Not satisfied with a physical feature? Do you hope that plastic surgery can relieve back pain or other physical ailments? If you think you’re ready to have a procedure, it can be tempting to make an impromptu appointment with your doctor. Check out this checklist of four tips and advice to determine if you may be ready for plastic surgery.

1. You are doing it for yourself and no one else

It can be a red flag when people seek cosmetic surgery just because their partner or family urges them to. This not only creates undue stress about the procedure, but can also create unrealistic expectations for the patient. If you’re still not sure if a procedure is right for you, but someone close to you is pressing the issue, it may be time to discuss things with your loved one before calling your surgeon.

2. You are aware of the recovery time

No major procedure comes without a rest period. Surgeries often require the patient to take a significant amount of time off from work or her favorite activities to rest in bed. While some surgeries don’t require as long a recovery period, be sure to talk with your surgeon about how long you should realistically wait to be on your feet.

3. Surgery is not a spontaneous decision

Many people have thought about improving their appearance. If you are considering plastic surgery, it is highly recommended that you have given yourself plenty of time to consider your options. Plastic surgery is always a procedure that should not be rushed. If you’re just beginning to wonder about the possibilities of a procedure, it may be worth taking some time to think about it before making your appointment.

4. You are in good health

To be a successful candidate, you will need to be in good health. This doesn’t mean you have to be a triathlon winner, but your blood pressure and cholesterol should be manageable. Having a history of health problems won’t necessarily rule out your procedure entirely, but it may increase your risk of complications. Previous health problems may also mean that your recovery time is lengthened.

Plastic surgery can be a wonderful option for those who have considered their options and are in good health, but it is also a serious decision that should not be taken lightly. Consider these tips and advice before you rush into surgery.

As most of the world’s major economies prosper, so does the niche market for luxury real estate. It is one of the segments of the world that has shown a rapid upward trend in its development. This market targets the richest economic groups in the world.

Definition of luxury real estate

The definition of luxury real estate differs from place to place and also depends on the views that the property offers. The main criterion is the location of the property. If the property is located on a beach with an ocean front view, for example, it would surely be classified as luxurious. Although this property may not be very large, due to the location, the view and the facilities it offers, it becomes a prized possession.

In the United States, many houses worth more than a million dollars are called luxury real estate. Therefore, we can say that a property in any region that stands above the others and costs more than the normal range of houses is luxury real estate. All properties that have high values ​​in terms of dollar amount are in this category. These properties can be large lots of land or a thousand square foot house. The value depends mainly on the location of the property, the amenities offered in the house or condominiums, the proximity to hospitals, shopping centers, golf courses, highways and other important facilities.

How is luxury real estate different from general real estate?

The price of real estate is generally lower compared to luxury real estate. The cost of one luxury home can have the ability to buy two, three, or four mid-priced homes. The clients involved and the real estate agents differ from mid-priced properties. When buying luxury real estate, the property buying process takes much longer than normal real estate in some cases. It is an expensive decision and requires a lot of thought before making any purchase.

Marketing differences in general and luxury real estate

The marketing of most homes is sold in the local market where clients can afford to buy and reside. The target market for luxury real estate may not be local residents. The commercialization of said property is carried out both nationally and internationally. The media used are also different and more expensive than local media. The agent has more responsibility when selling luxury properties. In many cases, attorneys, trusts, inspections, open houses, professional photography, brochures, and presentations are involved with luxury homes and condos. The agent has to be as attentive as possible in all these aspects.

Growth in the luxury real estate market

In the various nations of the world, the number of luxury home owners has increased significantly. This may be due to improving world economies, proper marketing by agents, better property development, and less stringent rules and regulations governing the real estate market. According to a survey conducted in the United States, the number of luxury home owners has risen to 0-5% of total homes. Luxury homes cost more than $1 million.

Types of luxury real estate

There are various types of luxury real estate. Homes located near a golf course for example. These are private houses and a part of a small community of the higher society. There are several real estate agents who can help you find the best golf course homes. Then you can enjoy a game of golf in your own neighborhood or backyard.

