Living Outside The Lines: The Case Of The Missing Stopper

“Will it be Salted Caramel Mocha?  Pumpkin Spice Latte? Peppermint Mocha? or will the drive-thru menu hold some new and delightfully tempting flavor for me to try??…….. Oh, the thrill!!!”

By Becky Miller

Dear Starbucks,

Once upon a time I was a coffee hater, but now, thanks to the syrupy goodness of your magic potion, I’ve been converted to a quasi coffee-drinker. Welcome to adulthood, and yay me!

When sleepless nights transition to early mornings where I must leave the luxury of my warm and cuddly bed, I often look to you for assistance.

A driving chorus of “must have Starbucks” resonates through my mind, forcing my pajama-clad self towards the room of transformation also known as the bathroom. There I continue the ritual of making myself presentable to the public.

As the renovation draws to a conclusion, I find a quickening in my steps. Visions of your steaming brew, which shall soon connect to my thirsty lips, motivate the forward progress.

Pondering my favorite Starbucks beverages, I wonder which I will choose today? Will it be Salted Caramel Mocha? Pumpkin Spice Latte? Peppermint Mocha? or will the drive-thru menu hold some new and delightfully tempting flavor for me to try?? …….Oh, the thrill!!!

Arriving at my destination, decision made right before the last stop light prior to arrival, I announce my choice to the cheery voice in the box.

Patiently I wait my turn, for there are always others clamoring for your life-sustaining brew. Finally, the oh so anticipated moment has arrived, and I am face to face with my benefactor or barista as more formally known.

As a generous hand exits the enchanted window, my eyes spot the beverage receptacle and instantly I am crestfallen. Where is the cute little green stick that fits so perfectly in the tiny little lid opening? 

Before I was educated in all things Starbucks I had no idea the importance of the thingy, but now I know it is a stopper with one job, to keep any errant liquid from escaping. And I want every last drop to indulge my expectant taste buds.

So, Starbucks, I say, ‘where oh where is my stopper’!?!? Logic would seem to dictate that any beverage exiting the premise, for entry into a soon to be moving vehicle, is considered incomplete when stopper-less. 

The journey is long and filled with peril.  Without a stopper, how will the liquid energy arrive safely at its destination?  Please.  Tell me. For I myself, do not have the answer.

Asking kindly ensures a stopper transfer, but the exchange steals precious moments from both the giver and receiver, along with any waiting souls who follow. 

So, why dear Starbucks, it is not an accepted practice to bestow spillage preventative measures upon your loyal customers when the means are literally within your grasp?……Just asking???

Until Next Time,

Becky J Miller

“Warrior Princess” 

Becky J Miller is a contributor and is exclusive to SM Corridor News. You can read more of her bi-weekly columns in Lifestyle.