My middle finger traces the contour of the cup’s upper lip as my thumb keeps track of the sippy hole.

My index finger and wrist join to provide a smooth rotation as the perfect alignment is found. I think of space exploration films and the complexity of docking airlocks.

The lid is nearly flawless, aside from being made from a known contaminant, the mold is perfect.The flaw that needs to be mitigated is in the seam of the paper cup.

When the cup seam aligns with the sipper orifice of the lid, predictable leaks and drips will appear on your dress shirt, with t-shirts, it’s not as noticeable. Placing the seam at 180 degrees from the drinking hole eliminates this risk.

Most people don’t know this, I watch them spend multiple minutes pouring additional substances into their coffee, tasting test sips along the way. Such careful attention to making a perfect drink to stain their attire.

People have no idea that I’m waiting behind them. That I enjoy a black coffee because it is strong, and bitter, and faster. My alignment with the lid is nearly instantaneous.

The paper cup is awful at containing heat, the transfer is so direct that there are cardboard sleeves to apply to the cup so that your hand is not burned. I usually forgo the sleeve to avoid the  added waste and time.

If you can stretch your hand and pinch the lid and bottom edge of the cup with your thumb and pinky, you can dodge the heat. Avoiding the sleeve allows the coffee to cool faster so that it can be enjoyed by the tongue sooner.

The cup size one larger than the desired ounces is the correct choice. Always leave close to an inch or more between the coffee level and the brim. “Leave room” is the American way of saying this.

I see thinkers sometimes pouring out this inch into the garbage. They know that coffee at the top of the cup will wave itself right through the mouth cutout and onto your freshly burned hand. Two inches is not even too much, if you desire more coffee, get two, or work on reducing your tolerance for caffeine.

In life, there is no one path, but with coffee, there is a process to follow and I think awful thoughts about those who deviate.