Fast Food Comes to Paonia...

Well, it finally happened. Fast Food has come to Paonia. Not having fast food chains or traffic lights always gave me bragging rights with big city friends, who marveled at our backwardness. It was a way to thumb our noses at the suburban bourgeoisie. Somehow we were "pure", untainted by the commercialism of a Fast Food Nation. Locally owned restaurants seem more authentic and connected to me.

I was pleasantly surprised when our local greasy grill and gas station was getting a remodel. "Peppers" had gone down hill in recent years, to the point where I was not only scared to buy their food, but even going in the place was dicey. It had the "rural meth-amphetamine" vibe to it.

However, it was part of a dying breed. The independently owned grill/gas station is part of American Epicurean Myth. Linked with visions of carhops and Route 66. Over the past few years there has been a renaissance of sorts in Paonia. The local art deco movie theater got an awesome makeover (it's great to be able to buy a beer to go with your popcorn); a swanky new coffee shop, the local hippie health food store is now an elegant restaurant that features local food and wine. So I was hoping that "Peppers" was going down the same road. It was a good grill at one point and I hoped the new owners would restore it to its former glory and more.

I was shocked to see a neon "Subway" sign go up. In a community that prides itself on the virtues of buying and eating local food and has the most organic farms, orchards and ranches of any county in Colorado, this had somehow sneaked in under the radar. On the other hand I was kind of glad to have another option in a town with few restaurants, even if it was just a "Subway". I did not want to engage in a "knee jerk boycott" and I knew I would eventually eat there.

In a small town everything closes on Sunday and I needed to get 4 hungry teenage boys something to eat while they watched football on the big screen at the theater. Subway was an obvious choice. The place was clean, almost sterile, a utilitarian environment, which was nice change from the previous incarnation. 3 local teens were working there and were taking their jobs seriously, which is better than the usual bored slacker attitude common to low paying, fast food careers. I am sure they will get there eventually. I also found out it the owners are locals I know, which takes a little of the sting out of the chain food invasiveness.

They seem to have hit upon a gold mine, the place is always packed. Every time I drive by the line is almost out the door. I guess Paonia was "hungry" for something like this. Something familiar and predictable.

I find I have a range of reactions to the Subway arrival.

• Pride that our little town has a national chain.
• Sadness that mainstream commercialism has found our out-of-the way-valley.
  
• Embarrassment that going to Subway is such a big deal for my kids.

And finally, I find it interesting that something that is innocuous in an urban area would have such an effect on me.

Longtime no blog and good advice on weathering the recession...

I can't believe it has been so long since I blogged (well actually I can). So much has happened since then. New President (yeah!),new Congress (we'll see...), financial chaos, bail outs, Mumbai. Wow. The media has been eating it up! Looks like plenty of material for blogging, I just need to get in the habit. I think I let the "great literature" saboteur drive for awhile. He is under the bus now, as opposed to driving it

Surprisingly the fact that I finished the bulk of my Coaching Training Certification, including an epic 25 page written exam didn't make the headlines. Go figure... "Just" the oral exam to go in January. .

Participated in a very interesting "Webinar" today called "Marketing Coaching in Turbulent Times". It was led by a very experienced, down to earth and inspirational Coach named Steve Mitten (www.acoach4u.com) here are some ideas that stood out for me:

• Don't buy into the negative media hype. It just stresses you out, making you fearful and powerless. Take a "media vacation".
• Emotions are contagious. Hang out with positive folks you can connect with. Limit exposure to "downers".
• Confront your limiting beliefs. Work with a coach, colleague, therapist for friend who can give you some perspectives. He recommended www.thework.com as a resource.
• Buy into the "Universe is friendly place" mentality. Imagine the universe as a place that actually has "your back" and will take care of and provide for you. Or...you can continue to be victimized by a "cold black" force beyond your control.
• Take time every day to something mindful. Yoga, exercise, meditate, laugh, go for a walk, start a gratitude journal, whatever. It's gotta be good you for ya...
• Tough times bring personal challenges and crystallize the desire to change.
• I liked this quote " There is no such thing as bad weather if you're dressed appropriately". Great metaphor...do you get it?
• In tough times in can take 50% more effort to get the results you might get in easy times with 10%.
  
• If you're looking for work or change, find your "fuck it point" . That is the point where your desire for change out weighs the risk of failure. You just say "fuck it" and go for it.
• Form a support group, lean into your relationships and ask for help. This is not a good time to go it alone.

Lot's of other nuggets of wisdom, but those were the ones that really connected with me. The bottom line for me is the perennial coaching question: "Who is gonna show up?" It is up to you...

Cheers!

Chip