Houses facing the sea, such as a private beach or lake, are also included in the list. One can always enjoy swimming in their personal lake or taking a walk on the beach from their backyard. Fishing and boating may be other activities that interest you as well without the hassles of travel.

Historic areas also offer properties that have the bliss of added vintage feel. These luxury houses are often furnished in an antique style and offer a classic architectural style. Mature gardens can also accompany these homes. Most of them are gracefully built, have beautiful streets and a canopy of trees along the road.

For lovers of outdoor sports, choose a home that has access to tennis courts, lawns, swimming pools, and other sports facilities.

Country houses accompanied by huge flower farms or open spaces are also available for wealthy home seekers. You can enjoy a stable with horses or even a ranch with cattle. Every detail of a country house is designed to match the quality one desires.

Characteristics of luxury real estate

You will enjoy the comfort and pleasure of a king in the many types of luxury houses. Kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms, gardens and swimming pools are beautiful in themselves. Most of the houses have modern conveniences, from the latest electronics to other facilities that make living there a great experience. Luxury homes located near the beach offer various rejuvenating experiences such as fishing, sailing, surfing and other activities. Most will also have pools and spas attached to the home.

Things to keep in mind before investing in luxury real estate

It is important to consult an agent who deals with luxury homes. Knowledge of the area is of utmost importance and the ability to understand what the needs of customers are. An attorney should always be consulted and various rules and regulations regarding property should be reviewed. So, enjoy your search and happy home hunting.

Pleasing the family when you are about to take a little break can be quite difficult. Fortunately, with the plethora of Texas tourist attractions available to visit, you really are in a position to answer the age-old question, “Are we there yet?”

Texas is a big state, and while some might think that navigating the ins and outs of the Lone Star State doesn’t seem particularly interesting for a vacation, Texas makes sure to pack as much as it can for people of all ages and no matter if you’re a Texan native or not.

Here are nine very interesting tourist attractions that are sure to please the whole family:

1. Horseshoe Junction – If your family likes arcade games, go-kart racing, or miniature golf, Horseshoe Junction is the place to be. Horsehoe Junction is a little less well known, which means you can avoid the kinds of crowds that can make family fun parks difficult to navigate.

2. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Park in Brenham, TX – This place is perfect if you like history and have always been curious about the origins of Texas. It is located on the Brazos River and gives you a look at the birth of the Lone Star State.

3. Texas Cotton Gin Museum in Burton Texas – Visit the oldest working cotton gin in the United States. Admission is free and visitors have the opportunity to see the cotton ginned and baled.

4. Tour Kyle Field – If you’re a fan of college football, Texas is a great place to visit some great places. Perhaps the coolest is the home of the 12th man, Kyle Field, home of the Texas A&M Aggies. You even have close proximity to the George HW Bush Presidential Library.

5. Birthplace of Texas GeoTour: Your family may not be willing to give up your technology. Why not use it for a rather fun adventure? This geo tour covers all of Washington County, TX and is the first official geo tour in the state. Geocaching is like an outdoor treasure hunt in the real world using a smartphone or GPS. Think Texas scavenger hunt meets Pokémon Go.

6. LBJ Presidential Library and Museum: Austin has a lot to do, but you can’t pass up a visit to the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. It gives visitors the chance to learn about the man in charge of taking over the country after JFK’s assassination.

7. Space Center Houston – This is the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center. You can walk through the Independence space shuttle replica and you can even touch a moon rock.

8. The Riverwalk in San Antonio: Described as “The American Venice,” the Riverwalk is a perfect blend of classic Old Mexico flavor, big-city downtown commerce, and a relaxing urban oasis.

9. Blue Bell Ice Cream: Blue Bell’s headquarters are located in Brenham, TX. If you grew up in Texas or have heard of its sweltering heat, you know that a hot summer afternoon is defeated by the taste of Blue Bell Ice Cream, a true Texas classic. Your family can visit the Blue Bell Country Store and get a scoop of ice cream in their classrooms.

Finding the perfect Texas tourist attractions to make your family smile is simple. With a little forethought and creativity, you’ll be on your way to having the vacation of a lifetime!

After a long winter, it’s time to get your UTV ready for spring. Long and short off-road trips beckon, especially when the weather warms up. If you properly prepared your vehicle for storage last year, you should be on the road after just a few steps.

