I always thought I was a "high maintenance" Starbucks customer. My Grande Skinny Caramel Latte Extra Hot with 3 Sweet-N-Lows always made me feel a bit obnoxious. But now, after just 1 day of training, I'm realizing that's a pretty tame order.
These are the 3 big lessons I learned today (besides learning how to make an Americano, a Cappuccino and a Latte)
1. Behind the counter, there is true magic happening. Granted, it is tightly controlled chaos. There are specifically assigned jobs/stations/responsibilities, and the pace is maniacally hectic - but every partner (that's what we are called - I totally dig it) works with one another. Being in front of the counter (or in the drive-through) as a customer for years, I never realized just how many things had to fall in place for my drink to be perfect every time. I honestly don't think physics or beverage science or people-traffic patterns can fully explain how it all comes together. It is some serious magic making.
2. A gallon of milk is H.E.A.V.Y. And when you lift one again and again and again, heck - that's a workout!! The job is much, much more physical than I had imagined. It's not just standing for a 6 or 8 hour shift - it is constantly moving for that shift. And the space behind the counter is small - seriously much smaller than it looks. So not only is everyone getting a workout, but everyone is touching everyone All. The. Time. It was disconcerting at first, but after my ass (or arm or boob or hip) got bumped into about a dozen times, I stopped paying attention. I wanted to make a joke that it's the most action I've had in months, but - it was my first day, so I'll save it for another time.
3. I am going to smell like coffee. After work, I stopped at Great Clips to get a haircut. The following is the conversation between my stylist and another stylist:
My stylist: "Is someone brewing coffee?"
Other stylist: "I don't think so, why do you ask?"
My stylist: "Because I can smell coffee brewing."
Other stylist: "I don't smell anything."
Yep, it was me. I came home, showered, and swear I still have the faint aroma of coffee coming from my pores. Its weird, but there are worse things I could smell like!
Can't wait to learn more tomorrow . . .
Monday, May 12, 2014
Saturday, May 10, 2014
53 Sleeps
That's how long I have until I move. Every day it sinks in a bit more. I really glad I have so much time to move. Sorting through 15 years of stuff is a bit overwhelming, so it's nice to be able to take it slow. Today I spent an hour going through sewing patterns, and have about 40 ready to send to Goodwill. I also went through my coat closet and found several coats, hats and scarves to donate. I'm using the rule that if I have not worn or used something in the last year, it goes. Some stuff I'm selling on Craigslist (bye-bye stamping supplies I haven't touched in 2 years) and some of it just isn't worth the effort, so it gets donated.
I'm hoping to sell about half the furniture I have before the move. Some of it is old and not in great shape (my couch) and I'm ready to replace it. Some of it I simply won't have room for (file cabinets) or want to replace with a different style (computer armoire needs to go so I can get a more traditional desk that can double as a sewing table.) It's such a pain posting stuff on Craigslist, and an even bigger pain dealing with people who are wishy-washy about whether or not they want to buy an item. I did sell my daybed, and have a tentative meeting on Tuesday to meet a woman who is interested in buying my stamping stuff. This week, I hope to get my couch, chair & ottoman photographed and listed.
As I was packing up coats, I realized that I can actually start packing up most of my clothing. Working at the phone answering place, I had to wear business clothing to work. This summer, I'll be following Starbucks dress-code, which means I will have no reason to wear pantyhose between now and next fall. WOO-HOO! A summer of T-shirts and yoga pants sounds fabulous!
I'm hoping to sell about half the furniture I have before the move. Some of it is old and not in great shape (my couch) and I'm ready to replace it. Some of it I simply won't have room for (file cabinets) or want to replace with a different style (computer armoire needs to go so I can get a more traditional desk that can double as a sewing table.) It's such a pain posting stuff on Craigslist, and an even bigger pain dealing with people who are wishy-washy about whether or not they want to buy an item. I did sell my daybed, and have a tentative meeting on Tuesday to meet a woman who is interested in buying my stamping stuff. This week, I hope to get my couch, chair & ottoman photographed and listed.
As I was packing up coats, I realized that I can actually start packing up most of my clothing. Working at the phone answering place, I had to wear business clothing to work. This summer, I'll be following Starbucks dress-code, which means I will have no reason to wear pantyhose between now and next fall. WOO-HOO! A summer of T-shirts and yoga pants sounds fabulous!
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Committed
Well, I've signed the lease, so it's official. I have an apartment. And if I had any doubt about whether I was doing the right thing, that doubt was put to rest when I found out that instead of a North facing apartment, I could have a South facing apartment. I know, not a big deal, but the South view is even better!!
