battle of the coffee shoppes

[ Grand River Coffee = 24 Hour Beaners < Beaners on Marsh Road ] 

                                                                                 Does this even make sense? Hmm.

In my desperate attempts at finding a splendid study spot on campus, I went through a series of rather unenjoyable trial-and-error experiences. HB majors, prepare yourself (you may cringe).

"Wow, you like live here now don't you?" Spoke the "I-Just-Work-Here" teenage girl at the register. 

The building that housed dirty bathrooms, plug-less study tables, and obnoxiously loud music that I madly wished to call home, unfortunately wasn't filling my study-spot void. "The Beaner's girl" is no longer a valid nick-name.

With my hopes diminishing after the first several months of school and unenjoyable experiences in the 24 Hour Beaners, I stumbled across Grand River Coffee (just a few minutes from the unappealing, over-crowded coffee shop I had recently abandoned) and my hopes rose yet again. My first step in the doors? Gorgeous. Atmosphere? Lovely. A water fall, soft music, an old book shoppe next door AND fair trade coffee? Ingenious.

And the girl was happy.

But for only a short time. The long sigh and irritated, short words of the employee behind the counter did it for me.

"You said you wanted the gingerbread cookie." She said annoyed. "Unless you've decided to change your mind." 

Ouch. Not the way to treat a customer.

Now, by no means am I saying that I am an expert on customer service, but when you go searching for the perfect atmosphere and an employee makes you feel like an idiot, that's when you begin to feel helpless and lost. And perhaps a little discouraged.

Therefore, I've got some things to consider, some choices to make. Within the several experiences in the past couple of months, I have come to this conclusion that my favorite spot to study just so happens to be the very same spot that I love to meet with friends, have conversations with the genuine employees, and have my favorite cup of coffee. The Beaners on Marsh Road should be considered the idealistic coffee shop for superb customer service, and I wish nothing more than to be home and to become a regular again. Congratulations, Marsh Road Beaners, you have won me over, and in the process you have won the Battle of the Coffee Shoppes.

And in the wise, wise words of Spongebob Squarepants, "Remember Patrick, flatter the customer, make him feel good." You've nailed it, SB.

Abbie Reifel, 10.20.10

The Perfect Cup O' Joe: Tall Biggby Best with two pumps of caramel and some cream (Trevor's whipped cream mountain made with love is also a plus). Yummy.

euphoric evening

Highlight of my month:

Going to see the lovely Ben Folds at the Orbit Room in Grand Rapids.

And I had a slight anagnorisis (yes, you english nerds will know precisely what this entails). In the past, the concerts I have been to have been good, bad and in one occasion, ugly. But never have I ever had an experience like I did on Sunday evening. As oddly morbid as this sounds, I almost get some sense of closure when I attend concerts; closure to listening to their music, realizing that I actually really don't like the artist for who they are, or closure to such music phase in general. Let's just say I'm a bit picky as to who I idolize.

Britney? Well she faded, same with Justin. My obsession ended. Hilary Duff? Didn't really like her to begin with to be honest. MGMT? They were stellar, met them, loved them, but their music got a bit old for me. Cudi? He was a brazen asshole (pardon my language) to say the least.

But Ben. Oh, Ben, the coolest, quirkiest guy and one of the best artists and performers that I have ever seen live. And did I mention he can rock out on the piano? A+ in my book.

"We'll play some new shit, some old shit, and we'll probably fuck around and experiment with some shit too." (What a guy).

Ben Folds at the Orbit Room 11.7.10

If you haven't already done so: 
Buy Ben Fold's & Nick Hornby's album, "Lonely Avenue". You won't regret it (I promise). 

red vs. blue

In light of recent events (hint: the election on Tuesday), politics have been on my mind a wee bit more than they usually are... more than ever actually. As a voter, I am not particularly happy with the "black and white and red all over!" map and the recent red gain of the House, but am trying to remain positive (if policy gridlock is something to be positive about).

*Clears throat*

Anywho, I came across a very appropriate website this past week that I wish to share with you. Hope you find it as inspiring (and irritating) as I do.

Sunshine at MSU 10.25.10

WTF Has Obama Done So Far?!


Share your thoughts & concerns.

Song of the day: To brighten your day amid the sprinkling rain and silly world, listen to Sugar, Sugar by The Monkees. Old, I know, it's just a sing-along, dance-along kinda tune. (Hopefully) the picture can add a little sunshine into your day as well.