Many people know of my hatred for anything corporate, especially that evil (burnt) Seattle coffee; I've never kept it secret. (I'd look up links, but I'm lazy and will let you find them yourself.)

Two things have happened in concert with each other that have challenged these feelings and served to send me to ultimate shame. First, an aunt gave me a gift card to said coffee shop for Christmas. Now this by itself only humors me, since I live nowhere near any of these shops; thus, the card could sit untouched for months on a dining room table, an object of scorn and ridicule. Of course, something else happened - I started working in the Loop. That's right. Giant Corporate Seattle Coffeeshop Central. As I'm sure you're aware, there's one in practically every building, including the one I work in.

It didn't take me long to realize this, and realize that with my gift card, I had access to this coffee free. What could it hurt? My fellow bloggers, I find this hard to admit. I gave in to the temptation.

Shortly after, I was running late to work one morning, so I didn't have time to stop at the Evil Corporate Coffee Shop. No big deal, there was free coffee in the office, right? (In fact it's even the same Seattle-based coffee.) However, I realized with horror that I was sad. I missed my new morning ritual. I wanted to worship at the Corporate Seattle shrine. Ack, I think I even feel comraderie with the others who join me at that altar. My cheap recycled paper coffee cup with the witty thought-provoking quote is a symbol of my new status! I was even considering moving to Seattle for a while!

Am I addicted? Have I become (gasp) one of... them?

I'm interested to find out if I'm willing to pay for this once the gift card runs out.