Friday, November 28, 2008

Black Friday...

In general, this term is used for the Friday after Thanksgiving-the first big shopping day that retailers really slash prices to draw consumers in.

I assume that the "black" means that at the end of the year, the retailers will be turning a profit, not a loss - ergo in their bottom line is in the "black."

It's not Black Friday for me for that reason.....

It is Black Friday for me because for some reason, more than any other day of the year, I need a cup of hot, strong, BLACK coffee.

Maybe it is because I am still in a tryptophan stupor from the enormous amount of Turkey I ate the day before. Maybe I am suffering a sugar crash from all the pumpkin pie. Maybe, just maybe, it is a coping mechanism to prepare me for the long holiday season ahead.

Monday, November 24, 2008

My Cup Runneth Over

Whether you call it java, joe, brew, or just plain coffee....ever cup I drink comes with overflowing blessings.

First, I am blessed to be able to get myself to my coffee spot everyday. I have been blessed with good health, safe and reliable transportation (via my car, my bike or my feet).

Second, I am blessed that I am able to purchase my cup each day. Yes, it is only a $1 refill each morning, but it today's world, many don't even have that much extra to spend.

Third, I am blessed to live in a place where I am allowed to come and go as I please, whether that be to my coffee spot, or anywhere else.

Lastly, I am lucky that I even have a refill mug to....refill. There are many people in the world that don't even have that!

The small things that I sometimes take for granted, come into clearer view at this time of year. I am grateful for all of the big things, but the little things get a bit clearer.

I am grateful that every year at this time I realize - my cup runneth over.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Give Me a B!

On any given day at my coffee spot, this is what I see...

Blackberries ringing,
books being read,
business being conducted,
Bibles being shared,
babble between friends and acquaintances
babies begging for mom's attention, banging tables and biting bitty snacks,
bagels,
buns,
big mugs brimming with brew,
boisterous boys and girls on their lunch break,
Best and worst traits of people.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

I need a Cup!

I missed going to my coffee spot today. It is now too late because, unlike many of the big java players, mine closes at 4 pm.

My day just hasn't flowed the same. My routine is off and that is throwing the rest of me off.

I feel lost.

I feel sad.

I feel like I need a cup of coffee!

Friday, November 14, 2008

The Crew Behind the Brew...

Let's face it - we go to our favorite coffee spots for selfish reasons.

When we step up to the counter to place our order, our thoughts are on the satisfaction and instant gratification we will soon be receiving from what we are about to imbibe. The hot, caffeinated liquid we are about to partake of not only warms our bodies from the inside out, but also warms our soul. It makes us feel good.

Have you ever stopped to think about the crew behind the brew? Besides a weekly paycheck, does their service to us warm their hearts?

I would hope that at least to some extent those that are waiting on the customers in my favorite coffee spot do it because they enjoy the daily interaction with the public. But even if they don't, as responsible and socially conscious coffee consumers, we should do our part to bring them a little bit of satisfaction- in gratitude for how they help facilitate ours.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Can There Be That Many Blends?

Have you ever wondered if the coffee industry is just trying to pull one over on us, the poor caffeine dependent public? Is it all just a big joke and the coffee "execs" are sitting in their big offices with their sterling silver coffee mugs laughing?

Seriously... its amazing how many different blends of coffee there are. It seems like everyday of the year there is a different "blend" brewing. From Thanksgiving Roasts, to Winter Blends, to Holiday Brews, to Christmas Coffee, just to name a few at the holiday time, how is a consumer to choose? The constant flipping of the "serving today" sign is enough to make even the most skilled seaman a little seasick!

How do you tell an organic shade grown bean from a hillside in Central America from a full sun, city grown bean roasted in central Los Angeles - laden with pesticides? I don't know that you really can. For now I guess we just have to trust that the coffee companies are being honest with us.

Is there such thing as a coffee sommelier? Maybe I can get in on a gig like that......Hmmmmm.

Friday, November 7, 2008

It's The Little Things...

If you have been reading my entries, you know by now that I have a favorite coffee spot that I visit daily. I go there as part of my routine and would be lost without it.

But, I do on occasion visit other java-joints for a special coffee fix. One of them is the national coffee giant.

At this time of year, this java-joint changes the color of their cups. They go from an everyday, ordinary cup in the hand to a festive celebration in your grip! With the simple change of the vessel, the holiday season rockets into full swing.

I don't know why, but the sheer sight of some thing as little as a cup sends my soul into a frenzy of delight.

I guess it's just the little things in life that bring me joy.....

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Chatter....

I expected to hear quite a bit of political chatter as I stopped by my coffee spot...

I was very surprised to not here a single political word uttered. I don't understand why after such an historical night (let's face it - regardless of which camp you were in, you have to admit that history was made with Obama's election,) people weren't buzzing with conversation. No electricity and excitement over his nomination, no frustration or disappointment over McCain's loss, no laments or vents or validation of anything.

Are people afraid to voice their opinion? Are they afraid to face the fact that the nation is changing? Or maybe is it just that politics is too heavy a subject before the morning cup of coffee?

What do you think?

Monday, November 3, 2008

Variety is the Spice of Life

This afternoon when I went into my coffee spot, my favorite table to the right of the coffee table was not available.

I had to find a new seat...and that threw me off of my game.

As I sat at an alternate table, I found it hard to concentrate, I was distracted by customers coming in and going out the door, and I was much more in tune to the different noises around me.

As I sat reading my book, I came across a chapter dedicated to adding variety, mixing it up a little, getting out of the same old routine.

I suddenly looked at my seat in a different light. I saw it as an opportunity to view the coffee spot through different eyes....to spice it up a little.

How do you create variety in your life?