Melita Euro Roast

I've been through some really good LavAzza since the last post and also a S&S french roast and now on to Melitta.

I mention the LavAzza because I think that may be the best brand, though the Melitta I had a ways back was pretty darn effective. That was smooth and dark with some intensity.  It's worth mentioning that it was bagged, as opposed to this canned one.

The European Roast is certainly good but is not keeping me awake the way I was hoping.  It's your standard fare, I believe. Smoother than the store brand, yesterday I had 3 cups: 8am, afternoon, and half at 830pm. Yesterday's morning one was the best, probably because I smelled it from upstairs -- it was the first time I used the 'automatic' setting in while. Melitta makes good stuff I just think the bagged is better. Maybe it's more customized that way. I will save the can for the bag of LavAzza waiting on deck.

I'm grateful for the articles I've been assigned. It's just tough getting amped up for it.  I have about another 250 words to write for South Florida's trends and then I need to give them shape. I'll reread it a couple of times and one last time Mon morning before sending it in.

There are a lot of jobs out there I really want to do. There are some fitness ones that are the most appealing and thankfully I started this blog along with some others, a while ago, that demonstrate my enthusiasm for cycle-commuting and office caffeine.

I have my run times down to 32 minutes for 4.4 miles.  I'm pretty confident that I can keep to that pace for the triathlon on the 12th.  It's hard to say if I'm in the best shape of my life. It's certainly close to it. I was leaner 5 years ago but I'm stronger now, for sure.

It's hard not to think about the next job but I want it to be good and meaningful and to quickly adapt to the environment.

It's been a good day with Chickie babe and Myna and Poppa. Using the pool and being outdoors -- all good. I'm a little too tired to be ready to work out so I'll try to do some more SF trends and maybe squeeze in one more run. Tomorrow morning I'll let it all out at Intoxx.

Right now I'm in this "Roses" sort of mode. Can't be Overkill and Armored Saint all the time.

Thank you for reading this.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup

I'm finally finishing the bag of Grande Kaffe's Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup coffee.  I've had it since late June -- we bought it on the Friday night that we went to Chipotle and I then to TJ Maxx. This was the start of my vaca from Sidley.

I regretted not buying it years back and am glad I did, as it basically puts the nail in the coffin for most gimmicky flavored varieties.

The Good:
It smells fantastic the entire time.  It was very good with chocolate ice cream.

The Bad:
Its taste doesn't nearly match the aroma -- it lost flavor maybe a few days/cups in to it.  Maybe 16 oz is too much and I didn't drink it fast enough.  Or maybe it's just a good idea for one big special cup. That it lost its flavor so fast was disheartening (even if it increases heart rate).

Verdict:
Will only go with Cafe Du Monde, Cinnamon, Hazlenut, or Winter Blends if I'm going to go flavored.  They took my favorite candy and were almost successful with synthesizing a coffee from it.

Hawaii's end

Today was the final day of Hawaiian Hazlenut.  It was certainly losing its impact but still smelled good. I had a cup at home and another on the train conversing with Marshall.  Overall, I'd give it 3 stars. I'd get it again but am ready for a different flavor for another occasion.

Hawaiian Hazlenut

Since Sunday morning, I've been brewing Hawaiian Hazlenut in the large French Press.  I bought it @ Coffee Nut Cafe on Park Ave. after the fam left the boardwalk playground b/c we're all coffee imbibers and I wanted to get something a little special.  Their flavored coffees are top notch, as far as I'm concerned and I like supporting a local business.

First and foremost: It smells great. Even just the ground beans smell amazing.  The second I put the bag in the car, everyone perked up a bit.

The first cup(s) are always the best.  I've found that across the board with special blends and particularly with French Press, which is why I only bought a quarter pound.  We had more people than normal so it'd get used faster.  Once we got to yesterday's brew, it still smelled great but was losing some of the flavor. I can't tell if that's b/c my palate adapted or b/c of too much exposure to air. (I'm opening the bag for maybe 15 seconds.)  My guess is that it's best with sugar and cream.  I'd put the sugar in first and let it melt and then follow up later.

I am curious as to whether they might just spray the beans with a flavor. I'll make an inquiry next time. Regardless, for the $4, I'm glad I get this every once in a while. The next flavor will be of a similar vain but I'll try something new.  I've had German Choc Cake, Coconut, Cookies 'n' cream, and one or two others that escape my immediate memory.

I had probably two cups (took one to-go on the train) this morning so I'm good to go. I do not need to be a Slave to the Grinds this morning.  I'm just having iced tea right now.

