Starbucks Sellout

That is what I am, sadly.
I, who don't drink coffee (really intense, unpleasant smell and taste),
Who for years mocked the conglomerate corporation.
Over-priced, mediocre stuff, I would sniff impatiently.
Their super-pretentious names for drinks, and their grandiose and confusing sizes.
"Tall, Grande, Venti" - Huh??!!
Made me roll my eyes n mock some more.
Don't like their hot chocolate, their coffees obviously hold no appeal.

Given their proliferation, especially here in California,
I suppose it was inevitable that I would eventually fold.
There are three different Starbucks on campus alone!
So, sure it began with my getting the occasional Tazo tea there,
Or a half-price sandwich in the last hour of their being open,
As I am on break from one of my three hour long night classes.
Then, it slowly escalated.

Last winter, I got a $25 Starbucks giftcard for Xmas.
So I found myself slowly using it up, buying a box of tea, a chocolate cupcake.
On a cold (ish) day-this is Southern California, after all!
I would get their Hot Caramel Apple Spice-just the ticket.
Then a friend recently introduced me to the joys
Of Starbucks' Chai Lattes.
Uh-oh!
Not a fan of them hot, but pour it on ice, and I'm in heaven.
A caffeine and sugar laced high...a sensory pleasure for my taste buds,
And just what I need as a pick-me-up on a hot and/or sluggish-brain day.

On vacation last week, I finally realized-I no longer am a casual Starbucks-er.
I have now ventured into the land of the addicted!
Okay-so the itch is not that bad-I don't need daily hookups or, god forbid, multiple daily iced chai lattes.
Yet, at least a couple (okay, so its more like three) times a week,
I now find myself giving in to the hankering.
Not just getting one as I walk past a Starbucks (that is auto-suggestion, after all).
But actually going in search of the nearest Starbucks,
Like starting my afternoon visitation of old haunts in Longmeadow at the Longmeadow Shops Starbucks.
And worst of all--ah its painful to even admit.
I have the language down pat.

No more staring in puzzlement at the board,
Squinting myopically as I attempted to find a non-coffee laced drink,
When I was feeling more adventurous than just ordering Earl Grey Tea (my standard).

On Saturday,
As I waited for my glasses to get fixed in La Jolla,
The craving for an Iced Chai hit, and off I went,
To the Vons Supermarket, knowing that would be the closest Starbucks spot.
I circled the lot three times
Until I finally managed to grab a spot as someone pulled out.
Walking confidently up to the Starbucks counter, without even a moment's hesitation,
I asked for my fix: "Grande Iced Chai Latte, Light Ice, please."
And that, gals 'n' boys,
Was when I realized that I was a Starbucks Sellout!

PS: Dammit, and now I want one-no, its midnight and I am NOT giving in. But tomorrow is, as they say, another day ;-)