Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Intervention


On numerous occasions I have mentioned that I might be a wee bit addicted to Starbucks.

Like most addictions it was a gradual process. I first started off with Quick Trip cappuccinos. I usually got a mocha, occasionally a french vanilla. I started drinking them when I worked in a hospital lab in Tulsa when I had to go in EARLY... we're talking 5:00 am some mornings. I needed the caffeine boost, that and the cheap sausage biscuit. But I never inhaled! I just slowly sipped.

I'm trying to remember my first trip to Starbucks... its funny, you think you would remember the first time you met someonething that meant so much to you. I do remember the intimidation-- Carmel Machiatto or Mocha Latte? Half Caf, DeCaf, Extra Shot? Soy Milk, Whole Milk, NonFat? It was almost too much so I stuck to what I knew-- Mocha.

And so began the love affair destined to be written of in blogs, well mine anyway.

Moving to Little Rock probably triggered my move to big time caffeinated drinks. Quick Trips didn't exist in Little Rock and other gas station cappuccino dispensers just didn't cut it. I mean really, nothing says "Mocha Latte" like a Shell gas station.

I do know that Starbucks became a regular part of my routine when I started working as a kitchen designer. Often I was so busy that I didn't have time for lunch so I stopped every morning for my Grande Mocha and blueberry muffin or scone. The people there knew me and would sometimes have my drink started before I walked in the door. It was my own personal Cheers, only I don't ever remember them all yelling "Denise!" as I walked in the door and I KNOW I would remember that. But after I adopted Jenna I decided to leave the outside working world and Starbucks became a rare and beautiful thing.

Over the years since, I have found ways to feed my addiction find money for drinks and Starbucks has become a bad habit that I have had a hard time kicking. Only I think I found a way...

I rarely go inside a Starbucks. HELLO!!! That's why they made drive thrus! Many milestones have occurred while waiting in line in a Starbucks drive thru. Important talks with my children, finding my first gray hair, singing High School Musical duets. Good times. Good times. But staying in that lane is driving my addiction. No pun intended. Wait, its a good one -- OK pun intended.

This past Saturday Julia took a sewing class at Joann Fabrics which started at 9:30. I had been good and hadn't been to Starbucks in 2 days. I had even drove past a Starbucks and didn't stop. (This from the woman who thinks it would be rude to pass Starbucks and not stop by and say hello.) So to reward myself for my self control AND the fact that I had everyone out of the house by 9:10 I thought I deserved a Starbucks. I dropped Julia off at her class and proceeded to the nearest Starbucks. Unfortunately, it didn't have a drive thru.

I drove into the parking lot and realized this might be a major undertaking. I had Jenna, Ryan and Emma with me. First I had to get them all out of the car, across the parking lot and into Starbucks. Easy Cheesy, you say? Emma still doesn't walk and isn't the most petite of babies these days. Ryan usually wants to be carried in places he's not sure about and Jenna, well, I was hoping that she would be a helper.

Thankfully I got them all unloaded and carrying a child in each arm and one hanging on my purse we dodged the incoming traffic. I'm the first to admit I want my Starbucks but slow down people! They're not going to run out! Trust me if they did, you'd hear about it on the news and when was the last time you read that headline?

We got inside, Ryan let me put him down and we faced our first obstacle: A Line. I was expecting it. It was Saturday morning a little before 10:00. The world was up, semi-awake and needing their drug of choice coffee. Of course the cooler of drinks was just all too much for little hands and both Ryan and Jenna had to have a juice bottle. Emma could care less about the drinks. She just wanted down on the floor so she could practice standing and then literally throwing herself onto her belly on the floor looking very much like a beached whale, her new favorite trick. No way, sister! It may be Starbucks, The Awesomest Place On Earth (as told to me last week by the employee at the drive thru) but the floor is still dirty. So I held a squirming butterball as I finally made my way to the counter.

Drinks were ordered, Ryan's juice was scanned after much protest (he thought it was being taken away) and donuts were requested. I had just realized these poor children hadn't eaten breakfast yet. Of course, Emma is grabbing at everything in site as I'm trying to order. I'm having to angle my body in an odd and unusual position to actually be close enough for the employee to hear my order over the dim roar of the people around us but keep Emma far enough away that she isn't crawling over the register trying to play with the stacks of cups. The order is complete, paid for and then we wait.

