Thousands were spilled and hundreds were injured as a giant tremor rocked the Seattle area Wednesday morning. Neither café lattes, cappuccinos, steamed chai, nor even the tiny espresso was spared from the force of the 6.8-magnitude quake. As Senior Investigative Baristas survey the damage, leaked reports suggest that as many as 10,000 hot drinks were spilled - many causing injury.

Survivors' statements: Sophie: "My latte was everywhere! I always order a Grande, but after the earthquake I was left with only a Tall."

Ronaldo: "I had just collected my double tall non-fat decaf Caramel Macchiato when the terror struck! Running for the door, I practically slipped on a hastily discarded L.L. Bean catalogue. What good fortune, for in it I found a lovely Transit Rolling Pullman and placed the order right there from my Palm VII."

Chad: "Like, you're not going to believe this. Only yesterday my soy Chai leaves were, like, totally predicting this quake. In fact, today I ordered a Grande in a Venti cup because I was so, like, worried about spillage."

For further information, photos etc. of this extraordinary experience, visit this great site, www.memail.com/fotos/Shaker.html.

Not too long ago I had "one of those days". I was feeling pressure from a writing deadline. I had company arriving in a couple days and the toilet was clogged. I went to the bank, and the trainee teller processing my deposit had to start over three times. I swung by the supermarket to pick up a few things and the lines were serpentine.

By the time I got home I was frazzled, sweaty and in a hurry to get something on the table for dinner. Deciding on Cream of Mushroom soup, I grabbed a can opener, cranked open the can, then remembered I had forgotten to buy milk at the store. Nix the soup idea. Setting the can aside, I went to plan B, which was leftover baked beans. I grabbed a plastic container from the fridge, popped the seal, took a look and
groaned. My husband isn't a picky eater, but even HE won't eat baked beans that look like 'caterpillars'. Really frustrated now, I decided on a menu that promised to be as foolproof as it is nutrition free - hot dogs and potato chips.

Retrieving a brand new bag of chips from the cupboard, I grabbed the cellophane and gave a hearty pull. The bag didn't open. I tried again. Nothing happened. I took a breath, doubled my muscle, and gave the bag a hearty wrestle. With a loud 'pop', the cellophane suddenly gave way, ripping wide from top to bottom. Chips flew sky high. I was left holding the bag and it was empty! It was the final straw. I let out a blood-curdling scream, "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!"

My husband heard my unorthodox cry for 'help'. Within minutes he was standing at the doorway to the kitchen, where he surveyed the damage: an opened can of soup, melting groceries, moldy baked beans, and one quivering wife standing ankle deep in potato chips.

He then did the most helpful thing he could think of at that moment. He took a flying leap, landing flat-footed in the pile of chips. And then he began to stomp, dance and twirl, grinding those chips into my linoleum in the process! I stared. I fumed. Pretty soon I was working to stifle a smile. Eventually I had to laugh. Finally I decided to join him. I too, took a leap onto the chips, and then I danced.

Now I'll be the first to admit that my husband's response wasn't the one I was looking for. But the truth is, it was exactly what I needed. I didn't need a clean-up crew as much as I needed an attitude adjustment. The laughter from that funky moment provided just that.

Have a magnificent day and remember: "You Are The Master Of Your Fate, The Captain Of Your Soul".

Donna Seebo, P.O. Box 97272, Tacoma, WA 98497-0272
Delphi International & Mrs. Seebo's Classic's
www.delphiinternational.com
seeclassics@juno.com
(253) 582-5604 or (800) 872-8852 Fax(253)582-5597