My Stumptownesque coffee experience lost in Splenda Stupor!

My hubby and I cruised 3 hours for a little birthday weekend getaway. We love Bend. Even though there isn't any new snow on Bachelor, it won't get us down. 

We have been searching for some coffee shop time ever since we got here. One of our favorite ways to pass the time.  A little Newsweek, and little Stephanie Meyer (I blush), and we search for our favorite little nook to settle in for a few hours in a local coffee shop.

Backporch Coffee Roasters! It is located on the Westside and just perfect for the tourists that really wish they were locals. I found this little place on Blogspot of all places. They roast their own coffee, use organic milk in their delicious mocha's, and a local chocolate. Yum. Bend loves supporting locally made items. I love it. They finish it with a beautiful rosetta design. We ordered 1/2 chocolate because we love the idea but can't take all the sweet. 

I asked a friendly coffee barista what I should try from here. As I usually order an americano with room I explained how I wanted to experience Backporch's best. He suggested the french press. They don't have drip. They french press everything and change the roast every hour! 

This place is so romantic and the quality is all there. 

Nothing could ruin this moment, and then it happened...

Five paces to my left, an act of sin was in the making. Tap, tap, tap against the coffee counter like the packing of a fresh cigarette. She waits in eager anticipation for her fix. Waiting to complete the transaction with her artificial packet of death. The ripping sound of the promise-filled pouch was utterly deafening as I ponder the consequences of these accumulated choices. 

I set aside the obvious snobbish insult of adding salt and hot sauce to a gourmet prepared meal before trying a bite. The real tragedy is contemplating which is more true. Is this pure ignorance? Or worse, did she really buy into the fact that this artificial Splendor can provide her all the happiness without repercussions? Did advertising and mainstream media really have a grip on changing the belief that one can indulge in a Non-fat Latte with Splenda and not get fat? 

Unfortunately fat is the least of these that one should worry about. This sweetener can excite your brain cells to death, lead to depression, migraines, seizures, strokes, brain cancer, and wait for it.... weight gain! How comical. It is like taking a muscle relaxer drug and having muscle spasms as their side effect. 

So how do I deal with this moment other than writing about it? Well I try for now since I can not shake the baby, imagine it as a tragic comedy. Because really in truth, it is the little contradictions in life that lead to death that are in some respects funny. 

You ever notice how 'hippies' got labeled as the spirulina sipping, tofu-eating tree-huggers? It is funny when the same group of people are known for their free spirit, love and Smokefest. Yeah, how is that not a contradiction? I have heard all reasoning because I was that person. In fact, to a degree we all have contradictions. It is the degree of contradictions that determines are success, happiness, and healthiness. Think about it...

Couple examples to ponder. How happy, healthy and successful do you think the:

• Six day sinner and seventh day saint is?
  
• The smoking, all-night partying yoga instructor?
• The alcoholic doctor?
• The abusive therapist?

Okay, these are dramatic pictures. Most of us don't have contradictions that are that obvious or severe but that is where the room for growth is for you. To determine where yours are and go after them. 

I don't know if we will ever totally be free of them, it comes down to the choice in front of you. And if you fail, and you will fail sometimes, just remember the next moment is your next chance to make a different choice. 

In good health-

Jaybird