Meet the Mugs!

As someone who enjoys drinking tea, cocoa, and other hot beverages, as well as the merciless devouring of chillier concoctions such as ice cream, it's a good idea to have plenty of appropriate vessels on hand. I have accumulated several mugs that are exclusively mine. Let me introduce you.

On the far left, we have a large purple number bearing the likeness of Minnie Mouse, Veil of Veronica-style. It was acquired many years ago, possibly for a birthday, and used as a pen holder for most of that time. A profound redecorating scheme led me to return it to its original purpose, a decision that proved wise since this baby holds twice as much ice cream as any normal-sized mug. Tankard territory, brothers.

To the right of Minnie is another very old cat-themed cup. Since it was a gift, I don't have any kind of personal bond or story to go with it, but "Cats!!!" will have to suffice as an explanation for greatness.

Turning our gazes to the bottom right corner, we are met by the cheekily cheerful visage of one "Happy." Part of the Mr. Men series, Mr. Happy was discovered by me during my two-week internship at the English Bookshop. I was immediately taken in by his indomitable joviality and felt the instant need to own something with his face on it. Since I was a good worker, I even got a discount off the ridiculous amount I paid for this mug, but I don't regret a penny of it. Mr. Happy never fails to brighten a morning (or afternoon or night), and is probably my most favorite mug of all time.

Let's scurry across that gap back to the left, making sure to heed the warning advising us to mind it. Bought at Heathrow Airport during a visit to London, this Underground mug comes with a sector of tube map whose primary function is to let people point and shout "I've been there!!!" The cheap make of this mug is disliked by my mother, who is somewhat convinced it is full of lead, but I will not be deterred from adoring it. It is particularly fun to drink out of when accompanied by my matching "Mind the Gap" tee shirt.

At the top right we can see a (very recent) sixteenth birthday present, a Dunoon stoneware Zodiac mug full of symbols and keywords representing my sign, Pisces. The story of this mug contains a fair bit of coincidence, as I had seen and admired it on multiple occasions, unbeknownst to my mother who later purchased it for me. A stroke of luck was included too, as the Pisces mug in particular is nearly always sold out at the shop (possibly because Pisces is the only sign gullible enough to actually buy stuff with zodiac motifs). It's a lovely mug, although the placement of its handle makes it difficult to let the teabag steep and I'm afraid to put it in the dishwasher should the gold parts rub off, but it's so nice to look at that its slight awkwardness is irrelevant. (Get your own here!)

Last but not least, smack in the middle we have the newest addition to the group - a rainbow polkadot mug from the hardware store. It was a bargain at only 19 SEK, which I paid with a 500:- bill. The clerk was pissed as he handed over the 481:- worth of change, but I was in good spirits and have remained so ever since with this retro burst of color to greet me every day.

Now you are familiar with all my beverage vessels, and with this meeting, your life has been profoundly enriched (whether you know it or not). Heads up: it is only the first of many odd collections to come! Fare ye well, I'm outie.

*sips hot tea*