I got to do a walk-through of the apartment and it's even bigger than I imagined. I'm towards the end of the building, furthest from traffic, so that's good. The cats are going to go crazy with the view out the huge deck door.
Eight weeks from today, I move. It's still surreal, but sinking in. Holy cow.
Eight weeks from today, I move. It's still surreal, but sinking in. Holy cow.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
When Everything Works Out
Yesterday, I posted my mobile home for sale on Craig's List and put a "For Sale" sign in the front yard. Two hours later it was sold. WHAT?!?!?
I spent most of Friday getting my house in shape to sell and taking lots of pictures.
Saturday morning the sun was shining for the first time in a week and I was able to get some nice outside pictures.
It took forever to write up an ad for Craigslist. I wanted to be as transparent as possible about the water damage, but also wanted the ad to work! Here's what I came up with:
This 3 bedroom, 2 bath mobile home is a 16 X 80 1982 Blair. The mobile home was appraised at $12-14,000 and I was planning on selling it this summer. Last month, a toilet overflowed in the smaller bathroom, flooding the bathroom and guest bedroom. Servicemaster came out and professionally dried out the 2 affected rooms, pulling up carpet and capping off all the water lines in the bathroom. This professional dry-out cost $1700.
Part of the reason I'm selling this at such a reasonable price is that repairs (estimated at $2000-$3000 for bellypan repair, floor repair and new carpeting) will have to be made. The home is livable (I'm living here now) so repairs could be made over time while it is owner occupied.
This home sits on a corner lot in the Hillcrest Estates mobile home park. There are no neighbors on any adjoining lots, and the neighbors across the street are some of the nicest people I've ever known! Lot rent and taxes are $300 a month and include water and trash/recycling pick up. There is a 1 car garage, which is pretty special since the park no longer allows people to build garages. There is also a large storage shed. The mobile home has central air and a brand new water heater was installed in November.
Sale of this home includes:
1 car garage
Shed
Appliances: Stove, Refrigerator (2 years old!), Washer and Dryer (10 years old, used by just 1 person)
BRAND NEW water heater!
Mulching lawn mower (3 years old, paid $300 for it!)
Patio table & chairs (not shown in pictures because I haven't gotten them out of the shed yet)
Lawn hoses
Yard tools: rakes, gardening equipment
Roof rake
2 large storage cabinets
Window blinds
Other features of this home includes TONS of cabinet space in the kitchen, ceiling fan in the kitchen, step-in shower in the master bathroom, walk in closet in the master bedroom, display shelves in the kitchen, new back door (2 years old), and an open floor plan.
I have secured an apartment and will be moving July 1st. I'm a very motivated seller! Please take a look through the pictures, then give me a call or text (715-XXX-XXXX) or send an email to set up a time to come look at it.
Please note: I will only accept CASH payment. No other forms of payment will be considered.
With about 20 pictures in the ad, I posted it on Craigslist and put a "For Sale" sign in the front yard at 3:30. I took a deep breath. Then, of course I pulled up Facebook on my laptop and started writing a post about finally getting the ad up on CL. In the middle of writing the post, my phone rang. Someone was interested in the trailer and wanted to know if she could come by at 6pm to take a look at it. I told Person A that would be fine. Cool. Someone interested!
About 5 minutes later, I got a text from someone who said they were very interested in the trailer. I texted back that someone was coming to look at it at 6, but I would be home until then if they wanted to stop by. Person B said they would come around 5.
Ten minutes later, a car pulled up in front of the house. It was a woman who said her friend (Person C) had called from Chippewa Falls and wanted her to swing by and take a look. So, I gave an impromptu tour. She loved it, and immediately left to go pick up Person C so she could take a look.
A short while after that, I got a call from Person D, who wanted to come by on Sunday to take a look.
By this point, I was freaking out. I had prayed that my house would sell. I had no idea God would answer my prayers so quickly!
Around 4:45, Person C and her friend got to my house. I gave Person C the tour and she decided on the spot that she wanted the mobile home. No haggling over price, she said she would pay the full asking price. As she was writing a deposit check, Person B and his brother showed up. I told them I had accepted an offer but could give them a tour in case Person C changed her mind. Person B really loved the house and was bummed it had sold.
By 5:30, I had a check in hand, had taken down the "for sale" sign, and removed the ad from Craigslist. I HAD SOLD THE TRAILER!!! I tried getting in touch with Person A to let her know I'd already sold the house, but she didn't answer. So, at 6pm, she pulls up with her husband and (adorable!) son in tow. I told her the trailer had already sold, but I could give her a tour in case both Person B and Person C changed their minds. Person A also really loved the trailer, and was sad it had sold. I was sad I didn't have another home to sell because she and her family were so nice!
