I’ll be the first one to admit it, I have a PROBLEM. I don’t know how it started, I think there might be some genetic influences, but nonetheless, I have a BIG problem, and it’s name is COFFEE. Some would say I have an (shhhhh) addiction.
It started innocently enough, in college, as a substitute for amphetamines, which were more expensive AND illegal. I found that a strong cup of coffee could give me wings, AND brains, LONG ENOUGH to acquire the knowledge needed to not only PASS a test – to ACE a test. I was on the Dean’s list and NOONE knew. Not only that, they encouraged the behavior when we would stop for breakfast at 2AM. Who knew it would lead to this?
Unfortunately for me, I did not take this problem seriously – I didn’t quit, I only curbed my drinking to times that SEEMED more appropriate, like during the morning when others WITHOUT addictions were also drinking it. I was able to hide the REAL truth from my family AND my colleagues…
UNTIL NOW… I have met an ENABLER!
I’d like to keep her name out of the post, she knows who she is, she has probably a SLEW of other addicts, back in her hometown. Hell, she even brings her problem to work, everyday. It’s just pitiful.
Just the other day, we were passing a Starbucks along the way, and all of the sudden she jumped out of the doorway and flagged us down (see photo if you think I am lying). I am powerless against this problem.
I can only hope that my family and friends can stage an intervention (of sorts) when I get home so I can gently ween myself onto more healthy beverage options, like chai tea or sparkling water with lemon.
My life is a mess…
August 2, 2008 at 3:39 am
I liked your story. I too am a big coffee drinker. I drink 3 – 4 cups of coffee a day. I even drink coffee in the evening, while I am working. I not only like the taste but I also like the energy boost I get from my coffee.
A while back my doctor told me to cut back on my caffeine, but it is hard to do when you have such a busy lifestyle. I cut back for a while and then started back up. I am not an unhealthy person with an unhealthy lifestyle. I exercise 6 days a week and I eat pretty healthy. I just need my caffeine.
Some months ago, a friend of mine introduced me to a company that sells healthy coffee. I did not believe in healthy coffee, but I tried it and to my surprise discovered that it not only tasted like real coffee, but it gave me tons of energy. Not only that, but I had been having problems sleeping at night for years. I would fall asleep, but just could not stay asleep. This might have something to do with the amount of coffee I was drinking. Well, since drinking this coffee, I actually sleep like a baby and I am still drinking it at night. This is the honest to goodness truth.
Oh well. I thought I would share my story with you.
Thank you for sharing.
Take care…
August 3, 2008 at 12:16 am
Hey Rosie,
Just wanted to send you wishes as you travel your last week on this great adventure. What a journey, what an adventure, what an experience, what a challenge! Nothing can stop you now!! Not even weening yourself from your coffee addiction (:-P).
Enjoy your last week and stay safe!
Always,
~fe thornton (Diana TW’s friend)
August 11, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Hey, i hope you can see these comments. We here in the great state of jersey are behind ya, and miss ya very much.. Go aunt Ro… Yaaaaa