More and more people are bringing their own containers when they purchase coffee, tea, or soda, especially in Chico. The upside is that this practice is becoming gradually more accepted by our society. But there are times when I leave town and feel as if I am back in the dark ages, like the 1980s. I dropped into a Starbucks in Vacaville the other day and offered them my water bottle as they took my order. The barista promptly began to fill a plastic cup with blended coffee, which he then unceremoniously dumped into my bottle. The cup, of course, ended up in the trash. I have had the same thing happen at Jamba Juice, too.

I have recently started taking my bottle to the next level: 36,000 feet. When I offer airline attendants my bottle and say, Ginger ale, please (my traditional airline drink of choice), they get this amazing puzzled look on their face, as if I am handing them a rubber chicken. I highly recommend trying it.

Just remember to make sure your bottle starts off empty when you arrive at the airport. Airport security officials frown upon liquids these days, unless you have a container that holds less than 3 ounces. So a full shot glass would be okay.