A Brewing Habit

I know many people act like they can't go without their Starbucks or they might suffer headaches, blurry vision, drops in blood pressure, itchy throat and suicidal thoughts.

I was never a big fan because, well, I don't like coffee. And I don't get the whole caffeine-jolt thing. Once I took one of those no-doze pills in college to stay up working on a paper. Those things are all caffeine. All it did was make my stomach hurt, I felt nauseous and I STILL wanted to go to sleep!

But about a week ago, a bunch of my co-workers headed to Starbucks for one of their occasional coffee runs. I never go because I don't want any, but this time I went just to stretch my legs and go out in the fresh air.

Once there, I decided to try an iced vanilla latte because it sounded interesting. It was okay. I spent $3.26.

But something happened. The next day, on the way home, I stopped by to get an iced white chocolate mocha. I spent $3.76 (or something like that). It was pretty good, but still... just ok.

Then, just three days later, there I was, back again, getting the iced vanilla latte. This time, it didn't sit well with me. I was feeling the taste even less than I had before and I got that caffeine-nausea I got back in college. I figured this was it, this silly habit is broken before it got started.

But no! Now, when I'm sitting at my desk, I start thinking "I really want an iced latte."
WTF? I never bothered with the stuff. I hate coffee. We have a coffee machine in the office and I don't touch it. And I didn't even LIKE the iced latte! What's happening to me!?

The more annoying thing is, those things are more than $3 a pop! That adds up pretty quickly. If all I wanted was a dose of caffeine and unnecessary calories, there's tons of FREE Coca Cola cans in the office fridge!

I don't think I'm at the point of an intervention, but I need somebody to talk to me. How do you get hooked so fast? Especially when coffee isn't even your thing? How did you stop yourself? Or did you never stop yourself and are sitting there sipping some a caramel macchiato as you read this?!

DH

Comments

[Michelle]

Maybe because coffee wasn't your thing and your expectations were just blown away? Coffee is my thing - but I used to drink it black - for 20 years - then my office manager started buying these fancy creamers (sugary, flavored) and I was hooked, too. To the point of buying a variety for my home (since they're just chemicals, they last almost forever) - not good for the wallet and not good for my waistline, either!

You aren't far enough into the addiction to go into the withdrawal shakes, so that's what I'd advise. Drink the Coke, ignore the latte urges!

[Kat]

I agree with you on the caffeine pills. I have tried them, and all they did was make me so sick to my stomach that I had to leave work early. Not the result I was going for!!!

If you are trying to kick this habit, appeal to yourself with the money issue. Do the math at how much you are spending, how it adds up, and what else you could spend it on...even if it is something not necessary, like a new shirt. You will get much more use and enjoyment out of a new article of clothing than from some beverages that you aren't even that crazy about!

I'd just like to add that I love your blog. I discovered it just recently but went back and read the entire thing from start to present. You are a very real person. Some of these PF bloggers are so frugal and tight with their money. That's not necessarily a bad thing...but it's just harder for me to relate to!

[mapgirl]

I'm with you. I sucked down 3 cups of coffee a day two weeks ago in a corporate training class and now I've had to drink 1 cup daily since.

The folks at the office have a coffee kitty because my company does not provide free office coffee. I throw a dollar into the kitty every couple of days and take my turns making the first pot in the mornings.

I think I will buy them a bag of coffee soon so I can stop fretting over tossing a dollar into the kitty. I'm lucky because the guys like girly coffee syrups and creamers. I get my pick.

So off I go to find some tasty coffee beans for these guys. At $10 a half pound bag, and as much of it as I want, that's doing pretty good over Starbucks. But most of all, I'd like to get over the addiction. Unfortunately, it does actually add more productive hours to my day.

[Dawn]

It is just the coffee you are getting - it is the dairy and sweetness from the sugar your body is craving. I have a "3:00 Pop" problem - I can break it, but it is hard. At 3:00 I want a soda. Try drinking juice when you have that craving - that will give you the sweet rush you wanted and juice is far easier to kick than iced lattes. Good luck!

[Sistah Ant]

I can't relate on the coffee, 'cause I've never liked it and don't drink it, BUT I discovered mango smoothies and now I'm craving them and hoping to kick the addiction. Those suckas are like $4.50 unless I get them in a $7.50 salad combo meal. Talk about a wallet buster.

I usually just try distraction - drinking something else or changing the topic on my mind.

[Single Ma]

Dangit! Now I want a Frappuccino. And to think, I was just beginning to kick the habit. Shoot!

I think they put something in their drinks that mess with your brain. Seriously.

[Sunflowers]

Not to contribute to your burgeoning addiction to Starbucks... but try Chai Tea Lattes! Love them. ;) I used to be a bit addicted (I would crave one every day), but it got a lot easier once I quit my job and wasn't going on the daily "coffee bean/starbucks run" with my co-workers.

Oh, and I'm the same way - dislike coffee and it makes me sick to my stomach!

[Mocha Dad]

Starbucks is evil. Run away while you still have the will and your money.