Coffee

I don't know about you, but I need my coffee in the morning.

It's been a ritual of mine since my university days, guzzling cup after cup to and from class, just to make it through the day. You actually weren't anyone in class unless you had your coffee. I actually did need it, to stay awake in the complicated world of genetics and biology classes that I threw myself in. Needed it then, and still need it now.

I was a regular at my local Starbucks before my maternity leave, always stopping by for my grande Americano misto or extra-hot, non-fat, vanilla latte. I filled up my Starbucks Card so frequently, I often wondered why I just didn't slap a hundred on there and be done with it.

And, now, here I am, I can't even finish a hot coffee. I always end up staring into my half-drunk mug of cold java, yearning for another full hot mug, wondering how come I never got to finish it. Oh, yeah, I've got kids. Each evening, I vow that I will enjoy a whole mug, at a high enough temperature that won't let me cringe in grief, and the next day, it happens again, and I find myself staring at half-a-mug of worse-than-cold coffee.

Maybe one of these days I'll enjoy my coffee whole and hot!

What's your one vice that takes you through your day? The guiltier the better!

April 22 - Earth Day...aka Coffee Day

It's that time of year again: free coffee at Starbucks! My coworkers look forward to this each year, and it usually sneaks up on us, even though we should be marking it on our calendar each year. Being the cheap-asses we are, we love anything free, but make that coffee, you've got us drooling. Even the ones who typically detest Starbucks because "it's too strong", "it's too bitter" will usually run out and get served a cup of Starbucks java. Yes, I told you we were some cheap-asses!



So, at least up here in Canada, on April 22, next Wednesday (not tomorrow!) run, don't walk, to your local Starbucks with your mug...yes, bring your mug: it ain't Earth Day for nothing. Then do what us cheap-asses do...go back in the afternoon for another fix, and if you're a real die-hard, before you leave work. Oh, and do something nice for the Earth while you're at it: recycle some plastics, drink tap water instead of bottled water, turn off a few lights at home. Eventually, Coffee Day for each of us will bring meaning to the term Earth Day, this year and for years to come.

To Earth! Cheers! Now, pass the sugar...

Cappuccinos

Nothing like finding something you knew you had but haven't enjoyed yet...

Enter my espresso machine.

When you get married, you get a barrage of useful and not-so-useful gifts. Gifts you thought you wanted and when you got them, not so much anymore. Gifts you thought would be great to have because it's pretty, but pretty isn't pretty when it's in a cupboard. And gifts you get that you didn't ask for, but got, and be gracious you got anything in the first place.

I got married 6 years ago, and have TONS of kitchen-stuff I have never used.

Again, enter my espresso machine.

My husband, who gets in these moods, decides to be Mr. Gourmet (with all the baking he does, albeit, always cookies), and he whips out the espresso machine. I did that once eons ago, "whip it out", and although I'm a Starbucks freak and love my coffee, I couldn't figure the thing out. So back in the cupboard you go!

My husband, of all people, figured it out last night. After almost 7 years in the cupboard, I figured the thing was destined for Sally Ann. Well, I must say, I had a pretty darn good cup of espresso last night, and that made me feel, well, darn good! (Given the day I had yesterday, even some tea would have sufficed...but bring on the caffeine!)

So I tried out the thing myself this morning...not bad! I managed to froth myself up some steamed milk too and enjoyed a cappuccino. In fact, I made another one and am enjoying the fruits of my labour. :)

The screaming baby sure sounds a little more distant right now...I'm in heaven, if only for a while.