Just Say Indifference

I am exhausted from work today. It beyond baffles me why we seem to have only so few people working daily. Is it to cut labor costs? If so, it is extremely frustrating to be one of those deployed on the floor to be expected to be very quick (either on register or on bar), grab pastries, heat pastries AND sandwiches, and constantly switch and brew Pike Place, all the while smiling and connecting with customers. On top of that, I found out that two of my co-workers, whom I am very close with, are leaving by the end of the holiday season. It is extremely disheartening because these two are very knowledgeable and great with what they do. But they are also getting tired of the daily grind of our store and it has seriously questioned my future here also. They have their reasons and they are quite valid, but there is a sense of responsibility I feel to commit to the store now that we are going to lose two valuable assets. I am getting very indifferent about my Starbucks experience and only so few things are keeping me going at this point. Work has become tiresome rather than fulfilling and rewarding. Every time I correct someone or suggest something to a customer or a co-worker, I feel a little more demoralized because I am really in the wrong and "Thanks, but I don't want your advice". Why do I even bother when the other people I work with don't give a crap about doing things right? Why should I even contribute? Something has to change, either internally or with the store, otherwise my days as an (ethnic) barista are numbered.

Chaos! ...Another Part of that Starbucks Experience

Okay, I have not blogged in a couple of days, but the past couple of times last week were chaotic in the store. Much to the surprise of everyone, including Bossman, we are getting new tiling in the back room...and the work started over the past night! The previous condition of the floor was beyond hideous and likely a multiple offender of state health codes, so a change was necessary...but we certainly did not think it would come this week. So with that, everything in the back had to be moved to the floor. Yes, the floor. So basically we aired out our dirty laundry for all our regulars and visitors to see. The back room was basically a hazard zone because of all the dust and what have you from the goings on the night before. On top of that, the air condition went out during the morning shift. And I kid you not, it was hotter inside than it was outside (easily in the mid 80s). While intermittently wiping sweat from my head with my apron behind the pastry case, I could see beads of sweat dripping on the faces of customers as well! It was all very amusing for about a second and then turned annoying the rest of the shift. During the shift changeover, the look on Shift 143****'s face as she gazed upon the towering metros in the lobby, by the door and condiment bar, was priceless. She was not a happy camper at all. The next day, the floor was still not done but certainly progress had been made. The a.c. was still out and the only relieved partner was the one who worked bar because she had a small fan all to herself. When I came in, I witnessed some flooding from our lovely broken ice machine. I worked a full 8 hour shift and let's just say I was thrilled to finally go home at the end of it.

Had a great, relaxing weekend, if you wanted to know, thanks.

Way to be advantageous

Got the chance today to go to Costco and take advantage of their lucrative deal: 5 $20 Starbucks cards for the price of 4. We never sell any of our gift cards below their face value, so it saved me a pretty penny. With a couple of them going toward Christmas gift giving, I am keeping the rest in anticipation of their usage during partner shopping week.

Had a Bad Day

I was an epic failure at work today. Things seemed to go incredibly wrong.

Anyway, I was the primary partner on bar and committed two terrible things before 9 a.m.

First, I broke an espresso shot glass by accidentally knocking it to the ground while I was propping a drink cup under the shot spouts and it just shattered everywhere. Later while opening the back bar refrigerator, a pitcher of Creme base accidentally falls all over my apron, shorts, legs, and onto the floor mats! It was terribly gross, the most traumatic thing a barista on bar during a rush could endure. I had to run to the back to get cleaned up and not cause any more headaches...and sanitize all the floor mats.

Boss man tried to console me but I was one more ill-fitting dome lid away from about breaking down.

In the words of Daniel Powter, I had a bad day. And yes, I tried working at a smile, after all you can't let your customers know you're down.

Here or there: New hair, they're aware!

Filled in for a partner who called in sick today. First thing several of my co-workers (who have not seen me until today) noticed was my newly shorn hair! I spent my day off Monday getting it cut and have gotten very positive comments about it.

