Lately, as my food budget shrinks and shrinks, and the prices of everything we eat and drink rise astronomically, I have been searching my brain for ways to stretch the funds we have. My poor caffeinated brain had to admit that coffee had to go. Between Derek and myself, we would drink a couple pounds of the good stuff a week, morning and for the afternoon slump. We were spending $20 a week. It could no longer be justified.
At first I was panicked: how will I wake up, stay awake, function, think, live? What about all of those nasty caffeine withdrawal migraines one hears about? What about my love for coffee??? I started slow, elimanated the afternoon cup(s). Then I went cold turkey and 8 days ago now, have not had coffee in the house. I brewed black tea in the morning, poured it over ice, and brought it to my shower. No headaches. Probably much better for me, and mostly: way cheaper!
Does this mean if someone offered to bring me out for coffee I would refuse? Of course not :)
I know that your life is a living sacrifice for your kids, but this is amazing! It is hard to give up a ritual like this- I hope things will change so you can get back to a cup or two a day.
ReplyDeleteI'm a tea drinker myself, so you are in good company :)
It's hard to give up the little things :( That is awesome that you had enough strength to do it :)Sending prayers and hugs!
ReplyDeleteyour older boys/girls in the picture..do they live with you? if they do, maybe they can get some part time work to pitch in with the bills! my oldest did that for a while, and it really did help.
ReplyDeleteOh, I am sorry. I make a pot a day, share with Mom for her morning coffee, and have the rest in the refrigerator with half and half, to drink cold the rest of the day... I know that I would survive if I had to... but I'd miss it terribly. I have a variety of coffees, some flavored (beans) that I make my own 'frappacino' out of with cream and xylitol. Sigh... oh, how I feel for you for all that you've had happen, but this really makes me sad... Wish I could afford to send you a big bag of 8:00 beans every month, but I can't.
ReplyDeleteThe two oldest do not live with me. The next after that has donated his entire paycheck to the family for the last 3 years, we couldn't have survived without him. The two after that are 15 and 16, jobs for them are extremely scarce.
ReplyDeleteIf I were closer, I would definitely take you out for coffee. :) (I totally get the coffee ritual thing.. it's not just the coffee... it's more...)
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