On a retreat during my junior year of high school, I took
the “Alertness Aid” NoDoz to keep myself from sleeping for the weekend. You
see, those who slept had pranks pulled on them. You know, obscene items drawn
with Sharpie permanent markers on the face, and the like. By the end of the
weekend, I was throwing up foam.
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| Haven't tried it yet, but got a back-up of Sonic Speed Energy Drink in my home-office when I really need it! |
That experience turned me off caffeine for more than 10
years. I went through college and grad school without a Coke or coffee. Crazy
to imagine now with my Red Bull addition. Yes … addiction. I need it. And, I
know I need it.
The caffeine doesn’t simply keep me awake. It makes me feel
more alert. I can focus. My brain reacts more quickly.
So what changed? Ah, children. After having my first child,
I slid into having a Coke a day, and then the tolerance built up … and at some
point I tried Red Bull. My friend Sam calls energy drinks + allergy pills (with
recurrent sinus infections, my doctor has suggested I regularly take
Claritin-D) = “Momma’s little helper.”
I start the day off with one at breakfast. Ask my writing-friends such as Tara Lain. After seeing me at OCC/RWA meetings and conferences with my friendly can, it's now a regular teasing point.
My mom, worried
about my health, sat me down for an intervention. When I asked her how much
coffee she drank as a secretary, she confessed to 11-12 cups a day. I explained
that one can was the equivalent to a cup of coffee. Now, she stocks it for me
in her fridge.
The one Red Bull-a-day-habit has turned into two, and I know
how/why they can sell those extra-LARGE size cans.
Every year, especially around New Year’s resolutions and
Lent, I see people give up caffeine. They suffer headaches and withdrawal
symptoms and I think they’re *crazy*
So tell me, anyone else share in the caffeine addiction?
And, what started the slide? Was it children? The “aging” process? Come on ... help me feel, normal.