I had ordered a drink for Ross, who was still at home. most likely still asleep. Sweet Ross has been known on many occasion to stop at Starbucks and bring me a drink, paid for with his own money. If nothing else, this would entice him out of bed. But it dawned on me that getting the children, 4 drinks and a bag of pastries across the parking lot and into the car might be difficult.

I had Jenna and Ryan wait at a table while the other drinks were made. Emma was freaking out because they both had straws for their drinks and she didn't. Off to get her a straw. Straw falls on ground. Crying ensues. Get another straw. Where are those drinks? Ryan wants his donut-- not yet! Finally the drinks are done.

Ryan held his drink and Jenna's hand. Jenna held Ryan's hand and her drink. I held Emma on my left side along with my purse. The pastry bag was on my right arm. My keys were in my right hand as well as a hot drink and the other hot drink was in my left hand. Got it?

(Note the amazingly lifelike artist rendition}

We made it to the curb and faced the incoming traffic. I looked at Ryan and Jenna and said "We can do this!" and we made our way across the parking lot without any accidents or damage.

I haven't been to Starbucks since.






74 comments:

wingepr said...

Are you sure you arent a writer? Maybe for a TV sitcom.

I'd have to say you know youre addicted when>>>>>>>

but at least you know!

Peggy

Teresa =) said...

Denise -

I can't believe I was at the edge of my seat reading that...and it was all about buying COFFEE?!! Either you're a great writer (true) or I'm just as addicted to Starbucks as you are (also true). Ever tried the Mocha with a shot of Raspberry syrup? Divine.

Wish I could have been a fly on the wall as you wrangled all those kids and drinks back to the van. You didn't tell us how you opened the car door...I'm sure it was a sight to behold! (Maybe you have automatic doors...now that just might work...)

Please, don't give up on Starbucks. After all, at some point all those kids of yours will be in school!! You WILL get out by yourself again, sister. Keep the faith!

Teresa =)

Denise Grover Swank said...

Peggy,

Thank you for the highest of compliments! I love writing my blog! Its so much fun but even more fun when I know that people actually like it.

Denise

Denise Grover Swank said...

Teresa,

I have key rings with the automatatic locks and door openers. Very spoiled girl here. ;>) Even so, it was a bit of a trick opening with a drink in my hand!

Kristin said...

Oh Denise, you just crack me up. I need to do a road trip to see you. :-)

I won't even take my two little ones to the grocery store unless I absolutely HAVE to. You are the man (so to speak, that is!).

I need to send you something--once my brain finally remembers. Just be sure to leave the little ones at home when you use it!!!

Denise Grover Swank said...

Kristin,

Road trip? Without kids??? Name the time and place, girl!!!

As for the surprise coming to me... no kids when I use it... its not a man is it? LOL

Denise

Regina said...

OHHH Starbuck's!!! I know what you mean about the Mocha's. I was craving one tonight actually, and I don't even like coffee. LOL!! I always get mine with a single shot.
It is truly amazing to me that there were so many people around and not a single one would offer to help you.

Shari U said...

Denise, I just found your blog the other day and I'm completely taken in. I've spent waaaaay too much time trying to read from the beginning. I'm terribly sorry for the loss of your husband. What an amazing woman you are, though! Your children must be very proud of you. (or they think you've gone completely mad). The Starbucks story is great, you painted such a picture and took me back to the days when I had too many teeny, tiny kiddos! I look forward to reading more.

Anonymous said...

Denise,

I am also a Starbucks addict...I think they must put something in the coffee. I never and I mean never even drank coffee for most of my adult life, until I discovered Mocha's...ahhhh. I can hardly drive by one without stopping and I go out of my way every morning before work just to stop.

Love your blog. It is so funny, touching and inspiring.

Susan and Kate (adopted from Yangxi, China 9/18/2006 at the age of 3)
Riverview FL

Kristin said...

Denise,
No, sorry, but it's not a man! I need to remember to get to the post office tomorrow. Wish me luck. :-)

But hey, if we can meet somewhere with or without kids, I'm there!! Who am I kidding? I'll have the kids. I'll pull out the map and see where we could go. Of course, this depends on the Army stuff here at my house. I'll elaborate later.

Kristy said...

Well at least us women have our priorities straight right!!! lol

Love, Kristy

Donna said...

Starbucks just might be worth all that hassle. Grande White Mocha please!

