Coffee shop blues

So as I sit here in my fav coffee shop...I realize what a crap hole my job can be sometimes.
So right off I need to apologize to Heather...I love you hon but you gotta understand...I know you do.
I am pondering the search for a new job. Now I am really shy about doing this, I know that I can be quite outgoing but only around people that I know really well.
I am feeling down trodden and just generally pissy.
I love working in a coffee shop and that is what I want to continue to do, I just can't do it in Greeley anymore...just can't.
So the quest begins..should I go corporate or independent. I am thinking I am done with the corporate b.s. that I have to go through. I want the freedom that you can get by working for an independent.
I just watching a girl have an interview here at this coffee shop and she got hired on the spot...that should have been me!!!!!!!!
Well...that's ok..I will find one, and it will be better than what I do now. No Fricking Unforms!
Ok I think that I have some issues, but I am slowly coming to terms with this.
Here is my problem and the reason why I haven't left my job yet; I love my co-workers and I don't want to put them in a hard place b/c no one gets hired after I leave. So what I need from my friends is advice...I know that I will getting a new job the next couple monthes to come but I just need a little encouragement.
The little voice in my head tells me to go for it...get a new job, but I would feel guilty leaving my co-workers. SO there is my biggest dilemma..so please hope Laura make a decision. No holds barred people...I want honest opinions.
Just don't tell me what a dumbass I am...I already know that.

Thanx in advance to all my friends.
Namaste

Back with a Vengence

So hello to all my peeps out there. I am sorry that I have been away for so long. Had some serious down time, just work and trying to sleep.
I hope everyone is doing well at the end of this first month of 2006.
I was just in San Antonio visiting the rents...it was a nice time was way too short. Hope to go visit them again soon.
Nothing much to report here on the home front. We have been experiencing some strange weather here...warm one day then cold the next. Who knows...GLOBAL WARMING it's real!!!!
Anywho...I am about to convince Gabe that we should go bar hopping tonight..it has been a long time since I have been too drunk to know any better. Sounds like a plan to me.
It won't happen but one can dream right ;)
It is going to be time soon for the road trip...have been sitting on my can doing nothing for way too long.
So these are just some random thoughts that are running through my head. I just wanted to let everyone know that I was still out there.
Perhaps something of relevance will be posted on Saturday. (My day off!!!!)

Peace to all my friends...have fun for me.

Still Kickin It

So sorry for the very long absence. I am still here, just very stressed and very busy. I will be leaving on vacation tomorrow for Texas, so hopefully I will be able to get caught up on everything.
I will updating everything so keep an eye out!!!
Love to all my friends and family.

Namaste

Tokyo-Summer 2007

So my plan is to be there for the summer of 2007. I would like to spend a month or two there. I have looked into getting a furnished apartment in Shinjuku through the Sakura House. We shall see how that pans out. I am getting more excited about this, even though it is over a year away. This is a big thing for me, oh and if you didn't know...I am going by myself.
Now before I hear all this uproar about a women traveling by herself...I must tell you this. Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world...I am not worried about myself, I am only worried about possibly getting lonely.
My friend Les has expressed an interest in going with me, but I haven't heard anything about it lately. I would love for her to come.
So Les if you are reading this, start saving then we can split the cost of the apartment ;) I will be getting my passport next week, that is the first step on this journey of self-discovery. I can let everyone know this now...and since my mom will be reading this, she needs to know as well. This trip is one of two things; a trip that I have been dreaming about, and a possible location to move to. I am prepared for the parental units to call me and object. But I didn't say that I was definately moving there, just scoping it out ;) So there are my reasons of going. That and man do I want to go to some Japanese Clubs!!!!!!!!!
Ok, well enough of my trip chit chat.
When I get more info on what's what I will let all y'all know.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful year...be good to yourselves.

