But really, at the risk of sounding too cheesy, coffee is more than a beverage. I mean, let's examine the exhibit below and decide for yourself if it's 'just a drink'
It's not. Coffee, for me, is, yes, a delicious beverage, but it's a lot more than that. Coffee is college all-nighters. Coffee is every morning in Spain (and most afternoons). Coffee is the reward of a two-mile hike into town here in DC (unless it's a Monday in which case, it's the 7-11 substitution for a bit of heaven...so maybe Mondays aren't the best coffee day!) Coffee is mornings at home in NH, talking for hours. It's Christmas morning. Coffee is sitting on the couch all afternoon with my french press brewing, with ads strewn everywhere and ABC family movies playing the background of the day. Coffee is reunions with friends. It's interviews, it's a post-workout treat, or a pre-workout motivator. Coffee is a time-out from the day- a chance to take a breath and reflect. Coffee is happiness. Coffee is joy.
Why ramble about coffee, you wonder? Well this morning I decided to do my 2-mile trek for coffee from Oby Lee, one of the *greatest* coffee-roasters/cafes I have discovered. (They lure me in with their offering flavored brews on weekends only!) Unfortunately, I was about halfway there and had a plan change, and had to reroute and head home earlier than anticipated. So, slightly dismayed that my flavored coffee would not be happening today, I meandered into the Dunkin Donuts on the way back home. I get into line, and patiently wait. Then, this guy walks in and he's wearing a neon yellow shirt. I smile, (half because I always smile at people and half because I'm thinking of my friend at the gym who always say that neons make him "ten percent faster and five percent stronger") and then I look forward and just stand there waiting for the line to move. He says, "excuse me, are you getting coffee?" To which I want to be like, "uh...DUHHHHH!" but instead, I more politely offer a smile and say, "yes, I am." To which, he responds by producing what is the equivalent of a Golden Ticket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.... a coupon for a free coffee- a free *large* coffee. And he wants nothing in return. He gifts me this joyous little gem, and I'm just dumbstruck and in awe. I graciously accept after just overflowing with thanks and telling him he made my morning. That boy wins first place in the Random Act of Kindness category.
And so of all the things that coffee is, today coffee is gratitude and appreciation. Today coffee is the perfect start to a perfect day.
