AIR CONDITIONING FURTHER WEAKENS RESOLVE....zuki fades with a double-tall

Good Morning Suffering Optimists,

"If you worry about taking risks, don't do it" Cyd Charisse

No doubt risky and perhaps counter-productive, I have opted to set up shop (office) at the bar. Some have accused me of letting hope overcome reason, while others appreciate the effort and creativity. This might be the pandemic's greatest contribution since the facemask--happiness is air conditioning!

With temperatures in the high 90’s my window units are capable of only spitting out a 6-foot section of cool-ish air the kitchen absorbs immediately. So, with exceptional self-control, I set up at a table with an available outlet with cell phone in-hand to collect emails and text messages so arguably, I am as effective as I am at home.

Evidently, this option of working from home versus heading back to the office has created a dilemma for CEO’s globally. Many take advantage by cutting a huge portion of their overhead by eliminating the brick & mortar, utilities, and coffee but trade it for proficiency. Outside the Zoom video meetings, one loses the mentoring and influx of new ideas feeding off each other's energy.

Largely though, I believe it depends on the employee’s willingness to work effectively without supervision or peer input—a double-edged sword to be sure. I personally enjoy working from home but it’s damn hot in the summer and found refuge in my air-conditioned bar. Again, this is a work-in-progress and should be assessed by someone other than I.

The first two hours I am killing it! Answering questions, filling in the blanks, and in-spite of two beers feeling empowered and productive. Given my bar has been repeatedly awarded as Denver’s finest ‘Dive-Bar’ I ordered a burger for lunch and washed it down with my third beer.

Fast-forward three hours…

The bar is now filled with revelers and the drinks are flowing like ‘office gossip’ including two vodka’s and another beer for me. My bartender is a sweetheart but was confused by my level of consumption that normally transcends the studious pace I had set. Being a raging drunk comes with a responsibility to set the proper example for the younger crowd of 50-somethings---a dubious honor to be sure. When it was clear I was a tea-toddling I became the subject of ridicule followed by mocking denigration; they were ashamed of their collective drunkenness'. Wanna have a bit of fun? Try walking into your regular bar and before you imbibe listen to the chowder-heads you thought were funny while drinking with them. You'll be surprised at how inane and stupid the conversation really is.

As the afternoon wore on I managed to get a buzz but I missed my first email. I failed to hear my phone ring on two occasions and my fellow curmudgeons began to buy me drinks… My work suffered a bit but felt that under the circumstances I hadn’t cheated my company who I owe much. These are the things one lies to themselves about to bury the guilt and deflect blame.

While working from the bar in an atmosphere normally conducive to retching, abusive behavior, and inarticulation I would say “mission accomplished.”

zuki