COFFEE!!!

So the last week and a half or so, I've been sick. It crept up slowly with fatigue and headaches and then, on Tuesday, hit me like a big yellow school bus. I woke up and could barely move. My throat felt like it was on fire every time I swallowed or try to talk. If that weren't enough, I was sweating and shivering at the same time. No me gusta!

All in all, however, the Lord was kind. I was only seriously down for two days. By Thursday, I was weak, but found strength to go to work, come home and knock out for the rest of the afternoon. Also, I lost three pounds! Hooray! I know, not the best way to lose weight, and besides, I've since gained back two of them, but it was still nice to see that low number. (Well, at least the lowest I've seen it in several years).

I still have a few symptoms left. I'm still coughing considerably though my throat is no longer sore. And my bi-polar nose arbitrarily decides to change from congested to runny. Ever since I can remember I've had a very weak immune system that seems to catch everything thrown at it. Thankfully though, I've never really been seriously ill and I recover relatively quickly.

The real purpose of this post, however, is to express my genuine and sincere thankfulness for coffee. It's been a week since I had some coffee. I probably shouldn't be having coffee if I'm not completely healed, but I really wanted some, and besides, it's Valentine's Day. (I am my own Valentine this year). So, I treated myself to Starbucks this morning and purchased a medium cup of their new light brew. In the process, I got to see one of my husband's friends who, I am glad to say, has become my friend. (Shout out to Catlin!) He works at the Starbucks I like to visit when on my way to LACC. In the spirit of Valentine's Day, he wrote a little platonic love note on the bag in which my chicken sausage and egg white breakfast wrap came and brightened my morning commute considerably.

In the car, I began to sip my coffee. Fair disclaimer: I generally detest Starbucks brewed coffee with the exception of their Christmas blend. I love their crafted beverages, but their drip coffee... not so much. I was very pleasantly surprised with this libation, however! (Side note, I love it when I find something I like to consume that's cheap). It gave great energy as well and really helped put me in a good mood. It's amazing how the little gifts in life can do that so subtly and significantly.

After a week without coffee, this was a fantastic return. It gave me the jump start I needed for the long day ahead. Starbucks, and Catlin, your influence is profound, and my gratitude is real.