Rock 'n Rollers Don't Bathe

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Pennies
Today I bought 3 rolls of toilet paper at the deli. The cost was $2.37. I only had $2.36. I asked the shop keeper if he could spot me the penny and of course he said, "No problem." I said I'd give him an extra one next time I'm in but it was understood that both of us we're not going to be losing much sleep over it. Occasionally, I'll make a purchase there and have a a few cents in change. Often I'll just tell him to "Keep the change," not wanting to even bother with things rattling around in my pocket all day. Sometimes I get annoyed with the concept of pennies. Their value has been proven to be worth less than the labor and materials it takes to make them. But I was thinking about how, in the retail world, pennies often serve as small tokens of good will.

There have a been several times as a customer or cash register worker that I have foregone the few pennies that would either make up my change or charge. With a nod of acknowledgment that they are hardly worth the effort it takes to rummage through my pocket or cash drawer we skip the penny counting. At face value these acts are perhaps meaningless but for me, at the very least, they serve as a small connection of humanity amongst a world filled with price gouging and hidden service charges. This small seemingly valueless act allows both parties to express a slightly deeper gratitude outside the routine "thank you" that we say after completing a transaction.

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Last night we celebrated the marriage of our friends Dan and Rachel. It was a wonderful party and I wish them much happiness in the future. Nan is nursing a bit of hangover.

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More Schwervon! mixing and guitar overdubs today. Then it's KSF practice for the big Juice Box show tomorrow night. Check it out!
http://www.olivejuicemusic.com/content/juice-box