—Morning Ritual—
I got up today at about 6:30 AM.
I went to the fridge to get myself a Diet Coke and found that I was out.
Unless I’m on a trip, the first thing I drink in the morning is my Diet Coke.
When I’m on trips, I drink Coffee. I don’t know why or how that happened, but it is what it is.
I do drink Coffee if I go out for breakfast. In fact, I drink Coffee if I go to the Waffle House or Huddle House for dinner. Actually, if I go out anywhere in the morning that has Coffee, I drink Coffee. But, here at home, the first thing I drink in the morning is my Diet Coke. Again, I don’t know how or why that “Ritual” got started, but it is what it is. I still can’t believe I let myself run out.
Dollar General sells Three 6-packs of Coke for 10 Dollars, but they don’t open until 8:00 AM.
So, I made myself a cup of Coffee. Black, no sugar, and I waited until 8 AM.
At Dollar General, I was the first Customer. The workers were outside talking with one another. I don’t know their names yet, but I know them from going there so much, and they know me.
“Good Morning!” they said energetically and happily.
I thought, “They must’ve had their Diet Cokes already…”
“Mornin’!” I energetically said back. I was faking it, though.
I went on, “I’m sorry for my appearance. I haven’t had a shower or nothin’. I found that I’m out of Diet Cokes, and I haven’t had my Coke yet.”
“Oh, we understand totally. I have to have my Mt. Dew first thing in the morning, or I’m a wreck.”
“Yep!” I said. “And I’m a wreck right now.”
I grab a buggy and head back to the drink section.
The sign reads, “Three 6-packs for 10 Dollars.”
I grab three, put them in the buggy, and head to the register.
I grab a Diet Coke out of the fridge at the register and place it on the counter.
I then place one of the 6-packs on the counter and say, “I got three of these. You don’t have to bag em,'” and I pay my total.
I get in the truck and open my Diet Coke.
It makes that familiar sound as I take the top off, and it fizzes.
“Ahhhhh,” I say after taking my first drink.
I wave to the employees as I pull away.
And now I’m ready to get this day started.
It’s gonna be a great day today.
That’s all for now.
Love you,
–Lynn
