When I tell people that I am a barista, there is a typical set of questions that tend to follow. Things such as, “Do you get to drink free coffee?” ”Isn’t it hard remembering all of those drinks?” and my favorite thus far “Doesn’t it suck having to wake up so early?” I always politely laugh and typically respond with, “Yeah, but you get used to it.” I usually brush the questions off but for some reason, this one stuck with me at my next open.
I was somewhere lost in a dream when I am suddenly and violently ripped from that alternate reality by my alarm. I wake up and look at my phone. My eyes blurry with sleep and I can’t quite make out the numbers. I blink hard a few times trying to focus my eyes. 4:15!? ITS 4:15!! - Now when normal people wake up at 4:15 in the morning they turn around, readjust their pillows, and fall fast asleep knowing they have, on average, around two more hours until they have to start their days; but not baristas!
I hop out of bed like a bullet from a gun. I forget that I was just asleep and lose my balance for a second, falling into the wall. I stumble around in the dark looking for my clothes. Suddenly, its as if every black article of clothing I own has congregated into a heaping pile. After digging around for what feels like hours, I find my fashionable work outfit. I look in the mirror…Oh boy, today is the day for a headband. I look like a hot mess. My hair is crazy, the bags under my eyes are a new shade of black, and I can barely keep my eyes open. Do you ever actually get used to waking up this early? Today, I’m not so sure.
I slide on my ugly black sneakers, grab my apron, and head out the door. As I am about to step foot outside, I didn’t yet know I was walking outside to be hit by a wall of inspiration. I open the door, its still early, so there are little to no signs of life around me. There’s a cold breeze that hits my skin and takes me off guard. The breeze almost snapping me out of a dazed state of mind. The untouched day almost romantic. I look around me, most people fast asleep in bed. This day is mine. This moment, I am awake when most people aren’t. The day has been untouched by the grumpiness of others, untouched by sadness, by happiness, by life. Today has yet to be labeled good or bad. Today is my day. I get to choose what impacts my day.
I get into my car and begin to drive in what feels like a ghost town. On a normal drive, I drown out any thoughts of being tired by listening to the radio on blast. My drive goes by quickly, and I am at work, barely remembering the fact that I even drove. This particular morning, I am being very observant. Parking lots are completely empty, business's lights turned off and there’s not another car on the road. Usually a sight like this would bring to mind the zombie apocalypse and I would find myself driving faster even though I know it doesn’t exist. Today, I feel comforted. I feel alive. I’m not usually one who enjoys being alone, but for some reason, I find myself not wanting this moment to end.
I make it to work, the parking lot is empty. I park in my favorite spot and wait for the opening barista to arrive. They pull into the parking lot and we get out of our cars. Not a word is spoken between us as we get to the doors. I unlock it and I walk into a dark store. Yet another moment I realize I have never really paid much attention to. Today I think to myself, yet another place completely untouched for the day. The bar that will soon be filled with milk spills and syrup is currently sparkling.
The pastry case that will soon be filled with crumbs, is empty. The lobby that will soon be filled with words and laughter, is deserted. I’m suddenly filled with this sense of appreciation. I may never get used to waking up early, but now when I do I know that I have this calm and beautifully quiet morning waiting for me. The store untouched, clean, and organized. I walk in and set my things down on the counter. I clock in, and put on my apron.