After they left, I got a text message from Person B. He wanted me to know that he would be willing to pay $1000 above the asking price if I would reconsider my agreement with Person C. I had to give him credit for being so aggressive, and the money was tempting - but I couldn't go back on my word. I had prayed that my home would be found by someone who really needed it and would benefit from it. Person C is an older, rather frail woman. Her best friend (the woman who originally came to tour the house) lives 2 streets over and Person C is thrilled at the idea of being so close to her. She is the person this home was meant for.
I can't believe I sold this home so quickly. I could probably have gotten more money for it, but the price I set sits well with my conscience. And Person C is aware of the repairs that will need to be done. So I'm feeling really, really good about all of this.
I spent most of Friday getting my house in shape to sell and taking lots of pictures.
This 3 bedroom, 2 bath mobile home is a 16 X 80 1982 Blair. The mobile home was appraised at $12-14,000 and I was planning on selling it this summer. Last month, a toilet overflowed in the smaller bathroom, flooding the bathroom and guest bedroom. Servicemaster came out and professionally dried out the 2 affected rooms, pulling up carpet and capping off all the water lines in the bathroom. This professional dry-out cost $1700.
Part of the reason I'm selling this at such a reasonable price is that repairs (estimated at $2000-$3000 for bellypan repair, floor repair and new carpeting) will have to be made. The home is livable (I'm living here now) so repairs could be made over time while it is owner occupied.
This home sits on a corner lot in the Hillcrest Estates mobile home park. There are no neighbors on any adjoining lots, and the neighbors across the street are some of the nicest people I've ever known! Lot rent and taxes are $300 a month and include water and trash/recycling pick up. There is a 1 car garage, which is pretty special since the park no longer allows people to build garages. There is also a large storage shed. The mobile home has central air and a brand new water heater was installed in November.
Sale of this home includes:
1 car garage
Shed
Appliances: Stove, Refrigerator (2 years old!), Washer and Dryer (10 years old, used by just 1 person)
BRAND NEW water heater!
Mulching lawn mower (3 years old, paid $300 for it!)
Patio table & chairs (not shown in pictures because I haven't gotten them out of the shed yet)
Lawn hoses
Yard tools: rakes, gardening equipment
Roof rake
2 large storage cabinets
Window blinds
Other features of this home includes TONS of cabinet space in the kitchen, ceiling fan in the kitchen, step-in shower in the master bathroom, walk in closet in the master bedroom, display shelves in the kitchen, new back door (2 years old), and an open floor plan.
I have secured an apartment and will be moving July 1st. I'm a very motivated seller! Please take a look through the pictures, then give me a call or text (715-XXX-XXXX) or send an email to set up a time to come look at it.
Please note: I will only accept CASH payment. No other forms of payment will be considered.
With about 20 pictures in the ad, I posted it on Craigslist and put a "For Sale" sign in the front yard at 3:30. I took a deep breath. Then, of course I pulled up Facebook on my laptop and started writing a post about finally getting the ad up on CL. In the middle of writing the post, my phone rang. Someone was interested in the trailer and wanted to know if she could come by at 6pm to take a look at it. I told Person A that would be fine. Cool. Someone interested!
About 5 minutes later, I got a text from someone who said they were very interested in the trailer. I texted back that someone was coming to look at it at 6, but I would be home until then if they wanted to stop by. Person B said they would come around 5.
Ten minutes later, a car pulled up in front of the house. It was a woman who said her friend (Person C) had called from Chippewa Falls and wanted her to swing by and take a look. So, I gave an impromptu tour. She loved it, and immediately left to go pick up Person C so she could take a look.
A short while after that, I got a call from Person D, who wanted to come by on Sunday to take a look.
By this point, I was freaking out. I had prayed that my house would sell. I had no idea God would answer my prayers so quickly!
Around 4:45, Person C and her friend got to my house. I gave Person C the tour and she decided on the spot that she wanted the mobile home. No haggling over price, she said she would pay the full asking price. As she was writing a deposit check, Person B and his brother showed up. I told them I had accepted an offer but could give them a tour in case Person C changed her mind. Person B really loved the house and was bummed it had sold.
By 5:30, I had a check in hand, had taken down the "for sale" sign, and removed the ad from Craigslist. I HAD SOLD THE TRAILER!!! I tried getting in touch with Person A to let her know I'd already sold the house, but she didn't answer. So, at 6pm, she pulls up with her husband and (adorable!) son in tow. I told her the trailer had already sold, but I could give her a tour in case both Person B and Person C changed their minds. Person A also really loved the trailer, and was sad it had sold. I was sad I didn't have another home to sell because she and her family were so nice!
