Its only appropriate to write the following, with all the factors that go into my life that is around Starbucks . What’s funny to me is that one of Starbucks company goals is to create a third place environment. Between work and home, Starbucks wants to be that retreat for customers to come to. Apparently its working in the lives of Carla Bean who stole it this idea from Mark, whom I’m actually taking up the idea from, here is my history with Starbucks.

My very first Starbuck memory that sticks out was my sophomore year in high school. A group of friends of mine went to the Newbury Park High School Homecoming dance together. All of us but one didn’t have a date, but we had so much fun just the same. Afterwards we went out for some coffee at Starbucks. We took a picture like we had been doing all night when one of the baristas told us we were not allowed to take pictures inside. We thought it was silly but obliged to their wishes. My friends date was passing my throw away camera back to me and of course in the hand off the bottom was clicked and the flash alerted the barista that another photo was taken. He said that was our last warning or wed be kicked out. My friend Lindsay thought it was rather dumb and once we all sat down threaten to take another photo. Just as we all sat down she of course went through with her threat and we all just walked out as the barista came over to escorted us. We then hung out in their parking lot till it was too cold to stand outside in formal dresses. Were they afraid wed find out the Starbuck “secret” and sell it to someone? Really now.

Some of you might recall my mapping out of Starbucks when Carla and I crossed the country from California to Alabama little more than a year ago. I did not keep record of what Starbucks they were. Id probably have to remap that whole trip to even know which ones we stopped at. But those hold very little meaning to me because as much as I did spend time with Carla in them it was more of a in and out and use the bathroom deal. So, they get a mention, but they aren’t worth the time it would take to search through this dudes web site for the stores photos. But one Starbucks that I will never forget is the one and only Jackson, MS Starbucks. Wee hours in the morning (or so it felt, it was probably 11ish) we were lost in trying to find this location. It was the first and only tiff of the road trip. Both of us frustrated, not at each other but that we couldn’t find the Starbucks and just wanted to be home. Finally, after too much time wasted, we found our haven. Coffee did us good for the last leg of that trip. Its also the Starbucks I met Scott for the first time at.

The Starbucks that Carla and I did spend much time at, even though it was an hour away from T-town was a Starbucks in Birmingham, Al. As Carla mentioned in her blog, the fondest memory I have of that one was the last time we were there together. We killed time (I think we spent that whole day killing time didn’t we?) over a board came and holding each other back from buying more Starbucks mugs that we both knew we didn’t need. Especially with both of us moving soon. It had a drive through, which we never used. One of the Baristas remembered us, that’s pretty bad when your an hour away!

My old room mate Dani, her friend Bre and I took a road trip to Northern California to go white water rafting with at the time Dani’s boyfriend. We left very early in the morning to make the most of the weekend, and by mid morning we were in need of some coffee. I suggested Starbucks (of course) and said the next one we saw off the freeway wed stop and go to. That never happened, so we called 411 asking where the nearest Starbucks was. They gave us a couple of numbers for the city of Stockton which we called. We made out way about 2 miles off the freeway to this Starbucks:

We enjoyed ourselves so much there with the baristas working and the relaxing environment it had that we stopped on the way home as well. I wish I could find the photos, but I have a good amount of pictures of the three of us in and outside of that Starbucks. One where I’m lift two Venti drinks like weights.

The day that Jace and I got to met, we leave a very ghetto Barns and Noble and went over to South Park mall in Charlotte, NC. Jason directs me to the smallest Starbucks I think Ive ever seen.

We almost walk right by it! Being that it was so small, there were no setting, but chairs right out side. We spent a good chunk of time here, nervously talking to one another over our drinks. I remember having a iced toffee nut latte. I honestly cant remember what Jason had, but I remember looking down at my drink thinking “this really isn’t happening, this guy is just too good for words.”

Another Starbucks that I have visited both times I was in Greensboro is the one on Battleground. First time was when Jace invited me to Greensboro the day after we met. I went inside to get something to snack on and a hot drink. I come back to my car to find that he had popped Popular Genius out of my cd player and stuck in a Norah Jones cd. Wonder what he had up his sleeve! Second visit was with Kari and Sarah . Both got nothing, which I wish they would have. We had sweet conversation, but coffee always adds something to it. So girls, next time I’m in town, my treat.

