Posts Tagged With: coffee

Confessions of a Coffee Fiend

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Nowan Zen

coffee and writingI have some favorite past times: reading, coffee, writing, coffee, thinking, coffee, dreaming, oh, and coffee.  Hopefully you picked up on the theme here. I love coffee.  Not in that creepy, “I Love You Man,” sort of way, rather an intense enjoyment of copious amounts of this dark nectar.  My day begins with coffee and usually ends with it too.  Not to mention the volumes between.

One might think that all this coffee would create indigestion or, at least, jitters. But I have found that it sparks my imagination and helps this introvert deal with the gaggle of extroverts.  Let’s face it, it’s bad form to speak with your mouth full. Thus, coffee allows me the opportunity to sip and remain quietly within my own fortress, speaking only when I have something to say. 

More times than not, I venture forth boldly to my office away from the office, get my juicings of that naughty bean we call coffee, find a table away from the herd, and ponder. Sometimes a thought will bing around my brain until it thonks firmly at the feet of my consciousness begging to be written down, much like a dog anxious to go for a walk.

The other day I witnessed a phenomenon that completely baffled and befuddled me. Yes, that would encompass any number of situations, but this one actually made me wonder about humanity.  Whilst I was enjoying my much needed caffeine, a group of young people came in.  I say “young” because they were younger than me and that could be quite the range.  But they excited got their “coffee” amidst their animated discussions about who likes who, what teacher “sucks the big one,” how lame their parents/siblings/anyone not them were, and just as my mind began to reel from this cacophonous revelry, I noticed that their “coffee” was more cream and sugar than actual coffee.  As a matter of face, it looked more like a milkshake that anything resembling the beverage I adore.

There was a part of me that wanted to run screaming from their proximity, but there was also a part of me that pitied these poor people who were enjoying their dessert beverage (I cannot bring myself to utter the word) with such enthusiasm.  Ah life, thou hast dealt a vicious blow to this poor soldier.

Alas, I will get yet another cup and ponder a while longer.

 

Categories: Koffee Klatch, Fortress of Solitude | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Thinking In The Rain

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Nowan Zen

Coffee In The Rain

There is little that puts me more into a contemplative mood than drinking coffee in the quiet while listening to the rain outside.

Sadly, I know the quiet will not last. People have a way of disliking quiet and simply MUST bring noise. I don’t understand those who seem to want to make noise just to make noise.

So I enjoy the quiet while I can.

Categories: Hmmmmm........, Koffee Klatch, Perspectives, Wanderer's Wonderings, Wandering Mind | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

WOOOO HOOOO!!! I Got An Award!

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Nowan Zen

WOW!  That’s pretty much all I can manage at this point.  Nominated for the “Interesting Blog Award” by my new friend Running Without Socks. I took the liberty of creating my own award plaque to share, so hopefully you’ll like it.

Interesting Blog Award

 

*UGH* And then there are “The Rules.”  If it’s okay, my mind shall wander about opening the odd door, window, and grating to peer into the stacks of miscellaneous thoughts socked away to see what answers can be provided.

 

The Rules are as follows (no napping yet):

  1. Thank the person who nominated you. (DING)
  2. List five random facts about yourself. (see below)
  3. Nominate a minimum of 5 blogs for the award. (TBD)
  4. Ask the nominees 5 questions of your choice. (THIS will be fun).
  5. And finally, let them know you have nominated them. (Well THAT kinda spoils the surprise).

 

First things first, you have got to sneak over and spy out Running Without Socks. Quite amusing, insightful, and fun to read.  Please refrain from leaving nose prints on the windows, putting the milk back with nothing left but backwash (I hate that), and for goodness’ sake try not to leave butt prints on the sofa.

