I just went to a Starbucks earlier this night. I just want to say, I LOVE starbucks. I love how nice the employees at my local one are, how nice the other customers are, how great the coffee is, how their store gets me in the holiday spirit, and how I smell nice after I spend a couple of hours reading in one. But tonights experience wasnt so great. I was down in Scarborough where my grandma lives, and my mom drove me to a starbucks on the way home. She wanted me to be quick because it was late and she wanted to get gas. She’s kind of impatient, but it was nice of her to buy me coffee. I, on the other hand, dont mind waiting. I like to take in life slowly, so I’m very patient waiting for my drink. I always feel its my duty to be kind to the baristas ( and whats the male vs. of barista?), so I remember to smile and say thankyou, and sometimes leave a tip. My local starbucks has nice, funny employees who have started to recognize me and give free drinks when you wait too long. This Scarborough starbucks I have also been to multiple times, and I recognize one employee. He made my drink.
I ordered a grande peppermint twist frappuccino, trying to get into the holiday spirit because starbucks just recently decked out there store with christmas-themed decor. The employees didnt seem to be annoyed or unimpressed with my order. They seemed nice, at first.
They werent rude to me. It was the time I had to wait, and the lack of care for how long I was standing there. I was waiting at the counter to pick up my frappuccino, and a girl came in to order. She ordered a caramel macchiato, and got her coffee before me, and left. I was waiting for over ten minutes. Then when he gave me my drink, there was no smile, he didnt hand it directly to me. He put it on the counter, said Here you go, and returned to joking around with his fellow employees.
It was not a busy day. When the other girl came in, there was no one in line. The line stayed pretty empty, people were just sitting enjoying their coffee.
Do I have to be a local to get respect from them? Because I’ve seen him be very kind to other customers who seem to know him. Do you think he didn’t approve of my drink because it might have been a little.. I’m not sure how to say it– frilly? As in, not what a true coffee-expert would order. It always bothers me that this one store always takes their time with my order to the extent that its inconvenient. I’ve even had employees there be rude to me.
What are your opinions?
Thankyou,
x Caroline
Alicia
I have a gold antique candle stand ( you can actually place 5 candles in it but I dont know what thats called)..I want to place this on a console table along with some other decor ( like a ceremic pot or a glass bowl or something)…any ideas?…I prefer ceremic pots cos I have loads at home!!…i dont like dried flowers…
Emily
In the woods near my house, I have some natural-growing wild blackberries. I still have NO idea on what to do with them.
I’ll accept:
Recipes)
Crafts)
Home Decor?)
Popuri?)
Thanks if anything!
Kristen
Hey this is the story I am writing. I changed some stuff and added chapter 3! I wanted you to read it and tell me what you think of the changes and added chapter.
1 Party plans
Ok that sounds great! Said 14 year old Alyssa Rod to her best friend Jessica Locks. What time? Said Alyssa. How about now? Said Jessica. Ok sure now it is! See you in a few Jess! In a few Aly! *click* Jessica was coming over to make plans for her annual birthday sleepover. Alyssa pulled her long black hair in a pony tail and put on some pink eye shadow which complimented her blue eyes. *ding-dong* I got it mom its Jessica! Ok dear. Said Alyssa’s middle aged, black haired, green eyed mother. Hi Jess!
Hey Aly-o-mally!
Man Jess when you say a few minutes you mean a few minutes!
Yes but we have to many things to be doing for me to be dilly dallying around! Plus it doesn’t really hurt that I live next door! Jessica looked nice as usual with her wavy blond hair and chocolate drop eyes. And she was wearing a pink spring dress.
No I don’t think it does!
Party plans now move it Aly!
Ok ok take a chill-pill! Do you want something to drink?
Sure do you have diet coke?
Um I don’t know let me check. She looked and there it was. Yes we have it.
Ok toss it here.
Ok. Alyssa tossed her the diet coke. Ok first things first Aly we need 15 guests because it is you 15th birthday. Ten minutes later the guest list was complete! Ok now my favorite part snacks! Said Jessica.
Jess after last year I think we all know that’s your favorite part remember?
Oh yeah the contest to see who could eat the most bags of chips in 5 minutes!
