How COVID-19 Changed My Habits, Maybe Forever?

I love Starbucks. I know, it’s a chain and lots of shops sell drinks. But I love the experience of it all. I love mobile ordering. I love the feel of the Starbucks cup in my hand. I love that they are everywhere! Even when I travel to someplace unfamiliar to me, there is the familiarity of a Starbucks, and I find comfort in that.

For the past few years, I have also used Starbucks as an office. I live about 2 minutes from a Starbucks, and got into the habit of going a few times per week to get written computer work done. I work from home, which is awesome, but when I’m home and working on something not fun, I can easily get distracted. I found I got this kind of work done way faster when at Starbucks. I also got to reward myself with a fun drink while I worked.

COVID-19 changed all that. ​

​My drinks of choice from Starbucks:

• Venti Iced Black, Green, or White  tea, no sweetener
• Venti Iced Black/Green tea, no sweetener
• Grande Hot Tea
• Grande Peppermint hot chocolate with coconut milk, no whip
• Venti Violet Drink blended
• Venti Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher
• And sometimes a sweet treat! Fav is the birthday cake pop.

Before the pandemic, I got a Starbucks drink at least once a day. Even if I didn’t go to work, I would go through the drive-thru for a treat at some point in the day. And I know, the drinks I get can easily be made at home. But it was the experience that I loved. But now, I don’t feel the same joy when I see Starbucks or when I see any fast food for that matter. I have an uneasiness, unsure what could happen if I partake daily as a patron again. 

So I have given it up, for the safety of me and my family. Yes, it’s a huge bummer. Yes, I still want a fun drink everyday. Yes, I struggle getting written computer work done now. 

But, this is life now. And I have found ways to bringing joy to my new life. First, I bought a snow cone machine. It’s not something I used to get at Starbucks, but it’s something really special that I can make safety in my own home! And bonus, I get to pick all the favors I like, and make sure the syrup is made with good ingredients. Shout out to my new fav syrup company, Monin. I have been impressed with every favor I have gotten! 

I also found a great black ice tea! Trader Joe’s has a black tea concentrate that is sooo easy to make and has a great flavor. I will be stocking up, cause you never know when Trader Joe’s will stop stocking something! 

And lastly, probably controversial, but I was missing the cup feel of getting a Starbucks drink. So I looked on Amazon for a clear disposable cup to put my drink in, and found it! I feel like I have now completed my Starbucks experience, at home.

But wait, what about getting my work done IN Starbucks? I think I have that figured out too! One room I don’t do computer work in is my LEGO room—it’s built for play, not work! So I have started to come in here and use it like I did Starbucks. I am here right now working on the blog. It’s still a little different cause I’m home and surrounded by fun Lego, but I think this is a good in-home Starbucks in which to work.

Is my new normal my forever normal?
I don’t know.

Will I every get to experience Starbucks pre-COVID?
I don’t know.

Am I still bummed I can’t go to Starbucks?
A little less everyday.