 

Now….on to business, five random things about me:

  1. I am an Introvert and am pretty boring in person. That’s my own opinion according to the voices in my head telling me that frequently.
  2. My socks seldom match. If they do, it’s purely chance.
  3. I have far more coffee travel mugs than I should, but I use them all at some point.
  4. I collect sock monkeys, but have to keep them out of the reach of the dog who thinks they are pretty tasty.
  5. My mind is like a sponge…..it used to be very absorbent, but now just kinda mildewy. Ever put your keys in your pocket then spent half an hour trying to remember where you put your keys?  Actually found them in the freezer once.

 

Jumping ahead a bit, Answer the 5 questions.  Okay RWS, you asked, so might wish to brace yourself:

  1. What are you listening to right now (if anything)? If not, what would you like to be listening to right now?

Right now I am listening to classical music for two reasons. It’s on the “approved list for cubicle listening” and it also reminds me of the old Bugs Bunny cartoons I enjoyed so much as a kid (and an adult). Although, come to think of it, I would like to be listening to the bells ringing because I had just won the Power Ball Lottery.

 

  1. What food would you hate to be without? (not basic staples – your favorite indulgence)

Let me explain how MY food pyramid works…what I like (indulgence) gets promoted to the basic staples category.  I would be MOST unhappy to have to forego my favorite meal: Won-Ton Soup and chicken fried rice! It’s my go to meal when I need a pick me up.

 

  1. If you woke up and were transformed to the opposite sex, what would be the first thing you do?

Duh…..get coffee!  Then try to contain my excitement at finally being able to understand women.  Then more coffee.

 

  1. If you could change your job title, what would it be? (not the job, just the title).

I’m rather fond of “Your Highness” or “Oh Captain, My Captain.”  Then there’s always “Light of My World” and “Koffee King.”

 

  1. City or Beach Vacation?

Beach, definitely.  Not just the beach…..private island beach, with a hammock in the shade and lots of ice cold beer.  Hey, if you’re going to dream…..

 

 

What are the 5 questions I would like to ask my nominees….oh, this might take some brainpower.  Back in a minute, more coffee required if thinking is involved. I was never good with essay questions, preferring multiple choice instead.

 

  • If a single event in your life could be prefaced by, “That Awkward Moment When…” what would it be?
  • Using only five descriptive words, what are your pet peeves?
  • You discover that you are the victim of a practical joke, to you get angry or do you laugh….and, of course, why?
  • If we met face to face, over coffee of course, what would you like to talk about?
  • If you had the opportunity to hug one person that you don’t already know, who would it be and why?

 

My Nominees are……..go ahead and take a potty break, you’ve had a lot of coffee…we’ll wait and talk about you while you’re gone.

 

            Rachie Adventures

            Reality In Progress

            Laura Davies

            Buddha Kat

            Doc

Categories: Hmmmmm........, Koffee Klatch, Perspectives, Wanderer's Wonderings, Wandering Mind | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

And Don’t Call Me Shirley!

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Nowan Zen

Today was one of “those” days where my mind thinks too much and my thoughts are far to scattered to make much sense, but here goes anyway.  Permit me to preface this entry by telling you that I had bloodwork done this morning which means I started my day coffee-less and can’t seem to get the caffeine to catch up with the requirements of the day.

 

Having said that, a point was proven again today that I had heard in my youth.  Youth…that time in your life when anyone over 21 was “old” and had no idea what they were talking about.  That’s when I had been told that Little Courtesies Mean A Lot. At the time, I thought the person who told me that was one brain cell away from a complete breakdown, but now I know I was wrong.

 

It’s true, little courtesies mean quite a lot.  Allow me to elaborate. Go ahead and get a beverage.  Perhaps a snack while you’re up.  I can wait.

 Waiting

 

We seem to take courtesy for granted or consider it to be antiquated (much like the code of chivalry, speaking in whole words, and surrendering our seat for a lady).  But this morning, after the vampyr took her portion (I don’t give blood, they have to take it from me), I stopped at Starbucks for a jolt of java which my blood seemed to be lacking.  Yes, I realize that Starbucks is not the best choice for coffee, but it was on my way and I was desperate.  While waiting for the barista to brew my selection, I noticed a rather well-known individual on his cellphone while attempting to put one of those cardboard sleeve thingies on his hot coffee without uttering vile things that might have offended his customer.  Since I had the time, I took one of the cardboard sleeves and slipped it on his cup.

