Conversations w/Coffee

The 7th One

From time to time, I have to give up coffee for various reasons. It’s not a fun process and shows how addictive the brew really is—ridiculously addictive. Still, I honestly believe that if I wanted to stay off coffee forever, I could. All it takes is a week of cravings and headaches, then I’m free of the stuff. However… deep down, I know I’d never be free of that smell. One good whiff of coffee and I’d crumble.

I give up coffee when I travel, that’s 100% true, even though I love airplane coffee—it must be the altitude. If the trip involves a lot of walking, like trips to Disney or that amazing one to Spain, I make the sacrifice. Does this also mean that you should avoid me before I go on vacation? Yes, avoid me at all costs. Someone weaning themselves off coffee should wear a warning sign.

The longest I ever gave up coffee was roughly a year and a half. It was worth it. I had a baby. You know, I don’t think I ever told my son about giving up coffee to be pregnant. He’d be impressed. The boy loves coffee. It must be genetic.

Disney has Starbucks, so I’m okay skipping it. However, I have a passion for indie coffee houses. Love discovering them. Love the atmosphere. Love the unique coffee choices. And now they are off my agenda, at least when I’m traveling. If someone gave me the option between superhuman powers or being able to drink as much coffee as I want and not having to run to a bathroom every ten minutes, I’d choose the coffee one.

That first cup back is everything. It might be a reason to give up coffee, just to end the drought and have that first cup. The aroma. Holding the warm cup. The first sip. It’s like Christmas Day, if all the presents under the tree are for you and they’re wrapped up in Olympic gold medals.

I don’t expect you to give up drinking coffee just to get the thrill of drinking it again, but if you do, bravo/brava! And may your next cup of coffee be a whole pot.