I'm hoping to finish it out tomorrow not just "to get it over with" but to preserve the remaining flavor.

Thank you for reading.

LavAzza reflections

My first LavAzza can is finished.  It was the espresso grind and overall I give it a thumbs up.  I made it 3 different ways:

1. Drip maker

2. Single-cup french press

3. Multi-cup large french press

Of course the drip maker was the easiest and quickest, and there's no problem with the taste, but eliminating the filter was the goal.

It certainly looks darker (and a bit grainier) in the french press and maybe has more flavor that way.

On Sat. I made 3 1-cup servings in the large one and I guess I had the setting right on the strainer, b/c very little sediment made it out.  I will keep using that and maybe do that on weekends now.

There is another LavAzza can in waiting.  I will save it though, and switch back to boring stuff for a bit.  Maybe on Friday I'll buy a half-pound of something special from the coffee nut place in LB for the arrival of my brother and sister-in-law.

Changing it up

717am
Finally waking up a little earlier so that I can get a head start on Miri, who's due to rise in 15 min.  Tonight is Armored Saint so I'm pumped.  Awful stuff happens every day -- tornadoes, earthquakes, all these terrible thing.

Having some LavAzza b/c even though I'm in a better mood (yesterday was good, today will be good, and I got some decent sleep) I figure waiting until I get to work to have anything is affecting my mood.

I'm hoping to see some more old friends and contacts this week.

Thank you for reading.

719am
So much for that 730 prophecy.

When weekends are too short

Yesterday I had a LavAzza in the morning and I'm now remembering that I had half of one with dinner.  I was up until 2 and watched 2 episodes of "Daredevil."  I'd taken a 2-hour nap earlier in the day and was a little disappointed when I awoke from it.

Today I had LavAzza in the morning and had a coffee at my parents' around noon.  I was able to hit the gym hard afterward and wore myself out. The one regret was not running hard outside.  I did get a lot of sun with Miri at the park this morning and we had a lot of fun.

Mother's Day just breezes by.  We've spent the last three at the Lynbrook Chinese restaurant.  I get melancholy when one of my girls goes to work and then I put the other to sleep. I confront more solitude and the dissatisfaction of returning to a job I despise.  It's not the job so much as it is my manager, and the idea that I'm not getting the results I feel I've earned from the job search. The ideal job is out there and I am tempted to just show up and apply.

I'm watching the penultimate "Mad Men" episode and it's ok.  Sometimes there are nuggets of wisdom there and other times it's just something that is on.  I hate to admit it but I was hoping it'd give me some direction today but I get the feeling the Joan story in the previous episode is the one I can identify with most -- "your previous status doesn't carry much water."

I wish I didn't take the work stuff so personally but it's where I spend all my time.  It's a vicious cycle. I have to work it out some other way.

Thank  you for reading.

Maybe I needed a LavAzza

Sat:
Worked with Barry and made $75 more than anticipated.  Had a LavAzza right before I left at around 1 so that propelled me through the day.  That and the chill of the air.  But it was all good and at least it was a good party and I got to eat good food for dinner.  We need the $.  I can justify it with "I don't want to mow the lawn" all I want, and it's valid, but the fact is, I need to carry my weight.

Sun:
I realize I was exhausted from slight lack of sleep but also b/c the Hazlenut Creme didn't really do the job as it should have.  But we had a good day at the park and ate a cinn raisin bagel and went on the swings and slides and a girl named Victoria wanted to play with Chick but she was a little too positively-charged for her liking. It's ok.  Long as I get that smile on the swing it is ok. She had a brief tantrum on the way out but it's expected.  Yeah I had some leftover ice coffee in the afternoon but it did nothing for me.

Thank you for reading.

Hazlenut Creme

720am
Just finished my first Hazlenut Creme in a long time.  I worked out hard enough last night and somehow actually awoke with the alarm.  Needed a little sugar with it with my burnt bagel and pb. I was hoping my contact at health co. would have responded but my letter is drafted and I think it is a winner.  I'll give it a little time and send today, though.
I'm sure I'll have a crash today but thankfully some pressure will be off after 11am today.  I have an acclimation review/meeting.  I'll wear a tie and smile and nod even though the backhanded compliments will be there.  The pity party is over so I should not be betraying my feelings.
That's all.  Thank you fo reading.

Night-tea Nite

1001pm

Just had some plain ol' Lipton to stay awake long enough to wake my better half. I will say that one good thing about plain tea is that it clears the palate completely and I have no desire for anything sweet (or any food at all, for that matter).

