Working at Munchers Bakery in Lawrence, Kansas, I see a lot of interesting people: travelers, regulars, families, friends, strange folk. When I get the chance I try to ask them two questions: "How was your morning?" and "What are you doing today?". There was a KU game that Saturday and the Super Bowl on Sunday so it was busy. Here were some of my favorite customers from the weekend of Feb. 3:
The Barber: One of the first customers of the day, he was getting donuts before he went into work at the barbershop, where he’s been cutting hair for the past few years. The big man was wearing a gold chain and a flat-billed hat so I couldn’t tell if he had a good haircut. He seemed like he had style though.
The Master-Planner: The man ordered two big boxes of donuts for a KU event he had organized. He has worked as an event planner for several years; traveling all over the country. “Donuts are the key to success for any event,” he said.
The Medieval Man: He had long hair and a plaid kilt. Later that day, he was going to dark ages role-play meet-up.
The Master of Deception: The older man was playing a round of golf with his buddies. “I’m going to lull them into complacency with the donuts so I can win,” he said with a wink.
The Ironic Cake: The woman was picking up a cake for her husband. Frosted on top was a weight-lifting man; the theme of the birthday party was workout. The irony was not lost on her. “He’s really into fitness,” she said.
The Budgeter: The woman came in with her husband and their baby. Her debit card read “Baby, house, dog” so I asked her what that meant. “It’s my reminder,” she said. “I’m trying to save money for another baby, a house, and a puppy. I’ll make an exception for the donuts though.”
The Red Raiders: It was the day of the KU basketball game against the Texas Tech and four TTU students were ordering some donuts before they went to the Allen Fieldhouse. Most of them had never been to a home KU game, but one guy had. He asked me how KU students went to games and I tried to explain basketball camping as simply as possible. “That’s awesome,” he said.
The Bros: The three boys were wearing shirts for Lawrence high schools, sporty shoes, and flat-billed hats. For a while, they slouched in front of the display case contemplating their orders. “Should I get the cream cheese?” one said. “Yeah, bro, full send it,” another replied. They all nodded.
The Groundhog: I asked the couple what they were doing today and the guy laughed. “She’s never seen Groundhog’s Day,” he said. “So we’re going to fix that today.”
The Mechanic: The man was an airplane mechanic at a Topeka airport, but he studied music performance for three years. “I just got burned out,” he said. “And I realized that I love environmental science.” For several years he worked in government research, but was laid-off when funding ran out. He’s been working as as a plane mechanic ever since, but his dream job is to be a park ranger.
The Hiker: It was 6 a.m and the guy was dressed in boots and khakis for a hike at Perry Lake. “It’s a 10 mile hike so I got double the donuts,” he said.
The Bitter Rams Fan: The first thing I noticed about her was the “St. Louis Rams” sweater and the paper in her hand. Her family had flown in from Wisconsin, Michigan and California to visit her at school so they sent her to get their orders. As she ordered, I asked about her shirt and she told me that she was also from St. Louis. “I’m just wearing this to be festive, but I really don’t want the Rams to win,” she said. “I can’t stand the thought of Kroenke with a trophy.”
The Blocked Writer: My former media writing professor and his “rockstar” daughter. I ranted about a severe case of writer's block and he gave a knowing look. He was also blocked on a story for the Kansas City Star.
The Soprano: He walked in wearing a gray bathrobe, a white shirt, and a cross dangling on a chain. His dark hair was slicked back like an Italian gangster.
The Meant To Be: She had mystic quality about her; long gray hair and flowing brown dress. As she ordered, I looked at her layers of necklaces: a cross, the star of David, a saint. I told her that her order was $6 and she stared at me for a moment. “I just got $6 in change from the last place I was at,” she said. “I guess it was meant to be.”
The Nostalgic: It was the first time the couple had come into Munchers together. The girl had never gone, but the guy was an old regular. Back when he was in middle school, he would come to the bakery after class, get some donuts and hang out with his friends.
The Girl Who Nailed It: Her nails were Valentines themed; covered in hearts, Xs and Os, and sparkles. “I didn’t used to do my nails like this,” she said with a sign. “But now, I can’t stop.”
Disclaimer: All quotes and experiences are recalled from memory so they may not be 100 percent accurate. Many of these encounters are brief, representing just a fraction of each person's story.