i'm really trying to enjoy winter here in chicago, but there's just something about feeling like your face is being bitten off by the wind that makes me NOT want to enjoy the outdoors.  i didn't grow up with winters like this.  i grew up making snowmen and snowangels, playing outside in the snow while the sun was shining, skiing, and generally loving winter-time.  ahhh nostalgia.  all you coloradoans BE GRATEFUL for what you have in old man winter.  because here in chicago, it's about the lamest thing EVER.

starbies

About five months ago I began the next adventure of my life as a barista at Starbucks.  The majority of me puts hope and faith that this is a very temporary phase of my life.  However, I'm sincerley trying to work on "blooming where I'm planted." There are days where I'm headed off to work at 4 am, very disheartened that making latte's is what I spend the majority of my time doing these days. While I know Starbucks most likely isn't in my deck of cards for years to come, I've decided to take the most I can out of this experience.  (and also, of course, partake in as many espresso drinks as possible while I'm on the clock.  they're FREE y'all!) 

I work in an insanely busy and active store; having a line out the door all day long is our normal.  While this makes the time go by more quickly, I truly have never had a job that has been quite so exhausting.  Recently, I was promoted to a shift manager, as well as asked to participate in the Starbucks Coffee Master program.  It's been a little bit of a coffee information overload for the past month of my life, but I can truly say that the coffee industry is absolutely fascinating; and the scale at which Starbucks participates in the industry is incredible.  I've gained more respect for Starbucks as a company; for their social and economic initiatives, fair-trade coffee production, and ongoing relationships with small scale farmers and cooperatives.  Did you know that by 2015, Starbucks will only serve 100% ethically grown and sourced coffee?  Pretty great.

I've always loved coffee, so I was grateful to have the opportunity to go through this program.  Now I can officially say that if I quit Starbucks tomorrow, I'll be taking away more knowledge than how to grind a full batch of coffee.  I've gained soooo much knowledge on coffee growing, production, processing methods, roasting methods, and flavor profiles of every kind of coffee you can imagine.  Basically what I'm saying, is that if you EVER, and I mean EVER have any coffee related questions, send them along my way. :)  

Oh, and also if you want to bootleg some Starbucks recipes, they are all imprinted in my mind-brain.  SABOTAGE!!   Just kidding.  Kind of.

malin!

you know how some babies are so cute you can barely stand it?  and every picture you see of them is cuter, and cuter, and then even more cute?  get ready to be jealous.  because that baby is my niece malin. 

I haven't been able to meet her yet, but CAN'T WAIT until I do.  I mean, let's be honest, cutest baby EVER.  

Malin currently resides in Stony Brook, NY; and is very anxious to meet me. 

  

happy valentines day

Sooooo yesterday I had a fun experience.  I think people can maybe resonate with me on this one, or at least imagine my situation.

Until recently, I was the proud member of a gym.  Proud might be a strong word, but at the very least I was a member of a gym, and tried my best to frequent the completely non-judgmental, non-threatening, ultra clean, smells like roses little piece of heaven that the gym represented in my life.  ahem....

So my gym life has pretty much gone as follows.  

- Go online

- Research local gyms

- Print off a free seven day pass

- Hit the gym each day for seven days (at least this was always the intended goal.  rarely happened.  actually, never happened)

- Deftly avoid all phone calls, voicemails, and even the most persistent texts from gym member representatives.

- The end.

I knew I would eventually run out of options, and I did.  So obviously my natural course of action was to join the gym that was the least expensive.  Surprisingly, I actually started to frequent the gym (even did zumba!), and soon started to see the same people every time I went.  You know what I'm talking about; the girls who are always in the trendiest workout clothes and spotless makeup, the guys in sleeveless t-shirts who are constantly checking out their muscles and bulging veins,  the guy who puts the yoga mat in the middle of the empty room to do sit-ups (really? is that complete take-over of all usable space necessary?!), and my all-time favorites....the people who are lifting weights and making the loudest and strangest grunting noises you've EVER HEARD IN YOUR LIFE!

Seriously, we've all seen this guy; using a weight machine, acting so dramatic it's like he's up for an oscar.  Typically, this is also the type of person who wears weight-lifting gloves.  Fingerless.  Bad ass.  But as soon as he starts to lift the weight, it's like all hell breaks loose and he has to scream and grunt his way through it.  Is this a cry for attention? Because it's working.     

I can never take my eyes of this person.  Is he annoying? I offer an emphatic NO.  On the contrary, I am nothing but appreciate of this guy.  A workout AND a show?  Yes please.  Why wouldn't I want something to distract me from burning thighs and hell on earth, aka the stairmaster.  

Well...all this to say, I live in a building in downtown Chicago with a sorry excuse for a "gym."  Said facility includes two treadmills (one working, and one not), one elliptical circa 1980, a weight machine, a set of free weights, and a ceiling so low that hitting your head while running on the treadmill is a given.  Oh, and a GIANT fan that will blow you over if you turn it on high.   The room is tiny, and almost motivation to NOT work out.  Nevertheless, I headed up yesterday to get my sweat on.  

There were three of us working out at the same time.  Myself, and two guys.  To my surprise and joy, one of them was a weight-lifting grunter!  And let me tell you, the sound really resonated in that small space.  It really brought a lot of joy into my life yesterday.  Hopefully I'll be seeing (and hearing) him again soon! :)

In college I had this quote posted above my desk.  I think it was an attempt to try and make the act of studying something that it inherently isn't...happy.  But I've loved this quote since the first time I read it. 

It's a reminder that is relevant to me each and every day.  From the journey through college, to working at Starbucks, to waiting for my husband to come home from business trips...being content with where I am in that exact day and moment is something of great value.  Being happy with my current season of life is essential in enjoying life to the fullest.  Yes, it's important to have dreams and goals, but not to the point that you start to dislike and become ungrateful of what you have.  

So here's to traveling happily. I have so much to be grateful and thankful for.