Firefly Field Even if a thought
of the firefly grass
dwindles

Adventure is an understatement here. A big one.

Those who know me best are really tired of hearing about me talk about starbucks, but I can’t help it. It’s a big passion in my life, aside from my wife and family by far the biggest. I can’t put into words any better then my new friends over at the starbuckspassion blog;

From their CSR initiatives to their corporate mandate, Starbucks is the most influential, responsible and exciting corporation in the world. Step into a Starbucks, speak with an informed partner, try a delicious drink and enjoy the atmosphere. Starbucks is more than a coffee shop; it’s full of culture, community, environmental sustainability. Simply put, it’s a home away from home - the third place.

Last Janurary, while still in my Christmas is over funk, I sat down and took a long look at my choices in my life. I decided that even though I went to college for art, own a studio, and make a living doing it I needed to explore my passion. I struggled with it for a long while. Art is all I ever wanted to do, all I ever really was good at. It’s crazy to take all those years of my life and throw them away to find minimum wage work in making coffee for people like me. At least I use to think it was crazy. I wrestled with it for a long while, talked to my awesome loving wife about it, and ultimately decided to go for it. If I can work my way up to a manager’s spot I can make enough cash to support my wife and our future children, and we can still run the studio.

Now, when I go for something it’s always a jumping two feet forward head first kind of thing. I now wish I would have just listened to my passions earlier in life, but being only 23 and starting life over is not that bad of thing.

Adding my passion for Starbucks to our life would give us a lot of advantages. Insurance would be a huge one, as well as predictable income. We can have a budget, not have to ever worry if the phone is going to ring, and start a savings account! Now I’m getting excited.

Enter stage right, our old friend Ryan and his fiance Leah! Leah is barista at a local store, our local store at that. We now hang out there 2-3 nights a week. When they first entered our lives it was on a snowy hike into the woods on a particularly cold day. After seeing how happy she was with her job I couldn’t wait to join her in the partnership. 

I have had an application in to every Starbucks within a 50 mile radius for six months now. It’s crazy, I thought I would be hired in less then a month. You may not realize it, but those people who make your coffee to order every morning are an elite group. They usually don’t quit their jobs, have been working there for years, and despite what you think know more about coffee then you do.

That brings me to today,

Today is my 23rd birthday. Birthdays are a convenient time to stop and take stock of your life over the past year. I find myself frustrated and overjoyed today. My passion as has lead me into a season of learning everything I can about the greatest company on the planet. I now know so much more then I use to, and am much better for it. I am following my heart even though it doesn’t make sense, someday I’ll have a job that never feels like work. I know that it’s the small details that Starbucks does right that makes it the best coffee house in the world. The music, the comfy chairs, the time spent with friends, the memories I have made across a table with my wife, and the atmosphere of home away from home that drive my love of the brand. I hope to someday wear the apron, and know my customers by their name and their drink. I can’t wait for it to be my turn to make a paring suggestion, while making someones drink to order just the way they like it. Working there will not only be a privilege, but also a joy. All I have to do is be patient, and with a little luck it will be my turn. There is nothing in the world that can’t be accomplished if you just work harder then anyone else to accomplish it. That’s what I’m doing, I want it more and I’m working hard to get it.

The other thing I have learned about following your heart is it changes everything! In my path, it has changed so much. The normal everyday things begin to gain colors. My art had changed, and for the better. I have an awesome wife, who is my best friend. In spite of some outside forces we are closer then ever. Our relationship has grown stronger with every bump in the road. We are both following our hearts, and  it’s changing the landscape of our lives. She is a beautiful woman, who always has strength enough for me when yet another day goes by and the phone doesn’t ring. She is always there with a game of trouble on the nights I get an email saying that they are not picking me for that store manager’s position I applied for. Without her, this time would have ruined my life. She has a passion equal or greater to mine for the Walt Disney World company. Sadly her passion lies deep in the heart of a state far away. I’ll never forget this time though, and vow that someday your dreams will be realized as well. I wont let our lives expire and you not get your chance to earn your ears :D

I’m 23 today, and I’m happy. I have passion in my life, a best friend who is always there for me, great friends who we meet up with at least 2 nights a week at our local bucks and even though we have very little money I feel like I’m blessed beyond words. Here is to our future adventures and another 365 trips around the sun!