Namaste

That SOB...he did this to me

So if you haven't ever visited me at my home, you wouldn't know about my crazy neighbor. Now, don't get me wrong...I like to have a good time too but this women sometimes takes it a little too far. Let me give you a little background; about three monthes ago my neighbors sister got married. That's a fun event, everyone loves weddings (well for the most part)..well it was an excuse for her and her family to have a three day party, which involved a lot of drinking and a lot of hollerin. That's right hollerin...not yelling this is the redneck variant for shoutin and having a good time. So this sets the scene a little for you. She likes to have a good time.
Ok, so here it goes...I come home from work last night and I am home for about 15 minutes. Gabe comes downstairs and he tells me there is a ambulance, a cop car, and a fire truck right in front of our townhome. I was like.; "What the hell..something must me goin down." Well right when we were trying to figure out what was going on...our neighbor is outside her house screaming. And I mean screaming...I think she might have been drunk.
At least that is what it sounded like. She was screaming about "that sob, he did this to me..." over and over and over again.
Now here is the part that we can't figure out, why was there an ambulance, a cop car, and a fire truck there???
Obviously, the cop needed to be there, she was pretty upset over something. Now I don't know exactly what went on, but I know she really doesn't like this guy that she was shouting about. Gabe and I were a little weirded out so we decided to go out to eat, I just didn't want to be around all that negativity.
So that is my story...I know it isn't very elaborate, but man was it weird. I just hope that everything is ok with my neighbor, I mean I don't want her to be in any trouble or anything.
All I want is to live somewhere where there aren't any crazy people living near me, or with me.
I am done with the unstable females...just pull yourselves together. Please.
Anyway that is that and I am done.

Namaste

A Sewing I Shall Go

SO for those of you who don't know...I received the best X-mas present in the world. I got a nice sewing machine. I know what you are thinking, you thought I was going to say diamond earrings or something like that...not that those wouldn't be nice.
No this was something that I have been wanting, and Gabe decided to be fabu and buy it for me! Lucky me!!
So bear with me, I will be posting photos (hopefully) of the clothes that I make, they will be plain to start out with, as it has been a long time since I have sewed. I plan on making my own designs at some point.
You think the way I dress is wacky now, just wait...now I have the ultimate freedom!
I have big plans for this little machine...Reupholstering the couch would be one of them. I will keep everyone up to date...I guess if you want to know about this stuff. This is a great gift for many reasons, the main one being this will help me save even more money for my tokyo trip. Oh yes, the jar has been growing bigger as of late.
Check my sidebar to see how much I am at now. I recieved a very cool present that will come in handy when I go overseas. Heather got me the Tokyo Bilingual Street Atlas...very cool!!!!!! I thank you much for this present, it will be put to good use. I have been slowly making my plans...I know it is a little ahead of time, but it is better to be prepared than not. I guess this also comes from my dad...I like to get things done early (sometimes absurdly early). Anyway, my next step is to get my passport...as that is something that I will definately need.

So as I learn my Japanese on audio, I will be sewing all my clothes..hmmm sounds like fun huh?! It is almost a new year, and my new year's resolution is to get the hell outta Dodge..if you catch my drift.

Namaste

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

First off let me saY Happy Holidays to everyone. It is nice to be with friends and family on the happiest day of the year.
It is just Gabe and I this year, so that means we can be a little on the lazy side.
We started off with pancakes and bacon and mimosas for breakfast (well lunch really) then we opened our presents. Sounds like an eventful day doesn't it.
We napped and then ate dinner. That is about all that we are doing this x-mas. I had to work yesterday so I was recouping from that adventure...man it was crazy!!!
I hope that this post finds everyone well and everyone was able to relax. Let me give a shout out to my pal Cory, he has to work 2nite..he works in ICU, so lets be thinking of him as he puts in some major holidays hours.

ozora ni
amaneku ou
kumo no kokoro
kuni tsuchi uruu
am kudasu nari

The sky's expanse
is covered over everywhere
with clouds of concern-
blessing our nation, our soil,
with rain sent from above.

