For me, a coffee mug is an extension of who I am. It could have a funny saying or a political message. It’s more than just a vessel where you put your morning “Joe.”

Coffee has become as much of a breakfast staple for Americans as eggs and bacon. The cup in which it comes is a personal statement. Even a paper mug from Starbucks carries a different opinion than one from 7-11. Your coffee mug can be a conversation starter or a conversation ender. Maybe a co-worker sees the coffee mug with the Far Side cartoon on it and down goes the wall and you become friends. That would be great!

What about where the coffee mug came from? Back in 700 BC, a group of people called the Beaker people used to fashion bowl shaped vessels that they were buried with as a sign of prestige. Hmmm… My Starbucks mug being buried with me? Not prestigious, pretentious is more like it.

People get very territorial about their coffee mugs too. Almost like a lucky penny or rabbit’s foot. I used to work with a woman who, if she didn’t have her coffee mug, she wouldn’t drink coffee. She couldn’t drink coffee out of anything but that mug. That’s going a bit overboard don’t you think?

Now don’t get me wrong, I definitely have mugs at home that only I am allowed to drink coffee out of but, well, so? Whether it’s the Obama 2008 cup or the one with the Far Side cartoon on it, use it with pride because it’syou!