Later . . .

Things I have decided I will deal with "later" . . .

1. Wires & cords. They are all knotted willy-nilly beside electronics and drive me crazy. I know I could neatly organize them so they would be well hidden, but I'll do that . . . later . . .

2. My pantry. It is huge and deep, and I have the beginning of organization, but I still don't know exactly where things are. I'll organize it . . . later . . .

3. The wii. The wii box itself is set up all pretty next to the TV. However, nothing is plugged into it. I'll get it set up . . . later . . .

4. The shelves in my closet. I have TONS of shelf space in my closet, I'm just not sure how I want to organize it. I'll figure it out . . . later . . .

5. Towels. I never realized how many I had until I had to fit them into a tiny closet. One person doesn't need 27 towels (yes, I counted) so at some point I'll need to weed them out. . . later . . .

Sbux Culture

Here are some unofficial, unwritten rules and norms I've learned about Sbux culture in my short time working there. . .

1. If you don't like your drink, we will re-make it for you. Even if you've already drank most of it.

2. If you order a triple half-caf grande breve latte with  2.5 pumps of caramel, half a pump of Oprah chai, half a Spenda in a Venti cup with 3 pieces of ice, and then get irritated when I ask you to repeat the order to make sure I got it right, well, I'm going to call you a jerkface in my mind, but smile until you are uncomfortable at the drive-up window.

3. If the drive-through line is slow, it's probably because some dunderhead ordered 8 Frappuccinos.  We are just as irritated as you are, because it's ruining our drive-time average.

4. 99% of my drive through conversations start with "Isnt' this weather great?!" If I try anything more complicated, I slow down the line.

5. Yes!! We will grind your beans for you!! And ask any questions you have about coffee!! We aren't "experts" (unless we are wearing a black apron, then we ARE an expert who has had extensive training) but I can guide you through picking a coffee and brewing method that works with your taste and your lifestyle. Seriously, this is not an advertisement - I can actually do this!

6. A free rewards beverage will seriously get you ANY beverage you want, for free. Yesterday, a silly boy came through the drive through and ordered an iced venti soy latte . . . with 15 extra shots of espresso. Normally, an iced venti comes with 3, so he ended up with 18 shots, a miniscule splash of soy and no room for ice. I predict he is still suffering heart palpitations.

7. Partners have some pretty funny tricks they pull on each other. I like to put ice down people's backs. One partner stuck her hand in her pocket to find soggy bacon. Another partner has had her pockets "whipped creamed." And unless you are very careful, a partner may add a shot of peppermint syrup to your humble glass of water, which is gag inducing.

8. Double bag the trash. It is a MUST in the Sbux world. Otherwise, when you take out the trash, you risk being doused in old coffee grounds and sour milk.

9. Knowing there are surveillance cameras EVERYWHERE, I sometimes do a little dance for the entertainment of those who may be watching.

10. A tip for cleaning empty whipped cream containers . . . always release the pressure with the nozzle before opening the container, or this happens:

Hotel Life

I have finally figured it out . . . living here feels like living in a hotel. I take an elevator from the garage to my floor. There is a pool, hot tub, workout room. There is a chair, table and decorative vase that sits outside the elevator on each floor. There is a lobby with over-formal, but comfortable chairs. If it weren't for the cats, I'd be almost convinced I'm living in a hotel. . . Except for the lack of maid service!

I've spent the last week emptying out my storage unit. I've taken several more trips to Goodwill and have a new pile of boxes that need to be opened and stored. The good news is, I've gotten rid of enough stuff that I should be able to fit my bike in my storage area here at the complex. I was really hoping to have EVERYTHING unpacked and settled before going on holiday to Ohio, but I'm not sure that will happen.

When I think about the coming school year, I get overwhelmed. August 1st is when I've decided I will switch into "beast" mode with school prep . . . but of course, that is also the first day of my vacation . . .

The Desk

Friday, I tackled putting together the 250 pound desk I'm now writing from. Since it is upright and supporting the things I have on it, I guess I did OK putting it together. I came away with several new bruises, a smashed toe and a gash on my leg, but I still consider it a victory.

The desk started like this:

And 12 hours later, I had this:

And I have to say I absolutely love it. It's going to take me a while to organize all my "stuff" in and on it, but I've already discovered it's the perfect place to blog from.

 I feel a bit like Carrie Bradshaw, writing while I look out my window. Except I'm not writing about sex. And there is no hot guy who might throw stones at my window to get my attention . . . but there is that potential . . .

In other news, I think the cats have finally accepted that this is home as they have stopped pooping just outside their litter box. Silly, jerkface cats . . .

The unpacking continues . . .

I keep thinking of things I want to blog about, but I keep getting distracted with unpacking.

I've been working on one room at a time, and slowly, slowly the piles of boxes are diminishing. I love having "real" bedroom furniture, except that I think I need a step-stool to easily get into my bed. I'm waiting to hang anything on the walls until I get some of the stuff I have in a storage unit. However, I have managed to successfully become addicted to vinyl wall clings. This is my favorite so far . . .

Unpacking the 1940's transfer-ware I collect (E&R American Artware) I discovered the first casualty of the move. Good thing I have another just like it!

I just finished up an 8 day work stretch at Starbucks, and since I have tomorrow off, I'm going to attempt to put together my new desk. It is huge and has about 1000 parts, but I'm going to consider it a giant, 3-D puzzle. I really hope I don't screw it up!

Moved

I can't believe the move is done. It is surreal being here, in this beautiful apartment, surrounded by boxes, boxes and more boxes.

By the time Monday evening rolled around, I was ready. Everything was packed and there were piles of boxes everywhere.

We have had such a late spring/summer, I wasn't sure I'd get to see any of the lilies bloom before I left. But these opened just in time for me to enjoy them.

I had hired movers, and they showed up just after 8am. It didn't take long for my home of 16 years to look like this:

It was so odd to see it so empty. With a bit of sadness and a lot of relief, I said goodbye to this home. Then, it was off to the new place!

Pause for an advertisement: If you are in the EC area, I cannot recommend "No Whoops Moving" strongly enough! Rod, Paul and Michael were AWESOME. They had everything moved and in my apartment by noon!

Then, I was on my own. It was a relief and just a little intimidating to be faced with this:

On Wednesday, I picked Tonks & Luna up from the vet, where they had stayed for 2 days during the move. THEY WERE SO PISSED AT ME!!! Poor kitties. When we got home, they prowled the apartment, yowling, for nearly 2 hours. They were so confused! They finally calmed down and slowly decided they might like this place.

I'm very slowly unpacking, working my way through the dozens of boxes and trying to fit the contents of my old home into my new home that's 400 sq feet smaller. Ufdah. Even though that's overwhelming, it is really nice to be home.