This week has been very... taxing. I've been doing various adultly tasks and have been spending loads of time with my family which has all been wonderful, but in the meantime I have obviously neglected to blog. I apologize. Hopefully this coming week will be better. Now onto Thankful Thursday!
Oh my... So much to be thankful for today. As usual, my family is at the top of the list. I have been spending most of my time with my mother and seeing how she constantly looks for the needs of others is something I am very thankful for. I think I get my generosity from her.
I am also thankful for my brother and his sense of joy. Sometimes it will express itself in humor, other times in hugs, and other times in words. For instance, this morning on the way to school he teased me and upon returning home he hugged me and said he missed me. It is the moments in which I share in his joy that I am truly grateful for him. Not to be overlooked, I am also thankful for my sister who makes my day (pretty much every day) by her thoughtfulness.
I am also grateful for the local law enforcement officers. I ran into a few of them at a Starbucks and realized that I was actually glad to see a group of them chatting over their espressos. As one might imagine, they have a hard job and seeing them in a different light was refreshing and a reminder to be grateful for my safety.
The aforementioned are only a few of the things on my list of gratitude today, but they are the most important things to me at the moment. I hope that one day I might finally be able to list all the things I am thankful for, but for now, these short Thankful Thursday posts will have to do.
Showing posts with label Starbucks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Starbucks. Show all posts
23 January 2014
09 January 2014
Thankful Thursday, Pt. 2
I barely slept last night and I've been fighting the fog that is currently my brain all day to be as productive as possible on this rainy, no-good Thursday.
That being said, today I was awoken by a very chipper Saul (my brother) who asked me to drive him to school after being sick for so long. (1) He is not one for being excited about going to school and (2) he just got over a horrendous cold. I helped feed him breakfast and drove him to school where his teacher and assistants greeted him with enthusiasm. My heart could not help but be warmed by their kindness.
My mother took me along on an errand and, thoughtfully considering my half-conscious state, took me to Starbucks. There I tried the new Caramel Flan latte - thank goodness I only ordered a tall! It tasted more like caramel than flan, but I appreciated the sweetness all the same.
Upon returning home, my mother began folding laundry while I ate breakfast and described one of the books I am currently reading. She was interested, so I began reading aloud. I kept her enthralled for a few chapters before my voice became hoarse. I forgot how much I enjoy reading out loud.
Later on I had a chance to visit with my grandparents. My grandfather always tells the best stories of his childhood and today he told me about a field near his hometown in Mexico that grew jamaica. He told me that the jamaica was sold by meter plots. My grandfather explained that they would cut up the jamaica and make traditional pico de gallo out of it.
Unfortunately I had to leave soon after the story in order to be home in time to collect my brother from the school bus. Saul's reaction to seeing me waiting for him never fails to make me smile. His exuberance has not yet faded as we sit together watching Chicken Little, hours later.
It's the little things.
That being said, today I was awoken by a very chipper Saul (my brother) who asked me to drive him to school after being sick for so long. (1) He is not one for being excited about going to school and (2) he just got over a horrendous cold. I helped feed him breakfast and drove him to school where his teacher and assistants greeted him with enthusiasm. My heart could not help but be warmed by their kindness.
My mother took me along on an errand and, thoughtfully considering my half-conscious state, took me to Starbucks. There I tried the new Caramel Flan latte - thank goodness I only ordered a tall! It tasted more like caramel than flan, but I appreciated the sweetness all the same.
Upon returning home, my mother began folding laundry while I ate breakfast and described one of the books I am currently reading. She was interested, so I began reading aloud. I kept her enthralled for a few chapters before my voice became hoarse. I forgot how much I enjoy reading out loud.
Later on I had a chance to visit with my grandparents. My grandfather always tells the best stories of his childhood and today he told me about a field near his hometown in Mexico that grew jamaica. He told me that the jamaica was sold by meter plots. My grandfather explained that they would cut up the jamaica and make traditional pico de gallo out of it.
Unfortunately I had to leave soon after the story in order to be home in time to collect my brother from the school bus. Saul's reaction to seeing me waiting for him never fails to make me smile. His exuberance has not yet faded as we sit together watching Chicken Little, hours later.
It's the little things.
27 December 2013
Palm Reading at Starbucks
The first time my sister and aunt met my best friend was at a weekend getaway to my grandparent's beach cabin. Ever since then, the four of us have been as thick as thieves. Fortunately, today we were able to hang out (without the rest of the family around) at Starbucks and spend some... quality time together.
