August 6, 2008
the lipgloss is Bamboo Pink
Every once in a while, I get a little uppity about how much coffee I drink — you know, I’m all I do NOT drink THAT much coffee, I could stop ANY TIME NOW in fact I will SHOW YOU by not having ANY coffee today and I will be JUST FINE.
I’m talking to myself there, by the way, because honestly no one in my real life gives a damn how much coffee I drink. In fact, Wade visibly cringes every time I even mention giving up the coffee because he apparently likes all his limbs where they are and doesn’t want to tangle with Uncaffeinated Susan.
You should all listen to him; he’s a smart man.
Anyway, this morning I got up to work and realized that I was pretty much out of coffee and I thought eh who needs it? I’ll have a nice cup of tea! So I made myself some vanilla almond tea, and then I decided that I also might like some museli, which officially makes me either British or old (or both — maybe I’m Queen Elizabeth! Long live me!) and then I got to work.
Except that since I hadn’t had any coffee, my brain was still in neutral and every single thing I did all damn day took an extra fifteen thirty two hundred and five minutes, which means that in my entire day I did 45 minutes worth of work.
If you EVER hear me talking to myself about giving up coffee again, STOP ME. For the love of god, I am begging you.
In other news, I used an ATM today for the first time since 1997, which was really really hard you all what with not having done it in 11 years and not having had any coffee. The very smart Holly suggested that an ATM card was my best option for cash, should I find myself in a place that is not Oklahoma or even the United States (you know JUST IN CASE THAT HAPPENS which it just might, you never know) and need to get some local type monies, which of course led me to confess that I don’t USE an ATM card, I just pay for my Starbucks with my debit card, which also makes me old but maybe not British.
And once a month, I cash a check. I know, so retro! Woo.
I also went shopping tonight and came home with a lip gloss, seven pairs of underwear and two pounds of Starbucks coffee. The underwear was for Wade, but the rest? FOR ME.
So to recap: I did NOT drink any coffee today but I DID master a piece of technology from twenty five years ago and my husband has new boxers.
The end.
Posted by Susan @ 8:18 pm • everyday life
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August 6th, 2008 at 8:51 pm, Skye Says:
This may be one of my favorite posts ever from your blog. Not to insult some of your more substantive posts, but this one is just so much fun.
August 6th, 2008 at 9:05 pm, arduous Says:
Okay, I saw your twitter and I was like … seriously?! Haven’t used an ATM in so long?! But I did not say anything because I assumed you were inundated with millions of incredulous tweets. Of course now I am recording my incredulity (is that a word) on this here blog, so ….
August 6th, 2008 at 9:34 pm, Mandee Says:
My mom, who is definitely older than you but still not old, was in a similar boat 8 years ago. I was living in DC and ended up in the ER on Memorial Day weekend when NONE of my friends were in town. She managed to get a flight into Dulles and had the sense to realize on the way to the airport that she didn’t have any cash and would need some in order to pay the cab driver. Her friend taking her to the airport was incredulous that she didn’t use the ATM and still tells the story to this day. I can’t wait to tell her there is another hold out!
August 6th, 2008 at 9:48 pm, Rebecca Says:
Ok. I am stupid. What is the diference between ATM and debit cards? I use the same card for the ATM machine that I use as a debit at the store.
August 6th, 2008 at 10:14 pm, suburbancorrespondent Says:
I haven’t used an ATM since, oh, 1987, I guess…
August 6th, 2008 at 10:21 pm, Blythe Says:
Rest assured that you are not Officially Old unless you refuse to use your card as either an ATM or a debit card, and instead attempt to write checks everywhere, including The Gap where the young salesperson has never actually seen anyone write a personal check before. Not that my own mother does that or anything.
August 6th, 2008 at 10:50 pm, Shellie Says:
Money that finds its way into my hand, just as quickly finds its way out of my hand. I don’t boycott ATMs, but I am more likely to get some extra cash when I use my debit card at the grocery. However, I rarely have cash on hand, and then I feel like a total cheeseball when I have to use a debit card for a purchase that is only a few bucks.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:17 pm, Rebecca Says:
Ahhh just when I needed a good laugh, you come through for me! Thanks! (I don’t do atms either, ahem)
August 6th, 2008 at 11:25 pm, Stephanie Says:
I’m with Skye…favorite post in quite some time. So funny.
August 7th, 2008 at 12:04 am, Megan Says:
My dad is 60 and his experiences with ATMs are some of the most amazing things in the world! Recently he wanted to send me $100, which — YES PLEASE. He decided he’d put the money into his back account via the nice teller, then write me a check, mail the check, and a few days later I could deposit it. (I deposit my checks through the ATM, which is too much for him to fathom.) About three minutes later, my mom called him back and said, “Okay, I just transferred the money from our account to Megan’s over the phone, it’s all done.”
That was April. My dad is still astonished.
August 7th, 2008 at 12:43 am, mimbles Says:
If I manage to forget to drink coffee, which, yes, does happen on occasion, I end up with the mother of all headaches which lasts for 3 days and will not go away no matter how much coffee I drink trying to make up for the missed caffeine dose.
As for the banking thing, my parents have modern banking technologies well under their respective belts, but my mother-in-law is very firmly fixated on paying all her bills with cash and I don’t think she’s ever used an ATM.