Kyogoku Tamekane (1254-1332)

Happy Yule to All

So last night I had this fabulous feast fit for the Gods. We ate soooooooo much food.
Both Les and I passed out after we ate, that is some good food. Here is a list of what was eaten; Ambrosia, Wassail, Yule Cookies, Sirloin and Shallot Stew, crescent Rolls, Cheese and crackers, and of course there was a little achohol floating around.
This was my Solstice dinner...I rose early with the sunrise and thanked the Goddess for such beautiful day. I was able to get all of my stuff done early in the morning and then was cooking all day. It was very relaxing in the last stretch before the Big One.
I am happy that I was able to have this day off...it meant alot to me since I had been preparing for this feast since last month.
I hope that everyone was able to enjoy the day as well...whether you celebrate this tradition or not.

News from the Coffee Front

Well my customers have been very nice to me this week. I have made quite a lot in tips the last week. Thank you very much, this is making my Tokyo Fund jar grow :) We are now up to $62.47. To everyone who has been contributing I thank you. I have started telling people, who ask, that this is what my tips are going to. A lot of my customers think that this is an awesome idea.
I also want to thank people for giving me good advice on what to do when I am there. Adam has told me to buy him something weird and Asian. Adam I think I can do that, I will definitely pick you up something.
I am going to start a little blip on my sidebar that will show how the fundage is going, if you are interested.
On another note, my holiday season has been much better the past couple of days...barring annoying co-workers, but better. If you have been reading you would know that I have been having a pretty terrible holiday season, things are looking up..I have gotten some of my spirit back.
I will having a big feast which I think is what is helping me get back into the spirit of things. Gabe and I are having a Solstice Feast this year, we are going to observe this old tradition instead of the commercialization of Christmas. I will be posting a whole blog on the Solstice in the next couple of days for those who are interested.
If anyone is in the area, please you are welcome in my home for this winter feast, I encourage all of my friends to come. To my friends that live elsewhere in the world, I will be thinking of all of you at this holiday season. I wish each and everyone of you could join me this year. Since the holiday is just around the corner, let us all remember the reason why we celebrate, please be kind to people around you. There is enough hatred and meaness around us, we need to cut through and be at peace with ourselves and maybe it will catch on.
To all my friends and anyone who is just passing through have a very peaceful Yule.

Namaste

My Happy Day Off

So.....it all started with Leslie stopping by at 9am. I haven't had a day off since last thurday, so I was very ready for this one.
We sat around in our P.J.s watching Aeon Flux (oh yes that was a x-mas present to myself.)
Then we ran various errands, a little shopping (us shop, that is ridiculous)!!!
Once we got home we decided that we needed have a couple bloody mary's and that is where the day really started. It has been two later and I am feeling good about my holiday season now. That and the shopping helped me out. We have now been online window shopping for about an hour. Now doesn't that sound like fun?!
I have to say that it has been quite a relaxing day...I am just glad that I have Saturday off as well...I going into the home stretch next week.
Think of me at 11 pm when you are at home watching t.v. I will still be at work serving coffee, who needs coffee that late anyway? Oh by the way I need to give some props to my chica Heather who just got engaged this past weekend. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! We will be there for you when you get stressed out about all the little things. Much love to ya sista.
So that is my day in a nutshell, not very intersting but indeed relaxing. I love all of my friends and wish them happiness this holiday season.

May peace find you

It Has Begun!

So I must say this to start out with, I know that I haven't been posting on here very reguarly lately, but I have been so tired and stressed when I get home from work all I wanna do is drink a beer.
So with that said here it goes....I am tired of all the people being demanding of me, this holiday season is by far the worst. Let me give you an example...I was at Target getting some clothes for work (I have to wear a certain colour) well I had this really great skirt and shirt outfit picked out and it was the only one left. I kid you not this happened to me. I turned for just a moment to look at something and this bitch took my skirt outta my cart and ran off!!!!!!!!!!!
THAT WAS FOR WORK!!!!!!!!
I hope that I meet her again, I want to tackle her. Merry Christmas to you..seriously lady are you going to tell whoever you give that to that you stole outta someone elses cart. That is some serious holiday cheer.
Whew...I feel a little better, I did report it to their manager, what good that will do I don't know, but let me tell you I was furious.
SO let me tell you, if anyone ever does that to me again...they had better watch out.
Christmas is about holiday cheer and spending time with family and being happy. Singing carols, eating food, stealing I guess it all goes hand in hand.

