Who makes the best cup of coffee around?

My love of coffee runs deep. It started at the young age of 4 or 5 with my first taste of the sweet caramel-colored java. The steam rising from the mug, soaking my face, and the aroma…teasing as I wait for it to cool.

The devotion continued at my first job after college. At eighteen I thought free coffee was the best perk of any job. I would arrive earlier than anyone so I could make the first pot and have my joe in peace. Twelve years later - Monday thru Friday - this is still my MO. I absolutely adore coffee and every day I look forward to my morning joe - to start my day any different would be blasphemy.

On the weekend, after my long run, I like to treat myself. I used to stop at Starbucks as it's the most convenient with shops on most corners. But after several undrinkable latte attempts I had to explore new spots. Now I stop at Dunn Bros Coffee. They have yet to serve me a coffee that wasn't absolute perfection. The latte foam is as it should be - thick, creamy, firm yet soft. The cream to espresso ratio is spot on and the espresso is never burnt tasting. The best brew around - hands down.

From the looks of my blog everyone can tell I just love quotes. There are so many quotes that I adore I'd never be able to chose one as a favorite. I do however have a few favorites I'd like to state for the record.

Dave Matthews has a deep influence in my life because he is so witty, humble and complex. If I had to chose a speaking quote it would have to be his:

"Always think about those nights when you fly, and expect the nights when you dig...." - David J Matthews

I'm sure when people pop through my blog and see the dark gray and simple structure they quickly assume I'm moody and depressed but that is furthest from the truth. Dave Matthews Band is definitely the inspiration behind my blog theme and name which correlates to one of the first songs I adored - Grey Street. I think fits my personality - complicated, dark yet very positive.

"Take what you can from your dreams. Make them as real as anything. It'll take the work out of the courage." Dave Matthews Band

I believe that my all time favorite quotable quote is not one of Dave's and although seems dark I tend to spin it in a positive light.

"For all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: It might have been." - John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892)

My newest favorite quote is from a book I'm currently reading - The Killer Inside Me.

"If we all had all we wanted to eat, we'd crap too much. We'd have inflation in the toilet paper industry." - Jim Thompson

I define myself as a runner. It is the one thing that sets me apart from many people around me is that I love to run marathons and beyond. My all time favorite running quote - and there are many out there - is:

"Speed is sex, distance is love."