From the age of five, coffee and I have had a tight bond. My mom would take me along to her college classes and it become tradition for me to grab a pretzel from Auntie Anne's and a drink from Starbucks. Needless to say, the tradition has stayed in place (more so in the coffee department). This oh-so-reliable drink has kept my veins pumping for years. It's given life to my mornings and has been a lifesaver at Mizzou as I work through long nights. It's no secret that coffee is the glue that holds me together.

So, with that being said, this one's for you Coffee...

I thoroughly appreciate your variety of tastes and scents and strengths. I adore the many forms you come in; I enjoy you steaming hot and poured over ice. There's so much variety...

In the past, I was a sucker for anything sickeningly sweet. However, as time has gone on, I've grown to love and appreciate even a black cup of coffee. My tastes have become more refined, but don't get me wrong, I can still down a frappuccino if my taste buds allow (;

Here's to many more terrible mornings, late nights, and midday cravings that can only be satisfied by caffeine. Here's to Dunkin' Donuts, gas stations, places in the Student Center, Folgers from the grocery store, and my one true love, Starbucks. As long as they continue to supply with me my drug of choice, they can continue to take my money.

Coffee, you da best.