coffee and cake

Isn't it amazing how something as simple as coffee and cake can turn a bad day into one that leaves with that sense of "yes actually, it is good to be alive."

This can be said of many things. It would be cliche to say a child's laughter, a lovers embrace or a phone call from a friend. These simple acts are definitely up there in the "good to be alive" category but there are much simpler things than which can bring you joy. Which brings me to the coffee and cake.

After a crap morning of hating your job, employees, colleagues and pretty much life in general, you leave your desk and wander up to the good old faithful coffee place of your choice. You don't have to like coffee to know what these ramblings are about. It could be a hot chocolate or a cup of tea - just as rewarding. You amble up to the counter, face as long as a speech by John Howard, feet as heavy as a school kid's backpack, and place your order. While you deliberate over which cake/biscuit/slice will satisfy the craving inside, you also deliberate whether you are in the right profession, relationship, country. Then you come across that day changing moment.

Here's something critical to that moment. If the coffee is burnt or the cake is dry, the moment may not happen and you will be stuck in that foul state of being for the rest of the day. But if that hot drink is brewed just right and the cake can be enjoyed crumb by crumb, that day changing moment is only moments away.

As this is being written, i am basking in the glow of two long blacks, an afghan biscuit and creme brulee, thinking what the heck was my problem this morning. Lets get on with the happy stuff.

So to all you baristas and pastry chefs, know this! you might have just changed a persons day!