lived longer than we have and be more willing to at least entertain the possibility of trying it "their way". Thanks AndyinBC! Merry Christmas to you as well.
My experience with training other newbies was slightly different and less rewarding. Following the 2008 financial implosion, I began working as a local ( my commute was 200 yards) barista with my friend Frenchy, without much training other than don't contradict the boss. Although not complicated, there are many requirements needed to make a great espresso and coffee drinks, mainly cleaning the equipment as often as possible, even during a rush. Plus there's the multitasking needed as solo barista, pastry sales, question answerer. Frenchy finally left because of the bipolar boss (I followed a few years later, or maybe it seemed that long), but I "trained" a series of would be baristas on how to coax coffee flavor out of the machine. They were all young- it's a youthful profession, but none seemed to care enough not to scald the milk, wipe down the wand, clear the lines, etc.. or even how to treat the customer to ensure grateful tipping. I was probably the same at their age, but my desire to perfect a task to my tastes has counterbalanced my inner slacker.
Fascinating. I have heard that being a *good* Barista is more like being an artist. That a person has to have a love and a zeal for doing that work if they are going to be successful at it. I'm finding that regardless of the pay anymore, a lot of younger people could care less... they are just there to do the minimum to earn a paycheck. Thanks for commenting! :)
Hey Brian! Hadn't seen you in a bit. Thanks for taking a minute to say Merry Christmas! Right back at you, and thanks for the compliment. It means a lot.
Aww. Thanks Word Herder. Well, there are some in my life that would differ with you for sure. Haha. Thanks, as always, for taking time for The Rumble Strip!
The machine operator analogy is perfect. Some just learn their way around machines like they did their own body. Others are numb and have to be more robotic in their movements.
My favorite was the 100 ft lift. I could operate it so smoothly that a coffee on the platform wouldn't tip over. Others were not so smooth but I was ok with them operating as long as they were keeping safety in mind.
Let it go....
That's how I've been handling my friends with medical issues.
One has an auto immune condition and I've warned her about the pharma drugs they are giving her.
The other is elderly and getting roped into the blood pressure and blood thinner drugs.
I thought that I was not reaching them but both of them had started to ask me questions, even though they still trust their doctors.
I suspect people will have a lot more questions in the near future as it seems that pharma is part of a controlled demolition.
Great story Rob (c137). I think it's wise to do exactly what you are doing. BTW, I hate those 100 ft lifts! They scare the heck out of me because, as you mentioned, most people can't operate them smoothly (I've never operated one myself, but I rode in one that a guy was operating and it was jerking and bobbing and weaving around... I couldn't wait to get out of the damn thing! lol). Sounds like I would have felt safe with you at the controls. Thanks for stopping by!
I can relate! And I could tell very similar stories about learning to run a long log deck, and training my replacement, over sixty years ago. And yeah, each of the operators had a slightly different approach to getting the monster to feed the mill, but we all got 'er done.
As far as your observations about the propensity of those of us who are "sufficiently decayed" (Katisha - G&S 'Mikado'), to want to share with others our experiences - as I near my eighth decade, I may finally be learning NOT to do so.
Merry Christmas
"...I may finally be learning NOT to do so." Yep. And isn't that sad AndyinBC? But, you know, when our knowledge, experience, and wisdom is not valued (which in many cases it is not anymore), it's hard to continue to share it when it falls on deaf ears. I have often mentioned my grandmother who died at 102... I wish I would have listened to her more instead of feeling threatened. She loved me and was only trying to help me. If I would have taken just a fraction of the advice she gave me over the years I would be in a better position now. Why do we do that to ourselves? Things turned out pretty good in the end and we were close when she passed, but I often find myself wishing I could now *ask* her for her advice and wisdom. We should value the wisdom and experience of those who have lived longer than we have and be more willing to at least entertain the possibility of trying it "their way". Thanks AndyinBC! Merry Christmas to you as well.
Wonderful story Rob. Thank you for sharing it. Now I will share it too
Merry Christmas
Thank you Rosemary! Merry Christmas to you as well. :-)
My experience with training other newbies was slightly different and less rewarding. Following the 2008 financial implosion, I began working as a local ( my commute was 200 yards) barista with my friend Frenchy, without much training other than don't contradict the boss. Although not complicated, there are many requirements needed to make a great espresso and coffee drinks, mainly cleaning the equipment as often as possible, even during a rush. Plus there's the multitasking needed as solo barista, pastry sales, question answerer. Frenchy finally left because of the bipolar boss (I followed a few years later, or maybe it seemed that long), but I "trained" a series of would be baristas on how to coax coffee flavor out of the machine. They were all young- it's a youthful profession, but none seemed to care enough not to scald the milk, wipe down the wand, clear the lines, etc.. or even how to treat the customer to ensure grateful tipping. I was probably the same at their age, but my desire to perfect a task to my tastes has counterbalanced my inner slacker.
Fascinating. I have heard that being a *good* Barista is more like being an artist. That a person has to have a love and a zeal for doing that work if they are going to be successful at it. I'm finding that regardless of the pay anymore, a lot of younger people could care less... they are just there to do the minimum to earn a paycheck. Thanks for commenting! :)
If they faced death or dismemberment from mining equipment, they might have been more attentive.
You have a good heart and a sound mind, Rob. Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas.
Hey Brian! Hadn't seen you in a bit. Thanks for taking a minute to say Merry Christmas! Right back at you, and thanks for the compliment. It means a lot.
Wise words! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you as well Anna! Thank you. :-)
Noice! ^_^
Rob D, I think it's very likely that even though you're clearly a very wise older person, you were probably a fairly wise YOUNGER person, too. ;)
Cheers.
Aww. Thanks Word Herder. Well, there are some in my life that would differ with you for sure. Haha. Thanks, as always, for taking time for The Rumble Strip!
Always time for the Rumble Strip, m’dear. xo