Even if you’ve driven the vehicle through the winter, take some time to inspect and maintain it before a new season brings new challenges on the road. You may even decide that before you put the UTV on the road, you want to add a new windshield and other accessories.

Check the fuel tank and fluid to get your UTV ready for spring

Last fall, I should have changed the oil and oil filters, cleaned the air filter, and added fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel from separating, evaporating, and forming a varnish-like gunk in the tank. If you didn’t, you’ll need to clean the engine, tank, and carburetor with a cleaner made for that purpose while you spring your UTV up.

Even a well-maintained engine can attract bugs, water or dirt, or develop fuel leaks or small punctures in the line from cats, mice or raccoons during the winter. Start fresh for the spring by draining the tank and carb before adding new fuel.

While working on the fuel tank, check all fluid levels, including the oil. Be sure to fix any leaks you find and change the oil if you didn’t when you winterized the vehicle. Clean the air filter to make sure it is free of debris or leaked fluids.

What else to check

Starting and stopping your vehicle starts with the battery and the brakes, so it’s important to check both. Although you may have charged your battery over the winter or kept it on a battery charger, charge it and add water if it’s the sealed type. Test the brakes to make sure the pads are good and they stop properly.

Visually inspect your tires, and then test them with a kick, squeeze, and pressure check. Underinflated tires won’t do the job on the road, while overinflated ones can blow out on the highway. Add enough air to meet manufacturer’s instructions.

Check everything else, including the spark plugs, radiator or fan, drive chains, and grips. The extra time you put in will ensure a smooth ride once you hit the road.

Give your UTV a spring upgrade

As you prepare your UTV for spring adventures, consider whether you want to upgrade your windshield or add other accessories. Accessories like windshields, soft tops and rear windows make trips safer and more comfortable. To get durable windshields custom-made for your vehicle, contact a UTV accessory store that is an authorized dealer for your make and model of UTV.

Performing necessary maintenance and adding safety and comfort accessories is a great way to get your UTV ready for spring.

The long, cold winter months can make it difficult to keep your family active and entertained. It’s all too easy to let kids spend hours in front of the TV or video game console when their warm-weather outdoor activities aren’t available. A vacation to the beach or somewhere else warm certainly has its attractions, but that can mean a long and expensive trip just to sit on a crowded patch of sand.

Why not try something different this winter? If you’re willing to embrace the cold and explore your winter sports options, you just might discover your family’s new favorite hobby.

A winter vacation in the mountains offers countless opportunities for fun, entertainment, and exercise. The most popular activities, of course, are skiing and snowboarding. A day on the slopes is the best there is; the wind in your hair as you slide down the straightaways, the crunch of snow under your boots as you navigate the rutted tracks, the mountain sun on your face and the breathtaking views of the valley below all come together to make one day you won’t soon forget. A drink at the base and a soak in your hotel Jacuzzi are the perfect end to the night, easing tired muscles so you can relax and unwind, and be back at it all in the morning.

If you’ve never skied or snowboarded before, don’t worry—most ski resorts offer reasonably priced combo lessons and equipment rentals, so you can try it out without emptying your wallet. Some communities even offer a free kid’s lift ticket with the purchase of an adult, so be sure to ask about current deals if you’re traveling with the whole family.

However, an athletic day on the slopes is not all that snow-capped mountains have to offer. When you’re looking for something with a little less pep, mountain communities offer an abundance of nature and history for you to enjoy. A hot air balloon ride to take in magnificent alpine panoramas, a horseback tour of an Old West ranch, and a luxurious afternoon in natural hot springs (with waterslides, in some cases) are just a few of the opportunities that await you. . and your family once you reach the height.

So pack your coat and boots, and your SPF and bathing suit, and take the family to the mountains next winter for a vacation that will leave you wishing for snow all year long.

The international organization known as Rotary promotes annual trips that everyone between the ages of 26 and 40, men and women, and of all backgrounds, should know about, because it’s a Rotary-funded six-week shipboard study and anyone can apply for it. be in addition to this meaningful life experience. If you are in this age group, you might enjoy the kind of experience described in my notes in this article. To learn more about the program, visit the Rotary International website and search for GSE (Group Study Exchange) and contact your local Rotary club for more information.

