The Relapse

Posted on May 20, 2015 Posted in HumorTagged 20 something, addiction, Caffeine, Career, cold turkey, Dark Humor, habit, Humor, nostalgia, Red Bull, relapse, sick, sleep, Starbucks, The Matrix, workLeave a comment

It’s no secret that I love Starbucks (particularly their caramel macchiatos), just take a look at my blog name, ha! I get a lot of work done there as well, so if you want to rationalize my addiction, it technically pays for itself. Starbucks– however– is not the reason for this post. I have darker, more predatory addiction that I’ve relapsed from. Continue reading “The Relapse” →

Strategic Sunday Pt. 2

Posted on April 19, 2015May 17, 2015 Posted in Strategic SundayTagged adulthood, Amwriting, Apartment, Cough, Dog, Freelance, Humor, Life, Neighbors, Noisy, productivity, Sex, siblings, sick, Starbucks, tired, writingLeave a comment

Right now, I’m posted up in a new Starbucks. I’ve decided that I’m going to be different and try and write in as many different locations I can. This shouldn’t be too difficult as there are 15 Starbucks locations within a 5 miles radius of my apartment. Continue reading “Strategic Sunday Pt. 2” →

100 Day Project: Day #13

Posted on April 18, 2015 Posted in 100DayProjectTagged 100 Day Project, Amwriting, cold, Freelance, Humor, Medicine, Novel, sick, Starbucks, Tea, writingLeave a comment

In sickness and in health, I am working on my project, slowly but surely. These last few days have been tough to channel my inner creative mind as I’ve turned into a mucous factory (disgusting, I know). Still, I trek on knowing that the end result will be the finish of my book! It’s going to happen, I can feel it! Until then, I am drinking tea (shocker as I hate tea), braving the elements in hopes of literary domination! Ok, maybe the cold medicine is finally getting to me, ha. Have a great rest of the weekend!

The Coffee Snob

Posted on April 5, 2015April 5, 2015 Posted in Finances, Humor, LifeTagged addiction, Broke, budget, coffee, Creamer, finances, goals, habit, Hipster, Humor, Judas, Money, Mr. Coffee, Ritual, Snob, Starbucks, Sugar Daddy, WriterLeave a comment

I started brewing coffee at home in 2013 because A: I don’t have to put on pants to get it; B: I don’t have a sugar daddy to fund my Starbucks habit (goals). Being the creature of habit that I am, I have a very systematic approach to my coffee making process. I do not change said process and had no desire until my beloved coffee maker died on me last week, which has forced me to put on pants and drive the ever so long half mile down the street to Starbucks.

Continue reading “The Coffee Snob” →

How to be a Creep in Starbucks

Posted on March 31, 2015April 4, 2015 Posted in LifeTagged 20 something, coffee, conversation, Creeping, Flirting, Funny, Hot Guy, Humor, Interpersonal Communication, stalker, Starbucks, Strangers, Talking2 Comments

I love coffee. I also love staring at attractive men. So what do you get when you put the two together? A very distracted writer, that’s what. I’ve finally perfected my writing routine. I write my rough drafts with a pen and paper without headphones on, it’s quite glorious actually. Once I’m done fleshing out the article, I then open my laptop. You’d be surprised how productive I am lately. Anyway, I’m getting my writing on and this attractive gentleman decides to sit next to me as if he didn’t know his gorgeousness wouldn’t be a distraction. Continue reading “How to be a Creep in Starbucks” →

The Truth About Working out of a Starbucks

Posted on September 9, 2014September 9, 2014 Posted in UncategorizedTagged anxiety, bare feet, coffee, Freelance, Funny, gross, hygiene, office space, procrastination, productivity, Starbucks, toes, working, writing4 Comments

Am I the only person who can’t do anything productive at home? I mean, I may have a deadline for an article, but you’ll be sooner to find me vacuuming, cleaning my room or taking the dog to the park before I actually get to an assignment. It’s completely terrible, I know. So to ensure I get some work done, I usually opt to go to Sbux.

I am fortunate because the Starbucks I frequent happens to be over 2000 sq. ft. and is open 24/7, score! The problem though is that it is always busy and at times difficult to get a good spot with access to an outlet. However, now that UNLV is back in session, it’s not so bad. So recently, I’ve had no trouble picking a prime spot and hanging out for a few hours while I perfect my literary genius (I.E. judge my writing to death while silently deal with anxiety attacks).

-My usual set up

One of the many reasons why I love coming to this particular location (besides being open forever) is that it is totally prime for people watching. Usually I can do it from a distance, but sometimes I get stuck next to some weirdo. It doesn’t help that I have one of those, “hey come talk to me, I won’t judge” faces. Seriously, I can tell you dozens of times when strangers have just confided in me for no particular reason. I’m like a traveling priest or something. Anywho, I digress.