August 7th, 2008 at 8:15 am, ali Says:
um, yeah, i just went three days without coffee and i pretty much wanted to die. i think i’ll just stick with my coffee addiction for the next little while…giving it up is so. not. worth. it.
August 7th, 2008 at 8:33 am, A.C. Says:
I don’t use the ATM, either, unless I’m making a deposit. It’s become something that I put cash into, rather than taking cash out of.
Great post…I had a bunch of good laughs.
August 7th, 2008 at 9:17 am, SoMo Says:
I don’t use an ATM, either, but I figured that is because we are in the biz and hate paying other people’s fees. However, I am surprised that others don’t use them, because how else would I be able to buy all the pretty shoes I got last week. Thank you ATM users, you are my friends.
August 7th, 2008 at 9:24 am, Sue Says:
I have used the ATM enough to make up for ALL OF YOU! Seriously!
As for the coffee… I had a stomach virus a few weeks ago and far worse than the effects of the stomach bug was the fact that I couldn’t drink coffee for a few days. I thought the headache would never go away.
Great post! Thanks for my morning giggle.
August 7th, 2008 at 9:27 am, Shan Says:
OMG, I am so relieved! I never use ATMs! I mean, I used to, but now I seriously cannot remember the last time. It has definitely been YEARS. I never, ever, ever have cash, not even when I really need it. All I use is my debit card and one credit card. I don’t think I would remember how to use an ATM. (Hello! You need to recall your PASSWORD!!!)
Susan, I am as caffeine addicted as they come. Long live both of us.
August 7th, 2008 at 9:55 am, Feather Nester Says:
I, too, get defensive about my coffee drinking! I like to swear that it’s more about the ritual than the actual caffeine. Then I spend the whole caffeine-free day staring at my daughter as she plays on the floor and wondering why she’s so grumpy, oh yeah I haven’t fed her! Etc.
And I never use an ATM either. I don’t even think my ATM card works. I wouldn’t know the PIN anyway. I charge everything for points, or I use my debit card in the credit mode. My mom mails cash randomly (I know), so I’m generally set.
August 7th, 2008 at 10:14 am, Assertagirl Says:
Wait, there’s a difference between a debit card and an ATM card? Oh America, you are endlessly amusing.
Once in awhile I get the idea that I can go without my morning coffee, and realize by about noon that I’ve made a terrible, terrible mistake.
August 7th, 2008 at 11:54 am, Maggie Says:
1. You’re hilarious, and though this is my first comment, I’ve enjoyed being entertained by you for the last few months…thank you!
2. I’m sitting at work right now and reeaaallly wish I stopped and got a latte (with extra shot) this morning. Guess it will have to be the emergency Red Bull in the fridge…
3. If you’re alluding to ATMs and using them in China to get foreign currency, that is hands down the way to get the best exchange rate. Obviously get some money before you go so you will have it when you arrive (tips, taxis, bottle of water, etc.), but once there, you will be happy that you used the ATM! A word of caution though–I studied abroad in Italy in college, and had some trouble with my ATM card at first. Make sure you alert your bank that you’re going to be out of the country (I know, you’re probably thinking “no duh”)–and also ask if there is a special international PIN on your card. If there is–or if they think someone stole your card and took it to China, you may not be able to GET money. And we all know that wouldn’t be a good thing!
Alas, have a great time! Looking forward to lots of great stories when you return!
August 7th, 2008 at 11:55 am, Mara Says:
I understand about the coffee– I keep trying to give up for reproductive reasons but it’s sooo hard to get through the day without it.
I have no idea what bank you use, but your debit card should ALSO be an atm card. No need for separate cards anymore!
August 7th, 2008 at 12:56 pm, Tara Says:
ATM? I’m still in awe of the touch tone phone! (Digital? Don’t get me started!)
August 7th, 2008 at 2:34 pm, Colette Says:
Enough about the ATM, let’s discuss the lipgloss! Is it Clinique? I have lipstick in their Bamboo Pink (thanks to their trial size promotions) and absolutely adore it- it’s my favorite color EVER!!!(which means they will discontinue it next week)
August 7th, 2008 at 4:01 pm, Sarah Says:
I am honestly dreading ever being pregnant again because I will suffer from lack of caffine for 9 whole months. Sad… right now I drink most ( all ) of a pot every morning by noon!
If there is any left, I drink it at 3:00.
Like… right now.
August 7th, 2008 at 6:01 pm, Miguelina Says:
Was your Vanilla Almond tea the one in the round bags? The one made by The Republic of Tea? Because I love that tea, but it will never replace my coffee. Also, it’s just proof that you have good taste in tea as well as shoes. Ahem.
August 7th, 2008 at 7:55 pm, Jamie Says:
Seriously? No coffee for the entire day? I think you are very cool and so totally worth imitating…but not on this one! I need me some coffee.
August 7th, 2008 at 8:57 pm, Jessie Says:
It must be the week for ATMS!
My husband lost his debit card so we had to cancel ours and are now awaiting new ones.
I had to get something silly like groceries on Monday so to the ATM I go.
It has been a good long time since I’ve used one!
My thing is, if I have the cash I’ll spend it! Where as the debit card I am actually better about my purchases.
Weird, I know. But that’s me!
August 8th, 2008 at 1:25 pm, Nina Says:
Man, you are too funny Susan.