Yeah and you downed 7!
Haha remember how you tried to make a trophy for me out of the bags?
Oh yeah we ended up getting a huge chip poking a hole in it and sticking a Q-tip through the hole! An hour later all the party plans where set in stone. Ok that’s it! See ya later Jess!
Bye Aly-o-mally!
Alyssa sat down to watch TV in her favorite purple chair. You see Alyssa’s mom likes to decorate there house in modern decor, so the house was filled with colorful and strange objects. Hey mom! Alyssa shouted.
Yes! Her mom shouted back.
Can we go to the store tomorrow and get my party stuff?
Yes that would be fine!
Yeah I can’t wait this party is going to rock! Later that night before Alyssa went to bed she typed in her blog: Hey my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ! How is everyone that is reading this? I am so happy! My 15th birthday is coming up and as always I am going to have a Sleepover! But sadly this Sleepover is my last because you can’t have a Sleepover for you sweet 16! Well I know this party is going to rock and I hope you keep rockin for the Lord! Sweet dreams. She had typed the sweet dreams part half way to herself and half way to her blogger friends. Alyssa! Alyssa honey wake up its time to go shopping for your party! Said Alyssa’s mom.
Ugh! Can’t we go later? I am so tired!
No its summer most kids will want to sleep in then hit the mall so it will be crazy later.
No because everyone knows that so they are there with the same idea!
Alyssa Maria Rod! Do you want me to take you shopping or not? Now get up and get dressed!
Can I at least call Jess so she can be miserable with me?
Miserable? I don’t see how being a little bit tired could make you miserable but I suposse so just hurry!
Thanks mom! Alyssa went to the phone so she could call Jessica but right when she was about to get it Josh her younger, copper haired, hazel eyed brother grabbed it from her. Give me that back! Alyssa yelled.
No way I need to call my friend!
Yeah oh well! Alyssa grabbed the phone and started running.
Hello? Said Jessica.
Jess! Hey its me Aly!
Hey Aly whats up?
Do you want to go party shopping with me and my mom today?
Uh duh! haha ok when do I need to be ready?
Now.
Ok! Later!
Bye! *ding-dong* Um didn’t I just hang up with you? Questioned Alyssa. I was already on my way over I knew you would start early I have known your mom long enough! It was true Jessica had been a friend of the family since she was 2.
So you ready? Said Jessica.
Yes she is ready now lets go before the mall goes crazy! Said Alyssa’s mom. They pulled up to the mall at 11:25 AM.
Finally I though we would never make it! Said Alyssa’s mom.
Well we did mom so please calm down!
Fine but you will thank me later!
Sure mom whatever you say. After two hours of shopping they stopped at the food court to get lunch.
Aly? Jess? What do you want? Alyssa’s mom asked.
Um I want Cheese Pizza and a root beer! Said Jessica.
Me to! Said Alyssa. They sat down to eat then got there bags and headed home. Hey can you hang out for a bit Jess?
No I gotta work on my summer reading list.
Ok I will see you tomorrow for the party! Bye Jess!
Bye Aly-o-mally! Alyssa was pretty tired so she went to write in her blog then crashed.
2 There’s really no sleeping at a Sleepover
12, 13, 14… Where’s 15? Jess I am only counting 14 do you know whe- *ding-dong* whew! Alyssa wiped her forehead for emphasis. Ok looks like everyone is here! Time to eat! Said Alyssa’s mom. For the first half hour girls where eating pizza and drinking soda’s after that the they where all so bloated they sat around and watched a movie. But after that miss life of the party Jessica got all the girls to play truth or dare. Ok Alyssa truth or dare? Said Molly a girl from her church.
UUUUUUUUUUUUM dare!
Ok I dare you to go into your dad’s room grab one of his boxers and freeze it!
No way nope not gonna happen if he found out he would kill me!
Ok then I geuss were going to have to hose you down outside naked!
Come on can’t we bend the rules this time?
Nope!
Fine but if I go down your going down with me!
Ok we’ll go with you! As they walked through the house the girls could not suppress their giggles.
Go on Aly go get them! Said Molly.
Its a good thing he’s not here or I probably would have pnemonia right now! Then came more giggles from the girls. Alyssa grabbed the boxers and ran for it!