Among the many topics of discussion arose a new palm-reading application my sister downloaded. I thought I'd share a portion of my results for your enjoyment:
2) Saturn (middle finger) shows that you focus on real world items; usually in an overall manner.
3) Your Mount of Pluto shows that you are highly adept at giving advice to others.
4) Your finger leaning indicates that you make sure to take enough time to seriously think through your decisions.
5) Your thumb shape indicates that you can be very emotional.
6) Your relationship lines suggest that you will have a strong and happy relationship with your partner.
7) Your finger spacing indicates that you will gain authority and rank through your own goals and dreams.
8) Your line of fate shows that you will be successful in whatever you pursue, because you are a very determined person.
9) Your mount of Luna shows that you are slightly egocentric.
10) Your mount of lower Mars shows that you have the ability to over come a large amount of pain.
11) Your Jupiter (index finger) indicates that you are flexible and multi-talented, and who tends to go along with the crowd.
12) Your mount of Venus shows that you have lots of energy and warmth.
13) The second phalange on your thumb indicates that you love pleasurable things like food and drinks.
26 December 2013
Twas the Day After Christmas...
'Twas the day after Christmas and throughout the upstairs, not a person slept in, despite the previous day's affairs.
Away to Seattle we drove like a flash, parked in the parking lot, and thanked God we didn't crash.
The sun arose steadily beneath the Northwest fog, which gave luster to everything just like a short jog.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature mermaid with two tiny fish tails.
With big wooden doors, so warm and homey,
I knew in a moment it must be the one, the only.
More rapid than eagles my sister and I came, entered, and shouted, and call'd out by name:
"Now latte! Now mocha! Now macchiato and drip! On frappe! On hot tea! On dry cappuccino!"
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And fill'd all the coffee cups; then turn'd with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose
And giving a nod, above the counter he rose.
He sprung to his feet, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew, like the down of a thistle:
But I heard him exclaim, ere he vanished out of sight —
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
The wrapping paper, still strewn across the living room floor, made a mess that lead right to the front door.
The Fragoso's were preparing for a full day ahead while Echo, their dog, was nestled sleepily in his bed.
With Toya in her scarf and I in my hat, we got in the car for a nice, lengthy chat -
when out on the street we noted no traffic, we looked at each other as if telepathic.
when out on the street we noted no traffic, we looked at each other as if telepathic.
Away to Seattle we drove like a flash, parked in the parking lot, and thanked God we didn't crash.
The sun arose steadily beneath the Northwest fog, which gave luster to everything just like a short jog.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature mermaid with two tiny fish tails.
With big wooden doors, so warm and homey,
I knew in a moment it must be the one, the only.
More rapid than eagles my sister and I came, entered, and shouted, and call'd out by name:
"Now latte! Now mocha! Now macchiato and drip! On frappe! On hot tea! On dry cappuccino!"
"Order one of each! Order one not on the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
A wink from a barista's eye and a twist of his head soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And fill'd all the coffee cups; then turn'd with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose
And giving a nod, above the counter he rose.
He sprung to his feet, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew, like the down of a thistle:
But I heard him exclaim, ere he vanished out of sight —
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
The End.
08 October 2013
Activism in the Form of Love
Today I began writing a letter to the store manager of a Starbucks near Linfield. Why? Well, because I love my friends.
My friend Milly is an impish young woman I met briefly at a pre-college gathering in Seattle. A year or so later, Milly and I reconnected on a whole other level. One of the many special things about Milly is that she is extremely allergic to several things. She is especially allergic to dairy.
Long story short, the aforementioned Starbucks served Milly milk instead of soy, not once, but on three separate occasions. Milly knows how to handle these kinds of situations - she simply popped some Benadryl and explained to the baristas the mishap. The baristas only offered to make her a new drink. The serious harm that could have come to my friend due to the mishap is primarily the reason I am writing the letter.
I do not want to immediately assume the mishaps were due to carelessness. I know mistakes happen - it is a fact of life. I also understand that some people simply like the taste of soy and do not have dietary restrictions like Milly's, however, I am outraged that the baristas treated it with nonchalance. I had hoped they would realize the seriousness of the situation and offer assistance of some kind, not simply another beverage. The fact that this particular location was the site of the other two mishaps alarmed me. I wonder if the baristas realized the gravity of the situation - Milly's health and safety was compromised due to simply using the wrong substance.
