Average Jane Loves Caffeine

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Yesterday I finally brought my espresso maker to the office to try to save some of the money that Starbucks keeps managing to weasel out of my wallet. Of course, there’s too much involved in making the iced Café Mochas I’m fond of, so I’ve fallen back to Café Americanos (espresso shots diluted with hot water). Now I’m so awake, I’m not sure my eyes close all the way when I blink.

I used to have a love/hate relationship with caffeine. I’d give it up for a while, suffer through the withdrawal symptoms, and swear that I’d never go back. Problem is, I like caffeine. I don’t really care that it’s an addictive drug, as long as it keeps me semi-focused and awake.

I started out as a fan of strong tea (Earl Grey, brewed until it’s almost opaque), then I moved on to coffee. At first I drank coffee with cream and sugar, then I learned to love cappuccinos and lattes. Now I’m less concerned about the taste than the act of getting the active ingredients into my system in the most efficient manner possible.

Maintaining my coffee habit takes a little extra work on the weekends. I don’t brew coffee at home just for myself, so I have to make a point of procuring some elsewhere before the headaches set in. Otherwise, I’m perfectly happy with the coffee monkey on my back. I think I’m going to have to start bleaching my teeth again, though…

Comments

5 responses to “Average Jane Loves Caffeine”

October 1, 2004

Rozanne

Isn’t that caffeine-withdrawal headache the absolute worst? I once went on a hiking trip to the Upper Peninsula (the You Pee!) of Michigan and the friend in charge of bringing the coffee brought decaf and didn’t tell the rest of us. Nine miles out on a hike, my sister and I developed debilitating headaches. Since there are no drive-through espresso kiosks in the North Woods, we had to finish the hike feeling like total crap. For the rest of the hike we hurled abuse at the (now former) friend who claimed we “didn’t need” caffeine. When we finished the hike we made a beeline for the nearest Supper Club (they don’t have restaurants up there) and drank about a liter apiece of their predictably weak coffee.

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October 1, 2004

huts

One day you’ll be able to take a shot of caffeine by injecting yourself with a needle.. Then it truly will be an addictive drug.

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October 1, 2004

Cagey

There are so few legal vices left that I am just waiting for all the soccer moms to march against the Evil Caffeine – they’ll make banners and t-shirts. Then, the Congress will impose super-high taxes. It’s coming – better start stockpiling your beans now!

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October 2, 2004

Pharmgirl

Could this be why you’ve always been an obsessive foot-tapper? Nah.

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October 3, 2004

Sarah

Oh, I totally am addicted to caffeine! The 2 days that I couldn’t have it were the worst ever! I will never go a day without it again!

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