I am very often a person who wears their Stubborn flag high; I routinely pack a metric ton into my schedule, ignoring the fact that I will never accomplish all of it. I am incapable of not attempting to bring in all of the groceries in one trip, accidental jars of pickles deaths be damned (RIP), and don’t even think about suggesting that I go to sleep earlier. I am convinced that not only do I have time to work 40 hours at my day-job, have some sort of gym/health routine, can 180 my career by myself, spend 5-8 hours per week editing photos/videos/reels/etc. that I obviously have time to learn both French and Spanish. I may only have about 30 minutes per day to dedicate myself to the school of Duolingo, and therefore am not actually retaining anything, I do have a 93 day learning streak so that unhinged green owl can go kick dirt.

The thing with us Stubbornists, is we start to know when we have taken on too much, but instead of accepting defeat, we fight it. Kicking and screaming. Or, until we pass out from utter exhaustion. Which has lead to deciding to take care of my health and see my PCP on the regular. This last visit resulted in sending me in for a test to double-check that things were fine, and they were, until the only appointment I could get for said test was at 6:45 am on a weekday.

“I hate early, must kill early” – Lorelei Gilmore

Me, being me, I whined. A lot. I also have the love and support from my husband/partner, who never needs sleep and doesn’t mind getting up early. Ew, David.

We arrived on time for my appointment, only to be told that I was early. By 24 hours. We decided this mishap could be corrected: with breakfast.

As a former Ferndale-rat, I have frequented many of the breakfast/brunch establishments both during and after my residency in the area, and although this particular one is technically in Pleasant Ridge, The Whistle Stop is a favorite.

Decked out in mid-century diner decor, the place is pretty damn charming. Each table, as well as the seats at the bar/counter include the cutest salt and pepper shakers that are changed out seasonally. Prints of Woodward from days of yonder hanging from the ceiling, a hand-drawn menu board, and a sticker wall give the place that slightly-cluttered environment that us neurodivergent kids thrive in, its cozy.

Operating during the hours of 7:30am to 3pm, they serve both breakfast and lunch. One side of the menu has omelets, griddles, hot cakes, avocado toast, etc. and the other sandwiches, soups salads, quesadillas, and other lunch fare. They also have specials, and if you are not a sucker with work obligations, Spanish coffee and mimosas are available.

I had a Kurtzy omelet, with a side salad, rye toast with house-made mixed berry jam, and loads of coffee (stupid early appointment and all). Dave also had an omelet, and although I can’t remember which one he ordered, everything was delicious and I ended up taking half of it with me for lunch later.

Their menu is available via their website.

After taking enough photos to make myself look like the worst influencer in the Detroit area, a lovely dog-walking individual offered to take a photo of us. Behold us looking like we are tourists on vacation next to the city I grew up in: C’est la vie/Así es la vid.

Until next post, xo.

📍Pleasant Ridge, MI

Sara Bellum