The full post can be found at http://www.brandirichard.blogspot.com/.

Starbucks is my personal treat, my stress reliever, my comfort when I don’t have sense enough to pray, and a way to warm myself against the bitter cold of the fan sitting next to me. The fan’s owner takes walks on his breaks and regularly uses the fan to blow the perspiration from his brow and keep wet spots from showing on his shirt…This practice often leads to my nose turning up in disgust as I grab my purse and make a b-line to Starbuck’s.

My Starbuck’s of choice is located in a grocery store. I love it for the close proximity to work, vanilla bean scones and the Starbuck’s lady (Rosemary). She greets me with a “Hey hun, are you having the apple chai fusion today,” my new drink of choice after becoming a little bored with the chai tea latte soy (no water). Then she asks about my friend Tiffany. She knows her drink as well. She writes my name on the cup with a happy face and every so often informs me that I’ve earned a free drink.

The Rosemary takes pride in her job and seems to adore smiling. On this particular visit, I realized that I should have the same mindset. I’m sure that all of her customers aren’t nice to her and some days she doesn’t feel like coming to work. But when she sees me, she treats me like her most valued customer. So I keep going back for my uplifting cup of chai. Thanks hun!