I suppose my introduction to coffee started as an accident. From what I remember, I mistakenly grabbed my father's afternoon latte thinking it was my pick-me-up hot chocolate. After one sip, I was hooked. This on its own would not have been a problem had I not discovered the wonders that lie in the heaven that is a Starbucks. Rather quickly, my minor obsession unfolded into a full blown obsession.
I understand the inherent "dangers" of drinking coffee such as, stunted growth and the jitters, (believe me, I always am jittery), but there is something so soothing about the entire process of making and drinking coffee. I am put at ease by the sound of water gently rushing through the cool, aromatic coffee grounds. The scintillating trance, brought on by soft waves of roasted Columbian beans wafting through the air into my sleepy nose first thing in the morning, is enough to make me weak at the knees. Then there is the climactic explosion of savoury, deep, bittersweet delight as the chocolate brown fusion of bean and water collide on the yearning surface that is my tongue.
Perhaps my love of "the bean" has gone a little too far. I mean, when I walk into Starbucks I hear, " Tall 2.5 no water double shot and a hint of whole milk is here!" Of course, I am flattered as being known by a drink I so affectionately call "Essential Elixir" but sometimes I lie awake at night (brought on BY the Essential Elixir) wondering if this lusting for coffee has gone too far. After all, caffeine is considered a drug and it really is not appropriate to indulge decadent delights too often. But for the time being, I will accept my coffee indulging vice and continue to scuttle around clutching my beloved coffee mug close to my heart.
Perhaps my love of "the bean" has gone a little too far. I mean, when I walk into Starbucks I hear, " Tall 2.5 no water double shot and a hint of whole milk is here!" Of course, I am flattered as being known by a drink I so affectionately call "Essential Elixir" but sometimes I lie awake at night (brought on BY the Essential Elixir) wondering if this lusting for coffee has gone too far. After all, caffeine is considered a drug and it really is not appropriate to indulge decadent delights too often. But for the time being, I will accept my coffee indulging vice and continue to scuttle around clutching my beloved coffee mug close to my heart.
As someone who has met you, seen you scuttling around with that trademark coffee mug close to you heart, and sought to emulate your admirable behavior, I can attest to the honesty of this post.
ReplyDeleteOn top of that, I really enjoyed the meticulous details you gave. What a true lover of coffee you are! Now please excuse me as I must go refill my own coffee mug.
I must admit you are probably one of the most jittery people I know but your contagious vibe can brighten a cloudy day. I very much enjoyed reading this,
ReplyDeleteI loved reading this!
ReplyDeleteBut unfortunately, I can't really relate to your love of coffee. I never liked the taste much, however I have fallen back on it a couple times to keep me awake while studying. I rarely drink it, since I don't want to become dependent on the caffine...
But honestly, I don't see a big problem with some people needing a bit of coffee every day. Just make sure you're sleeping--caffine jitters are no replacement for being truly well-rested! (I know that no matter what I do, coffee included, I am not quite the same without my sleep.)
Great post! I love all the detailed descriptions, and "Essential Elixer" a wonderful moniker for your beautifully bitter daily addiction. I love coffee, too, and though I used to try only to rely on it on days when I particularly needed a pick-me-up, I must admit I've become a daily user. It's delicious, goes so well with many of my favorite foods, and you can't beat the perking-up effect. (And, as vices go, it's pretty safe. Though I agree with talker16: only if it's not disturbing your sleep.)
ReplyDeleteI must put in a plug for my favorite seller of fair-trade coffee: Cafe Mam, of Eugene Oregon. In our house, we order five pounds at a time. It's non-exploitive, environmentally sound, excellent quality, and reasonably priced (as fair-trade coffee goes). If you like to brew your own, it can't be beat.
Yes! I think that everyone likes to feel that they are a connoisseur of something. For you it is coffee, for some wine, for others cheese. I like to think that I am a connoisseur of tea.
ReplyDeleteFood is such a complex thing that I believe that we all want to seem like we have reached the epitome of taste in our chosen field. It definitely seems like you have a PhD in coffee, and I know who to come to when I want advice on beans, whether coffee beans or L.L. Bean.