After a stressful week at work that included the passing specter of layoffs (thankfully averted) followed by one night when I was at the office until 10:15 PM, as well as a busy calendar of late that’s left me feeling behind on a lot of household chores, errands, and projects, I decided to take today off and try to catch up. Or at least catch my breath.

I awoke this morning a bit later than usual, feeling atypically refreshed. There were blue skies outside, my adoring kitty Blackjack was at my feet, and I was all ready for a hot breakfast and a cup of good coffee, precursors to an excellent and productive day.

Savoring the warmth of the mug in my hand and feeling a mild sense of pleasant anticipation, I took my first sip of go-go juice. There was something… odd… about it. I took another sip. Odder still, but I still couldn’t place it. It was an aftertaste, something vaguely floral. And it seemed to be getting stronger, too. On the third sip, I started to think… lavender maybe? Yes, definitely lavender. Lavender with… ylang-ylang essences, whatever the hell they are… dish soap, in other words! I hadn’t rinsed the basket from the coffee maker well enough the night before and I’d just brewed an entire pot of Peet’s House Blend premium roast with lavender and ylang-ylang essences.

I may not be at work, but a Monday is apparently still a Monday.