Oh my gosh I can’t believe we just.. or in better terms I just did that! Now lets freeze them!
Woah you went from party pooper to party animal! What happened? Said Jessica.
I don’t know when I grabbed the boxers I got a surge of energy! Now lets freeze them before the energy is gone!
Ok come on gal-pals! Said Molly.
Gal-Pals? Jessica asked.
Yeah my new word for the night!
Um ok whatever! The next morning the girls where happy and perky and grabbing doughnuts like the world was about to run out.
Must be adrenilene! Said Alyssa’s mom. I have never seen girls not sleep a wink then be so perky!
What can I say mom we are unique gems!
Unique gems huh? I like that one! Don’t forget it!
Oop that’s my mom! Said Molly the last guest other then Jessica of course. It was around 4:00 but Molley’s mom had run late.
Bye Molley! Said Alyssa.
Bye Aly! Said Molly.
Hey Jess do you want to crash here againn tonight?
Sure! Let me just asked my mom…. There she is now. Jessica saw her mom through the window as she was going to the mailbox. Jessica opened the window and shouted to her unsuspecting mother. HEY MOM! Her mom starteled threw up the mail and turned to the window. Jessica Locks! Don’t you ever do that again you hear me?
Yes mom! Hey can I spend the night here again?
Of course.
Thanks mom!! Jessica closed the window and tried talk but Alyssa stopped her. I heard!
Can I barrow some of your clothes? Asked Jessica.
Well duh!
They watched TV for a few hours then went to bed right after her dad came home. Just as they crawled into bed Alyssa’s black (but graying) haired, green eyed, middle aged dad knocked on the door. Girls can I come in?
Sure! They both answered. As he walked in his hands held his frozen boxers. When the girls saw this they had no answer but laughter.
Camp?
You did what! Jessica shouted.
I sighned us up to be camp counselors! Said Alyssa a little surprised at Jessica’s reaction. I mean why should Jess be so upset? She has 4 younger cousins. I should think she would be used to kids! Hmm I should tell her that..
You know you have for younger cousins you should be able to act a little more mature then this!
Oh you want mature? Well your not acting mature because the mature thing to do would have been you ASKING me!
We are asighned to the same dorm it’s not like your going to be alone! Man your really being a baby! As soon as she said that Jessica’s face got fire red.
Me a baby? Your 15 and you still sleep with a Night light!
Holding back the hot angry tears that wanted to rush down her face oh so much she said. Oh whatever! Your acting like a brat here not me! And for once I am not going to stop you!
Fine Alyssa! I mean do you really think I care about you and what you do? That was it!
Those hot angry tears where freed from the prison of her eyes.
Well fine Jessica if that’s how you feel!
IT IS!
FINE!
FINE! Alyssa took off. She ran the 2 blocks home like there was no tomorrow. She knew her parents wouldn’t mind. They trusted her. When she got home she looked through her purse for the key and opened the door ran up to her room and cried. It was not the first her and Jessica had fought they had been friends forever. But it still was not something they did often. About an hour later she had cried all her tears and decided to come out of her room to get a snack. She chose a mini bag of pretzels and a apple juice box. When she finished her snack the phone rang. The caller ID said Jessica. At first she thought about ignoring it. But she couldn’t. She answered. When she did at the same time they both said: I’m sorry. The Aly caught the next line. I’m sorry I should have asked you first.
Yeah but I way overeacted! I didn’t mean anything I said.
I didn’t either.
I’m sorry Jess!
I’m sorry to Aly! Hey wanna come over for ice cream? I got Ben and Jerry’s!
What flavor?
Does it matter?
Maybe.
Ok I will give you clues. It is chocolate with marshmallow and caramel swirls. Oh and chocolate fish.
Fishy Food!! My favorite I will be right there!
Yum! Said Alyssa as she stuffed a big bit of ice cream in her mouth. Hey Aly?
Yeah Jess?
I have made a dissision. Jessica announced.
Oh and what dissision would that be?
I am going to camp with you!
You don’t have to Jess I understand.
I know I don’t have to! I want to!
Really?
Well of course!
Yay!
But be prepared for me to freak on you!
