Little Stars--

(take him and cut him out in little stars
and he will make the face of heaven so fine...)


I'm easily entertained--I love going to Starbucks.com and clicking on the "manage my rewards" button.

I get to watch 13 little animated gold stars fall into a coffee cup.

They fall in different patterns even--I may even imagine the noise they make...

These stars represent the 13 times I've used my gift card over the last couple years.



Despite the love I have for coffee, I don't frequent SBUX nearly enough. I still have 17 more visits before I reach the GOLD level. (I know, you can read)

All of you who have given me gift cards over the last few years--THIS is what you've created. A girl who likes to watch imaginary stars fill her imaginary coffee cup.

In other news, I've survived another week of graduate school. For those of you counting at home, that makes NINE weeks. There are seven more left in the semester. I've passed the halfway point.

It's like a speeding train, really. I'm doing my best to hang on.

I saw The Social Network this past week. Also I attended another reading by classmates at a local coffee shop.

So my entertainment has been varied. Movies, readings, watching little gold stars falling into a coffee cup.

~~J

VIA Starbucks!

Not bad, not bad at all.

Although my method is a bit different...I mean, why follow instructions?

I use the "extra" bold little packet and 16 ounces of hot water (instead of 8 ounces)...this way my coffee lasts longer...and really I'm more of a "coffee-milk" drinker than a "coffee-coffee" drinker.

I hope this Revelation doesn't ruin my street cred.

So with 16 ounces I'm able to lessen the "extra" bold experience and add my frou-frou stuff.

(frou-frou stuff includes Splenda and fat-free milk or 2% or creamer or...)

I wish I had a picture of all the coffee tumblers I own (and use). I even got a new one yesterday (gift)...complete with little University of Memphis tigers all around it :)

Someone remind me to take a photo and I will...I promise, it's quite ridiculous.

So back to instant coffee, or the Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew (as it's officially known). The sweet lady at the drive thru window talked me into it (I got a sample pack) a few weeks ago and just tried it this morning.

Decent. It wasn't gritty. It fizzed a little bit (which was scary) but that was about it. Good aroma, good flavor. I could see adding a little packet to the next batch of brownies I make (and see if people notice).

Overall: ya done good (again) Starbucks!

~~J

Chug-a-lug:

(screen capture from website)

Tonight, as I finish writing my absolute LAST paper as an undergraduate my BOC (beverage of choice) shall be:

AriZona Diet Green Tea (with Ginseng and Honey)

I came across this refreshing beverage quite on accident. And my hero (mom) purchased two more canisters/tubes of the mix.

There is a pitcher in the refrigerator & there is glass sitting in front of me...HAPPINESS!

I think it's 64 ounces (in the pitcher)--or half-a-gallon...I wonder how much of it I will consume tonight?

The paper, on the other hand, is in a relatively decent state.

I reread the syllabus only to find that the paper has to be between 10-15 pages, NOT exclusively FIFTEEN pages as I have been assuming for a month now.

(the due date was pushed back or forward to tomorrow, god bless)

I have six pages already, and I've only detailed two songs. I assumed I'd be covering five. I might cut one--we'll see what the night brings.

Too bad I already have "fuzzy eyes" from staring at the computer screen for nearly ten hours. Yes, ten hours. I have eye drops, I've been trying to do some extra blinking (and dancing around in ten minute spurts).

And, of course, writing a scholarly musicology paper has me downloading from iTunes like whoa! Everything is NOT relevant, but is needed (for the dancing)...

and I do have a FINAL tomorrow too? Lordy.

~~J

Dear Coffeemaker:

Do not fail me now.

(Starbucks Barista model, purchased on sale)

I need your hot, steamy goodness now more than ever.

My philosophy paper is becoming a readable work.

--slowly I say--

With every cup I pour
and every ounce of caffeine you give,

I find strength.

And as I waste time, writing sad odes--
you percolate and spew forth another
delicious pool of magic juice.

Smells so GOOD!

xoxo,

~~J

Dear Starbucks:

I love you. No, really I do.

(and I don't think it's the caffeine talking)

Every time I go into one of your stores (and I've visited quite a few in the Memphis area) I am greeted by friendly and knowledgeable baristi (plural, I've looked it up).

I have a couple friends (actually I can only name ONE) who doesn't feel the same way I do. She was given a raisin scone instead of a chocolate chip scone several years ago and has sworn you a mortal enemy ever since.

(no, she didn't go back and explain the switch-a-roo)

Everyone else? LOVES you too! I was quite shocked last summer to find out that my Mother even visits one location so frequently everyone knows her by name. We delightfully exchange your gift cards and revel in your coffee products like it's no body's business!

I was told this past December to make sure and REGISTER all gift cards. So I went online and registered one. Then I promptly LOST said registered card. Whoops. I didn't think too much about it because I had other gift cards to use.

Then I received an email from you last month which said that you had loaded an additional $5 onto the aforementioned LOST card. You didn't know I had lost the card. You were just treating me & it was much appreciated.