On a lighter note, there have been some really nice people at the holidays, they are the ones who always end up coming after the customer who just yelled at you for 5 mintues about something that is outta your control. I actually had a customer buy me a drink in our cafe b/c he felt bad for me. Those are the only people who should be allowed to shop during the holidays. I have worked in retail for six years and let me tell you this is the last x-mas I will ever work in a retail environment. I will never ever work in retail again. Like I said it has just been the worst holiday season ever.

Let the battle ensue over who gets the best presents, just let your family know what you did to get that present. I am sure their holiday cheer will deflate the moment you tell them you yelled at the register clerk (ruined that persons day perhaps) or that you pushed someone outta the way to get the adorable sweater for your daughter.
The war is on, are you ready?

It's Finally Mine!!!!!

So I have been waiting until I had enough money, but it is finally mine. The Jack Kerouac Collection on Cd...oh yes, I purchased it today at work. What a thing of beauty. Now Heather was upset that I purchased said item, b/c I have a tendency to purchase things I really want during the holiday season. All my friends have such a hard time shopping for me...I like weird stuff. She did quickly forgive, (or she forgot..could be the margaritas)
Anywho..this is the coolest audio in the world..I will be listening to it religiously in my car for the next monthes.
This is a thing of beauty..I mean really, he speaks with such a lyrical voice...it is really like music.
I was way excited when I found out that I was able to order this product at work. Perhaps when I learn what I am doing a little better on here I can put an audio clip, but you know how some people just don't like audio clips, so we shall just have to see.
I don't have much else to say and besides it is late and this chica has to be up way too early in the morning, on a SATURDAY no less!
So goodnite to all and may the goddess watch over you.

Can I be your pepper?

SO when people ask me; "What soda do you drink?" There is only one that comes to mind. DR. PEPPER!
I mean seriously, this is the best of the best. I became hooked on this because my dad always had it around. We used to go to Sam's Club and buy those 48 can cases. Man those were the days.
This is the only soda that I drink...I won't drink anything but the greatest soda on earth. Now you may be wondering, why the heck is she talking about stupid soda.
Partially because I have nothing else to talk about and the fact that I had a wonderful day and wanted to share my thoughts with others.
How does this all tie into D.P. well b/c of this drink I tend to have better days. I seriously would O.D. on this stuff if that were possible.
The best is Sonic (Oh yeah some of you out there know what I am talking about), they have the best little ice cubes which makes your drink taste that much better.
THANK YOU FOR TINY ICE CUBES!
Yes I have gone off the deep end, yes I am crazy, yes I am having a weird week. Any other questions come to mind? I think I might have hit them all.
Given the past week that I have had, it is no wonder that I sit here and type about a soda that not many people love.
Now this is the time to prove me wrong. Everyone I have asked where I work, with the exception of maybe 3 people, think that this is a horrible soda. What the heck is wrong with these people, well I could go into that further but it would require a completely different post.

So here's your chance to tell me how you feel about this wonderful soda, or tell which one you love and why?
This is something fun, amid all the chaos in this ensuing world I would like to embark on something a little fun and silly. Please let me know how you feel, or you can tell me what a dork I am. I can take it, just don't be mean...mean people suck.

Mmmmmm.....Dr. Pepper

Marco!.....Polo!

Ok so I have been away for a couple days, and trust me it isn't because I went on some way wicked vacation. I wish, I have been at work for a lot this week. I worked some overtime, that means more money for me...That's good right??
Anyway...I am sorry that I have had such a lengthy absence...I miss all my friends and hope to get back into the groove of things.
The holidays, unfortunately, mean that I will be away for extended periods of time. Please don't lose hope...I am just trying to get myself back to normal...Not much down time during these frantic times.
So let me lay down the week for you...This has been an interesting one. I am more than happy to take a compliment from a customer when working, but it is when they get a little weird on me that I don't dig it anymore.
Seriously...I mean man come on...I am flattered if you dig me and think I am cool but when you are coming in everyday twice (sometimes 3 times) a day that is getting a little weird.
So that is the groundwork for my week...I dig it when people are into me...But when they start doing the above mentioned that is getting weird. I mean I am a barista..that isn't some fantastic job. I give you coffee your day goes better, that doesn't mean I am some angel sent from heaven just for you.
Sometimes people take their coffee a little too seriously..really they do.