Our adventures continued:

April 15 — Friday:

Antonio San left for Kyushu University in Fukuoka today, Monica San for Fukuoka Parish Center, Julia San for Kyusyu Keiso Inc. and Harry San for Kurume Fire Station.

It was a day of similarities for me. Teiko took off her leather jacket (as I would in my closet), walked me into town (as she would in our small town), stopped at the hair salon for a quick wash and dry (as she would in town). and when we arrived for our shopping trip we immediately liked the same things, without much language communication it was easy to have a fun day.

We boarded the train in the middle of the small town, about a four block walk (as if you were on the main line in the Philly area), and arrived in Fukuoka at a large new underground mall (similar to Valley Fair), about 30 minutes on the train. We hurried past it, and down the street we found lunch on a side street – we walked through the sliding doors to a Japanese style bar and a delicious sushi lunch. We take off our shoes everywhere, even here for lunch. Teiko said the best stores were across the street: Daimaru and L’Equipe Yoshie Inaba (Neiman Marcus and Saks of Fukuoka). We toured the designer departments, names we both knew of famous Italian, American, and French designers. Teiko went to his favorite department, yes, I like it too, and we both made a purchase, a nice silk skirt for me. Teiko’s daughter, Miki, joined us with her daughter (Teiko’s grandchildren are so sweet and polite), and we stopped downstairs to pick up chicken for later (looked like the amazing grocery shopping at Harrods in London (just Japanese selections that made you stop in awe to take it all in. We quickly got back on the train, at the Ogori stop, and picked up some fresh veggies from the farmers market (just like in Los Gatos, my home) and stopped in for fish. tent – for that night’s party.

Hiroshi and Teiko have a beautiful Japanese garden outside their back door. The house is spacious but not large, and there is plenty of clever storage, including cabinets around the top of the kitchen and a shed on the back porch for storing kitchen items. His office is a front building on the street, and the house is in the back. People from the Hiroshi Rotary Club began to arrive and a barbecue, unlike any I had ever seen before, was created in my honor. Not true, I’m not getting skinnier here, there’s an endless selection of fish (raw and cooked), meats, vegetables, ice cream, cakes, it was a very festive occasion in their backyard garden. The people at the party seem to really enjoy each other, and Japanese men love magic. Each of the men in turn had magic tricks and we all ohhhed and ahhhd and wondered how they did it. We sat for a long time at the picnic table and talked about our lives, and Ai translated. It’s kind of a nice conversation when one person makes a comment, then the translation, and then another. I met the second Rotarian woman I’ve met here, she’s in the Hiroshi Club, where there are three women. She had many questions about the experience of women in Rotary in my country, and was it difficult for women there? I noticed that all the men sat at the tables, mostly alone (except I joined), and the women did all the work. The women joined the table when the work was done. One of the men wanted to know if I was a natural blonde and not a blonde movie star (a compliment). The women laughed that the “dumb blonde” joke was the same all over the world, and also in Japan (a similarity). My experience here is that people are very generous, and I had several invitations for sightseeing and dinner, and one to visit a company that makes fine, hand-sewn women’s clothing for famous brands, that should be fun.

April 16 – Saturday:

When we started our trip we landed in Fukuoka and went by train to Omuta, this route was north to south, with Omuta relatively in the middle of the island, and our travels have taken us to points in between, including Ogori. Today we were heading to Yanagawa, between the city of Kurume and Omuta. Yanagawa is where Mr. Tachibana (he is the Rotary District Governor-and direct descendant of the Shogun) and his wife own a hotel-where the Rotary District Conference is held. Hiroshi took us there with GPS in his car (it’s voice activated and you can also enter a phone number to plot his destination). Chizuka, Tachibana’s daughter, greeted us at the hotel gate – and the rest of my team would be arriving soon. It’s a really picturesque place, with canals running through the gardens, which they used to hand out sake and soy sauce, and tomorrow night we’re having a party on the canal boats. I stay at the Tachibana house (they are now my host family), and it is a big modern house behind the hotel.

