A week without coffee

Whether it be from Waffle House or locally roasted cups from Lakota, Artisan or Coffee Zone, coffee is an intricate part of my life. I usually drink two to six cups a day. And when I do late-night radio at KOPN, I can drink an absurd amount. The following journal reveals my pain during a week without the caffeinated piece of my daily puzzle.

Day One The buzz of knowing I’m without coffee for a specific reason (this article) wears off late in the day and is replaced with a light caffeine headache. I get these when going an entire day without caffeine. By late afternoon, the workday is dragging on. It’s a perfect time for a coffee break. But today I’ll have to settle on Coke or tea.

Day Two Saturday often finds me bumming around downtown, using various coffee shops as my headquarters. I always seem to see at least four or five interesting people I know, and it’s always good conversation. Being in these places without coffee is like going to a drive-in without a car; you can still watch, but it’s just not the same. My conversation lacks that caffeine-induced passion. On top of that, I’m forced to spend boatloads on overly sweet Chai teas and juices to make my stay seem justified.

Being a late-night DJ at KOPN is pretty rough on the brain as well, leading to…

Day Three 2 a.m. No coffee can mean severe drowsiness. I try green teas, which have a slight, perhaps placebo, effect. Thank goodness the clock rolled forward an hour for daylight-saving time.

Sunday also has me delivering pizzas at Shakespeare’s West. Co-workers always think I have a hang over, but I’m usually just tired from the preceding night’s radio show. A few cups of joe are usually my saving grace by Sunday evening.

Day Four I’m finding myself less reliant on coffee, but the doughnut I sometimes eat in the morning at work only seems half as appetizing without its lifelong companion.

Day Five Tea in the morning simply doesn’t wake me up. End of story. I drove to Warrenton today for my dad’s birthday. My girlfriend drove the first leg of the trip. The ride back found me nodding off at the wheel and somewhat jealous of my lady friend’s large cup of McD’s coffee.

Day Six I’m dozing off at work. I know sleep is solution No. 1, but I’m at work. Coffee would knock out this problem in no time, and then I’d do some jumping jacks.

Day Seven I’m not an addict. I just like the taste of coffee. Sure, it makes me more alert and productive, but that’s just an awesome side effect. The anticipation of my first cup of coffee in almost a week produces a giddy happiness that lingers all day. I make my abstinence sound sadder than it really was. I probably only thought about the drink 10 times or so, today.