Have you ever wondered why they call it ‘Morning Joe’?  I mean, who’s Joe?  Did he invent coffee?  Was Joe someone I need to thank for this wonderful combination of flavor and caffeine?  If so, here’s to you Joe!  You keep me up at night, wake me up in the morning, and give me anxiety during the day.  Really appreciate it pal. 

          Oh, the days when Grandma would break out the big red can of Folgers to make us a cup of hot tar for breakfast.  Thankfully, I didn’t become a diabetic from all the sugar I used to keep from swallowing my tongue after the first sip.  She meant well, but if she really knew how the caffeine increased my obnoxious levels past the, ‘Everyone in the room is going to kill you if don’t stop it Brad…!’ levels, I’m certain she would not have allowed me near it. 

          Yes, coffee has become part of who I am today.  Scientists even say it’s good for me (at least the ones who work for the coffee companies do).   It may even help me live longer (much to those who hate me's chagrin).  The Mrs. and I enjoy a cup at our local coffee shop nearly every morning.  It has even drawn us closer together and given us a reason to exercise. 

          For all its faults, that morning cup of Joe has real benefits after all.  I just need to get past the realization that I am nothing but a shell without it in the morning.  I tried quitting once.  I really did.  That lasted about two months until the day I decided the daily thoughts of doom & gloom just weren’t worth it anymore.

          SO, tonight, here’s to all of you fellow cup of Joe drinkers out there.  Remember, we’re in this together (whether we like it or not). Maybe one day they’ll come up with something better, but for now I’m happy with drinking that whole pot of coffee in the morning.  Who knows, maybe I’ll live past 100.  My teeth will be brown from the coffee stains, but at that age, who cares!...

Love always,

Brad