The wonderful land of Starbucks

Many people are very happy and excited to get their waker-upper, dose of espresso, etc. pretty much all day long. Who knew people purchased coffee after 9 AM and around dinner time. I think to myself, "shouldn't you be at home or somewhere having dinner?" p.s.--they usually have a cart of groceries...hmmm.

There are characters of all shapes and sizes, all different personalities, and one with many personalities (as she told me one day).

Men (from the high business excutives thru the Bank of America Administrative Assistants) keep it simple and usually with a smile...a Venti bold with room for cream. Sometimes it is a Grande Latte or a Grande Mocha or your flavor of choice Frappuccino. They (80%) always pay cash and never worry about dealing with their pennies and nickles to pay the tab as so to get a $1 bill back versus a handfull of change.

Now for the women: the details are everything. You are the person between them and the coffee.
The younger women (who do not work): they need you to calm their nerves as their child, screaming and clinging to their leg, is begging for a candy bar or something sweet. They are usually short with you and have an order like this: a Grande Sugar-Free Vanilla Latte, Non-fat, Extra Shot of Espresso, Extra Foam, Extra Hot, and a little Caramel drizzle on top. Oh yes. There are many people who order this way.

The women who have children in school OR have left the nest: very pleasant to be around. They are not in a great hurry. Are open to conversation and don't mind if you take your time a bit. They are more laid back and don't worry about details: a Grande Mocha with Extra Whip Cream or a Venti Caramel Light Frappuccino no Whip Cream.

The teenage girls: they prowl in groups of 4 or more after the school day is over and before the school day begins. They do not come by themselves b/c that would so not be cool at all. Some worry about all the carbs and calories of every drink...ummm you are at Starbucks, not too many things are low calories. They are sorta laid back b/c they are glad they are out of school for the day.

The retired women: they are the most fun to talk to. They always have a great story they want to tell you and always remember your name as if you are part of their family. They are some of the regulars and you know their order by heart b/c it never changes. If you are not there a day they come in, they ask why you are not there.

All women search their wallets and the bottom of their purses for every nickel and penny that can amount to the 65 cents needed for the tab of $3.65. They don't want the change back. No sir-ey. They want $2 back from their $5 bill they handed you. I am gilty as charged. I too look for change at the bottom of the purse.

The night caps: these people are usually couples. They have finished dinner and swing by for their last dose of coffee and sweetness before their television watching starts or their movie rental for the night. Their tummies are full so the decision of what to get is a little hard. After about 7:30 PM most people are at home or in the middle of various activities to even think about coffee, which is great for me since we close at 8 PM.

And so, I have introduced you to the land of Starbucks and all of the inhabitants. If you wish to become a citizen, please give me your order now.