(cept I haven’t been there when it snowed… maybe someday soon!)

Ahhh, the Popular Genius Starbucks as its been called. I actually didn’t realize this till this past year. I associated with my friend Trey , since its where he’d call me from on his 10 minutes breaks at night. Its where the picture of him with a flower in his mouth was born. But, somehow, someway, I came across this information of more than one member of the band Popular Genius during my I’m free and single days, which was a mistake. Not really, I am no stalker (I leave that to Carla and her band ) but I mean, what are the chances any of them, let alone the lead singer would be working? Pretty good I guess because the time I do something like this, it happens. Quite embarrassing to even post this for the world wide web to see, but Carla let the cat out of the bag on her blog.

I shall close this rather lengthy journey of my life and Starbucks with ones that I visit too many times to count.

This is a Starbucks that I actually became known as a regular at. Its at the other end of the outlet mall that I worked at for years while working at the Right Start.

This is a real Starbucks thats connected to the best Barns and Noble around here. (There is one closer to me than this one but it isn’t as good. Plus is has a Starbucks Cafe. The nerve!) Ive spent lots of time in Barns and Noble more than Starbucks, but always usually grab something to drink while looking at books I wish I could buy. I met friends at this one lots of times as well.

This is where friends, Christy and Polly work.

Last, but not lease, worky worky.

I walked in the door the other day from work and my mom said to me “You have to watch today’s Oprah with me. Its about dating.” I give her a funny look and told her “I think I’m good on the dating advice.” She said it more of something she thought I would find interesting. The guest on Oprah’s show was Greg Behrendt, one of the authors (other being, Liz Tuccillo , writer for Sex In the City) of the book “He’s Just Not That Into You.” The concepts that this book holds are basic, but it seems that the dating world, especially women, need to get back to basics. He has questions from women of all sorts. One example was a women who was told shed get a call from a guy during a weekend. When the call came on Monday, she got all excited and told Greg that he was wrong, that he was into her! Greg’s challenged her with that if he was really into her, he would of called during the weekend, not made her an after thought. Greg, being a late 30s to mid 40s nice looking man, told these women who clearly where in a “He’s Just Not That Into You” relationship that they could do better. What a timeless piece of advice. He told these girls that they are pretty, smart and deserve better. (Coming from a guy like him impacts more my mom and I concluded than say, Dr. Phil ) A guy wants a challenge, so give them one, Greg told viewers. He’s not a religious man, so the “christian dating” advice wasn’t anywhere to be scene. He even owned up that he’s no specialist, just some dude that thinks that dating doesn’t need to be so much work. Cut and dry. Deal with the real deal or get out. Between all the basic stuff he was sharing, one thing he said surprised me. “Don’t go out with a guy unless he asks you out first.” I always thought this to be a rule of thumb, but in this day in age of women who are independent can do anything men can do, its hard to come by. I’m not saying run out and get this book, I think its kinda funny myself. Like we need one more dating book on the shelves. Something he said though got me thinking that this cant be half bad. “Over time women have made men lazy. Women don’t act like they are good enough and lower their standards.” He even owned up to that he was a jerk in is past dating life. But when he met his wife, he did whatever he had to do to make sure he got to spend every day for the rest of his life with her. He raised his standards to hers. He was that into her. I just found it refreshing that the world is waking up a little (the book does assume that you sleep with one another, so of course there’s always more work to be done) in men and women’s roles. I think I’ll read this book maybe spending an afternoon in Barns and Noble (yeah yeah its not a library but I doubt my library has it) to see what other things they didn’t get to share on Oprah. As I write this my brother has a girl down stairs talking over coffee. Id say he’s into her.

Disclaimer: I don’t know how to word this the way I want it too, but basically, I know this isn’t godly advice. I’m not trying indorse this book. I just found it interesting the principles that people are just blind to these days. Its more of a sociology thinking that perks my interest more than anything else.

