On the Eighth Day God Created Coffee...

“I don’t have a problem with caffeine. I have a problem without caffeine.”

“No one can understand the truth until he drinks of coffee’s frothy goodness.”

“Chocolate, men, coffee – some things are better rich.”

There are a thousand quotes about coffee – and for good reason. Coffee is glorious! It’s hard to begin a day without its strong, dark goodness. Chocolate, vanilla, whipped cream, liquor, hazelnut, sugar… Anything can be added – or not added - to a cup of coffee and it’s still amazing. The best part of the morning is deciding to make a hot, black coffee or a sweet, iced coffee.

If I were forced to choose between coffee and my Kenneth Cain – it would possibly be the toughest decision of my life. I would choose my Kenneth Cain, of course, but he would have to put up with a cranky, headachy Jaimi-Lynn for the remainder of his existence.

The way I see it, I’m doing good. I’m not addicted to cigarettes, drugs, or alcohol – so I can live with this deep affection for a brewed beverage prepared from roasted coffee beans. At least I’ll have energy.

So, to close – and to further cement my coffee-loving nerddom – here are a few more quotes about coffee.

“A cup of coffee shared with a friend is happiness tasted and time well spent.”

“Sleep is a symptom of caffeine deprivation.”

“My blood type is coffee.”

And finally…

“I like my coffee like I like my men - sweet, strong, and hot.”  

Happy caffeinization!

The Perfect Man

Ok. It’s time to admit it.

My name is Jaimi-Lynn… and I’m a fan of romance novels.

But, in all honesty, what woman wouldn’t be? They contain the unattainable – the ultimate and most attractive myth – the Perfect Man.

From the rugged, reformed bad boy with a heart of gold - to the sweet southern cowboy with a slight wild streak - to the smart, polished lawyer with a secret soft side, romance novel men are all about that oh-so-perfect contrast that somehow works in the story being told – but would NEVER work in actual life.

For instance, imagine living with a romance novel man. Looks-wise, he’s a 12 out of 10 (we’ve all seen the book covers). He’s a top chef in the kitchen, he keeps a clean house (no wet towels on the floor or toilet seat lids hazardously left open), and he doesn’t mind shopping trips as long as they are with you. He’s sweet to your girlfriends (but still thinks you’re the prettiest), likes your mom, and gets along with your father. He knows your secrets, rarely argues, and is an amazing lover (without bragging about it!). He has money AND an interesting job! And, if you aren’t caught yet, his friends are just as impressive.

Now, let’s be realistic, if a real life man is sporting half of these qualities, chances are he is also sporting an alternative lifestyle. And if he’s not – and a rare and magical instance has occurred in which a perfect romance novel man has landed in your lap willing to love and adore you for all eternity -  well, to you I say…. That’s Boring.

Romance novel men are amazing in the novel, but once the book is closed, a real woman needs a real man who isn’t afraid to stand up to her occasionally, who won’t jump at her every command, and who won’t wither every time she’s irritated. Real life can be trying and a strong woman needs a strong man to stand beside her through it.

Which means, ladies, we have to take the bad with the good. He will annoy you occasionally. He will say and do ridiculous things. He’s a man… and that’s okay.

That’s the reason romance novels were written in the first place.