Surely you can find another Starbucks with a drive-thru. It would be totally worth the extra gallons of gas. :)

And yes, you are a gifted writer. I love your blog!

Donna
mom to Lena and Macey

Jennifer said...

We don't have a Starbucks around here or I think I would have an addiction too. I have to settle for the local quick trip cappuccino machine. :)

Anne said...

Wow - you are one brave woman!

BloggessJ said...

I've never been to a Starbucks.

Laura said...

Hung out alone w/o children in a Starbucks today
it was very nice







and quiet

Betsy Eves @JavaCupcake said...

Why I will never leave Washington.... It's socially acceptable to have a Sbux in your hand 24 hours a day and everyone knows where the closest 5-10 Starbucks are including the drive-thrus. :)

cat said...

Gosh, what an experience, but we will go far and wide for our addictions. And guess what , no Starbucks in South Africa!

Alex the Girl said...

Fortunately, I don't drink coffee (gasp), but I like their fruity tea. I don't know if I would have had the courage to take the trip though. I'm a drive through diva. Wish they'd make supermarket drive thoughs though.

Astrid in Bristling Acres said...

Ha ha ha! I loved reading this post!!!

I do love me a latte but I have to admit that I make GREAT lattes at home. A little bit easier on the budget to make them at home. :)

Happy SITS day!

(yes...I've been in that exact position as your realistic drawing! However, I don't think I got so lucky...I usually spill something!)

Willo said...

mmmm Starbucks

Stereos and Souffles said...

Love the illustration!

Tabitha Blue said...

Starbucks is worth it, but still, that's an undertaking. And you all made it out with no scars!! Way to go mom!

:)
~Tabitha~

freshmommyblog.com

Amber D. said...

Okay, I can't believe you made it! The suspense was killing me to see if you made it to the car.

BTW- your children are beautiful!

jubilee said...

With all that adrenaline pumping from your excursion, it's no wonder that the caffeine didn't put you over the top! tee hee.

Dianna@KennedyAdventures said...

how hysterical! This is the PRECISE reason I DO NOT take my children into Starbucks ... I can't handle all of them! HAppy SITS day!

piecemeal people said...

OK, two things.

1.) This line killed me: "I'm the first to admit I want my Starbucks..." Well I would hope so! I am cracking up thinking about how YOU must have looked to the people driving past! ;)

2.) You said you got all those little peanuts dressed and out the door by 9 a.m. OH MY GOD HOW??? You must share your secrets with the rest of us.

Cammie said...

I share this addiction as well!

Cher said...

Ha! Happy SITS day! Ps--I love the design of your blog! Very stylish!

said...

And I thought my diet Coke addiction was inconvenient at times! LOL

Happy SITS feature day!

ACH said...

Love it! This story of reminds me of my mother's Starbucks "problem"!

Debbie said...

I'm loving getting to know you!

Unknown said...

I'm totally right there with you, except mine is a Diet coke addiction. Luckily my addiction is a little cheaper.

Mary | Deep South Dish said...

For some reason Starbucks never caught on in the deep south. Probably a good thing because there was a time I was literally addicted to coffee - drank it ALL day long. I think we have exactly ONE Starbucks now - inside a casino. Don't feel sorry for us though... there are coffee joints all over the place these days. They are just "homegrown" versions!

Happy SITS Day!

Mary

Vickie said...

You are one brave lady! My kids like Burger King and if it didn't have a drive thru, we would not go in.

Good patience and coordination!

Love the picture:)

Unknown said...

Wow, nothing like an adventure like that to help break an addiction! I have the same "problem" you know, it's the chai tea lattes for me!

Anonymous said...

I'm not a coffee drinker, but I just went to Starbucks for the first time last month...they suggested their frothy milk (not sure of the real name). I'm lactose intolerant and you would think I'm smart enough to not order milk. But, all the rave reviews had me convinced it was worth the stomach ache. Needless to say, just had a few sips of that yummy stuff, and it was killing me to not just guzzle it down. Cheers to Starbucks!

Barb said...

You are tooo funnny.....LOL...
I will never think the same way when I go to Starbucks again...LOL
Happy SITS day....

Michelle said...

No way! You stopped going????

I have forgotten, why didnt you pull through the drive thru?

Ash said...

(clearning throat) Hi. My name is Em. And I'm a Starbucksaholic too.