I had a little adventure yesterday as my parents called it. I guess it could be called that, but after taking so many road trips all over the south it was almost second nature to me. But this time I had no directions printed out from mapquest. I had been to the cities I had in my mind to go to once or twice before but as a passenger. San Diego is about 45 minutes down the road from me and its a very neat city. I don’t go down there nearly often enough and yesterday being my day off, I had the urge to get away.

There wasn’t really any goal when I set out. Two things really on my mind that I really wanted to do. One: go to IKEA and get the promised catalogs for folks in NC. If you have yet to have an IKEA experience, then really, I pity you. My family after moving back to the main land from Hawaii years ago made IKEA our second home. It seemed a lot bigger to me when I was younger, wonderings through all the different rooms and then each different floors of bedding, kitchen stuff, decorate, etc. Half way through the store there is a restaurant. I remember it being at least an hour if not more and my family just reaching that part of IKEA. We stopped for lunch like we were on a road trip and need fuel for the rest of the trip. I haven’t had an IKEA meatball in ages, its German you know, it has to be good. It was sad walking through IKEA yesterday actually. I don’t have a place of my own to decorate with all the neat things they have on display right now. And somehow walking through a home furnishing store without someone is really sad. You have couples holding hands saying things like “Oh honeybun wouldn’t this be PERFECT for the living room?!” or “That is AWESOME! Why don’t we have one of THESE in the kitchen!” (I’ll let you decided who said what) I love seeing the newly weds with two bags on each shoulder and a cart full of stuff. Makes me wonder if they registered for anything. My only purchase was a four photos, matted, clip art frame for these neat black and white photos of coffee postcards Starbucks gave me. And it was only 4 bucks. Ah, the many joys of IKEA.

Two: To find a nice coffee shop (not Starbucks) to have a quite time in. Ive come to realize that is very hard for me to have a good quite time in my house. I’m very much the type who likes having that time in a closet, inside another closet. I don’t know why, I just like the feeling nothing will come between what I’m doing and that’s the best way to do it. Well, being that I live with three other people and in a small room where my computer is constantly on and I could turn on music or hear sounds of the TV downstairs or my brothers music through the wall… I’m just too distracted. So, Ive made the plan to on my day off to leave Carlsbad, go somewhere and have my time. About a month ago when I was in La Jolla I passed by a coffee shop called “The Living Room”. I loved the name and promised myself to go back. It was more than I could of wanted. Neat lay out, chairs and couches all different and rustic/Victorian looking. I ordered a tea misto and a sandwich and found a couch closest to the window. As I ate I made note of those around me. Straight in front of me was an older man, probably in his 60s having a black coffee and muffin alone. In the corner was a mom with her two adorable blonde kids doing homework. Their dad came in around 5, gave his wife a kiss and sat with the boys. (Vision of my future. I mean where else would I have my kids do their homework? ) To the right of me was a guy on his cell phone in front of a lap top with papers all over his table. And finally to my left two men dressed for business but having causal conversation. I loved how all walks of life seemed to be in the very room with me. After my last yummy bite I dove into my journal and bible. It was a wonderful time. I even walked down the street to see the seals.

It was a day that I needed to spend by myself, even though few of things I wanted to do as a couple. But it allowed me to think through stuff, ponder and just be. I was productive in my mind in the morning (got a smog check) and had the afternoon and evening to myself to explore San Diego. No pressure of trying to please someone else with the day. A retreat or adventure, whatever you may call it, is something that I realize I need. Unwinding is a good thing. Retreating is also a good thing. I don’t know why I felt like I was unable to do it before. There is little time to waste in this world, but I treasure every moment of yesterday.

Here I am again with more song lyrics. Most of you are probably familiar with this one if you spend any time listening to the radio. Now, I have heard of the band Maroon 5 plenty of times over the years. Ive liked what Ive heard of them on the radio. My brother bought Songs About Jane not too long ago and we listened to it on our drive back from my Grandpa’s birthday party. Again, liked what I heard. It wasn’t till the 3:30am drive Jace and I took on the last night I was in North Carolina that I liked them deeper. Jason turned up the radio when the song came on saying he liked it. I looked out the window and listened contently. I loved it, it was a very very sweet song.

