Why Starbucks?

After yesterday's breakdown over my local Starbucks closing, I decided to go there this morning and spend a little quality time with my obsession.

It isn't like I get Starbucks every day, or even every week. Some times I will go weeks without Starbucks because I'm not in the right part of town. My general rule is that if I pass one, I stop and get something because they are so few and far between here in the land that time forgot.

I decided on this trip that I was really going to pay attention and try to remember every moment of my visit. I told the cashier (who ended up being the manager) that I was sad about the closing. She was very empathetic and told me that the employees from her store are going to be reabsorbed into the store in South Ogden and anyone that isn't will be getting a nice severance package. She also said that she doesn't know when they are closing and she will have at least 30 days notice so I can keep visiting until then. It is good to know that I don't have to quit cold turkey and can slowly deal with my loss.

I sat in one of the nice arm chairs that they have there and enjoyed my coffee. I took in the atmosphere and let my soul soak up the happiness that I feel when I am in Starbucks. I decided that I wanted to figure out why Starbucks means so much to me. It can't be the overpriced coffee! And then it hit me.

Starbucks is my Tiffany's!

I just happened to watch Breakfast at Tiffany's for the 1st time yesterday and it was as if all of the puzzle pieces where coming together.

I thought about the quote from the movie that I rewound a couple of times because it seemed to profound.

Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there.

You see, I had my first cup of Starbucks Creamy Goodness back in August 2000. I had just packed up everything that would fit in my little black Ford Escort and left my horrible marriage. I moved to Denver and I never looked back. Well, maybe for a minute but I left my crappy life and started a brand new one.

I got a job and my Sister let me sleep on her couch. Then, in the next couple months I had a couple of runs of bad luck. I needed a root canal and didn't have insurance yet. The engine in my car blew up and my soon to be ex-husband dropped off the face of the earth. I later found him living in his truck but I had to find a way to divorce him without his input.

I was flat broke but I was happy. I was beginning a new life in a new town and I had Starbucks. I couldn't afford it all the time, usually once a week or so but sitting inside a Starbucks with it's warm woods, comfortable chairs and soothing music was a reprieve from my difficult life.

Starbucks became a calm in the storm for me. Somewhere I could go and feel carefree. I would get so excited for that first taste of White Chocolate Latte with Whipped Cream! Happiness in a cup. And you know, holding a Starbucks cup in your hand is a status symbol. Just ask half of Hollywood and Britney Spears! I felt better about myself and my life when I had a Starbucks.

Sitting in Starbucks this morning with my memories brought me to tears. I cried for the poor girl that had to be brave and face every fear she had and start a new life. I cried because I am so proud of her and what she has made of her life. She has a great husband and two beautiful children. If you had told her 8 years ago what her life would be like today....that all of her wildest dreams would come true. She would have laughed at you and then voted for Pedro.

And then I realized....I don't need Starbucks anymore. I have everything I need and more.

Mallory's First Starbucks