 

He continued his conversation and walked away, at which point, my mind was thinking “Well….that’s rather rude!” and other similar reflections.  The barista called my name, handed me my cup, and I thanked her profusely (hey, it’s the first caffeine I had been able to have since yesterday, so “profusely” was, in my mind, well deserved).  When I exited and headed for my car, someone tapped me on the shoulder.  I turned and saw the cell phone talker standing there in his expensive suit and accoutrements of status and said, “Hi. How may I help you?”  Mr. Cellphone shook my hand and thanked me for helping him with his coffee.  He didn’t have to do that, but that act of courtesy made my day.

The small acts of courtesy truly do make a difference!

What does this entry title have to do with this post? Absolutely nothing. Just keeping you on your toes.  ;)

Categories: Hmmmmm........, Koffee Klatch, Perspectives, Wanderer's Wonderings, Wandering Mind | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Walkabout Wonderings

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Nowan Zen

Wandering Mind

While driving along to a destination I’ve been to many times before, so much so that “auto-pilot” often kicks in, and having turned off the radio, was having a wonderful think. As you know, I do enjoy having a contemplation. Yet is was during this thinking time that my mind apparently toddled off into the mists in search of a more suitable vacation spot, because I missed my exit and had to drive another 15 miles out of the way to backtrack.

 

This, believe it or not, began yet another contemplative moment. While I cannot speak for everyone, I can tell you that, according to a news report, scientists have decided that the mind never stops working throughout our lives. The more I thought about this, the more sense it made.  It would certainly explain my bouts of insomnia, some of the daydreams, perceptions, the way my imagination takes over and brings a book to life.  There was a time when my mind would bounce from thought to thought much like a pinball machine (for those who remember them).  However, as time has passed, my mind doesn’t bounce as much any longer, it tends to amble from door to door seeking things to think about.

 

Take yesterday, for example, I was beginning to think about having another cup of coffee when my mind began its saunter:

  • Coffee.  I like coffee.  Coffee is good.  But only hot coffee, not that iced sugar laden stuff they call McSomething at the McPalace of McCholesterol.
  • Coffee comes from beans which come from the cherry of the coffee plant. Cherry cobbler would be good with ice cream.
  • Wait….did someone scream?  Oh just my tummy rumbling. Must be time for something to eat.  Did I eat breakfast? Did I take my meds? Who is that talking in my head.  Sounds like Robin Williams on a bender. 
  • Bender….Futurama comes on tonight! Woo Hoo. Bender likes beer. Beer…bean….they sound similar.
  • Wait….coffee comes from beans.  Beans….Oh yeah, having Mexican for lunch.
  • Lunch is coming up soon. Wow, I need to get fuel. And maybe a soda.
  • Soda makes me belch. Good thing the windows are up.
  • Windows are up, no wonder it’s hot in here. Turn on the A/C.
  • AC/DC rocks! Where’s that CD? Wow, we use a LOT of abbreviations.

 

All this internal discussion was within a few minutes.  Then I began to wonder, What if your thought process could be written down. What would your reader say about you?

 

Hmmmm……something to think about.

Mental Vacation

Categories: Hmmmmm........, Koffee Klatch, Perspectives, Wanderer's Wonderings, Wandering Mind | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Ah HA! There IS Adventure To Be Had!!!

Posted on February 12, 2013 by Nowan Zen

beach-conch-shells

I’m a coffee drinker.  Well, that might be a bit of an understatement. I am one of those who believe that coffee is it’s own food group and is at the top of the food pyramid glistening hotly on the peak of freshness.  But I digress into daydreams.  Whilst enjoying one of many cups of coffee this morning, a thought blitzed me like a blot of caffeinated lightning. 