Hey you’ll do fine.
I hope so!
Jose
I just brought a home. I am a diaster when it comes to color cordination and shceme. I need to know where can I get ideas or find an affordable interior decorater. I have a compile of ideas but no way to lay it out. I just remodel my kitchen and tile the whole house. I love it! but I cant get the colors, furniture and feel I am seeking together. HELP!
Michelle
Our home decor is inspired by Asia. I already have bamboo, orchids and I have a real bad experience with bonzais. Any others asian inspired plants that you know about?
Duane
I LOVE retro stuff, like from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, and I really want to redo my bedroom in that kind of theme. Where can I get furniture (in good condition) and home decor (including bedding) from those eras? Also, any tips on how to decorate? Thanks
Thanks, everyone! Also, anyone have specific websites or links? Thanks
Chris
I am writing this fro young girls ages 11-15 and I really want to know what you think. It iss not finished yet I only have two chapters but I want to know what you think so far. 1 Party plans
Ok that sounds great! Said 14 year old Alyssa Rod to her best friend Jessica Locks. What time? Said Alyssa. How about now? Said Jessica. Ok sure now it is! See you in a few Jess! In a few Aly! *click* Jessica was coming over to make plans for her annual birthday sleepover. Alyssa pulled her long black hair in a pony tail and put on some pink eyeshadow which complimented her blue eyes. *ding-dong* I got it mom its Jessica! Ok dear. Said Alyssa’s middle aged, black haired, green eyed mother. Hi Jess!
Hey Aly-o-mally!
Man Jess when you say a few minutes you mean a few minutes!
Yes but we have to many things to be doing for me to be dilly dalling around! Plus it doesn’t really hurt that I live next door! Jessica looked nice as usual with her wavy blond hair and chocolate drop eyes. And she was wearing a pink spring dress.
No I don’t think it does!
Party plans now move it Aly!
Ok ok take a chill-pill! Do you want something to drink?
Sure do you have diet coke?
Um I don’t know let me check. She looked and there it was. Yes we have it.
Ok toss it here.
Ok. Alyssa tossed her the diet coke. Ok first things first Aly we need 15 guests becuase it is you 15th birthday. Ten minutes later the guest list was complete! Ok now my favorite part snacks! Said Jessica.
Jess after last year I think we all know thats your favorite part remember?
Oh yeah the contest to see who could eat the most bags of chips in 5 minutes!
Yeah and you downed 7!
Haha remember how you tried to make a trophy for me out of the bags?
Oh yeah we ended up getting a huge chip poking a hole in it and sticking a Q-tip through the hole! An hour later all the party plans where set in stone. Ok thats it! See ya later Jess!
Bye Aly-o-mally!
Alyssa sat down to watch TV in her favorite purple chair. You see Alyssa’s mom likes to decorate there house in modern decor, so the house was filled with colorful and strange objects. Hey mom! Alyssa shouted.
Yes! Her mom shouted back.
Can we go to the store tomorrow and get my party stuff?
Yes that would be fine!
Yeah I can’t wait this party is going to rock! Later that night before Alyssa went to bed she typed in her blog: Hey my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ! How is everyone that is reading this? I am so happy! My 15th birthday is coming up and as always I am going to have a Sleepover! But sadly this Sleepover is my last because you can’t have a Sleepover for you sweet 16! Well I know this party is going to rock and I hope you keep rockin for the Lord! Sweet dreams. She had typed the sweet dreams part half way to herself and half way to her blogger friends. Alyssa! Alyssa honey wake up its time to go shopping for your party! Said Alyssa’s mom.
Ugh! Can’t we go later? I am so tired!
No its summer most kids will want to sleep in then hit the mall so it will be crazy later.
No because everyone knows that so they are there with the same idea!
Alyssa Maria Rod! Do you want me to take you shopping or not? Now get up and get dressed!
Can I at least call Jess so she can be miserable with me?
Miserable? I don’t see how being a little bit tired could make you miserable but I suposse so just hurry!
Thanks mom! Alyssa went to the phone so she could call Jessica but right when she was about to get it Josh her younger, copper haired, hazel eyed brother grabbed it from her. Give me that back! Alyssa yelled.
