Thanks to everyone who has been reading these. On the positive side, we've been getting busier. New people are finding us every day and it's so great to see. On the downside, I'm struggling to find time to keep up with things like these Newsletters. But, I guess that's a good problem to have. It's about perspective, right?
So, here I am with a better-late-than-never update for those of you who care to read these things.
Past & Upcoming Events:
We had a very successful Kids D&D: Fateforge event last Friday. Kevin from Studio Agate was here and I'm hoping we'll have a second DM soon as there were a few who had to be turned away as there was no more room at the table. Kids D&D and Pathfinder Society both take place on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the Month.
Our Tuesday Night trivia nights could use more participation. We require a minimum of 3 teams for the game to run and last week, we had 3 people split up into their own teams so we could play. I really hope this picks up soon.
This weekend we have a few big things going on.
Friday night is the Magic the Gathering: March of the Machines Draft Tournament. Seating is limited to 12 and it's $15 to participate.
Saturday Night we'll be playing Blood on the Clocktower: a social deception game. The game plays 7 - 20 so there's plenty of space to join us! Playing from 7pm-11pm
Sunday we're playing Gaslands! Gaslands is like if Mad Max were scaled down to Hot Wheels & Matchbox cars. Players don't need to bring anything and they'll be taught how to play. Sessions will start at 10am and 3pm.
Fun updates around the cafe!
I've officially rearranged all the shelves & games. That freed up some floor space for tables and wall space for art.
Speaking of art, we have some awesome new pieces that were given to us by friends and customers.
The Little Free Library is growing. Come see what books we have and feel free to take one.
AAaaaaand speaking of libraries, here's a reminder that all of the games in our game library are available for rent. It's $4/day or you can sign up for a monthly subscription to borrow the games for up to 30 days at a time.
New Retail and Cafe Items:
Our retail game selection is growing, and if there's a game you want that we don't have, we're happy to order it for you. We'll do our best to track it down, and if we can't get it, we'll send you to someone who can. Amazon, Target, and Walmart have enough money. Get your board games from friendly local game stores. The stores are owned by "the little guy". Shop Small & Support Local.
We have Critical Grind enamel pins ordered. They are on their way and will be here in a couple weeks.
Our Spring Seasonal Specials have been out but I don't remember if I posted them, so here they are again.
We also have new smoothie flavors: Banana, Pineapple, and Strawberry-Banana!
On a personal level:
I've had some mixed comments about getting personal on here, but I'm going to listen to the people being supportive and ignore the nay-sayers. If you don't think personal things should be posted alongside business things, then you can stop reading here. No hard feelings.
I think it's important to get a little personal here for a few reasons. For one, the environment we try to create at Critical Grind is like you're going to hang out at a friend's house. We try to know all your names and things about you. We want to know you as people and friends and not just your drink orders or game preferences. For two, I think it helps remind everyone that there are people behind the business. Personally, I like knowing the people who own the businesses I frequent. I feel closer and connected to that business. I feel more inclined to recommend that business. And I am more invested in that business's success. All that to say, I appreciate all of our customers who have taken the time to get to know us and become friends.
So, the actual personal part... I had a cancer scare a few weeks ago. Technically, that scare isn't gone. I'm at risk and I'll have to have a test every year to check and see if any cancer cells have appeared. But for now, I'm good in that department. I also have issues with my nerves. A few years ago I was in the hospital for numbness on the left side of my body and in my right hand. After multiple CT Scans (finding inflammation in my cervical spine), blood tests, and a spinal tap, the doctors diagnosed me with "idiopathic neuropathy and transverse myelitis", gave me a week of steroids and physical therapy, and sent me on my way. They said if any symptoms start to show up again, to come back... but the symptoms may not show up the same way. Well, I've had tingling in my right shoulder blade, hearing issues in my right ear, loss of strength in my right hand, and more migraines than usual lately. I have a neurologist appointment in a few weeks and they'll likely send me out for scans and tests again. I'm mentioning this because in the last few weeks, I've had to ask several customers to repeat themselves because I couldn't hear them, I've dropped several cups of ice, I've spilled lattes, and I've even had to ask a customer to open a bottle for me because my hand wasn't working. I have good days and bad days and I try to take them in stride. But I wanted to share because I know everyone is going through their own things and it helps to know that even though our struggles may be different, we're not alone.
That sense of community, of not being alone, is a big part of what I love about Critical Grind, and it wouldn't be possible without all of you.
Let's keep this community growing. <3