not so much. (read: get off the d@^! phone!!!!)

Someone ordered an iced cappuccino. You know how I feel about that!! To make it worse, she was on her cell phone.

"I'd be happy to make that, however I'd recommend an iced latte as the iced cappuccino would be an inch of hot foam on top of your iced drink."

"I don't understand," she stated.

Of course I don't know if that statement is directed toward me or to the person on the other end of the line, so I launch into an explanation and recommendation.

"You see, a cappuccino is very frothy, foamy steamed milk mixed with espresso. To make an iced espresso drink we pour milk directly from the gallon. I can leave it like that for an iced latte, or I can put an inch of hot steamed foamy milk on top of your iced drink."

"Hmm. I am not sure," she replied still on the phone.

"Is the drink for someone else?" I asked. Again not knowing if her statement was for me or for her conversation on the cell phone.

Finger goes up into the air in front of her mouth to shhh me. "Yes."

Of course I have no idea if the response was to me or to the person on the other end of the line. Again.

"I can help whomever is next," I said and indicated the person behind her come forward.

That customer looked at me confused so I said, "I'll help her when she's off the phone and can tell me what she wants."

So, I went on to make several other drinks because a customer talking on their cell phone while trying to order is one of the most irritating behaviors a customer can possibly exhibit.

When the woman on the cell phone hung up her call I looked to her and said, "If the drink is for someone else, I'll make an iced latte since it's most common."

"Oh, whatever you think is best."

I began making the drink.

A few seconds passed and she said, "I thought I had already ordered?"

"No, you were on your cell phone so I didn't know how you wanted it made. Remember, you shhh'd me?" I said with a smile as I handed her the drink.

"Oh yah." Then she turned and left.

Not that I expected anything else.

It reminded me of a sign I saw at a local card shop, can't remember the exact wording, but basically stated that the store associates won't talk on the cell phone while helping the customer, so the customer should show the same respect.

Isn't that just common courtesy?

Currently (de)Caffienated, Dee

I have to admit it...

CCCathy used to annoy me with the constant questions about calorie counts. Every time we got a new product in, there were new questions, followed by gasps of horror whenever we did have an answer. Let's face it, morning pastries are not the healthiest food seleciton... However over the past couple of months, my views have changed. She comes in twice each morning so I've had more time to actually talk with her. She recently moved here from CA so as we've become her local coffee shop she has opened up to talking about things other than calories. Turns out, she's really nice.

It's not that common for a customer that really annoys me initially to be able to move into the 'favorite customer' column, so I thought here in my anonymitiy, I'd admit my first impression was off.

She's also started tipping us $1/day, which for 2 cups of coffee is pretty good!

Currently (SUPER)Caffienated, Dee

Crazy for a minute

Today I reminded my current boss and the new one starting next week, that my last day is coming up (October 15)!!! Of course I gave about a month's notice...that's what I do. Not necessarily intentionally, it's just what happens. I plan ahead when I move out of state, even if I don't have a job in my soon-to-be-home. I've been here in this city for 7 years and have had two jobs - the big one, and this coffee shop.

His reaction to me had me second guessing if I had ever even told him I was leaving! I felt crazy for a minute. He seemed truly shocked. Turns out he sort of put it in the back of his mind in terms of the impact on scheduling. We talk about it nearly every time I see him so I knew he knew...

Today I was on the verge of moving my last day up so I could have a few more days not working prior to my move. Partly because I want to be a tourist in this city one last time, and partly because NNNeil was driving me crazy! Really, it felt like a test. He was going in slow motion and over-chatting all the customers which takes even more time, causing me to run around super busy and on the verge of sweating all morning. I hate that! But, I held it together and didn't do that. October 15 is just around the corner. And with the move, I can use any money I can get...

Currently Caffienated, Dee

VIA instant coffee tasting

I did the taste test for Starbuck's new product, VIA. An instant coffee, but their marketing spin is that it's Starbucks coffee in an instant... hmm...

The only instant coffee I've tasted is whatever I get in the hotel room until I can get down for some real coffee.

Gotta tell you, I couldn't tell the difference between their daily brew and the dark instant roast. Of course, I don't care for their daily brew. Then I tasted their mild instant coffee, their Colombian roast...and I liked it a lot!

So, I got some. A 12 pack. I figure I have an upcoming road trip across several states next month when I move so it will be good to have in the car.

I said I'd say no, but I didn't...