No way I need to call my friend!
Yeah oh well! Alyssa grabbed the phone and started running.
Hello? Said Jessica.
Jess! Hey its me Aly!
Hey Aly whats up?
Do you want to go party shopping with me and my mom today?
Uh duh! haha ok when do I need to be ready?
Now.
Ok! Later!
Bye! *ding-dong* Um didn’t I just hang up with you? Questioned Alyssa. I was already on my way over I knew you would start early I have known your mom long enough! It was true Jessica had been a friend of the family since she was 2.
So you ready? Said Jessica.
Yes she is ready now lets go before the mall goes crazy! Said Alyssa’s mom. They pulled up to the mall at 11:25 AM.
Finally I though we would never make it! Said Alyssa’s mom.
Well we did mom so please calm down!
Fine but you will thank me later!
Sure mom whatever you say. After two hours of shopping they stopped at the food court to get lunch.
Aly? Jess? What do you want? Alyssa’s mom asked.
Um I want Cheese Pizza and a root beer! Said Jessica.
Me to! Said Alyssa. They sat down to eat then got there bags and headed home. Hey can you hang out for a bit Jess?
No I gotta work on my summer reading list.
Ok I will see you tomorrow for the party! Bye Jess!
Bye Aly-o-mally! Alyssa was pretty tired so she went to write in her blog then crashed.
2 There’s really no sleeping at a Sleepover
12, 13, 14… Where’s 15? Jess I am only counting 14 do you know whe- *ding-dong* whew! Alyssa wiped her forehead for emphasis. Ok looks like everyone is here! Time to eat! Said Alyssa’s mom. For the first half hour girls where eating pizza and drinking soda’s after that the they where all so bloated they sat around and watched a movie. But after that miss life of the party Jessica got all the girls to play truth or dare. Ok Alyssa truth or dare? Said Molly a girl from her church.
UUUUUUUUUUUUM dare!
Ok I dare you to go into your dad’s room grab one of his boxers and freeze it!
No way nope not gonna happen if he found out he would kill me!
Ok then I geuss were going to have to hose you down outside naked!
Come on can’t we bend the rules this time?
Nope!
Fine but if I go down your going down with me!
Ok we’ll go with you! As they walked through the house the girls could not suppress their giggles.
Go on Aly go get them! Said Molly.
Its a good thing he’s not here or I probably would have pnemonia right now! Then came more giggles from the girls. Alyssa grabbed the boxers and ran for it!
Oh my gosh I can’t believe we just.. or in better terms I just did that! Now lets freeze them!
Woah you went from party pooper to party animal! What happened? Said Jessica.
I don’t know when I grabbed the boxers I got a surge of energy! Now lets freeze them before the energy is gone!
Ok come on gal-pals! Said Molly.
Gal-Pals? Jessica asked.
Yeah my new word for the night!
Um ok whatever! The next morning the girls where happy and perky and grabbing doughnuts like the world was about to run out.
Must be adrenilene! Said Alyssa’s mom. I have never seen girls not sleep a wink then be so perky!
What can I say mom we are unique gems!
Unique gems huh? I like that one! Don’t forget it!
Oop thats my mom! Said Molly the last geust other then Jessica of course. It was around 4:00 but Molley’s mom had run late.
Bye Molley! Said Alyssa.
Bye Aly! Said Molly.
Hey Jess do you want to crash here againn tonight?
Sure! Let me just asked my mom…. There she is now. Jessica saw her mom through the window as she was going to the mailbox. Jessica opened the window and shouted to her unsuspecting mother. HEY MOM! Her mom starteled threw up the mail and turned to the window. Jessica Locks! Don’t you ever do that again you hear me?
Yes mom! Hey can I spend the night here again?
Of course.
Thanks mom!! Jessica closed the window and tried talk but Alyssa stopped her. I heard!
Can I barrow some of your clothes? Asked Jessica.
Well duh!
They watched TV for a few hours then went to bed right after her dad came home. Just as they crawled into bed Alyssa’s black (but graying) haired, green eyed, middle aged dad knocked on the door. Girls can I come in?
Sure! They both answered. As he walked in his hands held his frozen boxers. When the girls saw this all they could do was laugh.
David
