The Perfect Cappuccino

I had the absolute perfect cup today.

I grew up with my bathrobed Mom making morning coffee in a battered little percolator on the old white Slattery stove. I live with a fellow who brews java every day in a Mr. Coffee machine. [When we were newlyweds, he used a little Mr. Coffee Jr.] I never liked coffee until Starbucks rolled into town, with its fluffy whipped cream caps, iced mocha drinks and dark chocolate graham crackers.

But today....today. I stopped into the Ridgewood Coffee Company for a large decaf cappuccino, which I drank there. It was so beautiful, so perfect! It was made by a young man--maybe in his late teens or early twenties--with long hair. He was perfectly delightful. He steamed the milk with ceremony and pride. He poured it carefully, artistically, over the dark coffee in a steady, swirling motion and then made that fancy rippled design on the top, with a little heart. [That's not his creation above; as you can see, that's a stock photo.]

That's so pretty! Thank you, I said.

I wanted to say, My life has been so trying lately, for so many reasons. You have no idea how much I appreciate the gift of this gorgeous cappuccino.


Instead, I put a dollar in the tip jar, sat down and plunged my spoon into the creamy top, as I like to do. 

That young fellow not only made my coffee. He made my day.

TCOY

1. My cappuccino--but would you believe the young man told me new owners are taking over? I just discovered the place. Will the talented man stay on?
2. Walked Sug around block twice--even though it was so humid and all the bushes and grass were so overgrown and wet, it felt like walking in New Orleans on a soupy, sticky night.
3. Short nap.
4. Went to movies with H., Fig and friend. Brought big ice water.
5. Tracked my spending. And the more I do this, the less I waste, the more I see that by doing so, I have money for little important things--like cash to tuck in a card for a teen boy's birthday, or money to make a small donation to the American Cancer Society b/c a girl in the neighborhood is doing a fundraising walk.

P.S. I'm pretty happy with the way I've been conscious of TCOY every day, but I'm still really struggling with making unhealthy food choices. Big time. I have got to find a way, or stop, take stock and realize I am worth eating well. Cheese and chocolate do not a healthy woman make--or a woman who can get through boot camp.