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Wed. May 10, 2006, 07:39pm PDT
Pacific Square/Plaza used but not by us
With Sarah out of town on business I decided to have lunch with the citizens of Tacoma. That basically means I brought my lunch to Pacific Plaza to eat. The weather was a hazy, yet sunny 60+ degrees or more in the sun (which is the only option since there's no trees or shade there whatsoever -- but that's to be addressed tomorrow). Much to my suprise, especially when thinking about recent rants, I was not alone on this fine afternoon!
Upon closer inspection and considering I wanted to have lunch with fellow Tacomans, I was indeed alone because there weren't many natives about. There were about 20 people present but I was the only local. How did I know? The temporary "hello, my name is" tags hanging around their necks, catered boxed lunches, and proximity to the Tacoma convention center pretty much led me to believe these were visitors here for a conference of some kind. Dang! I will admit that closer to the one o'clock hour there was at least one clump of three that could've been from 'round here but that's still pretty sorry if you ask me. Which you probably didn't but, you came here to read and have gone this far thus, in effect, you did ask me. So I'll continue...
Tacoma: get out! That's right. Leave that dusty cube, toss out that microwave lunchable, and shield your flourescent light coddled eyes with a pair of sunglasses. It's time to take back our lunch! Swap out that spreadsheet you eat over for a picnic blanket. Find a step, bench, or patch of grass and use it. Whether you make your own lunch or get something to go, take it outside and enjoy! The fresh air and natural light make the rest of the day that much easier to bear. Not to mention such common side effects as socialization, exercise, civic pride, and the freedom that comes from getting out of the office.
I used to take a stand at my former office to never succomb to shoveling my food in a windowless basement break room in favor for some shade just beyond the office door. If you want to get to a spot like Pacific Plaza/Sqaure/Triangle (what is it called now?) then take the link -- even if you have to walk a few blocks here and there it'll be good for the soul and you'll get to know this city that much better.
My goal, especially this time of year, is to get out of the office at least once a week. Try it out and let me know if you find any cool spots, meet any interesting people, or eat some food that's out of sight! Toss a comment in the ring below or feel free to email me at freitaka@blarg.net Only together can we take back the night our lunch!
Comments (2) | To Top
5/11/2006 @ 9:43am
::sigh:: with buses from where I work, I'd use up my whole lunch hour getting there. :(
but I'll keep up with the spirit of the thing by going somewhere outside for lunch once a week. maybe if it doesn't rain today I'll hike across the park to LaCosta Coffee. (they have damn good sandwiches.)
by Elaine
5/11/2006 @ 4:46pm
Downtown is nice but getting out where ever you work is a plus. I couldn't believe how many people at my last job would eat in the basement lounge rather than enjoy the comfortable outdoors there.
We have a right to take lunch and should do so. It's just one way to help separate work and play.
by KevinFreitas