Too Funny Not To Share

Do you ever have encounters or moments that are so funny you can't possibly keep them to yourself?  You know, those moments that are so unpredictable and so awkward that you can't help but die laughing every time you replay the moment in your head?  I had one of those moments this weekend, and it made me laugh so hard, I have to share it.

Every Friday morning Krystavel (one of the student mentors that I supervise) and I go to Starbucks.  It's a standing date.  No matter how busy I am, I won't miss it.  I love her, I love lattes, so clearly, it's a priority.  This past Friday was pretty busy at the Starbucks across from campus, and Krystavel and I chatted as we waited patiently to get to the front of the line.  As we got to the front of the line, Krystavel stepped up to order.  The blonde barista was slightly overtalkative, but not wanting to be a scrooge, I just went with it.  "Can I have your name?" she asked.  "Krystavel," my coffee companion replied.  "Wait, what?" the barista asked.  Used to having to repeat herself, Krystavel responded with her name again, and the barista asked her to spell it.  "K-r-y-s-t-a-v-e-l."  The barista replied, "OMG, what a cool name!  That is soooo awesome, I love it.  It's so much cooler than my boring name!"  Krystavel politely smiled, although I could kind of tell she was thinking, ok lady, chill out with the name stuff.  Then I stepped forward to give my order (I splurged on a grande peppermint mocha.)  "And what's your name?" the barista asked.  I replied, "Allison."  "OMG, that's my name!" the barista replied.  Ummm, hold on, pause.  Let the moment sink in.  Didn't she just say her name was boring?  Yes.  And did she just admit that her name is the same as mine?  Yes.  Riiiight.  I waited about three seconds, just staring at her.  About that time her eyes got big, realizing she just called my name boring.  She tried to recover, scrambling to correct herself, but there was no possible way to recover.  I just laughed and smiled and said thanks.  As Krystavel and I waited for our drinks, I tried so hard to control my laughter, but I seriously couldn't.  It was so unrehearsed, so awkward, so perfect, that I couldn't not laugh.  And since it was so unrehearsed, so awkward, and so perfect, I couldn't resist sharing it with you :)

Coffee Shop Curiosity

Recently I've been spending most of my Saturdays and Sundays at a local coffee shop.  So today, I arrived with a bag full of work, articles, readings, and paperwork that needs to get done.  After scouring the shop for sweet spot to work, I get my coffee, set up shop, and select my Pandora station for the day.  Of course, before I can start working, I have to check my email, Facebook, and comment a few of my friends blogs.  Then, after returning a couple of texts and checking my email one more time, I'm finally ready to get to work.

But about five minutes into my incredibly not-so-stimulating reading, I find myself staring off into space, wondering about a million others things that have nothing to do with what I'm reading.  I'm distracted by the others coffee shop dwellers, curious about what they're doing there, what they're working on, and who they're with.  I find myself looking at the couple on the couch, wondering about their relationship status.  She looks giddy, he looks interested, yet they both nervously text when the conversation dies down.  Yes, definitely a new relationship.  I look at the girl reading at the table next to me.  Why are her shoes off?  While I appreciate the comfy, homey atmosphere of the coffee shop, I do not appreciate her barefeet or chipping pedicure.  The girls at the back corner table make me smile as they remind me of my friends Kristin and Anna.  Something about their conversation, they smiles, and their interest in one another make me miss my friends.  I wonder how they're doing and when we'll be able to get together again, sigh...  I glance back to my laptop.  Dang, I've been here for an hour already.  I should probably get to work.  As I start to open my book, I am distracted by the girls at the couches behind me.  They're playing Apples to Apples.  Seriously?  This is a coffee shop, not a game room!  I wonder why they aren't playing at their apartment or something.  Maybe they live in a crappy dorm, maybe they're in a fight with their roommate, or maybe they're here to make my life miserable.  Hmm, interesting.  And what is up with that girl's neon headband and side pony tail?  I get the look she was going for, but she missed.  Ohhh, good song on Pandora, I minimize my online class website to "like" the song.  I suddenly wish that Pandora has a "I really really like this song" button.  Hmm, wonder why they don't?  I look back at the clock.  Oh dear, really Allison?  You've been here this long and have read one paragraph?

I give up hope of getting any work done and pack up my things.  I know I should be more focused, but I can't help it; coffee shops are so distracting!  They're prime people watching spots, which for me, bring lots of distraction and curiosity.  As I head out of the coffee shop, I notice a cute laptop bag on the girl at the counter.  Ooooh, I wonder where she got that? :)

Starbucks Goes Too Far

Starbucks is a personal addiction. I can admit it, I realize I have a problem. But the newest problem isn't my addiction, its Starbucks' latest idea: instant coffee. Look, I'm not a coffee snob, but to me, instant coffee is totally NOT Starbucks. In recent years, Starbucks has been a part of my morning ritual; my day isn't quite right without that paper cup in my hand. However, after getting married recently and making the adult decision to "go on a budget", I've had to wrestle with my Starbucks addiction, and cut my weekly trips in half (I'm starting small people, don't judge). Now, Starbucks is treat, and I appreciate the mornings I can stand in line and oogle the pastries with any coffee creation just an order away. The smell of the store, the fresh foam on my coffee, and the stylish tunes give me the morning jolt I need for a pricey $4.23. I pay for the coffee, but just like my jeans, I know I'm paying for the label and the whole experience.

So why on Earth would I spend a penny on this same label if it doesn't come with any of those bells and whistles? Its like buying a pair of True Religions with blank pockets. No fresh foam or whir of espresso machines, just a rip and pour of a tiny plastic package. A rip and a pour that costs $1? I don't think so Starbucks. I know my homemade coffee is no Starbucks latte, but its got to be better than a Crystal Light-esque instant coffee. C'mon Starbucks, keep it classy, and keep me saving my pennies for treat trips, not ho-hum cups of instant coffee.