Today We're Gonna Party Like Its 1773!

As I sit here and sip my Venti Unsweetened Iced Green Tea ala Starbucks, I realized I am suddenly the hippest gal on the block. Apparently I have joined some revolution of sorts. Today, from the Redwood forests to the Gulf stream waters, people are boiling mad and gathering en masse to protest the irresponsible spending that started with Pres. Bush and has accelerated faster than any winner at Talladaga ever has under our current savior. (economic executioner seems more in line with his ideals, doesn't it?)

When I ordered my "usual" from the guy who waits on me on at least a bi-weekly basis, I was thinking about anything but politics. Actually, I was thinking about dogs. Simple I know. Predictable, yup. That's me! Then it happened... I was prompted by the sales clerk as to whether or not I was participating in some sort of tax day protest because I ordered an iced tea? I think he was testing the waters with me... he is obviously in elephant country, but I am young, and a little artsy. His "artdar" was in tune... better than most, I must give him props for this. Then again, I have seen him while wearing a tragically hip headscarf on prior visits. He may not be that good... I will have to think about this one.

Anyways, I did not have the desire to get into a political conversation with a brainwashed "Blame Bush" art school dropout, macchiato making, vegan eating, underground music loving, horned rimmed glasses wearing even though he has 20/20 vision, going green, "for the common good of the people loving" kid just itching to get into a political conversation. I didn't bite, really. But was sort of pleased that this underground movement was being covered on more networks than just Fox. That meant there was something behind this anger. (which I already knew... but affirmation is always nice.)

I said, "no. My dear artsy, wanna be, raging against the machine, friend, no political message from me. Today I am just a girl with a drink. While I think the whole "tea party" thing is pretty original... well you know what I mean." I picked up my drink at the high counter top. (BTW I hate that counter top... makes me feel like smurfette or any other diminutive cartoon character for that matter. Standing on your tiptoes to pick up your beverage is so 1st grade. I'm just saying.) After doing my daily "Starbucks calf raiser", I made my way back to the counter to pay for my unsweetened beverage. I handed him my debit card. Swipe Swipe. Instantly, I am now $3.00 poorer. Sigh.

That's when I did it. The following words spilled from my mouth almost without control. It was truly an out of body experience. I said to him, "I don't know anymore. But, I will tell you one thing Mr. Starbucks boho vibing, SOHO wannabe, you can keep your change." Confused, he looked at me. He said, "Ma'am, you paid with a credit card." Suddenly, the light bulb went on in his Nietche filled head. He got my point. He smiled a smile of curious admiration and defeat. Nodding, he proceeded to ask me out for lunch, or dinner, or drinks, or anything he could think of. He probably would have accompanied me on my trip to Jiffy Lube. Apparently he has a thing for the witty commenting, art school lite girl. Politely, I declined his offer, explaining I am currently in L-O-V-E love. (and the art school type drop out isn't exactly my cup of tea, for the record) But, he made my day in more than one way. And, for this, I heart him.

So, here is to you Mr. Starbucks pouring, bicycle owning, tofu eating maker of my unsweetened iced tea. You officially made me feel smart, pretty and witty. Then again, I probably already felt all three of these things before I entered the coffee chain king's 5,000th location. However, acknowledgement from someone out of my little circle of court jesters of my sheer awesomeness is well, like winning a major award. Leg lamp, here I come!

**side note for those in less than the sixth grade: "Keeping the change" is a play on words... aahh, but what is the context?"

**side note for those who ride a bicycle: bikes are not modes of transportation that save the earth, they are toys. tomfoolery on wheels. dangerous. the outfits worn by serious cyclists are utterly ugly... and I don't care how Patrick Dempsey or KKRT you are... you look foolish.

**side note for all art school drop outs: GO BACK TO SCHOOL... IT IS NOT THAT HARD. I SWEAR.