A jolt of inspiration

I know I have said here before how much I love Starbucks. Ever since my mom began working at-- and is now manager of-- one of the coffee company's outposts, I can't seem to get enough. It could be a borderline addiction, but since I don't drink it everyday and, except on rare occasions, enjoy only one cup in a day, I don't think it is time for me to sign up for Coffee Drinkers Anonymous just yet.

But oh boy did I really need my fix today after a long night/morning. This week has been like an article write-ahon that just wouldn't end. (But I guess I could say that about every week.) Lots of last minute questions from my editor that required me to call back sources for clarification, extra info, etc. etc. On Thursday mornings, when all my stories are finally done for the week and all I have left to do is the police blotter, the simple thought of a Starbucks latte gets me through.

Now while it is the java that really counts-- and I have to say, of all the Simi Starbucks, my mom's brew really pulls through on taste-- I like that the Seattle coffee giant thinks about its packaging. I often find myself inspired by "The Way I See It" quotes on the side of my (usually) grande cup. This morning's one was a goody:

The Way I See It #280

You can learn a lot more from 

listening that you can from talking. 

Find someone with whom you 

don't agree in the slightest and ask 

them to explain themselves at 

length. Then take a seat, shut your 

mouth, and don't argue back. It's 

physically impossible to listen with 

your mouth open."

-- John Moe

Radio host and author of 

Conservatize Me.

What a smart cup of coffee, huh? That last line is classic, don't you think? Part of my job is to take a seat, shut up and listen (and take notes! ha) but it is easy to forget to do that in every day life situations. I am not really one to go around broadcasting my opinions and I am a pretty moderate person; I can usually see both sides of an issue. I guess that's what makes me a good, objective journalist. But when I am passionate about something, or having strong feelings on an issue, it can be easy to talk talk talk instead of listen listen listen. 

Sometimes opening your ears is not even about hearing someone else's point of view (instead of promulgating your own). No. Sometimes it is simply about taking the time to listen to a friend who just needs to talk. To vent. To cry even. I like to think I am a pretty good listener. I don't always have the best advice to give, but I can always lend an ear. I think it is important to remember that. God gave us two ears and one mouth. Why? The better to hear you with, my dear.

So when's the last time you just shut up and listened? What did you learn? Are you better at talking or listening?

P.S. That grande cup had a Cinnamon Dolce Latte in it. Mmm, yum. It is my stand-in while Pumpkin Spice is on hiatus... for a year. But when spring/summer comes, I'm all about the Shaken Passion Tea Lemonade with raspberry sweetner. Oh, yeah. Second question: What's your fave Starbucks drink? (Or Coffee Bean, or Peet's, or whatev). Would love to know!