I swear, if establishments would only understand the value in a drive thru - I would buy anything if it meant I didn't have to get the kids out of the car!!!

Jolene said...

Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to get your coffee, right?
I love your illustration btw..lol

L said...

How funny that I just told you to grab a great coffee and didn't even know you had this addiction!

I do too. I remember my first trip, who I was with, the conversation, the smell, the taste, OH MY!

I may have to blog about it. :-)

Super funny!

Ali said...

I remember my first time--I worked at the Starbucks in Barnes and Noble before they opened in Little Rock and stayed for only a few months after the grand opening. I had a mocha a day--yum!

Ritch in Love said...

Holy Cannoli! Didn't anyone help you?! You are a power mom! I'm impressed. I would have sat longingly in the car with all those kids and wished and hoped and then driven home....

Crystal Renee said...

That's definitely an addiction, lol. But this is why my three don't go HARDLY anywhere. Times like this where I wanna make a "pit stop" like the book store, etc!

Dawna said...

I am a total coffee junkie! But I have never, ever, been to Starbucks. :( Only because I live in the boonies and there isn't one with 50 miles of my home. Otherwise, I'd probably be a total addict.

angie said...

Hey! That's my sis, Ali, a couple comments above me! And she was the one that introduced me to mochas! Raspberry mochas are my absolute favorite.

jaquelyn {mama thoughts} said...

I looove Starbucks! Happy SITS day!

Come enter my 100th post giveaway!
http://thesweetestpetunia.blogspot.com/2009/04/100-and-giveaway.html

Laura said...

I don't like coffee of any kind (even with chocolate in it), but I am addicted to coke icees. I've tried to break the habit without success.

Charmaine said...

That's great!

Sarah said...

Yikes! I have a hard time with this manuver with only 2 children. Good for you! The real kicker is when the potty trained child needs to use the potty after we have all of our goodies!

Katie Lane said...

I need a picture like that for some of my addictions!

Ryan Ashley Scott said...

Well that's one way to kick the habit! If they made every addict go through all that for one sampling, there might be less addiction in the world! :)

Marrdy said...

Oh, the things we do for our addictions!

Stephanie said...

LOL - I can totally visualize your story. I'm glad everyone made it out okay. Happy SITS day.

Sheryl said...

You need to find a baby sitter for an hour and go to Starbucks by yourself, after all that, you deserve it.

C.G. the Foodie said...

I have an addiction to Starbucks too! My students all know what my drink choices are. Scary!!!

WildfireBelle said...

Talk about harshing your mellow!!!

Brandy said...

Why didn't you tell me you were an artist?! I have been looking EVERYWHERE for someone to do a stick figure, cartoon drawing of me!

Tanielle said...

WOW. Fun experience?!?

Deborah said...

Now tell me, did any of the incoming traffic offer you a hand? I would have but strangely enough I haven't met many people that do!

Anonymous said...

I'm a "Tall, skim, no water Chai" girl myself ...

Hope you had a great SITS day!

Heather said...

Good jjob! I can't imagine! I only have 2 kids and I don't htink I could have handled it!

Unknown said...

This is why as a mom of little ones, I am not a patron of anywhere that doesn't have a drive thru!

Aubrey said...

I will NOT go to a Starbucks that doesn't have a drive thru! NOT with the ornery toddler I have!

Becky said...

Now that sounds like fun ;)
You have an awesome way with words! I am enjoying reading your posts immensely!

Cassie said...

oh my goodness...the things we do for our drug of choi...errr I mean coffee breaks!!! It was like watching a commercial in my head the whole time!! Amazing!!!

t said...

I think I am the only person on earth who has never had a cup of coffee! Some days I wish I could start...could use the caffeine!!

Mimi said...

Well the Starbucks thing is fine & all, but your artistic skills are amazing! Very similiar to mine ;-)

Mimi Head said...

Great story!

Mommy's Wish List said...

Mommy versus handful of toddlers: MOMMY WINS! OMG, funniest. Starbucks. Story. Ever.

Sam_I_am said...

I laughed so hard, you're a much better juggler than I would be!

Meg said...

What Mama wants, Mama gets! You are a braver soul than I.

Michelle said...

I am truly impressed. No spills? No lost children or coffee? I'll have to remember this experience for the next time I need to break a bad habit. Fortunately, caffeine and I don't get along so well... and it's hard to justify spending that much money on a cup of coffee :)

Kudos to you for getting done!