Beauty queen of only eighteen
She had some trouble with herself
He was always there to help her
She always belonged to someone else

I drove for miles and miles
And wound up at your door
I’ve had you so many times but somehow
I want more

I don’t mind spending everyday
Out on your corner in the pouring rain
Look for the girl with the broken smile
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile
And she will be loved
She will be loved

Tap on my window knock on my door
I want to make you feel beautiful
I know I tend to get so insecure
It doesn’t matter anymore

It’s not always rainbows and butterflies
It’s compromise that moves us along
My heart is full and my door’s always open
You can come anytime you want

I don’t mind spending everyday
Out on your corner in the pouring rain, oh
Look for the girl with the broken smile
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile
And she will be loved
She will be loved

And She will be loved
And She will be loved

I know where you hide
Alone in your car
Know all of the things that make you who you are
I know that goodbye means nothing at all
Comes back and begs me to catch her every time she falls

Tap on my window knock on my door
I want to make you feel beautiful

She will be loved (repeated)

Please don’t try so hard to say good bye.

I almost cried when I heard this song this morning. I have a hard time forgiving myself. I actually didn’t realize this was an issue for me until dating Jason. I muter over something I did, even after that person has long forgiven me. It puts me back in a place of fear, doubt and realization of how much of a sinner I am. I cant say that I’m being humble by any means. To whom would I be humble to? I do not turn to Christ in my desperate time, I just wallow away in whatever it is Ive done. I know He’s forgiven me. He has taught me to give grace to others freely. This I can do. This is the burning question, why cant I forgive myself? I find myself not good enough, like I know I have been all along. Jesus and I both know I never will be good enough. His blood is the only thing that makes me “good enough”. As much as this is a romantic song that does remind me of Jason, it also reminds me about grace. Grace that only God can be the teacher to me of since He was the first to give it.

Romans 5:20b
“where sin increased, grace increased all the more.”

Since Ed has gone off the air, forever (sad sad day) I hadn’t really had a “must watch” TV show for myself. But this past summer, after missing all but the first season, I returned to a show called the Amazing Race. I love TViO (do it Kari!), it lets me feed my addiction to this show. Now, mind you, its the only show each week I have to see. The bases of this show, (for those of you who aren’t loyal watchers) is teams of two are in a race around the world. They are given clues and tasks to do in order to receive their next clue till the end of each leg of the race. There are a lot of couples this time around on the race, dating ones that is. One team gave me a moment that really made me smile. It reminded me of what is more than two thousand miles away from me.

Id like to introduce you to Brandon and Nicole. They are the “christians” of the show. Sometimes “christians” on TV rub me the wrong way, but these two have yet to do that. (And this upcoming Tue is the last show of the season, so…) They are models by profession. They aren’t bad looking, but Id never guess that’s what they did for a living. As it being a reality show, you see the good and the bad of all the teams. This couple has been pretty low on the drama. They’ve had their cute moments and their frustrating moments. But the moment that stirred something in me is when they were at the airline ticket counter and start bantering with each other. It was just merely teasing; picking on one another.

This is probably one of the most fun things I love about Jason and I’s relationship. Forget the distance…we can get each other such a hard time. We are comfortable with each other enough to know the right time (there is a bad time) to pick on one another. We both are very sarcastic people (him more than I) and we can just bounce off each other. During our long separation not to long ago (11 weeks) we talked about how both of us at one point had over thought the relationship. We were trying too hard instead of enjoying each other. Having fun is what I think of when I think of our relationship. Jason is a very fun person to hang around, no matter what your doing. He’s great at making people laugh, whether is innocent flirting or picking on himself for their benefit. He likes to make people laugh, I am no expectation. I never knew that would be someone Id want in a person. I knew I wanted someone who I could laugh with. But he sets out making sure others are laughing, not just me. I don’t know what Id do during my down times without him to make me lighten up with something to make me laugh. I cant wait to see what else he has waiting for me to smile at ether.

