So long java....I will miss you so.....

The birth and death of my coffee addiction.

We were such good friends for so long, the coffee and me. But, it's time to say good bye. For sooooo many reasons. First and foremost, for how much money it's costing me per month. Something Nelson points out to me on a regular basis. And secondly, all that caffeine isn't doing my health any favors. I've known it was coming for a long time, but it's time. I have to let the coffee go.

It all started so harmlessly, about 6 years ago, when I met Allen at Starbucks. Allen was my coffee pusher - the man who got me hooked. He would offer me all sorts of "fun" drinks - I couldn't resist! I was so taken in by his charmful coffeemaking, that I had to introduce him to Nelson. They became fast friends and remain so to this day. Allen was also giving me coffee for free on the side. It was easy to get my addiction going. Then, just like that, Allen was gone. Quit. Left. I had no more coffee favors coming my way. But it was too late...I'd already become addicted.

Fast forward 6 years - Nelson and I consider Allen and his girlfriend Ana among our closest friends. And I'm still addicted to the coffee - more specifically, Starbucks. What's interesting is that I really don't even like Starbucks coffee - it's too strong, bitter and always tastes burnt. But still I go back for it. I disguise it cleverly with lots of milk and sugar-loaded flavor. I would probably be better off eating a candy bar for all the calories my coffee drinks have.

But I find it's not even just about the coffee (well, it's mostly about the coffee.) I've gotten to know all the baristas at "my" Starbucks. Will John, Johnny, Becky, Orlando, Drew - and they all know what I drink. As soon as I walk in, they just smile, say "hey Aly - 7 pump?" and my drink is ready by the time I've paid. Those baristas are more than my friends - they are like family! Well, more like drug-pusher family. ;)

However, all good things must come to an end, and since Nelson and I are currently in the market for a home, I know it's time to stop the madness. Plus, I know that all the crap in that coffee drink is probably not doing my health any favors. And since I've re-started Weight Watchers after a couple month hiatus, I want to start looking for healthier alternatives.

I may venture back once in a while, to say hello. I may even get a tall coffee just for old-times sake. However, for now, it's adieu to my old friend. I loved you so.....

Random Fun

I had to (well, I didn't really "have to") write a list of 25 random things about myself on Facebook, which is, incidentally, the most addictive thing ever. I mean, where else can you be a hitman, join the mafia, play online games, swap fun stories, compete in fake competitions, and enjoy just total random fun?

So in the spirit of random fun, here are the 25 random things about myself that you may or may not even care about.

Enjoy!


1. I have been happily married for 8 years to the most normal person I ever dated.

2. I think my husband is the most awesome person I know.

3. As a teenager, I always told people I wasn’t having kids until I was 40.

4. I’m incredibly goofy and love to laugh more than just about anything else in
life. Just ask my husband. It should come as no surprise, then that I love hanging out with other incredibly goofy people that make me laugh.

5. I get absolutely giddy when I walk into a book store or library, and have a problem hoarding books.

6. I love reading so much and get so excited about certain books that I often have 2-3 books going at a time. Yeah, I’m a book nerd.

7. I miss my parents. Actually, I miss all of my family terribly and wished I lived closer to them. They are all in Wisconsin and Illinois and I only get to see them all about once every year or two.

8. I’ve always wished I came from a huge family.

9. I feel incredibly blessed that we have such an awesome church family right here in Austin (well, actually Pflugerville and Austin!) and a pastor we adore.

10. I think tattoos are sexy.

11. I wish I knew how to drive a motorcycle, despite the fact that riding on them scares the crap out of me.

12. I think snowmobiling for a week across Yellowstone Park in Wyoming sounds like one of the coolest vacations I could go on.

13. I get panic attacks when I fly. I hate that I get panic attacks, because I desperately want to go to Europe and Hawaii.

14. I’ve hiked up a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and slept overnight in a lean-to that I built myself with plastic and sticks.

15. I once picked up a hitchhiker when I was driving from Wisconsin to Michigan.

16. I absolutely hate the fact that I’m aging. I still falsely believe I’m in my 20’s.

17. I hope to write a novel one day.

18. Some day I want to compete in a mini-triathalon.

19. I participated in singing competitions in high school, but completely dropped it when I hit college, due to the fact that I get stage fright.

20. When I attended a semester (only one) at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, I rarely attended classes, and actually slept through my finals. It was soon after I decided maybe taking a break from college was a good thing while I “found” myself.

21. Unfortunately, it took me a LONG time to find myself and I didn’t graduate from college until I was in my 30’s – however, I did so with a 4.0 average, a degree in something I love (English Writing) from a wonderful private university, and about $45,000 of school loans debt.

22. I love, love, love rock music (especially 80’s hair bands!). In my early 20’s I was a total groupie and hung out with rock musicians at questionable bars.

23. I own a bowling trophy, my own bowling ball, bag, and shoes. And yes, I was in a bowling league for years when I lived in Green Bay. I was also in a dart league. Don’t hate – there’s nothing else to do in the winter in Wisconsin.

24. I have an unnatural fear of sharks and because of it, hate swimming in the ocean.

25. I wish I could say I’ve had no regrets in my life, but that would be a lie.