Permit me, if you will, Gentle Reader, to pose to you a small detour in the train of thought (feel free to blow the train horn as you will).  What constitutes an adventurous life?  Have you had one thus far?  If so, what?  If not, what’s stopping you?

In my mind, scattered and zinging along as it does, an adventure is anything that is out of the ordinary routine.  Actually, now that I ponder it, that’s not exactly accurate. Adventure is what you do with the out-of-the-routine events that happen to us too.  We tend to avoid adventure and cling to routine.  Rather predictable that.  But it’s fun to have the occasional deviance from the norm. 

Call me dull if you will, but I had an adventure just this morning, as a matter of fact.  Nay, it wasn’t as exciting as bouncing down a runway in a wind-up propeller plane whilst soiling oneself.  Rather, I had the opportunity to go to the dentist for my regular check up. 

Trips to the Dentist can be quite interesting and somewhat uncomfortable.  While I enjoyed the polite, courteous, and friendly banter with the hygienist who would be placing sharp pointy things in my mouth and poking at my teeth with them; and also enjoying the relaxing strains of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” wafting gently through the ceiling speakers, while said hygienist was insistent on inquiring about my life since my last visit, all the while being almost elbow deep in my mouth.  The polishing was pretty adventurous as I got to try the new strawberry flavoured paste (which has the consistency of caulk), which is a break from my usual fare of bubblegum.  Finally, there was the gland check, which include maneuvers similar to various professional wrestling submission holds.  I also discovered that Bill Cosby was absolutely correct, it IS possible to walk using your buttocks if there is pain involved.

By the by, no cavities and I got a lolly. What’s YOUR adventure?

adventure

Categories: Hmmmmm........, Koffee Klatch, Perspectives, Wanderer's Wonderings, Wandering Mind | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

And A BIG Helping Of Stupidity

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Nowan Zen

spectacles

Along life’s pathways, believe it or not, there have been many lessons learned and still others that should have been learned, yet, for some bizarre reason, were not. And still some lessons that were learned, but have long since been forgotten.  Now before you decide that I’m a blithering escapee from the Asylum For The Terminally Idiotic, which I realize that you’ve already decided, allow me to state for the record that I USED to be young and stupid, as evidenced by my last entry.  Thankfully there are some, let’s call them “adventures”, have long become dust bunnies in my mind and every so often will manage to woodle back into the line of memory.

When I was in High School, I played in the band.  Yes, I realize that such an admission immediately ignites the GEEK lamp, but it is what it is.  Three out of the four years it took me to finish High School, the band took an annual trip to Disney World in order to march in one of their parades.  On these trips, many many MANY discoveries were made.

  • Shampoo bottles do not always contain shampoo.  Just sayin’.
  • Bus drivers do not like it when you try to fit 18 people into the bus toilet.  Especially when one of the participants falls into the blue water.
  • It is ALWAYS a bad idea to march behind horses in a parade.
  • Chaperones only present a challenge, they are not a deterrent.
  • The people who work at the Happiest Place On Earth aren’t really happy when you escape your boat on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and attempt to become part of the scenery.
  • It is never a good idea to eat four chili-dogs before riding Space Mountain.
  • Teenage boys are, for the most part, pigs.
  • Leaving your suitcase unlocked will result in the fly of your underwear being sewn shut.
  • For teenaged girls (or females of any age actually), if you are bold enough to show it, we are bold enough to look. So if you don’t want all guys to look, don’t show it.
  • Teenage girls can climb from balcony to balcony like spider monkeys.
  • If you want to have a hot shower, get out of bed earlier than everyone else.
  • If you aren’t attentive, your shoes might get super-glued to the floor.
  • The toilet seat is hinged for a reason. And might I add, if your aim is so bad that you miss that large bowl of water, you’re either lazy, or far too distracted.
  • Yes, farts can ignite.
  • Snow White has quite the creative vocabulary if one is improper towards her.
  • Goofy smoked cigars behind the fence.
  • Amorous chaperones who are vocal will attract a crowd.
  • Hotel security are not fond of having the luggage carriers used as toys.
  • And finally, teenage boys can stink up an elevator in less than three floors.