Tuesday was my first day with the new 'do and my SM just returned from New Orleans and responded surprisingly well to it. Even regular customers, like Lady D, noticed and handed me compliments. More often than not, my hair is usually in terrible shape. I think for a large part of my teen years, I've been cursed with bedhead and don't care enough to fuss with it.

Shift R, however, is one who never fails to offer a backhanded compliment, since he is an expert on hair maintenance and product, told me: "I don't like it (the hairstyle) but it's better than the hair you had before!"

What else is new? Oh! We rolled out Fall Phase 2 which means the return of the red holiday cups, Christmas gift sets, and the eggnog.

Today was especially chaotic because our store received its first freezer. Our store is going to be almost completely refurbished and redesigned with new color schemes and shelving in the coming months, so it's about time we have a freezer. Although, it does cut into our already cramped back room!

Because you don't get enough sugar already

Who says you have to drink hot coffee, iced coffee, or espresso to get your daily caffeine buzz? Now at the Bux, you can feed your (sweets) addiction with caffeine in chewable form. Part of the pre-holiday rollout includes the addition of chocolate (in various forms) on sale at the store.

Aside from the annual advent calendar, miniature chocolate bars are now on sale (dark chocolate, with and without coffee (Sumatra)), as well as chocolate covered coffee beans (Verona, apparently), espresso beans (personal favorite), and raspberries. Muy interesante.

Anyway, I bought a couple of the bars and the milk chocolate covered coffee beans (the espresso ones were out) and was initially stunned at the price-- $7.95. With one serving size at 40 pieces and about 3.5 total servings per package, it comes about to a little over a nickel per chocolate covered bean. Depending on your perspective, it may be a little too rich for you, or an investment in a high quality product. Fortunately, I have my discount to thank!

Mr. SM's New Orleans Gift

Mr. SM came back from the Leadership conference bearing gifts for the staff: were all recipients of a New Orleans city mug.

Mine was in a box and within a split second of grabbing it with my hands, the bottom of the box collapses open...

The cup drops to the ground, the handle breaks off, and a piece is chipped off the top.

Lovely.

History has been made

Approximately 30 minutes ago, at 6 p.m. local time, it was declared that Barack Hussein Obama, the Democratic party nominee, the new president-elect of the nation.

Obama, representing a multicultural heritage, all ethnicities and voices of the underrepresented or repressed, is the 44th president of the United States of America.

I was truly moved. I didn't expect it to result to a few tears, but they came. This is truly a milestone and evidence of the power and strength of our democratic process. At last, walls have fallen and we all have prevailed.

Early Bird for Turkey Blend: Thanksgiving Blend!

So it was my day off before the holiday launch (I know, I know it's way too early to even consider it the beginning of the holiday season), and wanted to grab a hold of Gazebo Blend before it completely runs out on my island. I grabbed my store's last bag of Gazebo (whole bean) for my markout last week and was in search for more...which lead me to the Borders Starbucks, which is one of the 600 stores scheduled to close.

It certainly didn't look like it was closing anytime soon, since the crew of three present were already doing holiday promo mid-day. I saw that the bountiful supply of Thanksgiving Blend, new tumblers, chocolates, and the advent calendar were readily available for purchase. I was particularly intrigued by the display of Thanksgiving Blend, which is technically supposed to be sold starting tomorrow, and its packaging (I admit, I am a sucker for SBUX marketing) and readily grabbed a bag for my weekly markout.

Thanksgiving Blend will only be sold for a limited time and will be the inaugural year for the Blend, which is reportedly a mix of Guatemala and Sumatra beans. It will serve as a prologue to this year's Christmas Blend.

One Vote = Tall Cup of Coffee

As a special promotion at all US stores this upcoming Tuesday, November 4, anyone who votes in the election will receive a complementary tall cup of brewed coffee that day.

I plan to vote after working an early morning shift that day.

I anticipate many, many coffee switches to keep up with the demand of free joe.

And who will I vote for? I will cast my ballot for the man who represents positivity and diversity, who will advocate for prosperity and inclusion, rather than the ugliness of fearmongering, racism, and division. Even though it is certain that my state's electoral votes will be gained by this person, there is an immense sense of pride I will feel when I enter that booth because my participation will be an extension of the hope (I hope) many Americans share for a better future.

