new beginnings and endings

maybe it's just me, but as a barista do you ever feel that your job is in constant flux and change? customers come and go, responsibilities, cafe jobs, and ever constantly learning that you can always improve what you know and do. these past few weeks have been pretty eventful in my small little barista world and i've been slowly taking it all in.

first, and most importantly, hines is moving. just when we're starting to come into our own, BAM!!, we have to move. the location -- one block away from our original locale, across the parking lot from starbucks. it should be interesting. we're all a little nervous, a little scared, a little curious, and excited.

second, i now am a proud barista at both hines and all city coffee. i'm back to the 2-barista gig. in order to do this i had to resign from my current position as barista trainer at FareStart. i'm still going to be involved as a volunteer -- i love working with kids and helping to create a small change, but most of all i know i would miss it if i stayed away too long. i am very excited about being completely immersed in coffee practically 24-7. between 2 barista gigs and learning how to roast, i get to breathe, eat, and dream coffee. hmmmm....it feels like preparing for competition without the nightmares or stress.

third, can i just say how much i LOVE hanging out with the victrola crew (from here on out referred to as 'the vickies'). besides being hip, nice, and having great taste in music, they love coffee. this past wednesday they hosted a talk given by rwandanese coffee trader. it was enlightening, educational, and made me even more excited about what i do. what was great to see, were how many of their customers came to hear him talk and share his story. customer education is one of the biggest challenges baristas face and this is one of those things that helps them appreciate and understand what we do and where we're coming from in terms of truly appreciating coffee and maintaining quality.

that's all for now...being distracted by the tele...xoxoxo, bronwen