Red Iguana and another earthquake

The answer I’ve offered most of my adult life is “Sell car paint” when asked what I do for a living. There has been more to it over the years but that sums it up pretty well. Often, when conversing with unknown individuals at dinner parties and events and small talk falters, the “what do you do” question always comes up and the response is generally the same, “what?” or “really? If they are genuinely curious is can be an interesting exchange (my opinion here) or they can smile-slightly, and change the subject. Early in our marriage, my wife would follow my answer with “You do more than that” and fill in the blanks she thought needed filling. Not that she was embarrassed; she felt the explanation didn’t do the job justice.

As the health crisis has continued to escalate, the state has been faced with the unenviable task of deciding which businesses had to close; limiting possible exposure. NFIB, National Federation of Independent Business has a list in place that addresses the question. So, what is an “essential” business?  It includes business operations such as (partial list):

• Auto supplies and repair
• Banking and financial services
• Childcare facilities
• Farm and other agricultural operations, including veterinary services, food processing, packaging, warehousing, and distribution
• Gas stations and truck stops
• Grocery stores and pharmacies, including farmers markets, convenience stores, and retail or liquor stores selling food products
• Hardware and home improvement, garden stores and nurseries that support food cultivation and production
• Health care facilities
• Home appliance retailers
• Laundromats and laundry services
• Office supply stores that support working-from-home
• Pet food and supply stores
• Professional services, such as legal or accounting and tax preparation services, when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities and critical sector services
• Restaurants providing carry out, delivery, or quick service operations
• Transportation and logistics
• Utility providers, maintenance, operations support, and related activities

Fortunately my business is essential and falls under the first category, Auto service and repair. Not that I relish everyone in the hospitality business being unemployed but “selling car paint” ain’t a bad gig right now. Our condo is joining together by doing a group purchases to support a local restaurant and last night was Red Iguana. Please check it out if/when you are in Salt Lake City, it will be here I promise.

Along with the expected anxiety of everything (we did experience another earthquake this morning) I felt a sense of optimism. Not sure why; maybe it was the Stimulus Package working its way through Washington or people trying to focus on positive stories, or just appreciating I don’t live in New York, whatever the reason it felt “less numb” today. I’ll take it! The news isn’t promising for an “Easter” reopening so anything upbeat is welcome, even if it is just in my head.