Keeping my New Year's resolution. Today's choice was El Salvador brew.
How do people survive meetings without coffee?
Seriously. I need to know.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Deconstruction of Coffee Art
It's time to deconstruct Have Sticks, Will Travel. McColl Center for Visual Art invites us to "Getting Sticky With It" to help "deinstall" the coffee stirrer installation and leave with a keepsake. They'll serve sticky buns, juice, and coffee.
I'm not sure why sticky is the theme, because the installation was done without glue! Why not call it, "Get Stirry With Us?" But anywho, how often do you get to help tear down a work of art?
I'm not sure why sticky is the theme, because the installation was done without glue! Why not call it, "Get Stirry With Us?" But anywho, how often do you get to help tear down a work of art?
RSVP and payment ($5 non-members) are required in advance. It's this Saturday at 11 a.m., so hurry!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
CoffeeCat Resolves: Drink More Coffee
Last year, I did the best I’d ever done at keeping my New Year’s resolution. I wasn’t perfect, but I made some improvements. The trick was, choosing something that was more important to me than the usual things of losing weight, saving money, or exercising more. Those resolutions aren’t successful at the start of a new year. They’re successful when you’re ready to take them on, and Jan. 1 just isn’t the optimal time for many resolutions.
So, earlier this week, I flippantly posted on Facebook that I resolve to drink more coffee. But this statement is one of those things said in jest that is only half a joke. Resolving to drink more coffee will help me build on last year’s resolution, so I think I can keep it.
When I say I’ll drink more coffee, I’m thinking of more than just caffeine. Here’s what my resolution means to me:
1) I resolve to enjoy the things I love. I work hard at my day job, volunteer jobs, and helping family & friends. I put a lot of effort into helping others and doing my part to make the world a better place. I don’t do as much as many others do, but I do as much as I can. So, if I want to spend a little extra to buy coffee shop coffee to brew at home, I think I will!
2) I resolve to enjoy Triad Coffee Shops. As I’ve said before on this blog, it is a luxury to pay someone to make coffee for me and a luxury to sit in a well-furnished, warm, inviting coffee shop. But I’ve also written about the great things that coffee shops do in our communities and in the communities around the equator that grow coffee. Our little luxuries support farmers, college students, small business owners, and nonprofit organizations. Enjoy!
3) I resolve to make a resolution I can keep. I never resolve to start something new on Jan. 1. Rather, I look back over the past year and think about what I’ve enjoyed, what has gone well, and what I need to improve. If you read this blog and my Facebook page, you know that CoffeeCat enjoys animal rescue, writing, and working hard in general. Embarking upon 2011, I can say that I’ve enjoyed getting involved in animal rescue, but I can’t do it 24/7 like the true, heart-and soul rescuers. So I’ll continue the other things that worked well for me, too – writing, blogging, and supporting local businesses. Doing all of this requires energy, so for that, I will need coffee!
4) I resolve to be cheerful. I’m not a naturally cheerful person, as those who encounter me before my first coffee know. But over the years, I’ve learned something that is backed up by research: coffee is a mood elevator. When I’m blue, just a few sips of coffee get me in good spirits. When I run out of steam, coffee gets me going. So, for the sake of world peace (at least my corner of the world), I resolve to drink more coffee.
So, coffee shop fans, what do you think? Will coffee help you achieve your resolutions in 2011? Best wishes for a great New Year, friends!
So, earlier this week, I flippantly posted on Facebook that I resolve to drink more coffee. But this statement is one of those things said in jest that is only half a joke. Resolving to drink more coffee will help me build on last year’s resolution, so I think I can keep it.
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| My first coffee shop visit of the New Year: The Coffee Break in Greensboro. Beautiful setting, great coffee, friendly people. Happy New Year to me! |
1) I resolve to enjoy the things I love. I work hard at my day job, volunteer jobs, and helping family & friends. I put a lot of effort into helping others and doing my part to make the world a better place. I don’t do as much as many others do, but I do as much as I can. So, if I want to spend a little extra to buy coffee shop coffee to brew at home, I think I will!
