I'll Never Write a Novel

The Memoir of a Personal Essayist OR Confessions of a Theatre Widow

Monday, November 05, 2007

I Love Coffee

I just thought I should put it in writing today. I don't know why today is the day I need to profess my love of the pit of the coffee cherry, but I just needed to say it.

I love coffee.

My addiction has changed over time, but it still has power. I don't drink a dozen or more shots of espresso every day like I used to, but I long for a fix, even if it's a decaf one. Yes, I said decaf, and it's not blasphemy.

Once upon a time, my doctor instructed me that I couldn't have caffeine anymore (at about the time I was slamming shot after shot of the stuff). In fact, my doctor had me account what my daily diet looked like. When I finished he asked, "Do you know that coffee isn't a food group?" Perhaps I didn't realize that. So, years after that medical intervention, I now have to limit or cut out caffeine altogether. That doesn't mean I can't have coffee. I am a decaf connoisseur. And, when I do drink the "real deal" it works like a charm. Back in the day I could drink piles of caffeine before bed (maybe a triple shot and a can of Coke) and go right to sleep. The quality of sleep is certainly in question, but my eyes were shut and there was something sleep-like about it. Now, even one shot of espresso after Noon, and it's no sleep till Brooklyn. Yikes. I like that it possesses it's proper power these days. And I really like that decaf makes me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. Hooray.

I love the smell of coffee, the culture of coffee, the way it makes me feel, the way it makes other people feel. The liquid is magical. It tastes good by itself, with or without sugar, great as ice cream. I could go on and on, but I suspect you already know. As a former barista and coffee specialist at *$, I know the intimate relationship people have with their coffee. Whether it's extra hot, with non-fat or extra pumps of vanilla, whatever the case may be, people like to fill the boxes on the side of their cup. That's what makes it uniquely and possessively theirs. I'll take it just about any way, as long as it's made well. And with good beans. And roasted well.

Finally, a Coffee Haiku:

My dear coffee friend
How lovely you make me feel
Thanks Starbucks Siren

Cheers!

8 Comments:

Blogger ZestyJenny said...

Dear, sweet, coffee bean
how I need your bitter warmth
without you, me sad.

1:32 PM  
Blogger BethanyWD said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

2:08 PM  
Blogger BethanyWD said...

I enjoyed reading this post as I drink my very own sugar-free vanilla non-fat latter. Starbucks forever!

2:10 PM  
Blogger Noreen said...

Jenny- Thanks for the haiku. You know I love them. "bitter warmth" is perfectly descriptive.
Bethany- Something about that perfect drink. I was inspired by your mention of coffee on your blog, by the way!

2:17 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

{HUGE SIGH}.

I'd considered refraining from commenting because I like neither coffee nor Oprah. But I HEART you Noreen. And I like to read what you've written.

XO.

3:30 PM  
Blogger Noreen said...

Rona- I recall now your loathing of Oprah. And I know you don't drink coffee. Now that I know you are reading I will do better to refrain from mentioning them regularly. I say substitute "chocolatey chunked ice cream" for both in my blog and read on. In fact, if you ever want to just use that as a life rule, go for it!

6:15 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I love haiku, as you well know. We should write some together soon. It's been so long. ; )

As for caffeine addiction, can you believe I just make one stop at Starbucks and I don't drink ANY sodas? Are you doing a happy dance?

11:31 PM  
Blogger Noreen said...

I couldn't be more excited for you, KT! You know how happy this makes me. tee hee

10:17 AM  

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