252Convenience, it Can Kill
posted by Jeffrey on January 18th, 2007
Convenience is one of those paradoxical elements of life. On one hand, it can make life easier and time more productive. On the other, it can lead to the demise of values and discipline. I realized this last night as I pulled away from Starbucks with my sugar-free, non-fat vanilla latte (that was the best one I’ve ever had, btw) in hand. You see, I tend to be an anti-franchise, pro local business, noob fair trade kind of guy, but I sacrifice those things, among others, on the altar of convenience on a regular basis.
I was on my way to meet with a lady interested in more information regarding the specifics of starting her own Arbonne business last night when the combination of a cold I seem to be getting and a few late nights began to catch up with me. The meeting was in an area of town I hadn’t been around in a while and no sooner did I think how tired I was, a brand new Starbucks came into view (of course, it could have been there for months, but I wouldn’t have been the wiser). Almost on reflex, I swing through the drive through, whip out the debit card (violating another value) and proceed with my indulgence of frothy vanilla goodness.
I’ve heard many differing things regarding the “fair trade-ness” of Starbucks, and to be honest, don’t really know what is the truth. Regardless, they aren’t as fair as they could be and they are surely a big booming franchise business. Yet there I was, running back to the beast I loathe. For what reason? it was convenient. Why am I so unable to find a healthy balance amidst that cycle? (Cue Rick’s comment: “because you’re so Mediated“, lol.)
Technorati Tags: Starbucks, coffee, Arbonne, Jeffrey Davis
001: ginger,
January 18th, 2007 at 4:48 pmi did it too. i’ve been holding out on starbucks for a while now (i almost made it an entire month!), but i needed a caramel apple cider…. er… hot apple juice. either way, it’s lovely.
besides, i have a $20 giftcard that my bro gave me for christmas. maybe i can make it last until june. 
if the winter weather misses you, i might pack some of mine up in an igloo and send it to you. i have to warn you, though… it’s mostly ice. not so pretty to have around.
002: Jeffrey,
January 18th, 2007 at 7:51 pmugh i know. it’s hard enough not to make it a necessary evil, especially when you get a gift card!
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