I believe humans get a lot done, not because we're smart, but because we have thumbs so we can make coffee. ~ Flash Rosenberg
Isn't it funny, really, that I've written quite a lot about how I manage to sail through life, without mentioning coffee as my fuel?
Wouldn't you know, without it I can never produce a decent work, let alone a piece of writing? Seems to me these last three years I had written so much I broke my own personal record. And I'm telling you, not a word, not a phrase would've made it on paper without the help of my friend The Milk Coffee.
The simple ritual of boiling mineral water (yes, we still do this, to the horror of many civilized people out there, I realize) and waiting for it to reach a decent temperature (80 degrees centigrade, according to my sources) brings me tranquility.
I take only instant coffee at home, with real sugar. A long time ago I used to take artificial sweeteners, which made me lose a taste for real sugar. After some getting used to, however, I'm back to taking real sugar and now I can't stand the taste of artificial sweeteners.
So what it takes to have a decent cup of coffee, for me, is simply instant coffee, sugar, hot water...and some milk. I know I should've subtituted the water with milk, but I guess I am not much of a milk drinker.
The funny thing is, sometimes I let the coffee goes cold. It seems like the mere act of making a cup and having it next to my computer help to set my brains to working-mode. And not just the routine-work, the sight of a cup of coffee really helps set the mood for creative work too. Lordy only knew how much I had to strain that tiny creative muscle of mine this past year alone.
So coffee: the actual drinking of it, the sight of it, the act of making it, the sheer blessing of having it in a cup next to me... is what keeps me sane in my most insane times.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have half a cup of the magic potion to finish. Here's wishing the humankind will never, ever run out of coffee supplies for all eternity.
Amen.