After they left, I got a text message from Person B. He wanted me to know that he would be willing to pay $1000 above the asking price if I would reconsider my agreement with Person C. I had to give him credit for being so aggressive, and the money was tempting - but I couldn't go back on my word. I had prayed that my home would be found by someone who really needed it and would benefit from it. Person C is an older, rather frail woman. Her best friend (the woman who originally came to tour the house) lives 2 streets over and Person C is thrilled at the idea of being so close to her. She is the person this home was meant for.
I can't believe I sold this home so quickly. I could probably have gotten more money for it, but the price I set sits well with my conscience. And Person C is aware of the repairs that will need to be done. So I'm feeling really, really good about all of this.
Friday, May 2, 2014
Good News
Want to know something kind of sad and pathetic? I have been so conditioned by bad news over the last 6 months that I have a really, really hard time accepting good news that comes my way. I got 2 pieces of REALLY! GOOD! NEWS! on Monday, but I was so convinced something horrible was going to follow the good news, I was afraid to tell anyone. But I think I'm ready now . . .
Good News #1: I got my DREAM apartment and am moving July 1st! It's 2 bedroom, 2 bath, has a balcony, allows cats, includes all kinds of amenities (indoor pool!) and is fancy.
It's a serious grown-up apartment. It's nice to know I have 2 months to purge & pack. I'm currently boxing up clothes, realizing that I have a ridiculous amount of clothes & vowing to not buy another item of clothing until 2020. So far I've taken 3 large boxes of clothes to Goodwill. I'm putting some things on Craig's List in the hope that I can de-clutter and have less to move! So if you know of anyone who would like to buy an oak dining set, a really cute day-bed or a ton of craft/scrapbook stuff - send them my way!
Good News #2: I got my DREAM part-time job!! I was so sad to learn that the phone place I've worked at for the last 10 summers isn't hiring seasonal help. Knowing I needed something part-time, I took a chance and applied at Starbucks.
I have seriously wanted to work there forever - and not just because I love their coffee. I know nothing about "pulling shots" or mixing drinks, but the job appeals to my left-brain sensibilities. I get a kick out of learning a series of tasks and then figuring out how to efficiently and effectively complete them. Which happens to be what a barista does! When I got the call on Monday that I was being invited to be a member of the "team" I could barely control squealing with glee. Yesterday I had my introductory meeting, and it was AMAZING! I got my official Starbucks apron, had my first coffee tasting (Caffe Verona - wow - so good!) and got a store tour. I'm incredibly nervous about learning a whole new job, but that is tempered with knowing that it's an atmosphere that already feels comfortable.
So much good news. It's hard to believe it's my good news.
Good News #1: I got my DREAM apartment and am moving July 1st! It's 2 bedroom, 2 bath, has a balcony, allows cats, includes all kinds of amenities (indoor pool!) and is fancy.
Good News #2: I got my DREAM part-time job!! I was so sad to learn that the phone place I've worked at for the last 10 summers isn't hiring seasonal help. Knowing I needed something part-time, I took a chance and applied at Starbucks.
So much good news. It's hard to believe it's my good news.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Decisions
Decisions. Lots and lots of decisions. Decisions have been threatening to overwhelm me since returning from nationals. It hasn't helped that the bronchitis I was lucky enough to get has made doing anything quite difficult.
But I am starting to make some decisions on what the future holds for me . . .
For starters, I'm moving. Hopefully June 1st, but if I find an apartment I love that isn't open until July 1st, I'd move then. But the point is. I'm moving. I could wait until I sell, but that would just continue to keep me in limbo - and that's not a healthy place for me to be. I've prayed about this, and it feels like the right decision.
And I'm selling this mobile home. For cheap. It has repairs that need to be made, but I'm selling it cheap enough that a person would still be able to afford the repairs. I don't know how long it will take to sell, but again, I'm going to have faith that it will sell when the time is right.
I've been doing some online apartment searching and will start calling around on Monday. I have 4 absolute requirements: 1. Must allow cats 2. Must have garage 3. Must have washer/dryer hookups 4. Must have A/C. Then, I have some "preferences" which I would ignore for a great place, they are: 1. Is on 1 level (no stairs) 2. Has a patio or other outdoor space 3. Has additional storage space.
