* The definition of kryptonite is Superman's ultimate weakness, or anything
that causes someone's ultimate weakness. An example of kryptonite is the one food a person is seriously allergic to.
{This word was added to the dictionary in September
2018. Kryptonite referred to a mineral from the planet Krypton that had an extremely harmful effect on
Superman.}
Well, no Superperson, me. But
to each humble mortal a Kryptonite must needs be.
Mine is rather odd, as it is
not a thing but a lack of a thing. The thing I must not lack if I am to be
producing original writing (or thought, craft item, or a genuine smile) is caffeine.
Put it another way: I need my coffee or black tea, and you may report me to the
authorities as a bonafide addict. But while you snitch on me, I should add that
it is my only addiction, if that
makes a difference.
It gladdens my heart to read
studies that confirm caffeine consumers live (on average) longer. It staves off
Alzheimer’s and increases IQ by a statistically significant measure. Not such a
terrible dependency as such goes.
I also stick to two-three
cups a day, always before four in the afternoon. Well, almost always. If I have
to drive later or stay awake, I break the before-four rule. Thus, I do my best
not to have to drive later and also excuse myself from activities that ask me
to be perky after dinner. If you’ve ever asked me to come to a lecture at such
late hour, now you know why I said ‘no.’ On the other hand, if you asked me to
meet you for coffee in the morning hours, now you know why I almost always said
‘yes.’
Confessions time over. I have
to get back to my coffee now.