I find it unacceptable as a business to have such poor service. I know there are others like Milly that are lactose intolerant and suffer from mistakes baristas make and I say enough is enough. People need to know that food allergies are important and need to be treated as such. No one's loved ones should not have to be subjected to more discomfort than they have to, especially with something as basic as food.
I am following Milly's lead and avoiding the Starbucks, but I did not think that was enough. I thought the store manager ought to know the reason it lost our business. I hope that in writing to the store manager about my disappointment and concerns, the location will change its practices or at least be more aware the next time a customer with a severe food allergy appears. One can only hope!
 |
| Ladies and gentlemen, meet my friend Millygoat. She's a sweetheart in every sense of the word. She loves nature and being active. She's crazy... adorable. She's also small. Imp-like. Little. AND I LOVE HER! |
Long story short, the aforementioned Starbucks served Milly milk instead of soy, not once, but on three separate occasions. Milly knows how to handle these kinds of situations - she simply popped some Benadryl and explained to the baristas the mishap. The baristas only offered to make her a new drink. The serious harm that could have come to my friend due to the mishap is primarily the reason I am writing the letter.
I do not want to immediately assume the mishaps were due to carelessness. I know mistakes happen - it is a fact of life. I also understand that some people simply like the taste of soy and do not have dietary restrictions like Milly's, however, I am outraged that the baristas treated it with nonchalance. I had hoped they would realize the seriousness of the situation and offer assistance of some kind, not simply another beverage. The fact that this particular location was the site of the other two mishaps alarmed me. I wonder if the baristas realized the gravity of the situation - Milly's health and safety was compromised due to simply using the wrong substance.
I find it unacceptable as a business to have such poor service. I know there are others like Milly that are lactose intolerant and suffer from mistakes baristas make and I say enough is enough. People need to know that food allergies are important and need to be treated as such. No one's loved ones should not have to be subjected to more discomfort than they have to, especially with something as basic as food.
I am following Milly's lead and avoiding the Starbucks, but I did not think that was enough. I thought the store manager ought to know the reason it lost our business. I hope that in writing to the store manager about my disappointment and concerns, the location will change its practices or at least be more aware the next time a customer with a severe food allergy appears. One can only hope!
22 September 2013
AIDS Walk Portland 2013: Generosity
Today was beyond memorable - I attended my first AIDS Walk where I met many people, drank lots of coffee, and yelled my lungs out. IT WAS AWESOME.
To start off my day, I went to mass where I was greeted warmly by a fellow parishioner, Ernest. Then I walked to Starbucks to get breakfast (I would have eaten beforehand, but sleep was more enticing) where I coincidentally met another fellow parishioner, Mark, who works there. He paid for my breakfast bagel!
Anyway, once I arrived at the actual event, I was in such a good mood that nothing could have rained on my parade. Literally. It didn't. Rain on the parade, I mean. We were really fortunate with the weather, because almost as soon as most of the tents and supplies were packed away, it poured.
I signed in, got my bright yellow (or neon banana as I like to call it), and was ushered straight to the food tent. CAP was very generous with the food options and coffee distribution! I wandered around, greeting fellow volunteers and complimenting walkers' costumes (and occasionally photo-bombing peoples' selfies - true story). After I had photographed the most adorable puppies - Chuchi and Guerrita - I saw a volunteer sitting by herself with a cup of coffee and decided to introduce myself.
...And that is how I became fast friends with Lauren. She had participated in the AIDS Walk several times with a friend and had decided to continue the tradition, despite her friend not being able to attend this year. We were both route monitors, so eventually we went our separate ways.
I arrived to my location about an hour and a half before I was actually needed there. I was stationed at the last corner before the finish, meaning I did not see anyone until the first walkers rounded the corner. Also, I did not realize that because there would be so many people they would need to close down the ENTIRE INTERSECTION! I spoke with a transit policeman who explained the situation before anyone got there, so I did not look quite as flabbergasted as I might have been.
Once the walkers arrived, I started cheering and clapping. Why not? Everyone was so quiet! In my mind, the AIDS Walk was something to be excited about! Sure enough, a homeless man joined me in cheering and more and more people caught our enthusiasm. Lauren immediately ran over as she rounded the corner and helped us make some noise. IT WAS SO INVIGORATING!! We rounded up the last of the walkers and headed on down the street to the square where most of the people were already dispersing.