I'm going to try very hard to avoid being overwhelmed in the apartment search, and I'm praying that I'll know when I've found the perfect place for me and the cats. In the mean time, I'm starting to pack! I got some free boxes at Books-A-Million that are the perfect size and also collected boxes I've been saving for a while from my storage unit. If I pack a little every day, it shouldn't be too overwhelming.
One other thing . . . remember when this blog started out as a dating blog? Well, I may have some "date-ish" posts in the near future as I've been messaging a couple of guys on PoF. And I may have asked one out for coffee . . .
But I am starting to make some decisions on what the future holds for me . . .
For starters, I'm moving. Hopefully June 1st, but if I find an apartment I love that isn't open until July 1st, I'd move then. But the point is. I'm moving. I could wait until I sell, but that would just continue to keep me in limbo - and that's not a healthy place for me to be. I've prayed about this, and it feels like the right decision.
And I'm selling this mobile home. For cheap. It has repairs that need to be made, but I'm selling it cheap enough that a person would still be able to afford the repairs. I don't know how long it will take to sell, but again, I'm going to have faith that it will sell when the time is right.
I've been doing some online apartment searching and will start calling around on Monday. I have 4 absolute requirements: 1. Must allow cats 2. Must have garage 3. Must have washer/dryer hookups 4. Must have A/C. Then, I have some "preferences" which I would ignore for a great place, they are: 1. Is on 1 level (no stairs) 2. Has a patio or other outdoor space 3. Has additional storage space.
I'm going to try very hard to avoid being overwhelmed in the apartment search, and I'm praying that I'll know when I've found the perfect place for me and the cats. In the mean time, I'm starting to pack! I got some free boxes at Books-A-Million that are the perfect size and also collected boxes I've been saving for a while from my storage unit. If I pack a little every day, it shouldn't be too overwhelming.
 |
| Convenient that I have space in the flooded bedroom for stacking boxes! |
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Coughing
There is this phenomenon known as "tournament hangover," and it is especially a problem when all the national tournaments are finally over. After a 10 hour overnight bus ride, we arrived back in EC at 7am. I then proceeded to sleep 19 of the next 24 hours. Typical tournament hangover response.
But then, the coughing started. And I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed.
Then I attempted to teach my listening class between coughing fits. Then I went to the doc who diagnosed bronchitis. I was put on a Z-pack & prednisone. I requested Tussionex, which is a super-strong cough syrup that is the ONLY thing that quiets my cough so I can sleep. The doc (actually a nurse practitioner) didn't think I needed it, so she told me to try Mucinex. So I did. And guess what happened all night? I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed. And got pissed.
So I made ANOTHER appointment in Urgent Care so I could get the dang cough syrup. After waiting an hour and 40 minutes, I had to leave and take Karen and a student to the EC airport so they could head to the last tournament of the year. I raced back across town to Urgent Care and waited another 30 minutes for the doctor to see me. My appointment that was supposed to occur at 11:30 occurred at 2:35. But at least I had a doctor who understood the reason I needed this prescription (it could have been the hysterical crying that occurred in between coughing fits.)
So now, I am finally home, back in pajamas, already coughing less a mere 30 minutes after taking the cough syrup. I have so much grading and paperwork and laundry and housecleaning to do . . . but it's just going to have to wait until I am feeling better . . . Until then, I am in bed with my laptop propped up on a pillow and a kitty under my arm, watching a Law and Order marathon courtesy of Hulu.
But then, the coughing started. And I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed.
Then I attempted to teach my listening class between coughing fits. Then I went to the doc who diagnosed bronchitis. I was put on a Z-pack & prednisone. I requested Tussionex, which is a super-strong cough syrup that is the ONLY thing that quiets my cough so I can sleep. The doc (actually a nurse practitioner) didn't think I needed it, so she told me to try Mucinex. So I did. And guess what happened all night? I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed and I coughed. And got pissed.
So I made ANOTHER appointment in Urgent Care so I could get the dang cough syrup. After waiting an hour and 40 minutes, I had to leave and take Karen and a student to the EC airport so they could head to the last tournament of the year. I raced back across town to Urgent Care and waited another 30 minutes for the doctor to see me. My appointment that was supposed to occur at 11:30 occurred at 2:35. But at least I had a doctor who understood the reason I needed this prescription (it could have been the hysterical crying that occurred in between coughing fits.)
So now, I am finally home, back in pajamas, already coughing less a mere 30 minutes after taking the cough syrup. I have so much grading and paperwork and laundry and housecleaning to do . . . but it's just going to have to wait until I am feeling better . . . Until then, I am in bed with my laptop propped up on a pillow and a kitty under my arm, watching a Law and Order marathon courtesy of Hulu.
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