Since my high school days, there have been innumerable lessons learned which have been invaluable.  Perhaps one of the most important ones: “No one owes you a living, if you need money get out and work for it.  If you are so much smarter than your parents, then you would be paying their way instead of the other way around.”  That one was taught by my parents.

Ah, and thus I shall repair to my recliner, drink my coffee, and reminisce…perchance to actually remember.

 

 

Categories: Hmmmmm........, Koffee Klatch, Perspectives, Wanderer's Wonderings, Wandering Mind | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

We’re ALL “Normal” and Other Absurdities

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Nowan Zen

I spend a lot of my work day listening.  LIstening to people talk about their families, their jobs, their fears, their likes and dislikes, their sins, their triumphs and their habits.  Everything that is said to me is confidential, just like in a confessional.  So, in a sense, I’m not unlike a priest, or sorts.

I say that to say this…listening requires that I drink a LOT of coffee.  Not as a means of staying awake, but simply because I happen to enjoy coffee.  Coffee is my addiction.  I admit it, I confess it, deal with it.  I like coffee.  The more the better.

Now, during the course of all this listening and coffee drinking, a few items stand out more than others.  The idea that we’re all “normal” is one of the concepts that people seem to want to believe.  Regardless what the situation or issue, people want to be reassured that they are “normal.”  This, of course, is a fallacy of the first order.  Let’s face it, if the cable guy shows up at your door wearing antlers and a Spandex Wonder Woman outfit, chances are, you would switch to satellite very quickly.  Why? Because that’s just not “normal” attire for the cable guy.

Let’s say you go to talk to a coworker about a project you’re both working on. Let’s say, said coworker, instead of discussing the myriad of charts, figures, and PowerPoint slides with you, simply walks up and wraps your hair in his wad of chewing gum.  After the violent assault upon his person that you would deliver, chances are you would speak to your manager (and perhaps the police) about your coworker’s rather abnormal behavior.

Thus, let me point out that people, as a species, are not “normal” because that would imply that the same standard applies to all persons and we know this is not the case.  If you were to meet my family, you would understand this a bit better.  My grandfather and his brother married the sisters across the road, thus shaving the branches from my family tree and leaving merely a stump.  My own father has a female cousin that could be his identical twin (down to the mannerisms and vocal qualities).  My brother has the distinction of tripping over a painted line on a basketball court and donking his noggin on the brick wall of the gymnasium, thus rendering him unconscious (and explaining a multitude of subsequent idiotic actions).

I, myself, had the honor of having to be admitted to the hospital for several days due to an injury received from falling UP a tree.  No worries, the insurance company gave me the same derisive snort and chuckle.

So you see, not everyone is “normal.”  Nor are we all completely abnormal.

Some of our other absurdities:
* telephoning someone at home and asking “What are you doing?”  (Ummmmm….rather obvious what they are doing, talking to you on the telephone.)
* continually pressing the elevator up button believing that such actions will somehow cause the elevator to arrive sooner.
*  If the previous action proves futile, we try the same approach but by pressing BOTH buttons.
* ordering a hot beverage, and then express our surprise that it is, indeed, HOT.
* a telemarketer calls and has the gall to believe that you are so enthralled with their presentation that you’re not about to hang up after uttering a string of vile words and creative phrases
*  drive around and around a car park in search of a parking space that will save us 10 extra steps.
* leaving a two pence gratuity and expect MUCH better service on your next visit (nd also expecting your meal not to contain the saliva, dishwater, or bug bits that your “shamed” server added to the “special sauce.”

