By James FitzPatrick
Contributing Writer
I love coffee. The flavor, the aroma, the heat, even the process of making it all come together to make coffee a uniquely satisfying experience.
At home, there’s no better way to jumpstart the morning or get a second wind in the afternoon than a good cup of coffee.
If I’m out enjoying a good meal, the restaurant doesn’t officially rate unless dessert comes with a well-brewed, satisfying cup.
At work, one of the easiest ways to cement your reputation as a good co-worker is to be the person that reliably makes the first pot in the morning, keeps the pot clean, and has figured out the optimal combination of water and grounds to make coffee better than anyone thought possible from a cheap Mr. Coffee machine.
Expect a high five or two if you surprise your colleagues with a hot, store-bought (Wawa) coffee for everyone in your department.
We have coffee shops everywhere because java is enjoyed by more than half of our nation’s population not just as a drink, but also as a social activity. We don’t go out for Coke; we go out for coffee.
Sadly, medical issues have pushed coffee into the realm of a fond memory. I haven’t had coffee since February of 2020 and probably will never have it again. It hasn’t been easy.
Until then I was a full-blown coffee addict, prone to headaches if I didn’t get my morning cup.
All that changed following surgery (not related to coffee). My doctor said I should stay away from coffee, plus a long list of other foods, to ensure successful recovery. I have to look on the bright side and do as I’m told, considering that the doctor saved my life.
Two and a half years later and I have seen some benefits from cutting the daily coffee ritual out of my life.
I save money. At $1.45, my Wawa cup added up. Brewed at home, it costs $8 for a can of Chock full o’ Nuts. Those expenses are now gone.
I sleep better. Gone are the acid reflux and the tossing and turning. It’s incredible how quickly I’m able to fall asleep right after I shut my eyes.
I make fewer messes. Many coffee drinkers experience surprise spills caused when carelessness meets a poorly placed cup. Being a klutz and a coffee drinker is a dangerous mix. Leaving coffee behind also makes for cleaner car interiors.
I’ve adjusted, but I would be lying if I said I’m over it, this column being the case in point.
If my doctor ever decides to lift all dietary restrictions, coffee would be my first selection, followed by a fresh salad. More on that at another time.