When I first talked about my 9 hour knees, I closed by saying I'd say 'no' next time I was asked to stay late.

But I didn't say no. I said yes today. I stayed. My knees are killing me!!

It is so funny how a change of mental place makes it harder to overlook the aches and pains. Last time I wrote about it I was happy about the fact aching knees is the worst that my work-day brings now. (Apart from the obvious complaints that arise occasionally from actually interacting with customers in a server role.)

However, now that I've decided to move and work hard to find a job in my old line of work, I see it differently. I see these aching knees as a hazard to my long term health! Perhaps I'm being a bit of a drama queen today, but seriously, this can't be healthy!!!

Currently (de)Caffienated but Seriously SORE, Dee

Mixed feelings of a grown up

Today I have the mixed feelings of an adult. I am an adult, but often float through life enjoying myself, learning and exploring but not aware of my own age. Today was a different story. I felt like an adult that knows the ups and downs of the mid-thirties, first-hand.

DDDora was fired!!! I really, really, really, (can't stress enough, really!!) disliked working with this woman. So, I'm pleased I won't have to work with her again. I do feel badly for her as a human that she is now jobless after moving to a new apartment only two weeks after being robbed at her previous apartment.

Just thinking, and Currently Caffienated, Dee

Management change...

My manager is moving to another store across town so we have a new manager starting next week.

Change is, well change. There is good and bad with change. The good with this guy is that he's clearly a good manager. He'll make his boss happy. The bad part is that he's not very personable. I've only been working with him for about a week, and he is in training so is likely trying to impress everyone. With time, he could lower his guard and become more personable. If not, he'll remain a distant and likely disliked manager for the employees.

Only time will tell, but I won't be there to know the difference because I'm moving.

Speaking of the new guy, I'll update about NGNeil. He's still hugging me, but I've gotten it down to a one-arm-side-hug. I feel more comfortable with that. The news is out that I'm moving, so he's already mentioned staying in touch and having a place to stay if he visits my soon-to-be-home-city. That comment made me stop and think about friendships that last. Clearly this won't be one of those lasting relationships, but I'm thinking about other friendships I made here and realistically considering the ones that will last. Interesting to think about.

Currently (de)Caffeinated, Dee

My great idea!!

Have you ever seen the show Wife Swap? I think it's hilarious. The producers find two opposite families and the wives trade places for two weeks. For the first week, the "new" wives have to follow the rules of the family they've joined. For the second week, the "new" wives get to change the rules and force their family lifestyles on the "new" family. Occasionally the families learn some life lesson from the swap, but more often, hilarity of opposites ensue.

Point. I think I'd like to do a mix between Wife Swap and The Real World. My mashable will be that I can pick two people each day, to swap places with each other for the day. Not two weeks, just one day.

Today, I'd make the "I have a black Amex and I am wonderful" guy swap with my colleague that works two jobs just to make ends meet, moved here from another country and feels extremely successful!

Can't you picture it? The blue collar white collar swap show. I love it. I know camera people and producers...any investors out there?!

Happy day,
Caffienated and excited, Dee

Moving...

I'm moving. No, the blog's not moving to a new location, I'm moving back west. I leave in about a month and have been busy getting ready already. I've been going through the paperwork I've stashed over the years. Shredding the old stuff and filing the new stuff. All things I hope to stay in control of when I move. Of course, I've said that before so hopefully this time I actually do it.

In any case, it's why I haven't posted regularly in a while. I'm fairly preoccupied. Seeing all the sites of this tourist city again before I leave, hanging out with these friends while I can, and of course, looking for a job in the new city.

I work at a chain coffee shop, but I'm not asking for a transfer. Instead, I'm looking for a job in my former 9-5 style profession. Communication world...here I come (again)! I hope anyway... So, like many blogs, this one will be short lived as I imagine only a small handful of posts to follow.

I suck - again.

Today I was a "bad" barista. I was slightly mouthy to two customers. Just tired of the complaining!!! Seriously people - BE NICER! Not just to me, to everyone! Can you just imagine a world where people were just one notch nicer? Wow.