On another note completely...I want to let everyone know that I am going to start a counter on my sidebar, this will show how far along I am on the Tokyo vacation. I will hopefully have this up by the end of the week. It is slow going, but I am sure that I will be able to pay for my ticket with just tips..how cool would that be.
I am also going to hopefully get some crazy stories about coffee serving up on this blog. If you have any stories..let me know...I will post them.

"Bartending is interesting, serving coffee is an experience."

So on this wintery day I leave all of you with a beautiful Japanese poem about winter.
Be safe and please may peace be with you.

hitotose o
nagametsukuseru
asatoide ni
usuyuki koru
sabishisa no hate

After a full year
of gazing out, one morning
I open my door-
to a thin snowfall, frozen-
the far edge of lonliness.

-Fujiwara no Teika (1162-1241)

Tokyo Here I Come

Ok so if you are not aware..I must get to Tokyo. I have been wanting to go there for a long time. I think that it all started with going to Seoul when I was 13. This has been an obsession since then. I have finally decided that I am going no matter what!
Well that is easier said then done...very expensive. I don't just want to go there for a week, we are talking a couple of monthes or longer depends on how much I fall in love with this city.
Now I know what some of my friends are thinking..oh my god, look at the size of that city. Believe me I love the hustle and bustle, the constant flow of everything around me. I would feel so at home there. I don't know what the pull is for me, there are many things, I just know I fell in love with Asian culture when I was over there. I want to experience everything Tokyo has to offer. Especially the fact that they have a bumpin club scene.

So to start off my Send Laura To Tokyo fund..I will be saving all of my tips in a jar, it really adds up after a month. This money will only be used to pay for my trip and stay in Japan. So, if you are reading this and you know me or where I work, just know that your tips will help send me on my dream trip. That's just a friendly hint to all my customers.
So this is the plan...I came up with it on my day off...I will keep everyone updated on the status of saving for the trip and when I finally am able to get my ticket and all the steps along the way. Now I don't have that much saved yet, but just wait..It will all start to add up.
If anyone out there has any helpful hints, tips, travel advice, or just wants to wish me good luck please post. I would love to hear from all of you.

furisutenureba
yo koso karokere; harawazuba
yuki ni ya oremu
mado no take

If you cast it all away
the load will get much lighter.

Don't brush it off
and it will break in the snow-
bamboo by the window.

-Monk Tonna (1289-1372)

I am not lazy, just very tired

So I am sorry all my peeps for not posting for a couple days. It has been a long couple ones so hopefully tomorrow I will be more alert and have my brain switched on.
Please be patient with me I swear there will be something witty, or at the least midly entertaining to come.
So now I lay me down to sleep...I am so very very tired, darn holidays.

Hope all my friends are doing good and enjoying their week..I love you all.

PEACE OUT

News Worthy?

So I was having a hard time sleeping...go figure, insomnia sucks. Anyway, I was watching the news early this morning..and do you know what they were reporting about? The day after Thanksgiving shopping sales. This was on national news, not just local news. I was disgusted...there is nothing else going on at all, that they had to spend a good hour on shopping and the craziness. Not only that, they were reviewing what are going to be the best presents this holiday season.
Ok so Christmas is one of my fav holidays..I have always loved the season. But the commercial aspect of it has gotten outta control. I know this has been going on for a while now, but it just seems especially bad this year. I mean seriously, this is not something that should be shown on the news for an hour...there is a war going on, there are people dying from starvation, there are children being kidnapped. There is more going on then F#$%ing X-mas shopping.
Sorry about that folks, this is just a little disturbing to me. How can people be such huge consumers in this country??? What about the people who can't even put food on the table, what do they do for Christmas?
I could care less how long the wait was at Wal-Mart in Kansas City, or how cheap they were selling DVD players for. I have one...I don't need another one. I want to know what is going on with our soldiers who are stationed in various places around the world. How are they doing? They sure as hell aren't standing in line at Wal-Mart to buy a cheap DVD player. They are fighting, they are dying, they are trying their best to be all that they can be. They are protecting our freedom to go out and spend as much money as possible....wait that can't be right, or can it?
The Christmas season is supposed to be about caring and giving right? That doesn't mean who gives the best presents or who spends the most money on their kids,wifes, girlfriends, husbands, etc. We need to bring this season back to what it really means. Think about what Christmas means to you?
When was the last time you went and did something nice for someone at Christmas just because they were in need? When was the last time you gathered the whole family together and spent a nice evening talking (my god what is that...does it involve the t.v.?) or laughing, singing, dancing, eating, just plain having a good time.
Been a long time for me, I will be there the day before X-mas to help you find that last minute gift, or to have you yell at me b/c we don't have what you want.