My observations throughout the day concluded that today was a day of great generosity. Not only for me, personally, but for others. I took the streetcar home and talked with a few team members who had raised $7,443. That is no small feat! Even the number of volunteers today was astounding! And the turnout? Incredible! From what I have heard from previous participants, the turnout today was smaller than the last few years, which isn't necessarily a good thing, but it kind of is. I mean, if the cold and clouds had deterred people from attending, I can only imagine how much more crowded Pioneer Courthouse Square would have been!
To start off my day, I went to mass where I was greeted warmly by a fellow parishioner, Ernest. Then I walked to Starbucks to get breakfast (I would have eaten beforehand, but sleep was more enticing) where I coincidentally met another fellow parishioner, Mark, who works there. He paid for my breakfast bagel!
Anyway, once I arrived at the actual event, I was in such a good mood that nothing could have rained on my parade. Literally. It didn't. Rain on the parade, I mean. We were really fortunate with the weather, because almost as soon as most of the tents and supplies were packed away, it poured.
I signed in, got my bright yellow (or neon banana as I like to call it), and was ushered straight to the food tent. CAP was very generous with the food options and coffee distribution! I wandered around, greeting fellow volunteers and complimenting walkers' costumes (and occasionally photo-bombing peoples' selfies - true story). After I had photographed the most adorable puppies - Chuchi and Guerrita - I saw a volunteer sitting by herself with a cup of coffee and decided to introduce myself.
"Are you volunteering by yourself too?"
"Yes! Let's be best friends!"
...And that is how I became fast friends with Lauren. She had participated in the AIDS Walk several times with a friend and had decided to continue the tradition, despite her friend not being able to attend this year. We were both route monitors, so eventually we went our separate ways.
I arrived to my location about an hour and a half before I was actually needed there. I was stationed at the last corner before the finish, meaning I did not see anyone until the first walkers rounded the corner. Also, I did not realize that because there would be so many people they would need to close down the ENTIRE INTERSECTION! I spoke with a transit policeman who explained the situation before anyone got there, so I did not look quite as flabbergasted as I might have been.
Once the walkers arrived, I started cheering and clapping. Why not? Everyone was so quiet! In my mind, the AIDS Walk was something to be excited about! Sure enough, a homeless man joined me in cheering and more and more people caught our enthusiasm. Lauren immediately ran over as she rounded the corner and helped us make some noise. IT WAS SO INVIGORATING!! We rounded up the last of the walkers and headed on down the street to the square where most of the people were already dispersing.
My observations throughout the day concluded that today was a day of great generosity. Not only for me, personally, but for others. I took the streetcar home and talked with a few team members who had raised $7,443. That is no small feat! Even the number of volunteers today was astounding! And the turnout? Incredible! From what I have heard from previous participants, the turnout today was smaller than the last few years, which isn't necessarily a good thing, but it kind of is. I mean, if the cold and clouds had deterred people from attending, I can only imagine how much more crowded Pioneer Courthouse Square would have been!
31 July 2013
Starbuck Secret Menu - Thin Mint Frappuccino
I had a bit of a chocolate craving today, but it was so warm out I thought something minty might do the trick. Like the candy, it was delicious and had just enough chocolate to satisfy my craving, yet not enough to spoil my dinner.
Order a green tea creme frappuccino with chocolate syrup and java chips added.
24 July 2013
Adventuretime: Argosy Cruise to Tillicum Village
My friend Nathalie and I have a thing about making last-minute plans. Our mutual friend has a habit of making them and typically the plans go awry. We're used to our friend's way of socializing and we share the same views about it, so we trust each other whenever we make last-minute plans. This past Monday, I was taking my brother to the library when I got a call from her about going on a cruise in Seattle later that afternoon.  |
| Nathalie and I are huge Starbucks addicts. I know, I know, for shame. |
We found out right before leaving that the name of the vessel we were sailing on was the Goodtimes II. We thought it was appropriately named.
Since it was a lovely day, we sat in the front seats of the top deck's bow and caught some sun. Oh, fun fact, Nathalie and I were "twinning" that day - occasionally we wear the same sort of outfit, if not the same clothes. (I like to think of it as "tWinning.")
It happened to be a dinner cruise complete with a guided tour. A few other characters onboard also kept us entertained on the trip to Blake's Island, where Tillicum Village is located. Along the way, the tour guide mentioned that some pathways were made out of broken clam shells and thus, the word for clam also meant the word for path. Soon after arriving, we were offered a mug with clams in them whose shells we were expected to drop and crush, as a contribution to the pathway.
