Cup Of Joe

This time of year, it's easy to get crazy with all the shopping, the malls, the traffic, the food, the gifts we've yet to buy or wrap, the presents we can't afford to put under the tree we still haven't decorated. It's easy to forget that not everyone gets to wake up Christmas morning in their own home, with their own family, to a home cooked meal and a full stocking. It's easy to forget that our military is still serving overseas, fighting wars that they didn't start, protecting freedoms of people they've never met.

If Kit and I were still dating, I would have spent heaven only knows how much money on gifts for him. I would've bought him new books, dvd's, gourmet food items, and adventures for us to enjoy together. I would have stuffed his stocking full of his favorite candies and left thoughtful presents under the tree from Santa, the cats and me. I would have gotten a little something for all his friends and his entire family, brought him to holiday parties, bought bottle after bottle of wine for our hosts, and whipped up decadent dinners and desserts for days on end.

This is the first Christmas I will spend single. Kit and I are not together. For the first time in my life, I have no boyfriend to shop for, cook for, clean up after. And that's why I'm taking all the money (and the love) I would have spent on Kit and giving it to our military instead.

100 Cups of Coffee has changed my life. I am grateful every day for you, the readers, who have become my friends, my pen pals, my sounding board. You share your hopes, tears, fears and laughter with me, the same as I do with you. We've ridden out the up's and down's of relationships together. We've laughed at the silliness of dating and cried at the heartbreaks of it. I wouldn't trade the last two years of this project for anything. It has made me a better, stronger, smarter, braver, more caring and open-minded person. I consider myself the luckiest woman in the world to have been able to share it all with you and for the incredible support you've all shown me.

This is why, after two years and 97 cups (3 to go!!!) I am finally asking you for something. Help me give 100 Cups of Coffee back to our nation's heroes.

Green Beans Coffee Company has coffee shops set up on Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force Bases all over the world. For $2, you can give a soldier or sailor a few minutes of delicious refreshment and access to the internet cafe. The best part comes when you get a Thank You email, letting you know that this small donation made all the difference in someone's day. It's the greatest feeling in the world.

Love isn't always about being someone's boyfriend or girlfriend or buying them presents or spending the holidays together. Love is just a simple way of showing someone, anyone, that you care. Letting them know that they matter. And isn't that what we all want? Someone to make a gesture, take the time to say: You are important to me. Thank you for all you do.

Please take a minute out of your crazy end of year schedule, and send a Cup of Joe to someone who really deserves a break today. Comment here or on my facebook page to let me know you've done it. I'll have a special gift for one awesome reader!

Wishing you all a very happy holiday full of love.

Yours always, Kimberly Spice

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