I recently acquired a copy of Tara Leigh Cobble’s newest cd Things You Cant Stop With Your Hands . I love this cd, its the only one that has taken place of Sandra’s newest (I know, its that good!). One song that I just about brings me to tears every time I hear it is what I want to share with you. Tara has always been honest in her song writing, whether is a joyful song or a song full of confusion and hurt. I love it how the song writers I love the most (Tara being one of them) seem to be in my head and write songs about what they see. They say it so much better than I ever could, also keeping me sane. I’m not alone in this world God asks us to live in. So, all of that to say, sit back, take a deep breath and please soak in these wonderfully powerful lyrics…which Rich Mullins wrote, go figure. All of the above is still true about Tara’s writing thats on this cd… but anywhoo, please enjoy while I hide my red checks of embrassement.

Hard to Get

Ah, okay where were we? Oh yes, stories from my trip. I had the pleasure of firstly meeting most of Jason’s family. They were very sweet to me, his sister Rachel even was my host for the weekending, including letting me sleep in her bed. His brother Matt is the quite one in the bunch but sweet just the same. Meeting his parents for some reason made me nervous. But they both set me at ease the moments I got the met them and said too kind things after I left. His mom hopes that I didn’t leave thinking the family is strange. I don’t, other than I kept getting shown, without mention, a picture of their younger half sister Taylor. Even a baby photo, which was cute, but strange none the less to me for some reason. I fear I may of been too quite, which I am around people I don’t know well. Hopefully I can warm up more to them at Thanksgiving time.

I also had the privilege of meeting, what is known as “The Friendship Circle” this past weekend. Starbucks is always a great place to met friends and for it being suggested, tons of cool points right off the bat. Then, one of them orders the same drink I do just because it sounds good. Why that merits accepts in me is so me, I know, but it worked none the less. After hearing many stories and reading these great folks blogs, I spent too small amount of time with Stuart , Kate, Lauren and Jon . These are some of the neatest people you’ll ever met. Between the teasing one another, they took me in with barely knowing me. Accepting me into their friendship circle from the moment they met me and that probably warmed my heart above anything else during the weekend. I am so looking forward to making them my own friends. (Also plotting things with the girls, tee-hee)

Jason has a few high schoolers with crushes on him. Not surprising, I know. The kids at his youth group that I also got to met were so sweet. I loved the fact one of the girls who I had yet to met, I saw from a distance rubbing Jace’s checks. The look on his face was just too classic. I laughed and smiled at him from across the room and walked over to met his small chick who had a thing for gruff. Apparently she claims Jason is dating an older version of herself since shes from Cali, shares the same last name and has brown hair and blue eyes. Cute girl.

Last, but not least, I was able to met a very good friend of Jason’s name Tim Stephens. I had heard many stories and had phone calls cut short due to lunches with this guy. We graced his apartment for a few hours this past weekend. What scared me was how much Tim’s room looked a ton like my brothers, but clean. I will always have an image in my mind of Tim pointing at a potted plant saying “Urb”. Makes me laugh just thinking about it.

I cant really put into words how it warmed my heart to be accepted by Jace’s friends and family. It was an unsaid prayer for acceptance since I feel it so lacking in my own life here. I cant wait to go back to Greensboro, for the people who I only had too brief of moments with.

I had an outstanding weekend.

If you didn’t know, I was in a few different parts of the lovely state of North Carolina. Many that were apart of the weekend have already blogged beautifully about it and I think I might just make you make a couple of clicks. I realize that everyone’s perspective is different, but I like their take on it as well. So, if you’d like more than my couple of thoughts on the days spent, please make your way to my dear friend’s little spot on the world wide web as well.

