Coffee

"Coffee should be black as hell, strong as death and as sweet as love."
Turkish proverb

This morning I stopped by the new Jittery Joes for a 16oz medium roast coffee (a nice Peruvian palatable) and a fresh everything bagel. I got to thinking that I'm a little ashamed of my relationship with coffee (and her recent guest star: bagel).

I started drinking coffee on a somewhat regular basis when I was about 12 years old. Granted, year 12 WAS a busy one so it's hard to pinpoint exactly why coffee came into my life at such a pivotal moment in the development of what has become...present-day-me. Classes at the middle school I attended began at 7:20 am. That means I would wake up at approximately 6:30 to have breakfast and either catch the bus or be driven to school. And that's not to mention the days when I had 6:00 am swim practice...which implies a 5:30 arousal. JESUS, I can't imagine doing such a thing today. Anyway...this was my introduction to America's favorite stimulant.

I'm typically a medium roast kind of gal...just a splash of cream...no sugar. My grandmother is said to like her coffee the way she likes her men: strong and black. I will occassionally delve into the world of novelty drinks such as those you will pay $5 for at Starbuck's. On that note, I should mention that flavored coffee is reserved only for special occassions and I could really do without.

I work in a grocery store and one of the reccuring mundane conversations I choose to hold with customers is on the topic of coffee preferences. It's really turned into a great pick-up technique and I've got to say that Dunkin'Donuts drinkers have got to be some of the easiest people out there. Sometimes I pick up a bag and the aroma will waft through the small "sniffing holes" provided by the packager. Just another way that coffee reaches out and says "hello..."

In closing this overture to coffee I feel obligated to mention that--although I have dedicated 9 semi-faithful years to the beverage--our relationship is not without conflict. Coffee, I do not appreciate it when you keep me awake at night (because you know I don't enjoy decaf). I resent you for making me too jittery to think when I am hoping that you will only keep me awake long enough to finish a paper. You've stained my clothing and my teeth...and you're no cheap date either. Despite your faults, I love you. I will always have a place for you in my heart and in my cup.

Canadians Are Just Cuter

due to my obsession with all things Canadian, i have decided to start a recurring post of a few of my favourite things from Canada. the posts will include videos of musicians or actors, famous people...things that are mirabulous...and maybe even just some ordinary things that are extraordinary BECAUSE they're from Canada.

let's start off the series with a video from a favorite Canadian band--Land of Talk. things that are beautiful about this band include: female lead vocals and Canadian origins. the band is based out of Montreal (my second-favourite Canadian city) and Elizabeth Powell's voice is quite heartbreaking. the song is "Magnetic Hill."