first world problems

I feel like I am semi-sort of jacking this post from Rikki Rockett, but I have my own Starbucks problems. (Also, I call them “first world problems,” and not “white collar problems.” Key difference.)

On Monday when I attempted to make my daily coffee run I was dismayed to note that my favorite Starbucks was apparently closed for renovations. This came with no warning whatsoever. Sure, their stock had dwindled… I just assumed they were preparing to go red, like they do. But alas, not the case.

I immediately hoofed it over to the Starbucks around the corner, but that Starbucks is terrible and it is miniscule and I hate it. I know that “hate” is a very very strong word, but it is a very very bad Starbucks… with the exception of one barista, a fine young chap who transferred from the awesome Starbucks to the awful one. I miss him at my Starbucks, but not half so much as I miss my Starbucks.

In an effort to compromise, I went to the cafe at Whole Foods on Tuesday and Wednesday. Somehow, that was worse. I ended up waiting in line for ages and ages while the people manning the counter chatted with the customers in front of me. Not cool! (Have I chatted at length with my Starbucks baristas? Of course. When there is a huge line? Never.) It literally took me half an hour to get to and from a place that is all of five minutes from my office.

Today I trekked back to the Starbucks that I hate, figuring that even a mediocre double-tall soy peppermint mocha was better than a ten minute wait for a fucking cup of tea. And it was better. Much better. But it still took me about twenty-five minutes, including time spent waiting for/on elevators, and that is too much time.
Also, the barista on bar today seemed to be anti-soy milk for some reason, because I and the person in front of me both had to wait for a very long time for our drinks, while people behind us got their drinks in record time. You know where that doesn’t happen? My awesome Starbucks.

I’m aware that the world doesn’t rotate around my caffeine needs, though it would be really fantastic if it did. I wish I knew when my Starbucks was reopening, but nobody’s answering the phone and there’s no voicemail.

Yes, it’s a first world problem. But it is crippling me. (Not literally.)