The adventure begun when I landed 20 minutes early in Raleigh to an hour early boyfriend. We drove straight to Winston-Salem (about a 2 hour drive) to see the wonderful Sandra McCracken play for my first solo show. Susan (click there to see a wonderful review, set list and photos from the show) was so kind as to call me when it began, allowing Jace and I to listen to it as we drove there. Jace and I spent the driving getting back into our rhythm with each other which really didn’t take long. The time between we last saw each other was long and hard on both of us. There seemed to be a little bit of worry on both our ends that it might be different, but it wasn’t, we just really were hating being a part. More on that… see Jason’s blog . (the entries for 9.9 and 9.14 is what you’re looking for)

Friday, very graciously Kari drove over to Susan’s to pick up Sarah and I. Spending the few hours I was able to get before Sarah took off with Brandon for the beach were good. Miss that girl more than I remembered. It still strange to us both that we are both in a relationship at the same time. We love it too that we have much to talk about and understand each others joys and pains that come with a long distance relationship. After a brief lunch with Jason, Kari and Sarah took off to met Brandon and Jason took me to a local used bookstore till Kari came to get me. I love bookstores, especially used ones. This one had to be the best Ive ever been in. My treasures where a Ruth Graham book that Id never thought of owning cause its 25 bucks retail and I found it for 4. Also, I got “Anne of Green Gables” for free! Kari and I sat in a… well, we were quite unsure of the topics before, but the titles were quite something. After a many laughs at many books that made us believe there’s hope for us becoming authors, we went to a park to just sit and chat. We later met up with Brian and then later his wife Sarah (no relationship to the first mentioned Sarah) at Barns and Noble. It was nice to met Brian, he gave an added laugher to our conversation. Most enjoyable.

So much of what I write about is my daily, journaling type. I realized so many grace filled moments this weekend that is packed into the amazing relationship I’m in. Yes, long distance relationship is probably one of the most hardest things a person could put themselves through. I swore off ever getting involved with someone who’d have to be gone for a long period of time even before I was allowed to date. Just didn’t make sense to me to be away from that someone that warms my heart like no other. I cant believe it myself, but all that makes to say is that this is just so different. That different can go into so many directions… like he is able to tell if there’s a smile on my face in the expressions of my words to him. How even I’m being beyond ridiculous over a can of Cheerwine that he just smiles at me. He seems to know me, understand me more than I can at times. Sitting in the back of a room filled with youth with his voice echoing against the walls, I feel into the relational of how much God loves me. He lead me there, along with the Holy Spirit. I wish I didn’t have to hold onto the tears that I did so I wouldn’t be the weepy girlfriend so many had heard too much about. Words escaped me so many times this weekend as the hours seemed to race by. All I know is there is a loving God, despite the hurt, who is with both Jace and I through it all. This relationship shows me that in so many ways, even through the goofy moments. *raises hand* “meow”.

I will return with more stories of the weekend, say, the rest of it tomorrow. I just needed to lay my thoughts out somewhere. Reminds me of when Jamie and Paul in the show Mad About You buried a fight together. They wrote down what they were saying, feeling, anything and buried it. It was done. Both later dug it up and read what each other wrote. Jamie’s said something to the degree of she could never write down something mean against Paul, it makes it too permitted. Heres to making the discoveries in the peace and mercy God freely gives if we just receive it, in writing.

It feels good to be back in the South. I could feel it the moment I stepped off the airplane the different feel it has that Ive missed these past couple of months. Southern accents are the best… watch me pick mine back up before the end of this trip! On the drive from Releigh to WS to see Sandra play (amazing show by the way… all Sandra is just great) I kept pointing things out to Jace that Ive dont have in Cali that I miss. He was a bit disappointed that I got excitied over a site of a Waffle House though.

Today Im off to spend some more girlie time (staying up till 4am talking isnt enough, no.) with Sarah and Kari. Susan, whos computer Im typing from, the poor thing is stuck holding babies all day. Though life, isnt it? Who knows what we have up our sleeves to do today… anyone in the Greensboro area- beware!

