Publix Changes Lives

QOTD: "I believe that Publix changes lives." - SYR

If that ain't the truth!

Ever since I left the South and moved to the "East Coast," (yeah...I know...DC is still the South...lol), one of the biggest voids in my life has been Publix. Yes, you read that right...a damn grocery store. But, Publix is not your ordinary grocery store. It is where shopping is a pleasure.

And, why is shopping a pleasure at Publix? One word: QUALITY! Quality food and quality service. These are two qualities that these grocery stores in DC lack. I mean...true Whole Foods is quality...but you can't get Kellogg's Corn Flakes at Whole Foods. And, every single time I leave Whole Foods, I spend damn near $100 dollars, and come out with only 2 bags of stuff. There's no pleasure in that.

So what's so quality about Publix, you ask? Outside of EVERYTHING...specifically, for me....the Deli and the Bakery. Before I moved to the District, I hadn't had a sandwich from a "sub shop" in YEARS! I'm like...why in the hell would I go to Subway or Potbelly or Jimmy Johns or wherever when there is Publix deli near? I mean....hellloooo Boar's Head meat...and the fact that I get to decide whatever meat and cheese in the deli counter I want on my sandwich. (An aside: do you know I had to go to a special deli to actually get Boar's Head meat in DC...like...Safeway and Giant do not carry it...WTF!!)) And, then they actually give you more than two or three pieces of meat. I am a grown ass man....what in the hell am I gonna do with those two slices of meat and cheese? And, then there is the chicken? WHAT! That joint rides! And normally folks don't like store bought side salads....well, Publix doesn't have the problem. Them joints are tasty! And, now that I think about it...Publix is the ONLY grocery store that I can think of that people use religiously to cater their entire Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, or any other holiday for that manner.

And, then the Bakery. I must admit that I love fresh out of the oven Publix doughnuts wayyyy more than fresh out of the oven Krispy Kremes. I know...I might be crazy, but it's true. And, who doesn't love Publix cakes and ice cream cakes. And those calyspo cookies! Yes sir! Sign me up!

I mean...everything thing there is top quality. Even all of the Publix brand items are quality...so why pay that $6 for a gallon of Edy's when I can get Publix brand for $2 cheaper and it tastes just as good.

And, let's not forget the Publix has the freshest produce, meats and seafood in the business. And, when they steam the shrimp in the Old Bay. Woo lawd!!

I promise you that nearly everytime I go home, or visit a state/city that I know has a Publix, it is one of my VERY first stops. Like...before I even get to my house to see my parents, I drive directly to Publix and order my favorite meal: sausalito turkey and pepper jack cheese on white sub; hot and spicy wings; some King Hawaiian rolls, sweet tea, and a glazed twist from the bakery. My mouth is literally salivating just thinking about it.

Yes...this whole post came about b/c my ass is hungry. But, I'm about to fix that soon. Too bad there is no Publix around. #kicksrocks #homesick

*this is not a paid advertisement...but I'm just saying...maybe they SHOULD pay me. LOL!*

The Etiquette of "Reply All"

Your first instinct should NEVER be to hit "reply all."

Even after that first instinct, you should really have a moment with yourself and truly consider whether hitting "reply all" is necessary when responding to an email that has numerous recipients -- particularly, random recipients. Because, once you hit "reply all," you open the flood gates for everyone else on that list to do the same thing. And, I cannot STAND when folks unnecessarily reply to all of the recipients of an email for no damn reason. In fact, if you do that, kill yourself!

OK...maybe that was harsh...but I meant it. I mean...what makes you think that everyone on that email wants to know your response? It's one thing if the initial sender purposefully initiates a debate to which all recipients would need to see the others' responses. It's also another thing if the sender specifically asks the recipients to reply all.

If someone sends an email, however, to their random group of friends (friends who may or may not know one another) saying, for example, "I'll be at ABC Bar on Thursday...Let me know whether you can make it out"...you should reply directly to the sender -- not to everyone on the list. If you DO reply all to that email...you really deserve to be hit by a bus. I mean...what makes you so important that you feel the need to respond to every single person on that list, whether you know them or not? Why do I, who just happened to be on the list just like you, need to know that you are not going to be able to make it because you have self defense class; or because you will be working late; or because you have a hair appointment; or because you have to go to your kid's choral recital. Why do I need to know all of that? I don't even know you and could care less about what you or your tone def kid has on their schedule. Wasting my damn time reading a pointless email.

See...that was just an example and my pressure is already up. Anyways, email etiquette tip of the day, DO NOT reply all unless it is absolutely necessary.

Columbus Day

So...apparently...today is a holiday.

Clearly, I didn't get that memo, and neither did the powers that be at my firm.

All day yesterday, folks are trying to get me to go out and do this and that because "we don't have to go to work tomorrow." Newsflash: I do...and every time that you remind me of such, I want to punch you in the eye.

And, what makes it even worse is that instead of taking the Metro, as usual, I decided to drive because all of the parking restrictions are lifted today. And, I'm like...why not just drive and park at the meters in front of the building since it's free?

Yeah...soooo...what I didn't think about this morning is that the folks that are like me and had to work today had the same idea. I get to the building and drive around for a good 15 minutes looking for a park. No dice. Finally, I end up just parking in the garage because I was over looking for a street park. So, now...not only am I at work when many of my friends are not -- I also have to pay $20 at the end of the damn day to get my car out of the garage. #losing

And, let's not mention how beautiful it is outside today.

Hmph! Yep, I'm in a mood.

Farragut Food Truck Fridays

The first step is acceptance.

I accept, and admit, that I am a fat boy trapped in a skinny boy's body. I love food. No I'm dead ass serious...I really do.

And, one of the things that brings me much happiness is Farragut Food Truck Fridays -- particularly, on a day like this, when it is so beautiful outside.

What is Farragut Food Truck Fridays, you ask? Think a mini-Truckeroo. On most, if not all, Fridays, there are at least 10 mobile food trucks out surronding Farragut Square. There are a few that are always out there on Fridays, including, Sol Mexican Grill, Tasty Kabob, CarnBBQ, The Rolling Ficelle, the Cheesecake Truck, etc. But, others, rotate.

And, I look forward to going out for lunch on Fridays to try a new food truck. It's so well known at my firm that I am food truck stan that many of my colleagues call or email me now for suggestions on which food trucks to try out...especially on Farragut Food Truck Fridays. In fact, one day, I sent an email to the entire firm with the link to www.foodtruckfiesta.com, and the subject line said "The Website that Will Change Your Life." HA!

Anyways, today I'm going to try out chicken plate from the AZN Eats truck, which specializes in Korean BBQ. Let's hope that they are good.

Farragut Food Truck Fridays. #FTW