2) I resolve to enjoy Triad Coffee Shops. As I’ve said before on this blog, it is a luxury to pay someone to make coffee for me and a luxury to sit in a well-furnished, warm, inviting coffee shop. But I’ve also written about the great things that coffee shops do in our communities and in the communities around the equator that grow coffee. Our little luxuries support farmers, college students, small business owners, and nonprofit organizations. Enjoy!
3) I resolve to make a resolution I can keep. I never resolve to start something new on Jan. 1. Rather, I look back over the past year and think about what I’ve enjoyed, what has gone well, and what I need to improve. If you read this blog and my Facebook page, you know that CoffeeCat enjoys animal rescue, writing, and working hard in general. Embarking upon 2011, I can say that I’ve enjoyed getting involved in animal rescue, but I can’t do it 24/7 like the true, heart-and soul rescuers. So I’ll continue the other things that worked well for me, too – writing, blogging, and supporting local businesses. Doing all of this requires energy, so for that, I will need coffee!
4) I resolve to be cheerful. I’m not a naturally cheerful person, as those who encounter me before my first coffee know. But over the years, I’ve learned something that is backed up by research: coffee is a mood elevator. When I’m blue, just a few sips of coffee get me in good spirits. When I run out of steam, coffee gets me going. So, for the sake of world peace (at least my corner of the world), I resolve to drink more coffee.
So, coffee shop fans, what do you think? Will coffee help you achieve your resolutions in 2011? Best wishes for a great New Year, friends!
Friday, December 31, 2010
CoffeeCat's Back and I'm Drinking More Coffee
Thank you fans, for bearing with me while I took a break from the blogspot! I was distracted by a bow-wow who came to live with me for two weeks! 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. walks in the freeeezing cold weren't my favorite thing to do, but I was happy to provide a safe place for pup until he found a wonderful, energetic, loving family.
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| Notice cats are first & last on the list!! |
Now I can return to blogging with cats on my lap or at great Triad Coffee Shops! I'll be using some coffee gift cards I received for Christmas. I loved doing my holiday shopping at coffee shops and with animal rescue groups. I gave coffee & animal rescue gifts, and got some in return. I'm proud to say that my Red Dog Farm t-shirt is covered in cat hair. Take that, bow wows! :-)
If you're my friend on Facebook, you already know that I've resolved to drink more coffee in the New Year. I'm off to a great start. In fact, I brewed some holiday blend at 9:00 last night. What was I thinking?? Bzzzz. I'll be writing more about resolutions for tomorrow's post, but don't worry. I would never suggest that anyone resolve to drink less coffee, eat fewer coffee shop treats, or spend less at Triad Coffee Shops. So, come back and read what CoffeeCat has to say about resolutions.
In the meantime, please check with your nearest coffee shop (see our Guide page) to figure out where you're going to get your black coffee New Year's morning!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
What a week for coffee!
BRRR. CoffeeCat is freezing, even with all the good coffee at cozy Triad Coffee Shops. Here's a treat to get your mind off the freezing cold: a coffee shop filled with cats! Yes, we just have to travel to Japan to enjoy it.
CoffeeCat gave up some much-needed coffee shop time to attend my first cat show this week. Purrrr. What a great feeling, to be surrounded by cats while helping to raise money for Siamese Cat Rescue Center! Can't wait to volunteer again, but next time I am going to plan a little better and make it a coffee road trip. Coffee, cats, and rescue - I'll call this "Coffee Road Trip: Paradise."
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| http://www.jonathanbrilliant.com/ |
I enjoyed seeing the Have Sticks, Will Travel World Tour by Jonathan Brilliant at the McColl Center for Visual Art in Charlotte. The only thing that could have been more delightful than a sculpture of woven (not glued, taped, or stapled) coffee stir sticks would have been a cup of coffee to enjoy while walking around and under the sculpture. Brilliant also created a sculpture from paper sleeves and a portrait of coffee lids. If you want to see it, you have until Jan. 8. I'm waiting for word on a dismantling event. If there is one, I'll blog about it!
Triad Coffee Shops continue to have great shopping opportunities for fans who want to shop local and buy gifts off the beaten path! Krankies Craft Fair was a huge hit but there are still plenty of treats at Triad Coffee Shops. Check out CoffeeCat's likes & friends on Facebook for quick links to items such as freshly roasted coffee, baked goodies, unique gift items, and more!
