Starbucks

Dear Diary,

Starbucks is one of my favorite places to hang out when I am bored. And I rarely like the company of anyone except a cup of coffee and my laptop when I go there. There is something about its atmosphere, with all the college students and executives sitting, sipping and typing away. Makes you feel important, even if you're just playing a game on your computer. But no one else needs to know that.

However, it was not always like this. I remember my first time there. I ordered my coffee and the barista asked me for my name to put on my cup. I told her. She, of course, didn't get it. So I spelled it out for her, M-A-H-W-I-S-H. She scribbled it on the cup and I waited on the side for my order.

While I was busy examining the coffee samples displayed where I was standing, I heard the barista yelling, "Moweeeeesh." That wasn't me, so I went back to my admiration of the cute little coffee packets. But then again, "Moweeeeeeeeeesh?" This time I noticed her looking straight at me. And then I realized that it was MY name being mutilated at the order stand.

But you know what? Always an opportunist, I saw this as a wonderful way to explore all the exotic celebrity names I had heard. So from that day on, whenever I'd go to Starbucks and the barista would ask my name, I would tell her one of my picks, and feel like a celebrity when called. Usually people would look as well to see if it was that actual celebrity. Hehe.

It usually went something like this..

Monday:
"And that's a tall java chip frappuccino. And your name..?"
"Madonna."

Friday:
"So that's a grande caramel mocha with extra whipped cream. And your name is?"
"Ashanti. "

Sunday:
"Ok, a tall white chocolate frappuccino. And your name please?"
"Shakira."

And so on..

But today was not a good day. Starbucks was packed. The line was reaching the entrance. So one of the baristas started going through the line, with cups in hand, jotting down people's orders and names so she could get started with the drinks while we waited for the cashier.

It was as usual. I had my drink picked. I was getting in the mood with the special coffee house music that Starbucks plays. I had also spied a sitting place even in all the rush. While I was still staring at that spot, making sure no one takes it, I felt the barista right by my side.

"And what would you like to order today?"
"Oh, uh, a tall caramel apple cider, please."
"Ok. Tall caramel apple cider it is. And your name is?"
"Telulah."
"Tea who?"

Oops. Too exotic. I dont even know where that came from. No celebrity as far as I can recall.

She was staring at me. "Can you spell that for me?"

I came up with the next best thing. "You know what, scratch that. Sarah. My name is Sarah."

Even she looked relieved. However, that name was a mistake. Because just as Telulah was too uncommon, Sarah, I found, was too common. Three people in my line had that same name. So we had some confusion when the drinks came.

At the end of it, my sitting spot was taken by the time my drink came, and instead of my cider, I had some watery asian tea in my hand. All of a sudden, I wasn't in a Starbucksy mood anymore. So I came home, brewed some coffee and started whining about it all to you, my dear diary.