First suck-fest:
Customer: Can I have a bagel with cream cheese?
Me: We're sold out of bagels (as I point to the pastry case clearly full of all sorts of goodies, but no bagels)
Customer: I can't believe you don't have any bagels!
Me: We have several other options (again indicating the pastry case)
Customer: Do you have any hidden in the back?
Me: No ma'am. No bagels hidden. You can see what we do have left, right here in the pastry case.
Customer: Man. Followed by a huff. That's why I came here!
Me: Well, there is a bagel shop right across the street. I imagine they have bagels left.
Customer: Huff.
Me: Stare.
Customer: I guess I'll have a medium coffee...to go.
Me: $2.04. Stare.

Second suck-fest occurred no more than 20 minutes later:
Customer: So how does the internet work?
Me: Holding my sarcasm to answer the question she really meant, how does she get access to it...I explained that she needs a gift card with a balance on it, but can use it on her next purchase so there is no real cost involved.
Customer: Why do I have to pay for the internet?
Me: You don't. Just buy a gift card and use that number as your access code. Then, next time you come in to purchase your drink, use the card. You just bought a drink for $4.05 so get a $5 gift card - use it now for the internet, then use it next time you want the drink.
Customer: I don't get it.
Me: Explain again using different words in case my word choice was the problem...even using the visual aids of the gift card and her receipt.
Customer: I *get* it, I just don't understand why I can't just log on for free.
Me: Well, it is free if you plan to ever drink a coffee from here again because you can use your gift card to pay for the drink.
Customer: But this is a college area so I should be able to just log on to the internet.
Me: You can, with this gift card.
Customer: What?
Me: You know, there's an internet cafe on the corner down the street.
Customer: I know, I've been there every day this week.
Me: Hm. Well, do you want this gift card, or do you want to go back there for the internet?
Customer: I'll take the gift card.

Really? Gift cards / internet and bagels. Two of the top 3 most irritating customer issues. (The third, and number one, is the customer that asks if they can take from the tip jar to buy their coffee - no, sir, you can't. And yes, I get that question at least once per week.

Needing caffeine, Dee

Jack and Gourdo

Today I stumbled upon the adventures of Jack and Gourdo. Carabou Coffee's YouTube way of advertising their fall flavors, apparently. Pretty cute. This one made me chuckle.

Currently Caffeinated, Dee

Yesterday's sicko came back...and I said something...

So the cough-aholic from yesterday came back. Coughing. Clutching a wet kleenex in her red hand as she seemingly panted between lung-erupting-coughs. ew.

I was on register. My mind was racing about taking money out of her germ infested hands. I'm not normally a germ freak. But for some reason, I am right now when a clearly sick person comes into the coffee shop!

Maybe it's because like so many in this economy, I'm underemployed and, working at a coffee shop, getting sick myself is not a good situation. First, I don't get "sick days" (read: days with pay to stay home and take care of myself). If I don't work, I don't make my small salary.

On top of that, a last minute call to cover leads to never-ending "you owe me" scenarios... not good.

I do tend to pick up colds easily and this is my first cold/flu season in this job so I justify my new found germ paranoia.

She leaned in to order. I did not lean in to meet her half way, as I often do to some tourists that seem to order by leaning in and whispering as if it were a trade secret.

She attempted again with a further lean and bleated out, "I'm really horse, I can't talk loud."

I said, "I can see you're sick, you should be home in bed drinking tea and resting so you don't get worse and get everyone around you sick too."

"But you're here now, so what can we get you," I continued.

"A hot black tea with honey."

She did not look pleased. But that look was nothing compared to the look she gave when I took her cash, gave her change and promptly turned around and washed my hands.

I don't care. Write a bad email about me. But I'm not getting sick because I touched your phlem covered snot-rag touching cash.

So there.

Currently Caffienated, Dee

Go away sicko!!

SERIOUSLY! This woman was in line today hacking up both lungs in between pathetic little pants. She was so sick she had no business being out of bed, let alone in a busy public place like a long line at a coffee shop.

I was so annoyed! Really I'm pissed! Don't bring your germs in and get me sick because you choose to go to work sick!

I got a box of alcohol wipes next to the cash register because I feel it helps with my purelled hands.

I better not get sick!!

Currently decontaminating and Caffeinated, Dee

I'm baaaaaaaack!

And...another note about not writing. Isn't it nice to get away though? Took a few days to recover but I just finished laundry and dishes so now I'm ready to go... hopefully I can make this more of a habit...

Long weekend coming up!!

I love 3 day weekends. Customers are all so happy the day before the holiday break. I'm skipping on air because I'm taking an extra long weekend!! Woo hoo!!!

Be back Sept 2!

Staying Caffeinated,
Dee