So today, I was able to secure a corner spot. In this location, it’s like a bench style area with about 8 desks all with outlets around them. It’s quite convenient and a great use of space, in my opinion. To add on to my delight the next two seats were empty next to me; which meant I could be a douche and spread my books around (on a side note, I am in desperate need of an office). Life was good for the first hour or so, that is, until he came along.

This dude politely comes up and asks if the seat next to me was taken. I smiled politely and said no and proceeded to move my things. I don’t have a problem with people sitting next to me so I was cool at that point. Then after ordering his drink, he sits down and does his own thing. The spaces are a bit small, but I didn’t mind because he wasn’t doing anything weird. Until he took his flip flops off and stuck his bare feet on the bench only a mere inches away from me, to my dismay.

-For the love of humanity, why?!?!?!?

To be clear, feet creep me out. Especially if I don’t know you. I don’t know your cleaning habits. What if you’re a shower abstainer? What if you have Athlete’s foot?! You just never know. Plus, how do you get comfortable putting your feet on communal space?! I just don’t get it. But I guess this is the chance I take when working in a public setting. Though I love Starbucks, Vegas sure does bring the weird out of people.

So now, I’m sitting here trying to keep my mind off of the toes that are right next to me. As you can tell, I’m not succeeding, lol. Oh, before I forget, I will be talking about where the heck I’ve been for that past month or so. I have some fun things to share with you, so at some point I will get around to writing them. Until then, have a great rest of the day!

I Came, I Saw, I Got Rejected

Posted on May 13, 2014 Posted in Bum Chronicles, Humor, LifeTagged addiction, Article, English, Feedback, Freelance, Humor, Inspired, Motivation, Positive, Pursuit of Happiness, rejection, Starbucks, Thick Skin, work, Work Ethic, writing1 Comment

Greetings!!

I am here writing to you all to tell you about my great news of failure! I was turned down today because my writing was not what they were looking for and I can honestly say I could not be more pleased. You’re probably thinking I must be on something, but really, I am glad to have received this news. Why you might ask? Because I’ve been rejected and I’m STILL HERE!!!

A few weeks ago I wrote about how I received some constructive criticism and I took it pretty hard. I also admitted that I have not had too many opportunities where my work was not good enough. It made me super sensitive to negative feedback because of my lack of experience of it. Well, that’s changing! It’s strange, I receive the email and instead of doing my normal “hide in bed and watch Duck Dynasty” routine, guess what? I wrote another article. It was that simple. Dare I say, my skin is getting thicker.

I appreciate the rejection because this time around, it made me more determined to get more involved in my writing and work harder. As a freelancer, I’ve been super fortunate to be a part of several projects that help fund my Starbucks addiction. This has also made me complacent in my writing capabilities. So to be told no every once in awhile forces me to reevaluate and put in some effort.

Today helped me solidify that I really enjoy what I do and I’m able to conquer one of my biggest fears: failure. I can’t tell you how encouraging it was for me and that it’s motivating me to keep on in my writing pursuits. Ok, now that I have that out of my system, it’s back to the writing board. Happy Tuesday!

5 Things I Could Not Live Without

Posted on May 1, 2014May 3, 2014 Posted in LifeTagged 5 things, Brain, Dog, Family, friends, happiness, Health, Humor, perspective, Starbucks, thankful, Witty4 Comments

Despite my constant whining about life, I am thankful for many things in my life. Sometimes I can forget to appreciate all that I’ve been blessed with. So here’s a list of things I’m thankful for and could not live without.

1. Family

I’m pretty sure I have the coolest parents around. Whenever I need some advice, words of encouragement, or I just need a hug, they’re always supportive with arms wide open. I’m even thankful for my siblings. We may not always see eye to eye, but as we get older they aren’t so bad ;-). My niece and nephews each stole a part of my heart when they were born. I don’t think they’ll be returning anytime soon either. If I had to choose my favorite occupation to date, it would be aunt. Also my furchild is seriously the best dog in the universe who loves me even when I’m not giving her treats. She helps me relax and enjoy the simple things and has taught me patience more ways than one.

2. Friends

Seeing as I’ve spent some time in several states, I have the privilege of having friends in different places. I’ve even managed to make a group of friends here in Vegas, which almost felt like a never-ending task in itself. Those girls provide me with awesome activities and shenanigans that I’m sure we’ll be talking about for years to come. I’ve managed to make some lifelong friends in this young life of mine and they are some of the best around. I am very thankful for everyone of them.

3. My Health

Obviously this makes the list as I would not be alive without it ;-). This is something I take for granted all the time. In reality my immune system kicks butt. I’ve rarely been sick, ever. In spite of my frustrations with trying to navigate this world, my body has never failed me. So thank you, self for keeping me healthy!

