Everyone always says to support the local Mom and Pop coffee shops, but I honestly think Starbucks is the best run business in America. I mean it is a little absurd that there is one on every other corner in New York and that there is always a line at each one, but I will support Starbucks over those cute little street corner cafes every day of the week. It also doesn't hurt that I never have to pay for my drinks there ever again. Let me explain a little.
Randomly through my credit card about a year ago I got a hundred dollar gift card to Starbucks. With one on the ground floor of my old work; lets just say I became very friendly with the baristas there. I can't believe I am actually using the word baristas, almost as much as I can't believe I am still going strong on this blog after 3 days. Anyway, once I made my first green iced tea purchase with the card, Bebe, the barista, told me I should register the card. She explained once I hit thirty purchases, I would be mailed a gold card which entitles me to free refills of any iced tea or regular coffee. Perfect! Got my gold card within two months and I'm home free. Luckly for me, there is a Starbucks half a block from my apartment so now I'm getting friendly with those guys just like I was with the ones at my old job. I do miss Bebe and Amber (another barista at work). I went to meet up with some old co-workers and decided to say what up to Bebe and Amber. (Side note: Amber gave me a big hug and said she missed me. I explained I quit my job and she said she's doing the same. She going to go work at a sex shop. Thought that was a little weird but to each his or her own I guess.) I feel special owning this gold card with my name engraved in it. It will be the closest thing I'll ever get to owning any type of specialized colored credit card. I'm talking about the Black Card from American Express, for those people living under a rock for the past ten years, because "I'm retired at 28!"
I totally love flashing my Gold Card at Starbucks, too. I did not know about the free refills deal though. Before the Gold Card, I was a Starbucks Black member and I thought that was a bit more exclusive. Do you watch 30 Rock? They had a shout out to the "American Express Invisible Card" a couple episodes back.
ReplyDeleteFunny, saw someone with the black starbucks card also and asked what the deal is with that. Was told gold card is the new black card. I was nervous someone out did me at starbucks.
ReplyDeleteUsed to watch 30 Rock but Tina Fey really bothers me on that show. Love Tracy Morgan though. His standup on HBO a few months ago was amazing, just remember to earmuff Ellie if you watch with her.
Two things -
ReplyDelete1) As a Black cardholder, I was kind of mad that they merged us with the Golds since we were a distinct "members only" group. Now I feel a bit more ordinary.
2) Ellie is being raised in the finest Jacxsens tradition; if she wants to watch TV she better make friends with the neighbors. I DVR stuff and watch after she's asleep...like right now.