We are the GSE team, decked out in our blue blazers, and it’s the opening night of the District Conference, and a ceremonial party. The flowers on the table and the cutlery reflect Rotary’s upper-class status in Japan. We are sitting right in front of the stage with Izumi, Mika, Hisa, and Kenji (GSE leaders) at our table. We all comment on when the dinner service starts, because there are five glasses on, and we were each served champagne, beer, sake, red wine, white wine (we were wondering which one to drink), along with another intricately crafted dinner. Several people spoke, and then we got up to greet each other. A famous film director in Japan was there to talk in the afternoon and was there for dinner: Obayashi Nobuhiko. When I talked to him, he told me that George Lucas wrote nine Star Wars sequels, but stopped after six, because he decided he needed to create movies called Star Peace (Rotary has meant “peace” worldwide), and that his movies were also about Japanese culture, nature and people living together in harmony. Then there was magic, yes the entertainment was magic which we all enjoyed. Many people throughout the evening recognized the GSE team: we stood up for recognition, the magician played with us, the RI representative recognized us, and we received the “happy kimono” from the District Governor.

This article is a series, so keep reading, and many more days of our splendid adventure will follow!

As you may know, the Caribbean and Barbados are well known for their beautiful golden sand beaches and this is very true. It is very relaxing to sit in the shade of the gently swaying palm trees with the fine white and golden sand between your toes and the background noise of the calm clear sea lapping on the shore. This is the picture if you were visiting the beaches on the south or west side of Barbados. On the east side of Barbados, the sand is just as beautiful, there are more rocks dotted around the golden sand beaches, but instead of the calm waters, you would be looking at the allure of bigger waves rolling over the waters, breaking early and the sound of them crashing against the shoreline. This is a paradise for surfers. The difference between the beaches on the two sides of the Island is that Barbados is surrounded by two different seas, one is the calm Caribbean Sea and the other the Atlantic Ocean, however, this gives Barbados its great beauty making this small Island an attraction. for all.

Barbados has many of these beautiful beaches around the island and the best part is that since Barbados is a small island, you can travel around Barbados and experience some of these different environments for yourself. On the south and west coasts of the island there are many of these calm, clear water beaches that are ideal if you want to take a dip or swim or if you have your snorkel you can explore the marine life swimming below you. As the Caribbean Sea is so calm and the water is so clear, yes you can see the bottom of the seabed and your toes and you will get great views of the smaller fish that live in these waters and you can admire their colors and calm.

On the south coast of Barbados, there is a very popular beach called Miami Beach. Many of the locals spend their time relaxing on this beach. It has a wonderful picnic area, located in a large area shaded by palm trees to avoid direct heat from the sun. There are also snacks available and a shower area to wash up. These waters are so calm and ideal for swimming.

On the west coast of Barbados, you have many smaller beaches that are very quiet, as well as popular beaches, especially in the main tourist spots near the hotels. On some of these beaches near the hotels you will find restaurants or bars on the beachfront that offer you welcome refreshments. Mullins Bay is a particularly good and very popular place to watch the sunset. Near Bridgetown there is also a popular beach that is close to the Malibu Center called Brighton Beach. Here you can see the ships entering or leaving the port.

Hopefully now you can appreciate the appeal of Barbados and its beautiful beaches.

There are countless ways home sellers and real estate agents use to secure a rewarding venture in this vast and highly competitive industry. For example, it is important to note that there are a large number of properties for sale on the market. However, the dwindling number of safe and potential homebuyers made getting started a challenging and very tedious place. Therefore, to remedy this situation, home staging is basically employed by those who know the effective ways to make a huge investment amid economic turbulence and financial dilemma.

This method is indeed an undertaking well worth your time, money and effort which essentially ensures that you are on the right track. There is an art to preparing your property to sell it on the market. Staging your home is primarily the art of creating and building the type of environment or environment that is perfectly suited to what your potential homebuyer is looking for. Most professionals who are highly knowledgeable and trained in home staging know that the importance of preparing your property and putting a vantage point that makes it stand out from the rest is of the highest priority. For this the staging of your home is oriented, to improve your home and accentuate it to increase its quality and value.