Okay, enough of politics. Let's get back to coffee.

Starbucks (RED)ifined

Announced today at the annual Leadership Conference --this year in New Orleans-- is Starbucks' partnership with Product (RED), an organization co-founded by U2's Bono. Product (RED) encourages chairty through the power of consumerism. From red Apple iPods, Converse shoes, and Gap clothing, proceeds from the purchase prices of such items go towards particular programs aiming to eradicate and prevent HIV/AIDS on th African continent.

With this new partnership, three holiday drinks will be the first initial offerings. Also, it was announced that a special Starbucks (RED) apron will be given out. Now, it remains to be seen if each individual partner gets one, but if so, it would be a welcome addition to our signature green.

Here is the full story from the Seattle-Post Intelligencer:

Bono joins Starbucks to help AIDS victims
Sale of selected drinks benefits fund

Rock singer Bono gave a surprise speech Wednesday at Starbucks' managers conference in New Orleans, bringing star power to the company's announcement of a partnership with (RED), a private organization that benefits AIDS programs in Africa.

Walking on stage, Bono joked, "I was going to jump out of a cranberry scone, but maybe not." His appearance was even kept secret from the rest of his U2 band members, he said.

Seattle-based Starbucks will donate 5 cents to the Global Fund for each holiday beverage it sells from Nov. 27 through Jan. 2. After that, Starbucks will designate certain products as (RED), which will benefit the Global Fund.

"Here we are, talking about the economy tanking. People are saying, 'Maybe the world doesn't need more coffehouses.' And what do you do? What does Starbucks do? You decide to give your money away," Bono said to thunderous applause from the thousands of store managers and others gathered at New Orleans Arena.

"This is not charity. This is commerce."

The Global Fund, created in 2002, provides money to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Bono and Bobby Shriver founded (RED) in 2006 to benefit the Global Fund. (RED) also joins with American Express in the United Kingdom, Apple, Converse, Gap, Emporio Armani, Hallmark, Dell and Microsoft.

Bono and Starbucks Chief Executive Howard Schultz presented the news to about 10,000 Starbucks employees and store managers. Starbucks' last leadership conference took place in 2005, in Seattle.

Partnership details

Each day in Africa, 4,100 people die because they can't get the medicine they need, said Jenifer Willig, director of partners and marketing at (RED).

"This is an emergency," Willig said. "That's why we're the color red."

Two life-extending anti-retroviral pills per day cost 43 cents.

"If every single Starbucks customer bought one (RED) Holiday Exclusive (beverage) for a week, we would save 15,000 lives for a year in Africa," Starbucks Senior Vice President Michelle Gass said.

All Starbucks company-owned and licensed stores in the U.S. and Canada are participating. The partnership is part of Starbucks "Shared Planet" commitment, started this week. Shared Planet promises that Starbucks will do business in ways that are good to the earth and people.

The Starbucks beverages that help the fund are peppermint mocha twist, gingersnap latte and espresso truffle. (RED) products do not cost extra.

Starbucks and (RED) began talking earlier this year. About six months ago, Gass met up with Don MacKinnon, president of (RED) Content. They talked over lunch at Pike Place Market.

"Don and I have kept in touch. He used to work for Starbucks; he used to run our music business," Gass said. "Over lunch he started telling me about what (RED) was up to. It really struck an emotional chord with me."

Starbucks buys coffee from 10 African countries: Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. And Starbucks plans to open farmer-support centers in Ethiopia and Rwanda next year. (In 2007, Starbucks responded to pressure from Ethiopia and Oxfam America by signing a marketing deal regarding specialty coffee names that would boost coffee prices.)

Because of Starbucks' connection to Africa, a partnership with (RED) seemed like a "natural extension," Gass said.

Starbucks paid an undisclosed licensing fee to (RED) and will donate directly to the Global Fund. The partnership is a multiyear commitment and could help thousands, depending on sales.
Year of change

The New Orleans leadership conference comes toward the end of a tumultuous year at Starbucks. Starbucks decided to hold the elaborate event, despite layoffs and store closures, to energize employees, Schultz has said.

