Coffee Shop Etiquette

Working as a barista since I was 16 has made me realize that most people have no idea how to get good service from a cafe or what proper behavior is. So I've compiled a list that hopefully will help at least a few customers and baristas.

-If you're more than 10 years older than the baristas, DO NOT HIT ON THEM. I cannot stress this enough. Creepy old, OLD men are the worst. We're nice to you because it's our job, not because we want to sleep with you. I bet those guys also think strippers really like them too...

-On that note, if you must hit on the staff, TIP. The creepers are also usually the stingiest fuckers to come into our work.

-Never, EVER go behind the bar. It's amazing that this is even an issue.

-If there are bus bins, don't leave your dishes on the table. We do have to pick them up, but there is no quicker way to piss off a barista than to leave a huge mess. Especially true in busy cafes.

-If you fail to specify what kind of cup you want (paper or ceramic), we make it in a paper cup. If you requested a ceramic cup, but get your drink in a paper cup, don't throw a hissy fit. It stays warmer longer in a paper cup anyways.

-If we call out "nonfat latte", you ordered a nonfat latte, and there's only one drink on the bar, common sense dictates that it's YOUR nonfat latte. You don't need to ask.

-If you order one drink, like an americano (espresso in water), and we put up something like a mocha with whip, IT'S NOT YOUR DRINK. Use common sense!

-TIP. Seriously, the best way to get great service is to tip.

-BE NICE. The second best way to get great service. We'll still serve you, but won't do anything above and beyond. If you're really an asshole, we may just "accidentally" use whole milk or fully caffeinated espresso instead of nonfat or decaf.

-If you had to wait in line to order, you'll have to wait to get your drink. Most baristas make the drinks as fast as they can while still maintaining quality. If you don't give a shit about that, go to Starbucks.

-Don't bitch about prices. Local cafes can't order in bulk, but usually serve higher quality. Also, the staff can't do anything about it. We know it's expensive, but if it's that much of an issue for you, buy an automatic maker.

Tattoos

A list of possible tattoos:

• Fiducia and Amore on my right and left wrists (trust and love in Italian)
• An intertwining jasmine and olive vine up my left thigh and hip
• Otter styled like a traditional koi design on my right rib cage
• An "ace of spades" on the back of my neck
• A wolf-paw yin/yang sign on my left ankle
• A jasmine flower tramp stamp
• A "fairy tale" theme sleeve on my right arm
• A "wild horses" theme sleeve on my left arm
• A horse on my left rib cage with "L'amore domina senza regole" (love rules without rules)
• The "aquarius" constellation on my left shoulder blade
  

9 Days Ago

I ran out of hydrocodone. The surprising discovery? Mild chemical dependence towards it. I'm just beginning to feel normal again, to not wake up hating everyone and everything.

I still really want to get high, but I don't want to be dependent on something else...

It's hard when he got a "girlfriend". It won't last, they never do. But right now it hurts, and I so badly want to slip into that sweet release opiates provide. They also make everything, including cleaning my room, so much more fun and bearable.

There's the other boy, the one I could have a real relationship with. I want to be closer to him, because that's the only sober escape I get. His arms make me forget everything. There I wouldn't have to keep in contact just to survive...

Trying to Deal..

I'm still really torn up about what happened with my dad... He told my grandmother my brother and I deserved what we got, and should've gotten more. Loud noises make me jump, and I have to comfort myself at night if I sleep alone. The only times I've felt safe are when I was in the arms of either my best friend, or the guy I'm falling for in another city. I know, I have daddy issues...

It hurts so much that my own father doesn't love me... That he feels like I deserve that shit...

I feel like if my own father can't love me, no man will...

Just writing that little bit brings me to tears. I don't know what I'd do without my best friend sometimes.. He's my superhero more often than not.

2010

This year is looking up.

My classes are fantastic. I forget how much I love acting.
I'm much more relaxed.
I'm learning to appreciate his friendship, and to work within his personality to deepen our relationship.
I'm saving money.
I'm dieting to try to get down to about 120 lbs so I can hopefully get a job as an "exotic dancer", and earn enough money to live on my own and hopefully still go to school.

Here's to hoping all goes at least semi-well.

Dirty Little Secret

I've been reading a bunch of PostSecret postcards today and thinking about what I would make one of. Right now, I can think of a few possible secrets.

"I feel that if you can't love me, no one ever will. Thanks for that, Dad..."

"I'm afraid that I will always love you, and you will never reciprocate again."

"I fear/hope that we are soulmates."

"I want to tell you that I'm moving to become a stripper, but I'm afraid you'll abandon me because of it."

If I create cards out of these, I'll post them here.

This House Is Not A Home

So my father finally hit the fan, and we had to call the cops.

My brother and I were expecting this, but we always thought it would be our mom. Life’s funny that way…

He came home and immediately started screaming at us. My brother had just woken up, and I was taking a nap before starting on homework. They were screaming at each other, and I pulled the covers over my head and prayed it would stop. When my mom texted me, I told her they were fighting and to come get my brother.

Then, my dad burst into my room and yanked the blankets off my bed, calling me ungrateful, lazy, and pathetic. He laid into me about everything that was apparently bothering him about me, while I curled into a ball on my bed and tried to go someplace else. When he began punctuating everything he said by slapping his hand, my brother thought he was hitting me and got in his face to stop it.

My father then proceeded to grab my brother by the throat and pin him to his bed. Luckily, at this point my mom showed up and things never escalated between us and him any further. The parents screamed at each other for a few minutes, and when my father slammed the door in Mom’s face and dared her to call the police, she did. My brother stood outside with her while I cowered behind my bed and they texted me to join them. I did when the police finally showed up.

The police talked to us, and we tried to downplay it. I think because we were in shock…

They then went inside and talked to him. They said that we were free to go if we wanted, and should maybe listen to our father more. Why they reacted this way rather than arresting him, which is what they’re supposed to do in domestic disturbance cases, I can only guess.

My brother left with mom, and I stayed at the house. The van I drive is legally his and being in shock I didn’t think through that I could use my mom’s car the next day.

I then proceeded to get insanely high on hydrocodone, so much so that I couldn’t walk, and try to sleep. I failed at the later because every time I heard a noise I jumped out of bed.

After work the next day I just went straight to my mom’s.

Thank god for my best friend, he went back with me on Monday to speed-pack while my father was at work.

I don’t know what I’d do without that boy…