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| Hey, why does CoffeeCat get cappucino?? This "meezer" is available for adoption at http://www.va.siameserescue.org/ |
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
A coffee shop toast to graduates & soldiers
This week, I combined a rare business trip with a coffee road trip. Since this week is the anniversary of my graduate graduation, I decided a coffee shop toast was in order! I treated myself to coffee at Jackson's Java near UNCC. The shop, as always, was full of students plus a few business people chatting over coffee.
I gave thanks that I was not one of the students hunkered down during finals week. I wanted to jump up and down, raise my cup in the air, and offer a toast, but I dared not gloat in a room full of caffeinated 20-somethings stressed over chemistry, calculus and Shakespeare. In case you missed it, I was jumping up and down on the inside!
As locally-owned coffee shops tend to do, Jackson's also makes the world a better place. Next to the tip jar is a clear box labeled "GI Java." Donations are collected to send coffee to U.S. troops overseas. Each time I visit, I skim the thank you letters posted on a bulletin board in the back of the shop. The troop leaders who get to divvy up the coffee among their troops are sincerely grateful to Jackson's and its customers.
It's hard to imagine the sacrifices the troops make to carry out their orders. As grumpy as I am on any given day before I've had coffee, I can't imagine doing what these men and women do on behalf of our country. The least we can do is help fuel their work with some freshly roasted, gourmet coffee.
There's not much that I can do for the soldiers who spend their days or nights on patrol. But I can help send them some tasty coffee so they, too, can enjoy coffee shop treats. Can you think of anyone who deserves it more?
For more about coffee shops making the world a better (and safer) place, read about these two examples: http://oregonmildep.blogspot.com/2009_11_01_archive.html
http://www.holyjoescafe.org/
I gave thanks that I was not one of the students hunkered down during finals week. I wanted to jump up and down, raise my cup in the air, and offer a toast, but I dared not gloat in a room full of caffeinated 20-somethings stressed over chemistry, calculus and Shakespeare. In case you missed it, I was jumping up and down on the inside!
As locally-owned coffee shops tend to do, Jackson's also makes the world a better place. Next to the tip jar is a clear box labeled "GI Java." Donations are collected to send coffee to U.S. troops overseas. Each time I visit, I skim the thank you letters posted on a bulletin board in the back of the shop. The troop leaders who get to divvy up the coffee among their troops are sincerely grateful to Jackson's and its customers.
It's hard to imagine the sacrifices the troops make to carry out their orders. As grumpy as I am on any given day before I've had coffee, I can't imagine doing what these men and women do on behalf of our country. The least we can do is help fuel their work with some freshly roasted, gourmet coffee.
There's not much that I can do for the soldiers who spend their days or nights on patrol. But I can help send them some tasty coffee so they, too, can enjoy coffee shop treats. Can you think of anyone who deserves it more?
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| Uploaded from Holy Joe's Cafe on facebook |
http://www.holyjoescafe.org/
Monday, December 6, 2010
Facebook Friends
CoffeeCat now has 40 Facebook Friends. I'm thrilled! If I were any other Facebook page, I'd offer some incentive to get hundreds of people to like my page.
But that isn't cat like. Cats do not beg for friends or offer treats to people who pet them. No, a cat says to its friends, “You feed me, give me water, nurture me, and treat me like royalty. I must be God.”
So, for every new friend on Facebook, I'm going to treat myself like royalty and have a cappuccino or latte at a Triad Coffee Shop.
You might be thinking, "What's in it for me?"
Not much, I'm afraid, except more reports on the purrfect triad coffee shops I'll be sampling and plenty of event listings each week. Thanks, friends!
But that isn't cat like. Cats do not beg for friends or offer treats to people who pet them. No, a cat says to its friends, “You feed me, give me water, nurture me, and treat me like royalty. I must be God.”
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| Cat as King |
You might be thinking, "What's in it for me?"
Not much, I'm afraid, except more reports on the purrfect triad coffee shops I'll be sampling and plenty of event listings each week. Thanks, friends!
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