by Karen Buckner

Created on: October 13, 2009   Last Updated: October 14, 2009

Coffee... Must have Coffee!

My employer or as I now refer to them my "dealer" just put in a shiny new beautiful Starbucks machine in our break room. You should see it, with it's silver finish and sparkly buttons. It calls to me like a bright beacon in the night calling to a ship lost in the waves.

My name is Karen and I'm an addict... It's Monday morning and being the new addict that I am, I venture toward the kitchen to get my fix. After what seemed an eternity of waiting my turn in line I fill my cup with the hot aromatic brew. After adding a little creamer and sweetener for taste I take a little sip, not much just enough to jolt my system and add some pep in my step as I make my way back to my desk.

Mornings are not my thing...

Back at home-base (aka my desk) I skim through the many emails, prioritize my items and organize my day. I pick up my cup for another sip. The robust perfume of the finely ground beans wafting through the air awakens my senses. The cup meets my lips and at the very first touch it warms me to the bone as I drink in the flavored goodness. My slouch straightens, my eyes begin to open and the sleepiness of the night begins to fade from their lids.

I drink in a little more. The hot liquid massages my vocal chords, dissipating the hoarseness in my voice as I regain an octave.
I begin working on the Fallertown contract and Sheila stops by to say "Hi". I don't mind the favor she asks for and I look up the information. We identify an error and I know I must address this immediately so I schedule a meeting.

Drinking another sip I feel more alert and focused, ready to deal with any challenges this day decides to bring me. By the time my cup is empty; I am energetic and feel ambitious. Today is going to be a great day! I complete task after task and approach my meeting with optimism and determination.

Someone was thoughtful enough to bring a fresh pitcher of coffee to the meeting so I make myself another delicious cup of Starbucks. The discussion is animated but the team rallies and resolves the issue, creating a new process that will help avoid these types of instances in the future. We shake hands and congratulate one another.

Feeling invigorated and accomplished I head back to my desk where I continue to put out fires, complete production and finalize projects. My day ends with no task undone and a final cup of coffee.

I know I wont sleep but I don't care and tomorrow morning, the vicious cycle will continue.

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