I got a couple of Starbucks stories for you this evening (well, by the time I post this it shall be midnightish). First one brought by the letter S for stockholder. So, this gentleman comes in and asked why our sign on the side of the building isn’t on. Stephen, the barista who was asked said he was unsure and got the shift manager. She said she was unware of it too but would let the store manager know and thanked him for tell her. He said that he vacationed down here and he’s complained about this before and it has yet to be fixed. And then…THEN… he says I am a shareholder of this company! Then walks out. We look at each other and were like alright then. I’m thinking, sir, if you are a shareholder, than, we, busy baristas are doing what makes money, making coffee. Which in turn, is what makes the stock go up, making you money. Where as, having a sign on, waste money if you think of it. So actually, we are saving money in the expense area and working on making a profit instead of worrying about it! Oh if I wouldn’t get fired for saying that, I probably would have.

Second story brought you by the letter P for Partner. So the drink on the bar was a grande, vanilla latte with an inch of foam. I’m on the bar where I pull the shots and poor the milk. When I called out the drink and the lady takes it, she gives it back and says “Was there vanilla in this? I cant taste it.” I said “Oh, well let me add a couple of squirts, I’m sorry.” Thinking maybe they missed the cup, who knows, no biggie. I give it back, she sips it and I ask if it was better. (At this point there is a line of drinks on the bar and I’m trying to hurry her a long) She says “Now, did you put shots in here?” “Yes” I say She asks “Two shots? Cause grandes get two shots. I’m not trying to be a pest but, I just used to work for Starbucks, so I’m picky.” I smile and say “Let me just remake it for you.” So I remake it, and my coworker/neighbor Sarah over hears the whole thing. She says quietly “If she used to work for the company then she should know how much it sucks to redo drinks when its busy!” I remake it and the whole time she’s peering at me through the glasses between us. I ask her “enough vanilla?” “the milk hot enough?” “is that a good amount of foam”…just about every step so she could understand maybe how annoying she is being. Don’t want to be picky? You come back here and make it yourself then! But yet… I held my tongue.

The last and final story of this hour is brought to you by the letter H for Hot. If you did not know, we steam our milk to 160 degrees. Now, if its 140 to 120, its still okay. Past 120, you could burn yourself to be honest. So, when I make a… I think a mocha of some sort, I see the milk is 140 (and another person glaring at me through the glass) and pour it in. Its safe to serve. He takes the drink after its called and puts it right back. “This is warm” I said “Oh did you want it extra hot?” He says “No, I want it at 160 like your suppost to serve it at. I KNOW I used to work at a Starbucks.” Where are all these “used to bes” coming from anyhow? You should know better to come in at closing time. Oh you what hot milk do ya? Well you got it… little past 160 degrees, just for your liking. As a public service announcement to yall, when a store is near close… LEAVE! (Jordan do not even bring up that one time at the Summit. Totally different) Especially a place where’s lots to clean up, like Starbucks. We are tired and hard workers and we want to get some sleep before we have to get up and be back here in the morning! So please, unless you want to leave a 20 buck tip, to each of the baristas, leave or don’t whine when its 140 and you should of asked for 160!! We have the custom box for people like you!

Just let me add that I love my job and most of the time I have wonderful customers. I’m even starting to get to know regulars names and drinks, which is fun. And you know what, if we mess up your drink, please, let us know nicely. There is a nice way to do it and a snobby way to do it. I think I needed a good lesson on grace today. I got it.

“Confession: I have read “Pride and Prejudice” about two hundred times.”

Well, my confession isn’t as silly as that. I mean really, what is wrong with reading a good book over and over again? Nothing, absolutely nothing. But my confession on the other hand, they probably have groups for people like me. Late night (I’m talking late, like say midnight and beyond) TV is some of the most enjoyable for me. Why is that? Infomercials. I don’t know what it is about them but I’m suddenly hooked with watching them sell their product to America. Sucking us watchers into whatever invention will make out lives that much better!

It all started years ago when I watched I believe it was called “Ronco Food Dehydrator” I mean I was blown away because it could save me hundreds of dollars by making my own jerky or dried fruits! I mean, for the kids you got fruit rollups, but no preservatives! I could get 5 or 7 stackable trays, to fit my dehydrating needs. I mean I didn’t know I had any till watching this but by golly, I have to!

