I’m at my usual Starbucks at 6 am.
I usually come to this location before heading to work. This is usually at around 8:45 or 9am, depending on if i’m running late. I have grown accustomed to seeing certain people there at 9. There is always one person who is working on his laptop, and then there is Frank, who I say hi to every morning, and of course the baristas who know my order.
Starbucks at 6 am is a little different. There is the parking attendant sitting inside, watching a TV show on his phone before his shift starts. The baristas are just getting everything prepped for the day.
As I look outside the window, I see a woman in her Burberry robe, walking her dog. She is looking at her phone, most likely checking emails before work, as her little dog zig zags in front of her.
The business man in his suit walks in and orders a tall drip, and places his newspaper under his arm, while getting cash from his wallet; tipping the baristas a dollar. He sits down and reads his newspaper, drinking his coffee black.
It’s about 6:45 am now, the early risers, those that get up to really prepare for their day, are getting their daily coffee. You know that they are frequent customers; as the baristas know their name and order already.
I wonder if the baristas see the customers in waves like I do. This is the first wave: the early risers. The 9 am wave, the one I usually ride, is a little more rushed, customers are a little more anxious, and its a little more busy.
I’m going to make it a goal to be on the Early Riser wave more often, not only with Starbucks, but with exercise and meetings, and other facets of life.
Everyone seems more calm, relaxed and happy here.
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