I've since torn my room apart & basically gave up hope on finding the card. BUT WAIT! All hope is NOT lost because I REGISTERED the card--which means my balance is secure!

I called this morning and had the balance on the LOST card switched to another card. And keeping with every OTHER dealing I've ever had with you--the person I spoke to was extremely nice and helpful.

So the moral of the story? I love you. I really do. AND everyone else--BE SURE TO REGISTER YOUR CARDS!

~~J

Elvis + Coffee = LOVE!

So I have another local coffee (my beloved boc) to rave about! A dear friend gave me a 12oz bag of Lamberts Coffee as a "thank you" for helping with her baby shower a month ago. The flavor: Buttermoon ("secret blend of sweet nut and a hint of rich caramel")...oh holy Elvis, it's some great stuff!

Yes, I've been drinking coffee despite the record setting temperatures...but I've been adding ice cubes to the mix.

Now that Elvis week is coming to a close, I am a bit sadden. I did get to watch some great shows yesterday--especially on TvLand. Ed Sullivan's Rock & Roll Classics: Elvis AND Elvis by the Presleys had me completely glued to the set. What an amazing man.

AND...

I even "won" a little competition based on Elvis with the prize of COFFEE! ELVIS coffee (Elvis's Last Jelly Donut" from Cafe Francisco) 1 love + 1 love = a cup o' happiness.

WOO! I might even give over the fact I have to work this Saturday.

~~J

Saturday's alright for studying:

(and with this statement alone I can feel the letters G E E K become visible across my forehead)

I "slept in" this morning (past my normal 8am) and when my eyes finally popped open I realized my head was swimming with...snot (for lack of a better word). So I chased my AOC (antihistamine of choice) with my BOC (beverage of choice) and at this very moment I feel like I could "Rip-Van-Winkle-it" for at least 20 years...BUT I can breathe which is always a plus!

(note to self: benadryl still causes drowsiness even if coffee is involved)

Before this wave of drowsiness hit I was able to complete one section ( out of 8) from the algebra that will be on my exam Monday. I feel pretty comfortable right now with the material I need to know. (somebody mark this date down in history--wait! I guess I just did)

With only 7 class days remaining this session I am very, very, very excited! Although I will be extremely busy (2 algebra exams, 1 essay, 1 speech and two finals) I can see the light at the end of the tunnel (which includes THREE whole weeks without classes).

After my exam Monday I have to go to the "cashier's office" and pay for the Fall semester. Ack! I am taking 3 classes (Intro to Film, Art Appreciation, and Biology II) which equals 10 credit hours (the same amount I just completed) and so my fees due are very similar to the fees paid in May.


~~J

TGIF:

01) I set my alarm clock incorrectly last night. It was set for 7:30PM instead of 7:30AM.

02) I realized this fact at 8:40AM when I woke up, looked at the clock--let out an expletive and stumbled to the shower.

03) I arrive on campus at 9:21AM after consuming NO COFFEE or food (don't worry, Buttercup got her complete breakfast--priorities, people!)

Elapsed Class time 9:25-11:10AM

04) I enter the library at 11:12AM with several pages of Algebra NOTES (yes, NOTES) and start on my first section of homework (yes, homework)

05) I rush into my Oral Comm class at 11:48AM with two minutes to spare. Fabulous! Class was less stressful than yesterday, maybe I'll manage.

Elapsed Class time 11:50-1:15PM (we got out early)

06) Arrive home before 1:35pm, and enjoyed my first cup o' coffee of the day and a quick lunch (and I brushed Buttercup, put ointment in her ears and gave her a monthly Heartguard Plus treat--again, priorities!)

07) I got online just in time to "Watch" Andy Roddick lose his Quarterfinal match at Wimbledon. Five sets, he won the first two, lost the last two in tie breaks and then lost the final set 6-8. (refrained from tears, it was a tough match!) OH! And Justine Henin (the number one women's player in the world) lost as well. Wow!

This is my Friday. I leave for Five hours of "Work" soon enough.



~~J

Ding Ding Ding, Jackpot!

So yesterday after our lab the professor handed out our first exam. As they say in Tunica: Ding Ding Ding, Jackpot! Turns out I did as well as I thought/hoped/prayed I would do. (If you know that one hit wonder by Nena in the 80s, you know my score)

*insert big sigh of relief here*

I can't really celebrate too long, being this is a summer course and after all, tomorrow is another day (er, Exam--I couldn't resist myself Scarlett, please forgive me).

I was up into the wee hours of the morning (thanks to some cinnamon hazelnut coffee I decided to brew at 11pm) studying (making notecards) and going over online practice tests. I was somewhat worried about the material this time around, but I have achieved a "respect" for it and so maybe we will have a decent enough relationship I can pass the next exam with flying colors too?!?