Now that you understand that we, as humans, are a rather absurd and creative wad of cells, go out and enjoy your day!

Categories: Hmmmmm........, Koffee Klatch, Perspectives, Wanderer's Wonderings, Wandering Mind | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | 23 Comments

What Are We Here For?

Posted on December 7, 2012 by Nowan Zen

“Why am I here?”
“What was I put here for?”
“What is my purpose?”

These are questions that have plagued minds for centuries! The philosophers pondered them seeking answers; the cynics pondered why pondering such ponderances so ponderously was so immensely satisfying when no answer was ever agreed upon (which is not unusual for philosophers, for they tend to be a disagreeable lot opting to disagree about disagreeing).

There truly was a train of thought, for which I purchased a ticket and apparently a distraction caused the train to derail.  Please feel free to hum quietly to yourself whilst the difficulty is noted, addressed, and sorted out once more.

Ah yes.  Lovely harmonious humming by the by.

Some would reason that our purpose for existing is merely a freak accident, and we have no redeeming value whatsoever.  To these people, I would ask that you do the rest of us a HUGE favor and cling to the exterior of the next spacecraft lifting off.  After all since we have no purpose, you wont be missing out on anything important.

Then there are those who believe, while we may not be an accident, our existence is limited to our timespan in this orb, after which we simply become a pile of chemical refuse, stinking up the place and feeding various pests, rodents, and scavengers.  Thus our existence serves only as food for naught.  To these, I simply say, please go ahead and lie down to await the inevitable feast you shall become for the critters.  Oh, and please, for the sake of the rest of us, use some sort of air freshener.  Odor control is the only polite course of action here.

We do, in fact, have purpose and a reason for being.  Just look around you.  Someone within your field of vision, unless you are blind or alone (which means you’re not reading this anyway, so CARRYON), needs what you have to offer.  Perhaps it’s a word of encouragement they seek.  Maybe it’s a hug, or a smile, or a word of counsel, an ear to listen, or that muffin you were saving for later. You have purpose because ONLY you can provide what you have to offer.

As for me? I’m here for the coffee and observation.

Categories: Hmmmmm........, Koffee Klatch, Perspectives, Wanderer's Wonderings, Wandering Mind | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

It’s Been A While

Posted on July 6, 2012 by Nowan Zen

Fountain I happened upon whilst strolling about.

I realize it’s been a while since last I posted anything, and I do apologize for my absence.  I took some time to refuel, reorganize, and to have a bit of a wonkabout.  In my strollings, several discoveries were made.  Here (posted above) is a fountain statue of Persephone.  Imagine walking in the quiet of the early morning, before even the coffee shoppes were open, if that’s possible to contemplate, and you hear the distinct hiss of water.  I peered through the fence and saw this statue in a peaceful corner of a courtyard. 

Since locks are there for a purpose, I chose to toddle off and await the infusion of coffee and then tonkle back to see if the courtyard was open.  I did and it was.  I sat on the concrete bench for over an hour just listening to the sound of the water.  Then I discovered three things: First, mosquitoes love the coffee infused bloodstream.  Second, concrete isn’t all that comfortable.  Third, five mugs of coffee and the sound of a waterfall creates a completely different pressing issue.  And so off I moved at a brisk pace to deal with the third issue.

After addressing the pressing, I took time to do a bit of wandering.  I like to wander.  While some believe it’s just directionless, I have found that many wonderful sights are discovered off the beaten path, so to speak.  There were sidewalks and pavements on which to tread, so I didn’t trongle through various people’s yards and destroy their gardenry. 

Also learned that one can look up and see interesting bits.  While the store is actually now one of those obnoxious high end clothiers with the pompous sales people, the building itself has been around for quite a while.  Just imagine what tales these walls could share.

I found this particular marker of interest because of the craftsmanship of the hand hewn stone.  But it also served as a reminder to get moving and not let life pass by unlived!

Categories: Hmmmmm........, Koffee Klatch, Perspectives | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

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