Starbucks has been suffering from declining sales, but Schultz told reporters Wednesday that Starbucks' sales declines have "bottomed out." Sales didn't decrease this month as fast as they had last quarter.

The company plans to release fourth-quarter results Nov. 10. Wall Street analysts are largely expecting profit and revenue to drop from the same period a year ago.

Moving forward amid the economic turmoil, Schultz said, "requires a very disciplined, thoughtful approach."

Schultz told employees at the end of Wednesday's session, "It's hard to sit through all this and not get emotional. We've been through a lot this year."

Some of the changes announced this week in New Orleans will be visible in stores, which are being outfitted with new ordering and labor scheduling systems. Desktops in each store's backroom will be replaced with Hewlett-Packard laptops. (The laptop announcement got a standing ovation.)

Baristas will wear red aprons.

Because Starbucks will give profit away to help Africans, Bono tried to address shareholder concerns by saying that customers will respond to the (RED) campaign.

"You can't measure the true success of a company on a spreadsheet," said Bono, who wore sunglasses on the indoor stage. "I can't believe I just said the word spreadsheet. ... Don't tell the fans."

Starbucks stock was up slightly in after-hours trading Wednesday.

I am very excited about this development. There has been much talk about the Bux's increasing need to improve its corporate social responsibility through expanding environmental-friendly measures in stores, seeking additional fair trade coffee, and acknowleding the need for pursuing issues of social justice in the Global South.

And we lose one more to Oz

Today, R (137****) stepped inside the Bux to say her final goodbyes before traveling abroad. It was bittersweet, yet again. She was so infectiously positive and was truly a sweet girl. She often got compliments on her smile, eyes, etcetera...and let's face it: we are losing one attractive barista! But seriously, I envied her attitude. While there were times when it was difficult or trying, she put on a brave face and smiled through it all. The best part about our work relationship was that we got each other most of the time. Apart from the fact that we came from the same h.s. class, which helped to create an instant connection, we handle situations (like bar, cleanliness, coffee) in similar ways.

Anyway, while I was on bar, I made her last beverage (a venti 2PCl SD), we gave her goodbye hugs, and she was on her way.

All the best, R. "Ow Ow!" :)

Her Last Words

Shift X's farewell message for our staff.

It was a pleasure to serve alongside you

Yesterday was Shift X (159****)'s last day. X started exactly three weeks before me, so she will remain one of the people who helped shape my formative days as a barista. During my first day of training, she actually presented my first coffee tasting (Verona). My initial reaction to her was that she was a prototype of the hardworking --yet prone to perfectionism-- legendary barista and she was just a partner for three weeks.

Since starting work at the Bux, I'd say that I have worked with X the most, as she was the shift who worked the majority of mornings. Her youthful presence and competence was a great addition to the store and many of our customers and co-workers found it to be an asset. Although she sometimes became too focused and ordered us to accomplish a million things in half a day, she tried her best to keep everyone busy, yet not overworked. For what it is worth, that is my perspective.

When there was some open time, we got to know each other better. Before being told to ditch our canvas shoes for sturdier footwear, we proudly wore our Vans. We both have mothers who share the same name. We both love to travel and she's great at finding deals online. But if it wasn't for a six-year age gap, the fact that she's married, and I'm not sexually attracted to her, my search for the love of my life would be over.

From BCs, short soy CMs, to PTs, she gets something different every day. If I had to identify her consistent regular drink, it must be a soy OMBB. Although she had a brief affair with a Venti CF with SFH and SFV.

It was our latest conversations that hinted at an eventual departure from the island. Living here is definitely different from visiting on a vacation.

So it wasn't a complete surprise that just last week, I found out that she is indeed moving from the island and going back to her old job on the mainland. Although I could tell she was happy to finally see her adorable nieces and nephews, she has not counted out a potential return to the Bux or Maui. I told her that she is certainly "good at it". "It" being that she was a positive contributor and direct individual who assisted in keeping our chaotic mornings as sane as possible. I will miss her pulling the reins on me when my mind is spinning in a thousand directions. I will miss our random chats about NorCal and plans for the future. And I will miss her ordering me to do the floors. (I am most definitely kidding about this one. It was a slight annoyance how she managed to ask me to clean the floors four days in a row since she knows I wouldn't say no! ;) But I digress.

