My mantra for my first week of training at a coffee shop? Wash, rinse, sanitize.

I wore dresses and lots of color as a means of comforting myself during a week where white supremacy reared its head at the Capitol; and starting a job that I’m unsure if it’s the right fit for me.

I also chose that week as an opportunity to break in my Blundstone Chelsea boots. It’s not so much that they needed to be broken in as much as they are not meant for standing in one place at one time for most of the day. I received plenty of compliments from folks that clearly have good taste. I wish that the kind words made my feet hurt less. But. I’m not a barista that can wear Blundstone’s to work without some of those magical and comforting insoles. Until then: I’ve switched to Vans.