4. Starbucks

I know I know, spoken like a true junkie, but this place provides me with more than just coffee. There’s always a plethora of hot dudes, the baristas are super chill, and I get 90% of my writing done here (yes I’m at Starbucks at this very moment). I’ve actually gotten jobs out of Starbucks, I’ll do a post on that later. It is indeed my home away from home.

5. My Brain

I love my crazy little brain. If only you knew half of the craziness that goes on in my head. From time to time I’ll share my little blurbs with others, which usually incites a ton of laughter. I tend to look at things in the most random way and I would not change that for all the money in the world. Even with all of life’s insecurities, I can honestly I like the person staring back at me in the mirror. She’s pretty rad.

So to wrap this all up, I know I haven’t been the most positive as of late. Sometimes one can get wrapped up in this thing called life and that’s when you need to take a step back and appreciate what you have the most. Even just writing this, I have a smile on my face and am more so appreciative of my life and loved ones who fill it. Life isn’t always going to be sunshine and daisies, but looking back at all the awesomeness that is around me, I’ll deal. 🙂 So, what are you thankful for?

Take a Break If You Need One

Posted on April 29, 2014May 3, 2014 Posted in LifeTagged anxiety, Beanie, Brain, Break, Creative, Crochet, Freelance, Hunger, Mind, Nerves, Orange, Overwhelmed, Ravelry, Rest, Starbucks, Starving, writing2 Comments

I’ll admit it, when I get into something new, I tend to obsess, be it work, reading, or Starbucks ;-). So on my freelance journey, nothing really has changed. I think I’m so desperate to prove to myself that I can do this, I often take on a bunch of projects all at once, and will work furiously to make sure they are completed as quickly as I’ve accepted them. The problem lies in the fact that I often neglect myself whenever I’m engaged in my obsessive endeavors.

Today for example, about 30 minutes ago, I was lightheaded and dizzy. At first I thought it was an onset of an anxiety attack. Upon further speculation, I realized that I hadn’t eaten since 8am this morning. It was about 1:45 pm when I had realized this. After scarfing down a Cara Cara orange (If you’ve never had one, I highly recommend them as they are delicious) I feel a million times better.

I also came to the realization that I need to take a break from working and get away from my computer screen for a bit. With that being said, I’m going to go crochet for awhile. I’m actually pretty good at making beanies, and I’ve found a super adorable pattern on Ravelry. I’ll be sure to do a post on that a little later. I suppose the takeaway is, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a breather, and just unplug. When you’re up to it, just go back to the task at hand. Your brain and nerves will thank you. 🙂

Sometimes Things Really Do Happen For a Reason

Posted on April 24, 2014May 3, 2014 Posted in LifeTagged Art, Dog, Fate, Freelance, inspiration, Manifest Journal, New Friends, Starbucks, writing6 Comments

“Things happen for a reason”, is probably one of my biggest pet peeve quotes ever. I mean really? It offers no explanation or rationale to the situation at hand, merely suggesting that fate is like an indecisive teen at a Starbucks for the first time; it has no clue what it wants and you’re inconvenienced by the process. Well, as fate would have it, I ran into one of my neighbors and ended up having a very much needed talk.

I walk a few miles twice a day with the furchild, so I was out on my nighttime stroll and I decided to sit outside on the porch with Abbey to just enjoy the beautiful night’s sky. A few minutes into it, Abbey starts to whine as if she sees something, turns out, it was the dog from two doors down. He’s a friendly little dude so he came up to Abbey and they did the obligatory “sniff your butt” greeting. He was at my porch for a minute or so and out comes his owner, super apologetic. I didn’t mind as I was happy that Abbey is being more social with other dogs. Seeing as I’ve been working from home, I was in desperate need to talk to a human being as I’m sure my dog is getting tired of me talking to her.

So we ended up chatting and we got on the subject of work and I explained my departure from corporate slavery into freelance writing. I admitted that I was having trouble getting my footing and felt lost more than half the time. For someone with so many options, I still felt option-less. I also mentioned that I wasn’t sure I was up to the task and maybe I needed to return to the “real world” Jamie (her name I later found out) was incredibly understanding of my situation and listed a number of books to read and a site about creating a manifest journal to help streamline my goals and make them a reality. It’s about putting what you want out into the universe and making it happen. I’ve just started mine and I really dig the format.

We ended up talking for a good hour or so. I must say it was such a liberating and very much needed talk. I tend to be in my head so much that most of what I want to accomplish gets vetoed in 16 different ways mentally and I don’t even bother. It was also nice to meet someone with similar ideals and situations. Interestingly enough, I’ve actually finished 4/5 articles already and it’s not even 8 am. I kind of liking this whole “interacting with people” thing. I might have to try it more often. I left that conversation with newfound encouragement and a new friend. 🙂

Taryn Was Here

Tag: Starbucks