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