One of the most initial steps used by home staging professionals is to emphasize the strengths of your home. It is common knowledge that the kitchen and bathrooms are known as selling points that homebuyers often look at when seriously considering a home purchase. When you turn to home staging, you basically accentuate these specific areas and enhance their most prominent features. There are several things that professionals in this medium usually do. They use furniture and accessories to highlight these areas while using home improvement basics like decluttering and depersonalizing.

Customizing your home according to the preferences, needs and tastes of your home buyers is also very essential in coming up with your home staging plans. Initially, this will make your plans to effectively and quickly sell your house a great possibility. This makes it a one-of-a-kind marketing tool that helps you increase your chances of selling your property even in the midst of economic and financial downturn.

Actually, you can organize your house with your own creativity and ingenuity. This is a good alternative for those who are on a tight budget and want to ensure that the quality of their home is of the highest standard. Those who can afford the help of licensed home staging professionals may also consider this option, as their knowledge and training really ensures a good investment in your company.

Home staging, no matter how time consuming and expensive it can be, is still considered a very reliable and rewarding tool that you can use in your quest to make a great investment in your home sale. Not only does it increase the value and value of your property for sale, it also helps you cope with the stressful and pressing demands of the overwhelming real estate market.

When the miners were rescued from the Copiapó copper mine in Chile, their putative leader, Mario Sepúlveda (super Mario) explained the decisions that were made that allowed the men to weather their ordeal with as much grace and optimism as possible. In post-rescue interviews, Mario said he felt as if he had faced the devil on one shoulder; God for the other. He had chosen to listen to God.

I don’t know if Mario meant it literally, but it’s a pretty good metaphor that deserves some examination.

We can see this as: GOOD vs. EVIL/HOPE vs. DESPAIR / STRENGTH vs. WEAKNESS and so and so… you get the idea.

The men in the mine, when requesting the supplies they needed during their time underground, asked for, among other things, razors and toothpaste. Why razors? Why toothpaste? What difference would it make if they stayed messy or had bad breath? Mario Sepúlveda understood that these personal care items could make a difference.

I guess what Mario knew, intuitively, was that routines, courtesies, and self-care allow us to hold on to our humanity, even in the most inhumane of circumstances. It’s not about designer clothes or making a good impression. The point is that attending to our embodied selves (which, of course, is connected to our psyche) reminds us that we all have intrinsic value. To paraphrase L’Oreal commercials, “…because we’re worth it.”

When these men shaved, brushed their teeth, shared what little food they had, they behaved “as if” they had a future beyond mine. I’m pretty sure this attitude led to other acts of self-preservation. Practiced daily, the men reinforced the belief that they would be released. Had they fought over food, turned on each other, abandoned simple acts of grooming like brushing their teeth, their collective mood would likely have plummeted and the outcome of their ordeal far less enthusiastic than expected. that we witnessed how they left the mine.

Many of us have fallen into psychological black holes.

It’s hard for me to imagine what it would be like to literally be forced to live in one for 70 days. These men have reinforced, for me, my belief in the resilience and ingenuity that resides in each of us. If they refused to give up hope, why should we? If they could call on their courage and hold on to it for that long, isn’t that possible for all of us? When trouble knocks on our door, it’s common to feel weak, unprepared, and overwhelmed. When we face our challenges, using our wits and imagination, we rise above the ordinary and the hero within us watches over us as we find our way out of the black hole into which we have fallen.

We all have the instinct to survive. One of our problems is that when life feels out of control, we often forget that we have that ally deep within. During difficult times, we have a tendency to see our challenges as dense lumps that we cannot hope to move or penetrate. The truth is that no matter which direction we approach our trials from, one path leads to another, and even if we merely see a speck of light ahead, we succeed when we keep tunneling toward that light. The landscape we find when we head out may not look the way it used to, or the way we wish it did, but once we’ve regained the ability to run, we have the opportunity to design something new…something that reflects the lessons we’ve learned. we learned. we have learned during our struggle. We may end up with something unexpectedly amazing and beautiful.