The inside of the lodge was huge! There were a few fire pits for baking the salmon we ended up eating for dinner. There was a great array of food - salad, stew, risotto, green beans, roasted tomatoes, fruit, molasses bread, and of course, salmon. They even served single apple pies with caramel for dessert! The salmon and molasses bread were absolutely DELICIOUS. Although they were out of the loaves of bread in the gift shop, Nathalie got the card of a lady who said she would leave as many loaves as we wanted at the pier in Seattle for us to pick up. That's going to be a thing!* |
| I loved that you could have a bit of everything - but I think I went overboard (pun intended) on the salad. |
 |
| A photographic summation of my trip. |
 |
| Lemon and honey ginger ale is my favorite! But so is Nathalie. |
Overall it was a lovely trip and I am so grateful I have
*I forgot to mention: this phrase has been used more and more frequently. It's a weird shorthand for saying, "I like that this exists and I want it to happen to me."
17 July 2013
Starbucks Secret Menu - Cotton Candy Frappuccino
Try everything off the Starbucks Secret Menu.
I tried this after experiencing the Dalai Lama in Portland for an environmental summit. It was light and sweet, just like cotton candy!
Ask for a vanilla bean frappuccino with a pump of raspberry syrup for a tall, 1.5 pumps for a grande or 2 pumps for a venti.
Starbucks Secret Menu - Neapolitan Frappuccino
Try everything off the Starbucks Secret Menu.
I tried this around finals time and the balance of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry perfectly satisfied my stress-cravings!
Ask for a Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino with some vanilla bean powder added in and a pump of mocha syrup.
14 July 2013
Starbucks Secret Menu - Apple Pie Frappuccino
Tasted light and refreshing for a warm summer day.
Have the barista fill up to the first line with cream base, fill up to the second line with apple juice, then add one pump of cinnamon dolce syrup and one pump of caramel syrup. Top with whipped cream and caramel drizzle and add a ground biscotti if you’d like some crunch!
Starbucks Secret Menu - Butter Pecan Ice Cream Frappuccino
I was in the mood for ice cream today, but since I figured I would be getting frozen yogurt later, I opted for this instead. Tastes like the real thing (minus the pecan slivers)! Smooth, sweet, and delicious.
12 May 2013
Starbucks Secret Menu - Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Knowing that I love cinnamon, I figured this would hit the spot today (it being a terrible, horrible, no-good, very-bad day) and boy was I right. YUMM.
Ask for a white chocolate mocha frappuccino with cinnamon dolce syrup (1 pump for tall, 1.5 for grande, 2 for venti), hazelnut syrup (1 pump for tall, 1,5 for grande, 2 for venti), and cinnamon sugar blended in. Top with whipped cream and more cinnamon sugar!
06 May 2013
Starbucks Secret Menu - Red Tuxedo Frappuccino
Similar to the tuxedo frappuccino, this has white chocolate and dark chocolate with a splash of raspberry that lightens the chocolatey load. Sweet, smooth, and tasty!
13 April 2013
Starbucks Secret Menu - Butterbeer Frappuccino
Now this doesn't taste like the Harry Potter World butterbeer, but it has a great flavor anyway! It's definitely what I would have imagined butterbeer was - smooth and creamy.
02 February 2013
Starbucks Secret Menu - Cake Batter Frappuccino
I really enjoyed this one! It’s rather sweet, but it’s a smooth blend of almond and vanilla.
Order a vanilla frappuccino with vanilla bean powder and a shot of almond.
30 January 2013
Starbucks Secret Menu - Apple Juice Orange Blossom
This was definitely different from any Starbucks drink I have ever ordered, but it was a wonderful change! It was sweet, smooth, and slightly tangy.
Order an orange blossom Tazo tea steeped in apple cider.
27 January 2013
Starbucks Secret Menu - Snickers Frappuccino
Absolutely tasted like a snickers… Although the barista put chocolate drizzle instead of caramel.
Order a Java Chip Frappuccino with two pumps of toffee nut and caramel drizzle on top.
26 January 2013
Starbucks Secret Menu - The Three C's
This drink is definitely for the sweet tooth. Yes, that is lipstick stain on the rim - I couldn’t restrain myself!
Order a Cinnamon Dolce latte, adding a shot of chocolate syrup and a shot of caramel syrup.
25 January 2013
Starbucks Secret Menu - Cinnamon Roll Frappuccino
Tastes just like a liquified cinnamon roll! I’m no sweet tooth, but I couldn’t put it down!
Order a Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino with cinnamon dolce syrup.
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