You know how it goes.
Your alarm sounds, you are half awake, and you gotta have your cup of coffee to get going.
You add the water and the grounds and the gurgling sounds of your coffee maker fills the stillness of the morning.
For it to be everything you imagined, here are the secrets to pouring the perfect cup of coffee.

1.  Select a mug with the least amount of coffee residue from the previous morning’s cup of coffee
2.  Go to the refrigerator to discover you are almost out of your favourite coffee creamer
3.  Slam near-empty creamer container dejectedly on the counter
4.  With trembling caffeine-deprived hands, pour what coffee has made it through the system into your almost clean mug
5.  Make sure you leave behind dribbles of coffee that apparently drop from an unseen hole in the coffee pot
6.  Stir in the remaining drops of creamer and toss your spoon in the dirty mac and cheese pot soaking in the sink causing a mini tidal wave of nasty dish water to slosh all over the place
7.  Throw some coffee grounds on the floor for principle
8.  Take a sip and burn your tongue with much impatience
9.  Place coffee mug on the counter
10 .  Walk out the door in a rush and forget your coffee

I think you should get up early.  It has taken me awhile to be able to say that.  For many years I tried to squeeze the last amount of sleep possible out of my mornings.  Then I realized that you miss so much.
You miss the birds waking for a new day.
You miss the quiet of your home.
You miss gathering your thoughts before things get hectic.
You miss not having to be rushed.
You miss the sunrise.
So listen to me.  Hear what I am saying.  Get up early.  Get a start on your day.  Get out of your house as soon as possible.  Leave your door unlocked.  Make sure you place any cash or jewelry you have on the counter in a way that will make it easy to find.  If you have any paintings of value, please label those before exiting your home.  You should also leave your credit cards.  If you could, leave your pin numbers on sticky notes or whatever you can write on.  Just make sure it is legible.  You could also make a sandwich if you have time.  No peanut butter — I am allergic.  And lastly, please leave the keys to your other car — it will make my morning a lot easier.  Oh, and make sure there’s gas in it.