At the end of my shift, I quietly went in the back room where she was counting out and I gave her a big goodbye hug and said that I am going to miss her. She reacted with a smile and said, "Even though I drive you crazy?!" Most definitely. There is something to be said about getting too attached to people in the workplace, however I could not help but get close and build bonds with some of my fellow baristas like X.

Aloha oi, X. I'll keep your word and I'll see you on the streets of SF one day.

How Rude!

Okay, so no suprise that every barista encounters several unpleasant (read: annoying/bitchy) customers during their time at Starbucks. Usually, they tend to want their drinks to be remade, claim they've ordered something modified but they have not, or are just plain impatient, since they are "hurrying to catch a flight" and refuse to wait a few minutes blah blah blah....but today, with just one word, one woman managed to be the most unappreciative bitch on Earth.

I was on register, my shift is expediting and asks this one woman if she wanted a small bag for several of her pastries. With this insidious look on her face she sharply told us "NO!!" like it was some freaking inconvenience. Like, how dare we ask her if she wants a bag? Oh hayyelllll NO!

I was utterly shocked at how rude she was. Shift 157**** muttered under his breath that she should go f*ck herself. Nice. But seriously, weren't we in the right with this? She had a good amount of pastries to warrant a bag. Good lord...

Partner Card!

So it's official! After working at the Bux for four months, I finally received my partner card at work today. 157***** said, "Congratulations" and gave me an envelope from corporate and I immediately knew it was the card. Much to my chagrin, however, the card was not the 2008 partner card design, but the original green one.

Anyway, good to know that I am finally official (not that I wasn't before, but now I have the plastic to back it up) and can get my markouts and discounts at other stores without having to spit out my numbers .

Thank you, thank you. Now I can happily quit...but not yet.

BCB, OMBB....but SBB?!

As a barista, you can't help but experiment. You take a recipe and modify it with the addition or subtraction of an ingredient or preparation method, because the reality is that almost every drink is constructed in similar ways.

R (157****) used to work as a bartender, so he is used to concocting various alcoholic beverages and now that he works here, he concocts the most interesting beverages, such as a strawberry cheese cake drink involving cream cheese (yuck!) and a chocolatey banana thing that I cannot duplicate.

Anyway, so we have this new line of beverages called Vivanno, which includes two variations: the banana chocolate (BCB) and Orange Mango Banana (OMBB) blnends. Officially, you can modify the BCB by adding espresso. You can also add matcha (green tea) powder to the OMBB. One of my partners created an OMBB with a splash of strawberry and so today, I was thinking about how that strawberry flavor would taste with a soy BCB minus the mocha. The result was something extraordinary!

With just under 300 calories, one whole banana, and tons of protein and fiber, this one is a nutritious keeper.

There were some detractors, of course. Shift X gave me a grossed out look. Yet I found support one of T (159****) who actually wanted one for his bev and so I marked it as 'SBB' and called it out as Vivanno Strawberry Banana Blend.

I know, I know. The most mundane things amuse me. I am a dork.

September = Pumpkin Spice commences

Oh the return of everything PS...PSLs, PSFs, PSCFs, and even Pumpkin Chais, if you wish.

Too bad we only have two seasons here -- wet and dry. It is during the autumn season that I wish I still lived on the mainland to: (1) witness the physical changes, (2) enjoy a warm cup of pumpkin spice while wearing layers, and (3) use my autumn/winter clothing.

Drink: Iced Venti Soy Caramel Sauce Latte

Iced Venti Soy Caramel Sauce Latte

One of our regulars comes in every day for this, her regular drink. Some Vietnamese customers get the espresso version ("Three shots with caramel" a.k.a. Iced Triple Caramel Sauce Espresso in a Venti cup). Incredibly sweet indulgence in a 24 ounce cup.