Wisdom is gained through experience. We can acquire knowledge from our schools and books, but wisdom is what we get as we travel through our lives. No one applauds when a tragedy occurs. Our responses to unexpected negative events lead us to a greater understanding of who we are. Hopefully, this self-awareness will lead us to greater compassion and understanding of others.

The tools we use to navigate our journey through life must be continually updated, sharpened, and refined. We do ourselves a disservice when we return to old platitudes that no longer have any real meaning. Unfortunately, to find ourselves and know who we really are, we must absorb pain, loss and disappointment. The good news is that once we have known loss, unless we are numb, we will not take our joys for granted.

Join when you can. Laugh, scream and scream and don’t worry about those who want to trample your joy. Time changes everything. Always remember to head towards the light.

“Mom, I don’t know why you don’t get the app on your phone,” my daughter Heather told me, handing my gold card to the Starbucks Barista.

“Because I like human interaction a lot more,” I told him. “I don’t like that they keep trying to shove more and more technology down our throats.”

“As you wish. But I’m telling you, it’s much more convenient, and you don’t have to wait in line anymore!”

That conversation rang in my ears one morning when I was running late for my writing class. I had been looking forward to indulging in a soy chai latte for days, knowing that I would be returning to my old haunts in Boston. I longed for the days when Heather worked at the Starbucks on Berkeley and Boylston streets, when they would start making my drink as soon as they saw me walk through the door. I missed the days when I would get my complimentary drink, and written on the side of the mug it said, “Have a nice day Mom!” Even if Heather wasn’t there. That was the day I heard Heather’s voice in my head, broke down, and got the stupid app.

I parked my car and hurried down the street. I winced when I saw the long line at the counter as I wasn’t sure how the app worked. Just as I poked my head over the counter to ask, I saw a sign that said “Mobile Order Pickup” and just below it was a drink with my name on it. That was easy! I thought, as I walked to class. But when I took the first sip, I knew it wasn’t made with soy milk. I frowned but kept walking, irritated that they messed up my order.

The next time I was in town for a class, I tried again, with the same result. Why do they keep leaving out my soybeans? I really hate milk!

I used the exercise they gave us in class as an excuse to kill two birds with one stone. They told us to go outside, interview someone and observe our surroundings. But he had an agenda and he knew what he had to do.

“Excuse me,” I said to the Starbucks barista who was stocking the cold shelf with pre-made fruity drinks, her blonde hair pulled up tightly in a neat bun. “Can you help me with my app? I keep ordering my chai drink with soy, but I never seem to get soy.”

“Well, it’s a good thing you’re not lactose intolerant!” she said with a laugh. “Let me take a look,” she said, reaching for my phone. I watched as I quickly scrolled through my favorites in the app. An unfamiliar tune was playing in the background and I wanted to move my foot as another man approached.

“Oh, I’m not in line,” I said, stepping aside to let him pass.

“Oh no, I’m waiting for you,” he said, waving to the barista, who was deep in my phone. I noticed the man was holding a black plastic disc the size of a quarter and wondered what it was.

Another man came up with a cardboard tray containing two drinks and an empty, cracked plastic Starbucks cup. Once again, I indicated that I was not online.

“Oh, I need its,” he said. Apparently I’ve started something here.

“Wow, everyone needs you today,” I laughed.

After a while, the barista was able to remove my old “favorite” and uploaded a new one that clearly said soy.

“That’s so weird, I know I selected soy when I ordered it,” I told her, then kindly thanked her for her help. I walked away noticing the man with the puck quickly handed it over and headed for the door.

“Is that all you had to do?” I asked, surprised by his patience and feeling bad for taking so long with this suddenly wanted Barista.

“Yes,” he replied with a smile, and left.

Since I didn’t use my app this time, I got in line and decided to try the new pink drink.

I was sitting drinking the bright fuchsia drink at the bar, watching the customers and taking notes, when an attractive Asian woman walked up and asked me what my drink was.

“Even though it looks like Pepto-Bismol, it’s actually quite tasty,” I said.

Hmm, I wonder if I’ll start another trend today, and soon there will be a trail of Pink Drinks leaving the store.. I noticed the long line as people waited for their drink orders, and I wondered: What happens to these people? Don’t have the app?

the journey of life; Berkshires to Boston and everywhere in between…