The “Chat” Edition

So as usual, a quick recap of the StickMen activities from the past week; basically, what’s been up with us since the “Sip” edition; 

Since we last spoke

• First off…. As appropriate… since the “Sip” edition, there’s been plenty of sipping (responsibly of course). In the past week, I’ve had a bit of Basil Hayden, Glenmorangie 14 Year Lasanta, Larceny Barrel Barrel Proof, Four Roses Single Batch and Noah’s Mill Small Batch. Jealous? Don’t be… Join me!
• Decompressed from a hectic prior week by staying home and spending a little time connecting with many of you who subscribe to our Blog and Follow Us on IG, FB and Twitter. Thank you so much for the continued support! We launched this journey on 1/1/2020 and since then, it’s been an awesome ride!
• I spent the week getting ready for our chat session with Leaf Life Lounge Ownership Team! Shout to Angie, Kelvin, Johnny, Barry and Calvin! Awesome time hanging out with them this past Saturday in what I know will be an epic chat session once.
• Spent some time getting my podcast studio setup! First podcast coming soon!
• Spent a few days more than normal getting my PSC on with an emphasis on the “C” because the StickMen will now round out our three part Puff-Sip-Chat series this, the third and most critical part… the “Chat” Edition!

On to the “Chat”

So we’re not about to talk about those introspective conversations that you have with yourself when you’re on your own porch, balcony, deck etc…. (Yes, I have some epic conversations with ‘me’ in my head) while puffing and sipping alone. I’m talking about the cherished times at your Cigar Lounges, where StickMen and Women come together to PSC in unison! It’s ground zero of the Cigar and Whiskey Lifestyle. It’s where new friendships are born, new business relationships solidified and world problems are solved!

If you go back to our very first post in which I said that the lounge is a “drama-free zone, really allow that concept to soak in for a moment…… DRAMA-FREE! The lifestyle is about relaxation with quality smokes, quality spirits and quality people having quality conversations. 

Having said the above… Unlike the “Puff” and “Sip” editions in which I spent some educating our readers on the StickMen Blog’s perspective of those two glorious actions; in this edition it’s much more simple terms to describe our perspective on Chats. It really comes down to two buckets: 

• Chat we “Do” like

And the…

• Chat we “Don’t” like

So let’s start with the basics… The Chat should always begin with the introduction if you don’t know the person. Don’t be shy. We’re all StickPeople… let’s chop it up! The intro should be followed by two simple questions (or comments when the ‘what’ isn’t obvious) should be asked; One, what are puffing on? And two, what are you sipping on? 

The real chat will commence from there!

We “Do” like… “Great game last night! ” Just go ahead and go all in on this! It’s a safe place and a fun place for most unless you have the random “I don’t watch” sports guy… I don’t get it but to each his own. We do like other stuff besides sports. | We “Do Not” like “I don’t follow sports” – Cool… But don’t try to change the subject too quickly… let us finish talking about that great comeback or that first round knockout. More serious matters can be chatted about later on.

We “Do” like… Your favorite sports teams – Anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge Tampa Bay Buccaneer fan. I love other sports and teams but for me, it’s football and my Bucs that have a special place in my heart! In most places, the regulars usually know each other’s favorite team in whatever sport. I personally welcome chats about any sport except Cricket… I just don’t know what I’m watching when I see it but I’m willing to learn though if there’s a fellow StickPerson who is willing to educate me?

We “Do” Like… Recent Movies – If you’ve seen on the big screen, on bootleg or during your last “Netflix and Chill” moment in which you ACTUALLY watched Netflix! I ain’t mad, there’s good shit on Netflix these days! I believe that you can do both. |We “Do Not” like… Talking too much about the “Chill” – Know your audience and be respectful of those within earshot. The lounge is definitely no stranger to locker room chatter but with more and more StickWomen joining the fray, be aware and be respectful and keep the chatter amongst the guys you know well. My personal take? You can whisper to me about your “chill” anytime you want!

We “Do” like…. Politics with like-minded individuals – Regardless of whatever side you’re on, there’s something cathartic about lamenting your political woes with someone on your side. | We “Do Not” like…. Politics with the other sides – Remember in the shop to relax. Arguing about politics is NOT relaxing. There’s a time and place. In my opinion, the lounge is not one of them.

We “Do” like… Family – Feel free to bring up the latest happenings with your kids. Especially if you are going to complain about how expensive their little asses can be! But we still love them….. Most of the time. It’s always good to know how many kids a StickMan has, their ages VERY cool hearing about someone’s kid being an overachiever in school, sports or any other activities. StickMen love the kids! | We “Do Not” like…. Wives, Husbands, Significant Others (Not really, we love them) – This fair game, but don’t dwell on it too long. If you REALLY want us to get to know them, just invite them to the lounge for a little P-S-C! All are welcome! There are plenty of husband and wife combos at the different lounges I’ve visited.

We “Do” like… Business and Careers – The lounge is a great place to network! I’ve seen it lead to someone closing the next big deal or landing their next corporate gig. We should probably do more of this in a more formal way but there’s some beauty in it happening naturally. StickMen and Women just taking care of each other.

We “Do” like… Investing and Wealth Management – This is not always a popular topic but it does seem to pop up occasionally (some places more than others). It also never fails that someone is what I would call an expert or at the least VERY knowledgeable. I’m weak in this area at times and looking to improve so great hearing the tips from those who are investing successfully. |We “Do Not” like…. Don’t brag on your success – I love seeing someone kill it in this area but please don’t brag about what you’re doing and how much money you’ve made. TEACH ME! Or shut up!

We “Do” like…. We Love Music – Music is often the centerpiece for many shops in that there’s almost always some tunes pumping from the lounge speakers and at times StickMen will even bring in their own tunes. In either event, it often gets some good conversation going about favorites songs, artists, old school vs. new school hip hop. We cover it all!|We “Do Not” like …. Actually, nothing! Unless you’re into Death Metal, I think it’s gonna be ok. If you are however, there’s probably a shop out there for you (go find it!); It definitely will not be at a shop that the StickMen frequent! Even if someone is discussing a genre of music that’s not your cup of tea, it can still be a pretty interesting conversation. You don’t have to like the music in order to be able to chat about it. Even if you’re simply just asking a bunch of questions.

We “Do” like…. Life (Positivity) – Grown men and grown women talking about real shit. This is the most beautiful part of the lifestyle. I’ve met some pretty amazing people just kicking back and puffing, sipping and listening. A wise person once said “You never learned anything by talking” and in the lounge, some StickMen have some really profound things to say about life, family, business, politics… etc. and you do not want to miss it!

One of my favorite activities is when I get to see my two brothers. We live in different states and all lead hectic lives so we only get together a few times a year we usually catch up on life over a good stick and single malt. I never want it to end! | We “Do Not” like… Life (Racial Challenges) – I’m not saying we should never have the conversation; especially in today’s social climate but there’s a time and a place. My P-S-C session is not what I would consider as the best time. Can you say root canal anyone?

We just came here to Puff-Sip-Chat and Repeat the process in a drama-free way. We all know that the world is a bit fucked up when it comes to race but the one thing that all StickMan and StickWomen usually bond over is the “Leaf” and beauty of our lifestyle is its diversity but that same diversity makes normally calm people go from zero to sixty in a negative way, really fast. Respect the leaf and respect the lounge. It’s our escape and actually a great to connect with people from all walks of life!