I was first interested in observing family life, particularly children and their interaction with their siblings. I decided to go in a different direction and observe the Starbucks in the student center. I often go there to get some time to myself, maybe to study, sip coffee with some friends or just sit and do nothing. I think this will be an easier topic for me to touch on because it is easily accessible since it is on campus and there is plenty of room for me to observe. Plus, I like the environment there.

After jumbling up my notes from my first 2 observation dates I came to the conclusion that the starbucks at the student center is a multidimensional place. It's not just a place that provides relaxation for commuters while waiting for their next class in pray-harrold or Mark J. It is a place that provides couches, tables and chairs and a warm cup of your favorite whatever! It is a place for friends, focus and frolic. haha, frolic.

I decided to go around 1:00 on Monday to see what the environment was like at that time. (I will also go early in the morning and in the evening to see it's transformation around the clock). While observing I was offered some candy by a guy named Derek. We got to talking and he explained to me that he hand out candy every Monday afternoon at the student center and tries to get people involved in playing games, meeting others, discussing politics and even watching a 3:00 movie in the auditorium. I had observed the few people participating. They were throwing around a beach ball with random questions written on it. Every time you were thrown the beach ball you had to read a question on it and answer it. The questions were just simple like: what is your favorite color? Where is your favorite vacation spot?

This was the most outspoken thing I observed. As for the sounds, tastes and smells. Well, that was probably my favorite part of this whole thing! Before actually sitting down I stood in line for a few minutes (there never isn't a line at starbucks!) to order my favorite drink, a chai tea latte made with soy (i'm lactose intolerant). The person at the register wrote on the cup exactly what I had ordered and passed it on to the girl who made it. She steamed the milk, and added the chai whatever stuff. It was delicious!

So as I sat sipping my latte, I got down to observing! Firstly, I had noticed the group sitting passing around the beach ball. I also saw a few people sitting at the tables with their laptops. One girl looked as if she was working on a paper of some sort, and a guy was multitasking between Facebook and Myspace, pausing to check his emich account. I felt like a bit of a stalker watching what these people were doing.

I moved to the other side of starbucks (closer to the stairs) and sat with a few older women. They weren't really working on anything, although they had some books out. They were more so talking to one another, laughing about home matters and their children. It was honestly interesting listening to them. They were kinda funny. This actually got me thinking. I think it is really intersting how over the years our conversation changes. I can remember always gossiping when i was in middle school, now with my friends I hold conversations about serious relationships, college, and careers! interesting huh?

I have many more notes but these were the things that I had noticed first. I gotta save stuff to blog for next time too!