starbs post: on ice.

Last time I came to Starbucks, I started a post that I didn’t publish. I’ll post it now, since I can follow up with a happier note.

“I paid straight from the coin purse today. I like to do that periodically. If I’m not using my card or dollar bills, it seems like I’m not paying. I don’t keep track of my change, and therefore don’t keep track of when I’m losing it—a genius budgeting trick, I know. Like an extra special treat, a forgotten five crumpled in your raincoat pocket.

I was ready to count out $1.73, but apparently iced coffee costs $2.11. Yes, your math is correct: ice is worth $0.38. Inconceivable! I also didn’t realize that what I really wanted was an iced latte, not an iced coffee, which is a flat Diet Coke look-alike. And, the velvety burnt-orange comfy chairs were all taken. This is not a good day for Starbucks. I’ll try again next week...if I can hoard enough pennies.”

Bitter Betty, right there.

It’s next week now and I’m a happy camper. The main upside to the day is that a friend was working (the only Starbucks barista who knows my name, though he doesn’t count, as he’s known me for four years already—the name dilemma is a story for another day). My iced latte was on the house and I tried the toffee almond bar, or something by a similar name, which was discounted from another barista. Glorious!

I’m becoming a fan of the iced drinks here. I can’t justify ordering a hot drink when it’s hot outside, which would be like wearing a swimsuit while ice fishing—doable, but uncomfortable. Iced drinks are where it’s at. Starbucks makes bank in the summertime—as I learned last week, ice is an expensive add-on. Now that I’ve come to terms with that, I can look forward to chomping on coffee-flavored ice all summer. Good times await.