Note: Christmas is the same day every year, plan ahead.

Well enough of this..I will be celebrating the holiday season with Gabe and friends, we are going to have a nice huge dinner on the 21st. I am going to be the anti-consumer this year. That doesn't mean that I am not going to buy presents for people I care about...but that does mean that I am not going to stand in line forever, or let people steal stuff outta my cart b/c it was the last tickle me elmo, or whatever the hot item for this year is.
I am going to remember my family, and wish them a wonderful season.
Next time you turn on the news, hopefully they will actually be reporting news and not what Wal-Mart has on sale.

Don't let the Door Hit Your Butt on the Way Out

I would like to thank the person who ruined my fun by posting a crap comment on my blog..if you have a problem with something on my blog email. Oh and if you aren't smart enough to push the stop button on the video then I don't want you reading my blog. Do you understand...people like you ruin things for everyone else. At least have the guts to post something with your name on it...I don't appreciate someone who can't make a comment without hiding behind some faceless post.
I am not usually this combative, but I am tired of people saying that I should do something so that they will return to my blog. If you don't like it fine...I am trying to keep in contact with friends...I don't really mind that other people don't read it. If they are so compelled to they will...traffic is not that important to me. This is an online journal of my life, I am not here to impress people with anything...so in the meantime...I would like to make new friends but on my terms...I have been trying to fit into this mold of what people want for way too long.

I was under the impression that the whole blog thing was supposed to be a freedom of expression...when did it become something different. So in an effort to appease the masses I tried altering my video code and ended up fubaring it..so thanx now I don't even have it anymore.

Thank you everyone, and next time push the button

Oh My Goodness

SO I had a meltdown...everything will be back up and running as soon as possible, thank goodness I have tomorrow off. Please be patient with me.

Now You Know my ABC's

Ok Now that I got everything up and running again...I am going to put up something simple. I am done with complicated for this evening and it is time for bed for this little chica

I got this from a friend on myspace and since it is Turkey Day and I don't really want to use my brain here it is.

A- Age of my first kiss: 13

B- Band I am listening to right now: Not really a band: Armin Van Buuren

C- Crush: Viggo Mortensen (of course!)

D- Dad's name: Thomas or Tom

E- Easiest person to talk to: Leslie

F- Favorite ice cream: I can't eat dairy, so my fav sorbet is: Raspberry

G- Gummy bears or gummy worms: Worms...mmmm yummy

H- Hometown: Don't have one

I- Instruments: Flute and Oboe

J- Junior High: Northview Middle School

K- Kids: None

L- Longest car ride ever: Watertown, NY. to Yorktown, VA.

M- Moms name: Patricia but she goes by Patty (never Pat, never never call my mom Pat)

N- Nickname: Lolly

O-One wish: to be able to live in Tokyo

P- Phobia(s): sharks

Q- Quote: Music is the Universal Language

R- Reason to smile: I don't need a reason ;)

S- Song I sang last: "Beat It" gotta love old school MJ

T- Time I woke up today: 9:20

U- Unknown fact about me: I love reading about warfare

V- Vegetable: okra

W- Worst habit: Shopping, hmmmm...and I wonder where all my money goes

X- Xrays: many times

Y- Years since ive been to church: enough

Z- Zoo animal: zebra