I didn't start studying until late last night because I spent most of the evening making dinner (new recipe from Cooking Light) and participating in great conversation(s) with one of my best friends. I finally played (and lost) my first game of Parcheesi too. Woo!

Now THIS evening (after class and a mini-study session) I found myself at Davis-Kidd to see and listen to our very own homegrown (did I just make her sound like a tomato?) published author--Johanna Edwards. She has a new book out, which she signed (and I got one of her earlier books signed as well). It was a good break to take because I was reminded of WHAT I really want to do: WRITE. (and be published)


I'll have to settle with the steps of meiosis and part of a scientific paper for now...


~J

Groups of Five:

1) our Lab was cancelled yesterday.
2) I had a lovely salad bar lunch!
3) I spent psuedo-class time finishing off notecards
4) I settled in for a nap while going over said notecards
5) I'm pretty sure I "dreamt" about OH- and H+

1) I printed out chapter outlines last night after work
2) I did some "highlighting" before bed
3) I slept with the window open
4) This morning I had to take an antihistamine
5) So now I'm a little drowsy

1) We have no coffee creamer and or milk
2) That's the only way I can consume coffee
3) *insert eye rolling here*
4) I have to leave early for class
5) So I can hit Starbucks on the way

My life in groups of five. How fun.


~~J

p.s.

1) Andy Roddick (tennis star) has had some injury problems this year,
2) but he was doing well during his first round match at the French Open.
3) The commentators were talking about how it was his "best" in years
4) I had to stop watching and go to work,
5) Then he lost, draw your own conclusions. I have my own (see #4).

Small Miracles:

Here I sit after 10pm making notecards concerning "basic" chemistry (yes, I'm taking Biology). It's not the most horrible stuff I've EVER seen in my whole entire life and rewriting and SEEING everything repetitively is REALLY helpful.

You've probably heard about the different "styles" of learning: Visual, Auditory, Tactile AKA Seeing, Hearing and Doing. I think my "style" is a combination of all three. Once I wrap my brain around something and it makes sense I'm off and running.

*allow image of my brain running at warpspeed to sink in*

Over the past several years at work in the pharmacy (my day job as a Pharmacy Technician) I have come to realize that I might also have a photographic memory (or at least that's what co-workers say). I can recall the actual packaging of a stock bottle (or tablet, capsule, etc.) with great clarity which is almost scary.


I know that might not sound too exciting, but did you know that brand name Keflex (antibiotic) came as a dark green & light green capsule in a dark brown square-ish bottle which is very similar to the brand name Prozac (antidepressant) bottle, which I know is made by Lilly so I can tell you that Keflex was originally made by Lilly as well (maybe that was off-topic).

This could be very important if you came into the pharmacy and told us that you were on antibiotic that was dark green & light green and it caused you to break out into a rash. We have a place to start as far as helping YOU identify your drug allergy. Life and death, people.

Now I just have to use this photographic memory (really?) and memorize what isotopes, ionic bonds or covalent bonds look like when expressed in numbers and letters.

Since I've had time to blabber on about all of this, I guess you can tell I survived my first day of class. Our first lab is tomorrow and our first exam is next Tuesday. I think my schedule is going to suit me perfectly. I can finish reading and taking notes AFTER work every night and I have time to start reading (or read over labs) BEFORE class every morning.

FYI: On the way to school today, I noticed a brand new building on Sycamore View: STARBUCKS! It has opened within the last few days and I have to pass it TWICE everyday now! The sound of joy could be heard echoing within my car. Small miracles, everyday.


~~J

Start Me Up:

Dear Coffee: I shall now sing for you a special song filled with deep passion and truth, "and I can't help falling in love with you..."

Since I don't start Biology until next week (4 days), I've had some time to think about my BOC (Beverage of Choice). I even got a lovely package in the mail this week containing Kill Devil Coffee (Ashley's Indonesian Blend) and although I have yet to brew a pot I am very excited at the prospect.

My BOC might have been whatever was 2-for-1 at the bar during 'College: The First Attempt' but now I'm older and wiser (right?) I am trying to be smarter with my choices. Plus I might need all of the coffee because I AM OLDER and need something to wake me up and keep me going in the morning and when I get home from class AND work only to start on homework (homework? what's homework? OH NO!)...but I digress.

You can akin your local/favorite Barista to your local/favorite Pharmacist. I understand this all might be a bit of a stretch, but in my little world it makes perfect sense. They are both legal drug dealers who mix up fabulous concoctions to cure what ails you. Yes?

I was with a dear friend a couple weeks ago when I picked up some Ugly Mug Coffee (Southern Pecan) because it was on sale and I've always loved what they've had to offer. On the way out of the grocery store, I saw a display of seasonal ELVIS coffee (also brewed by Ugly Mug) and I had to ask my friend to give me a reason NOT to buy it. "You just bought some coffee..." She's so smart!

The coffee, by the way, was a big hit! It makes me want to sing...


~~J

p.s. Suggestions? I have a summer filled with three classes ahead of me, I need all the help I can get.