Why Coffee?
A coworker of mine commented last week, “Are you this energetic all the time or is it the coffee?” Well, dear readers, I’m happy to report it’s a little of column A and a little of column B. And let’s be real clear for a minute - that conversation happened after a really great meeting where I had put a ton of prep, hard work, and effort into helping it go well so there was also some endorphins and adrenaline in the mix, too. I am not, most assuredly, energetic all the time. I also don’t drink coffee just for the caffeine. Let’s get into why I named my blog “Just Chaos and Coffee”! The Chaos part is kind of self-explanatory. The coffee part, maybe not so much…
Can you live without coffee?
Probably not. I had to try for a while in 2021 because of some health concerns and it was the absolute worst. THE WORST. Decaf is not the same as regular coffee, no matter what people tell you. It tastes different, it feels different, and it even smells different, to me. For me though, coffee is about more than just being a vehicle for caffeine. Let me explain.
A hot cup of black coffee reminds me of so many memories of my grandmother sitting at our dining room table after Sunday lunch, usually with a piece of my Mom’s apple pie or some Publix chocolate chip cookies that Grandma had brought with her. She worked as a baker for 30 years at Publix and loved her coffee as much as she loved her grandkids, which was a whole lot! But she wouldn’t take any of that “sissy stuff” as she called cream and sugar. She only drank straight black coffee. I drank black coffee for almost 2 years because I wanted to be just like my Grandma. That didn’t last long because I discovered the wonder that is half and half and I’ve stuck with that.
An Americano reminds me of one of the very first friends I made when I moved to Austin, Texas, 16 years ago. At the time, she was a nurse in a critical care unit and worked some crazy hours. Americanos were quick, easy, and strong, just like her and just what she needed! I tried one a few times and it was not my preference, but I can’t hear someone order one without thinking of my sweet friend. When I was in graduate school, she was studying for some additional nursing credentials and we’d meet up at Mozart’s (an Austin famous coffee shop right on Lake Austin). She’d order her Americano and I’d order my latte or regular drip coffee. Hours were spent there and we’d take breaks in between studying to talk, order more coffee, and keep plugging away. I’m happy to report we are both out of those grueling years…and still meeting up for coffee, but at a park with our kids and coffees in hand!
A Starbucks Frappacino, which I’m pretty sure contains 2% coffee so it barely counts, takes me right back to college years, driving my 1994 Buick Century with my roommates and suitemates piled in (seatbelts and “capacity” were really a suggestion more than anything), and pulling all kinds of typical college girl stunts at the local Starbucks near Phillippe Park in Clearwater. One specific memory stands out where we had to just be completely sleep deprived as it was definitely around finals and we were all completely loopy. One of us (she shall go unnamed as I’m sure the City of Clearwater is still searching…) had the amazing idea of taking a construction cone - yes, the large, orange cylindrical triangle shaped thingies - back to our dorm room. Why?! Who knows. We were young and “smart” but dumb college kids! Just for those taking notes, those cones are much bigger than they look and we had a hard time getting into the trunk. So, come prepared if you’re going to “borrow” said traffic cones.
A latte has always been my go to coffee order at any coffee shop. Hot, 16 ounces, even in the dead heat of a Texas summer. 2% milk, except for one time when my sweet husband ordered me one with half and half because he knew that’s what I drank in my regular at home morning coffee. That was a STOUT latte, let me tell you! But I so appreciated him bringing me a hot latte and it tasted delightful. Lattes also remind me of my Mom because they’re what she orders when we have our coffee times together. Mom prefers flavors, especially seasonal, or some slightly sweetened version of a vanilla latte. When we are able to get some time at a coffee shop, we both take a deep breath and remind ourselves that we don’t have to rush. Our conversation ranges from the latest recipes we’ve tried to kid struggles and everything in between. Sometimes there are tears because life is just hard. There’s almost always laughter as we share stories from the chaos of both our lives and just enjoy the time together.
It’s More Than Just Coffee
You see, it’s more than just a cup of coffee to me. Each morning when I’m brewing my morning cup of coffee, the smell grounds me. That first sip reminds me to slow down and practice patience and compassion with my kids, who hate to rush in the mornings because they’re like me and run a tad on the anxious side of life. On weekdays, my coffee is always in a travel mug WITH a lid as I juggle the morning marathon. But Saturdays and Sundays? Those are slower mornings with a “real” aka glass mug where I can feel the warmth of the coffee seeping into my hands, another reminder to slow down and be present. Yes, caffeine is definitely helpful (but I’ve worked really hard to get down to drinking less than 200mg throughout the day!). Coffee is full of memories for me. Coffee grounds me through the chaos. And yes, I did just make a coffee joke. I’m a funny lady, what can I say?!
You may not be a coffee person, but I sure am glad you’ve found your way to this little corner of the internet. Coffee may not be your thing, but I’d venture to say you probably have something that is. Slow down today to really savor it, whatever it is. I’ll be right here, enjoying my own cup of coffee.
JoEllen