Following this one, I remember the “Dial-O-Matic” (What a name huh?). It makes gourmet slices vegetables incredibly thin. You can use it to shred cabbage for coleslaw, or make hundreds of potatoes into french fries in minutes. Because I mean, this is the goal we set out for ourselves when entering the kitchen. Suddenly, a plan old kitchen knife will never do. Why almost cut my fingers when I could have the “Dial-O-Matic”?! Oh, and it makes a perfect gift.

Another one that always caught my eye was the “Food Saver”. Why does everything have to do with the kitchen. Do you notice that? I mean, most infomercials is for something to put on that precious counter top of yours. I do remember a painting system that I saw more than once, but food always seemed more fun. Even if it was mess free painting. (My mom ended up buying that at one point, maybe its a genetic trait) Anyways, back to the “Food Saver”. This is probably the only thing that I think would very REALLY useful. I mean, not only can you use it in the kitchen (save foods up to a year later!) but for your winter clothes so the bugs wont get to them! Save room on storage!

But, ladies and gentlemen, the newest addiction of my infomercial liking is…GT Express 101. I mean, all you do is place food in the preheated cooking wells (I love how its called wells for some reason. Just sounds fancy) and close the lid. Wha-la! And its a non-stick, dual-cooking chambers cook from the top and the bottom so there’s no turning necessary! (Becasue thats such a pain sometimes.) Its also has a controled thermostat so that I can get perfect food every single cooking time. Even if I leave it in too long! No more burnt food! Hinged lid prevents spillovers. Clean up’s a cinch too, just wipe with a damp cloth! Who could ask for more?

Scared yet? I am a little that I could remember the names of all of those. I just find it a funny habit of mine to be flipping the channels and just land myself on one of these. Late at night is usually the best. I believe they put a lot of them on at that time of night because folks are tired and do stupid things then. Suckers for a good sell. Ron Popeli is the inventor of a lot of this stuff. I wonder whatever made him want to go into this. Why sell it on an infomercial? Why not sell it in stores? Thats what I never got. Whats the appeal to have it on TV instead of in the stores. Now a days, there are boxes that say “as seen on TV” but that wasn’t around at the beginning of infomercial days. Even still with those, infomercial continues. I just wonder what train of thought ever got someone there. Don’t worry, I’m not too bad about this. You know though that Ive gone over the edge when I actually pick the phone. Don’t worry, I’m long from that step.

I had dinner I swear. But for some reason at 7:30ish, in the middle of Friends, I had the urge to go out and get something. Only thing I knew for sure I wanted was Starbucks. They should just hook an IV into me, probably save money on gas. I haven’t really shared about my manager have I? Well, shes a trip, thats all I’m gonna say. Very by the book and has been with the company for 11 years. I think shes kinda burned out personally. So, when I saw her working tonight I knew that would be paying for my drink. Yeah I was a bit annoyed, but I had to have something and what do I get? A caramel flippin’ frappacino. What is that? SO not me. That should of been a clear sign something was up.

Driving down the main strip of downtown while talking to Jason, I have another urge. Fast food is calling my name. Every restaurant that I pass just is taunting me “Come here Alisa!” Or maybe that was Jace on the phone. But I finally gave in to the grease calling my name and pulled into Jack in the Box. I know, why on earth? I thought they had the yummy fried zucchini that I haven’t had in ages. Nope, those would be across the street at Carl’s Jr (aka Hardys). I couldn’t get out of the drive through after realizing this, so I got some curly fries. Even after having those I was in a battle of driving across the street to get the zucchinis! Jason at that point asked if I was pregnant.

I ended up just with curly fries (really not the same when you really want fried zucchini) and my caramel treat. I still got the munches too! I don’t know whats up with me. It hasn’t been a bad day today, it was my day off. Oh but you know what sounds just fantastic right now? Funnel cakes. Now where in the heck am I gonna find that? A fair. Alright. Wheres the nearest fair? You know I think the last time I had a funnel cake was last year at an Alabama football game? I walked over to the student section with it. My friend Ross raised his hands when we scored knocking the powder sugar off the funnel cake onto the person’s in front of me back. Hmmm maybe I shouldn’t go on a hunt for a funnel cake. I just cant put my finger on whats up with these cravings.