I was, as the song says, introduced to a “whole new world” when I decided to pick up a coffee for my cosmetologist.
I am not a coffee drinker. I drink either a Diet Dr Pepper, or a Diet Coke each morning. It is simple: I either get one out of the machine here at the office or my truly kind co-worker brings me one in fountain form each Monday and Friday.
So at first, I had no idea what to get for her. I knew if I asked her, she would say she did not need one. Therefore, I called my friend, who also goes to the same stylist, and asked her what I should get. She tells me to get a hazelnut latte, medium.
Got it. A hazelnut latte, medium.
Having no idea what this means, I make my trek across town to a coffee site. I am astounded by the number of people in line to get a coffee.
I mean, astounded. I had no clue that coffee was such a big deal. Well, I guess I should have, considering we have a lot of coffee businesses here in town, but not being a partaker of the dark, liquid beverage, I was shocked to see 14 cars in line. Fourteen!
I was afraid that I would be late for my appointment as I was stuck in line with cars in front of me, cars behind me, as they all jockeyed for position to stay off the main roadway.
Thankfully, the drive-thru line moved rather quickly. I pulled to the window, happy to see a former Roane State student taking my order. We chatted for a few seconds, and then she asked what I needed. I very proudly tell her, “I would like a hazelnut latte, medium.”
Imagine my surprise when she asks, “Will that be a cold or hot latte?”
What? What? I thought I had faked knowing what I was doing, then she springs this question.
I thought about it for a few seconds and went with the hot latte. My logic was that if it were a cool morning, perhaps a hot beverage would be her choice. I wasn’t sure as, again, I drink a cold diet soda in the mornings whether it is winter, spring, summer or fall.
I pay for her coffee, go to my appointment, and explain to her my introduction into the coffee world.
She begins telling me about all the distinct types of coffee, brews, hot, iced, foam, no foam, etc. Again, mesmerizing. I don’t even know how people decide what to drink. There are so many options!
My husband is a coffee drinker. He has a timer set for the weekend so it will be ready when he wakes up. But he drinks his black. Occasionally, he may toss in some artificial sweetener, but mostly he prefers it black.
My parents were coffee drinkers. I remember once, in my early 20s, deciding I would try it.
I sat down to the table with my parents, and my dad looks over at my cup and says, “Next time you may want some coffee with your cream and sugar.”
He was not wrong. I had filled my cup to the brim with sugar and milk, leaving only a small area for my coffee. I knew then, it was not for me. Even though it smells glorious!
Speaking of coffee, you are going to want a large cup Sunday morning. The time is changing at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 7, and moving forward one hour.
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Cumberland Fellowship will host The Wizard of Oz: Special Needs Prom 2026 from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at 1640 West Ave. in Crossville. This inclusive prom is open to individuals with special needs ages 14 and older.
Attendees can enjoy dancing, singing, and celebrating with a live band, karaoke, food and drinks, and professional photos. Women may arrive early at 3:00 p.m. for hair, nails, and makeup. Email missy@cumberlandfellowship.com for additional information.
The First Church of the Nazarene Youth Ministry in Crossville is sponsoring a spring craft festival from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, March 14, in the family life center. This fun-filled event features games for the kiddos, great “shopportunities” for the adults, as well as food for all.
An 8-by-8-foot vendor space is $40; a 10-by-10-foot space is $60.
All proceeds from booth fees and food sales will benefit church youth attending the Nazarene Youth Conference in Salt Lake City July 1-5.
The First Church of the Nazarene Family Life Center is at 2565 N. Main St. in Crossville. For additional information and vendor applications, contact Jane at 931-335-0621 or JaneTavernier435@gmail.com.