Habits…they can be really funny.  They can be quirky, annoying and debilitating, I suppose.  They can become such a part of your being that nothing can block them.

Drinking my morning coffee is, for me, a morning ritual nobody should attempt to thwart.  It has become the most sacred, quiet, reflective part of my day. Without it,  I am lost. Without it, the outcome of the next twelve hours will be most likely one of annoyance, irritability and a general feeling of being “off”.  Not to mention a pounding headache.

Over the years, I have tried many types of coffee…coffees from all over the world. A variety of blends, from  many different countries.  I have tried various ways of brewing; electric percolator, drip coffee makers (THE WORST!), French press….I even had a short-lived stint with Keurig for the sake of convenience.  That didn’t work for me.  Within two days, I decided it wasn’t worth drinking and the plastic and chemicals used in those silly little cups would kill me.  In the 1980’s, I even tried “flavored” coffee when it began to become popular.  Hazelnut . Never again…..the after-taste remained for hours. Give me a rich, dark non-flavored brew.

When I became pregnant with my first child in 1981, pregnant women were told to not drink coffee.  This was a setback.  For the first ten weeks of my pregnancy, after stopping cold turkey, I had terrible headaches from caffeine withdrawal.  Thank goodness the thought on that has changed.

The coffee itself is crucial but so is the mug.  You may think that is a bit weird.  However, the shape, the size, the handle…all aspects of the cup from which I am sipping my morning brew impacts the experience.   The mug can’t be too small.  The lip on the top can’t be too round.  The handle can’t be too bulky.  And, of course, no plastic allowed.  When on the run, and buying coffee to go, paper cups are acceptable, styrofoam an “no-no”.

SO…the perfect mug, a rich dark roast, a bit of milk….and quiet.  The start to a happy day.

How do you like your coffee?

mary elizabeth