The day my Keurig appeared

I remember the first time I saw a Keurig coffee-maker. What a waste of money, I thought. An individually brewed cup of coffee...two hundred flavors...no waiting. Does a person really need all that?

It turns out – YES.

I have a Keurig, and I love it. That's a problem, because technically, the Keurig belongs to our daughter, Kelly.

Let me explain. I’m a huge coffee-drinker, and so is my husband, Steve. We’ve had the same coffee-maker for years. Every morning I make a pot of coffee. Then we share it, from the first sip - hot and fresh - to the "bitter end" (now you know where that saying comes from). I always thought the coffee from our coffee-maker was fine, as long as I didn't swallow the last mouthful without chewing.

I wouldn't have paid for a Keurig, but one day a Keurig landed in my kitchen. 

I blame Kelly.  She bought a Keurig with some of her high school graduation money. (When I graduated from high school I got a modest sum of cash. Times have changed - Kelly took her grad money to the bank in an armored truck.) As I said, she decided to spend some of it on a Keurig, for her dorm at Portland State University.

The day after she bought it, she lugged the box from her bedroom into the kitchen where I was sitting. “Bummer!" she said. "It turns out I can’t have this in my dorm. I guess I'll have to leave it at home for now."

I have no idea why. Kelly told me, but I couldn't hear over the noise as I ripped the packaging off. I grabbed at styrofoam and cardboard, bits of paper and plastic flying. Kelly was still rambling on when I reached into the box and removed the sleek black machine. It was beautiful. There were even samples of different flavored K-Cups! (In case you don’t speak Keurig, allow me to translate: K-Cups are individual “brewing packs” for making coffee/tea/hot chocolate. Yes! Even hot chocolate!)

I sifted through the various flavors. Southern Pecan…Wild Mountain Blueberry…Chocolate Glazed Donut. I settled on Caramel Vanilla Cream. I put the Keurig together and skimmed the “quick start" guide, then  popped a K-Cup in and pressed “Brew.”

I've always loved the idea of something being created, effortlessly, while I relax (this concept sold me on the idea of pregnancy - unfortunately, I was grossly misinformed). Just like I'd hoped, the Keurig went to work, playing a sweet melody I decided to call “Brewing a cup of coffee just for Kay.” I love this song, I thought, as the kitchen filled with the scent of fresh-brewed coffee.

I know - I shouldn't get too attached. Steve and I are just “babysitting” the Keurig until Kelly gets her own apartment. But that could be next year...or the year after...who knows...who cares? Besides, I've spent some time studying the legal system. “Possession is nine-tenths of the law,” according to Judge Judy.

After a few short moments, the coffee was ready, and I savored a perfect blend of coffee, caramel and vanilla.

Kelly interrupted my blissful reverie. "What will I use to wake myself up for class? An energy drink? In the morning? Ewww!”

Kids these days, I thought, they have no idea.

“Kelly, when I went to college, we didn’t have so-called 'energy drinks.' We had coffee, period. My mom and dad sent me to Washington State University with a stupid travel coil. It was nothing more than a bare electric element - I’d stick it in a mug of water and wait until the water boiled.”

“Well, there’s always Starbucks," she said. “There’s a Starbucks on the first floor of my dorm. And I LOVE their mochas.”

“Starbucks?  Mochas?  I wish!” I cried. “After the water boiled, I’d add a spoonful of Folgers crystals. That was my only 'energy drink.' It kept me going when I had early morning class - or when I pulled all-nighters.”

“Wow, I can’t believe you stayed up all night studying…” she said, impressed.

(Okay, I never said anything about studying - I went to Washington State University. But I decided to move on.)

“Don’t sweat it,” I said. We’ll get a small coffee maker for your dorm. And yes, there’s always Starbucks…energy drinks…whatever. You’ll be fine.”

And so will I, I thought, taking another heavenly sip.

So will I.

Comments

[Beverly Simpson]

I was there the day my nephew got his Keurig for his college dorm and watch as my baby sister cried tears of joy and pride as she realized her "little man" was growing up...I'm of course that bunch that still prefers the Starbuck's alternative.
Love your stories! (and you)

[Kayla Murski]

Mochas?? I could have sworn Kelly was an Odwalla lover! ;) I love my Keurig too, Kay. I actually took mine to school with me when I was in the dorms even though we couldn't have them, guess I'm a rebel!

[David]

Man, you crack me up with some of your comments, Kay. Funny stuff, especially the "I've always loved the idea of something being created, effortlessly, while I relax (this concept sold me on the idea of pregnancy - unfortunately, I was grossly misinformed)." LOL! "I know - I shouldn't get too attached. Steve and I are just “babysitting” the Keurig until Kelly gets her own apartment. But that could be next year...or the year after...who knows...who cares? Besides, I've spent some time studying the legal system. “Possession is nine-tenths of the law,” according to Judge Judy." LOL!... again!

Take care, and keep writing...
Dave