Coffee I Need...

Four years ago, I embarked on a journey of self-improvement, self-discovery and most of all...self-love!  I was at a point in my life where I was absolutely miserable, but couldn't really put my finger on why.  Through support of friends and family, I found myself wanting to move forward with my life...it occurred that I was spending a lot of time spinning and spinning and not really going anywhere, but getting dizzy really fast!

I lost some weight, which gave me the motivation and courage to make some other changes in my life.  I found that it was just a little more than intake and output.  I had to look at the reasons why I was consuming twice the calories that I was burning... and then decide if or when I needed to burn any of those calories.  Once I got that worked out, I was ready to take the next step.  I cut the calories by cutting out sweets and white flour...that left only carrots and celery.  One can shed quite a few pounds living off of carrots and celery!  Okay, I'll come clean!  I was still eating protein, grains and tons of fruits along with the carrots and celery!

As the pounds began to fall off, I decided to see if I could make some more changes.  I had substituted whole wheat for my flour addiction, but the wheat was beginning to wreak havoc on my digestive system...probably because it didn't have the refined sugar to balance it out!  (This is my professional opinion!) So I began to understand what gluten free meant...give up a bunch of really tasty things so I don't have to pay for it later!


As time passed, I found more and more foods that just didn't want to behave as they worked their way through my intricate plumbing, so I said goodbye to a few more things.  I have been blessed to have found a balance of the right foods, mixed with five gallons of water, and 20 dog walks a day.  Stuff works for me now!

The one addiction/vice/fix/monkey-on-my-back that I will never give up is the almighty cup of Joe! I live for the aroma, the warmth and the smile that it brings to me...exactly 30 minutes after I take my thyroid medication each morning!  I will lie, cheat and kill for this addiction.  Nothing makes me feel more human than my 12 cups a day of unadulterated caffeine.  My Will even has a clause that states that as I am breathing my final breath, there must be coffee administered along with my Last Rites.  When I go, I want to go with a big caffeinated smile, teeth stains and all!

This post has been brought to you by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop.  Please grab a cup of coffee, click on the link and enjoy the personal tributes from her many gifted writer-friends!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Fully Fragmented

Thanks to Traci at A Star In My Universe, this wonderful place called Friday Fragments is still a bright spot in my blogging life, where I can share the exciting events of my life! At my age, it is usually encompasses my getting out of bed unassisted, and pouring myself a cup of coffee each morning! Once these two events have taken place, my world is ready to begin!

Today, I am blessed to celebrate 39 years of marriage to a great guy!  We've had many a storm, but managed to come out of them practically unscathed.  We've laughed and cried and embarrassed the heck out of each other.  We raised four extraordinary children, who managed to live through all of our parenting blunders (thank you, God, for therapists) and who now are each on their own path to rule their world.

Media has changed the way we all live our lives, and this week has been full of many reminders of the tragic events of 9/11/01.  Many of us will forever be touched by actions of this date.  I believe that it made us stronger, and brought out the best in the human condition as evidenced by the selfless acts of those who wanted, and still want, to help. God rest the souls of those who fell, and God Bless the rest of us who remain.

I'm going to have a second cup of coffee.  Would you care to join me?

Sunday Repeat in My City

I was watching a repeat of "Extreme Makeover" yesterday (I watch TV when I procrastinate) and saw an episode of a few years ago about two makeovers in My City. I wrote a post about it in February of 2010, and felt compelled to re-post today. Ty Pennington is an amazing person, and the concept of the show is so powerful, it brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it. I'm pleased to bring you this post once again.

Have you heard of Unknown Mami? She has a delightful blog where she shares photos of her city on Sundays. She invites the rest of us to link up with her and share some of our own city's photos. Click on the logo above to visit Mami's Sundays in My City!

I live in St. Louis, Missouri. Welcome to my City!

Not far from where I live, there is a small structure in the middle of a parking lot of a strip mall. This small, but powerful structure is a drive-through coffee, snack and lunch shop. Welcome to “More Than Coffee, Helping Challenged People One Cup at a Time.” With each cup of coffee, patrons receive printed scriptures that have been applied to the cup’s heat protector. This is one way the owner glorifies God. Please stop by the website here and say hello!


I was privileged to meet the owner of More Than Coffee, Sam Malek, and get a first hand look at the shop. Sam's kind demeanor and huge heart immediately drew me in. He is an extraordinary Christian man who lives by the ideals of paying it forward. After his overhead expenses are met, all of his proceeds are given to local charities. His volunteer employees are capable young men and women who are passionate about their work. Oh, and by the way, all of his employees have a physical or mental challenge. Sam trains his crew in many aspects of the business. They participate in food preparation, taking orders, working the cash register, and serving the public with a smile and genuine interest in their well being. These employees take this training with them when they move on to paying jobs as they join the workforce along with the rest of us.

Two years ago, More Than Coffee was visited by Ty and his crew from Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Prior to the visit, Sam’s establishment was very small and would not accommodate wheel chairs. It does now…and then some! Everything Sam needs to run his business is at his finger tips.

If you visit St. Louis, you simply must stop by for a cup of coffee. You will leave with a feeling of joy knowing that you just paid something forward. If you live in St. Louis… well…get a move on! Your patronage will be a blessing for so many of our local charities.

Thanks for stopping by my City!

Sundays in My City - Coffee Time!

Have you heard of Unknown Mami? She has a delightful blog where she shares photos of her city on Sundays. She invites the rest of us to link up with her and share some of our own city's photos. Click on the logo to visit Mami's Sundays in My City!

I live in St. Louis, Missouri. Welcome to my City!

Not far from where I live, there is a small structure in the middle of a parking lot of a strip mall. This small, but powerful structure is a drive-through coffee, snack and lunch shop. Welcome to “More Than Coffee, Helping Challenged People One Cup at a Time.” With each cup of coffee, patrons receive printed scriptures that have been applied to the cup’s heat protector. This is one way the owner glorifies God. Please stop by the website and say hello!



I was privileged to meet the owner of More Than Coffee, Sam Malek, and get a first hand look at the shop. Sam’s kind demeanor and huge heart infected me immediately. He is an extraordinary Christian man who lives by the ideals of paying it forward. After his overhead expenses are met, all of his proceeds are given to local charities. His volunteer employees are capable young men and women who are passionate about their work. Oh, and by the way, they all posses a disability. Sam gives his crew training in many aspects of his business. They participate in food preparation, taking orders, working the cash register, and serving the public with a smile and genuine interest in their well being. These employees take this training with them when they move on to paying jobs as they join the work force along with the rest of us.

Two years ago, More Than Coffee was visited by Ty and his crew from Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Prior to the visit, Sam’s establishment was very small and would not accommodate wheel chairs. It does now…and then some! Everything Sam needs to run his business is at his finger tips.

If you visit St. Louis, you simply must stop by for a cup of coffee. You will leave with a feeling of joy knowing that just paid something forward. If you live in St. Louis… well…get a move on! Your patronage will be a blessing for so many of our local charities.

Thanks for stopping by my City!