Applying to jobs.  Trying to get the attention of the right folks.  I have to stay focused on this aspect of things and I try to use the time that I'm home alone to do it.  The allure of Netflix and OnDemand is there and I could do it whilst watching but I'm better for doing it at the stationary comp.

Listening to Johnny Hammond's cover of "Wild Horses."

The effects of the weekend are mostly over though I feel a little sluggish due to the lousy eating, but what should one expect from a bachelor party weekend?  I did have a salad for dinner Saturday night and only 1 shot + nearly 2 beers.  It was the half a pizza I wolfed down after paintball.  Still paying for that.  Finding workout time is tough but I'll get to PF at least once this week and to RVC once as well.  

I danced with Miri today to videos for "Happy," "Give It Away" and "Moneygrabber" but I realize that regular music actually gets her to dance better b/c the videos are distracting.

We'll check out more jobs and crash.
The Lizard will have LavAzza on the go.

Thank you for reading.

A better Monday night

Worth mentioning that I had a LavAzza espresso-plus last night after 8pm. Brewed in the maker and initially for Liz for work but I guess that was too much pressure.  Yesterday was a cool day where I got to get home closer to 6 and see Liz and her parents before Liz left for night shift.

I had a good conversation with a former co-worker about non-profit-type work and was able to iron my shirts and pants, probably saving about $25 easily on a night when I could not have gone out anyway.  How much attention do I need to pay to "New Girl" ondemand anyway?  I was up until about 1.  Tonight I will not be up as late but I know I must finish cleaning our broken shower area.

Perhaps it's coincidence but ever since I donated blood on Thurs and AKA SW has been out my days are a bit better.

730am today:  Another maker-brewed LavAzza. With an egg, cheese and guac on ciabatta sandwich.  The bread was still fresh so I save a few min re: toasting it.  I will hit the gym today but didn't bring the bike. I probably will either tomorrow or Thurs.  The coffee doesn't immediately wake me up but it feels good and the slight bit of sugar I put at the end caps off an otherwise savory (but delicious) breakfast.  If every day started this way (knowing I had no mgr) life would be equally sweet.  I know I felt the same way post-Lester.

Thank you for reading.

weekend recap

I'm a little disappointed in myself for not updating this blog more often.

I had coffee yesterday at home (LaVazza espresso) that did not do enough.  Our trip to the Wolynskis provided 1+ cups but I still was groggy. I don't know why. I ran 45 min on Sat but that shouldn't have been the reason.  Either way I was able to bounce back after a brief nap and hit the gym hard enough yesterday.  

I had a TJ's mochaccino to cap off the night. I really didn't need it and mildy regretted having the extra calories but it tasted good and we were able to set up Miri's new princess castle.

No home caffeine this morning.

The double espresso I had last Mon night kept me awake for a while and that marked the end of my bitching about my job and the start of some proactivity.  I really want to work at locally or somewhere I believe in  and am trying to figure out the best plan.

Thank you for reading.

A letter to my Chickie

Dear Chickie Babe,

What happened this morning?  This may be the first time that you've awoken in such a panic at the exact time your mother and I get going in the morning.  This week you've been up a little earlier than normal but we've managed.  I'm glad I had the rest of my Kenya Karinga ready to go in the maker this morning. I slept well but only downstairs until about 3 and then failed upstairs and came back down.  We had breakfast together and you sat on my lap as I had cereal and the last of the coffee.  I think it did the trick of keeping me awake, it must have, b/c I should have passed out on the train this morning but did not.  

So Chick, please get back on the schedule of sleeping till 8am so I can have an incident-free morning.  

Thank you.

Assignments Day

Hit the ground running, today.  At first I was bummed out about it but then I realized I had a deadline which was good and then I got another freelance gig.

An Awake around 10.

A Venti Pike from 11-1130 during a remote conf call.

In this time I got the freelance assignment and the coffee probably started kicking in. It was also around this time I was SCREAMING!!!!  SCREAMING FOR VENGEANCE!

China Green Tips to wash down the gyro (my office probably no smell good). 145

Light Note Blend Venti now till whenevs.  I can still taste the gyro.  Gross.

Thank you for reading this.

Just another day...

Started with a Du Monde, b/c I had the time and my breakfast needed more flavor.

Had 2 cups of Awake before 11.

I did get to go outside for a bit and trudged through the cold to find a pizza place on Lexington. Passed a famous Gyro cart, too.  Listened to Overkill's "Nothing to Die For" and that basically handled my feelings about my current 930-530. I will use that at the gym tonight. Between that and the cold, I was getting a second wind as I prepped for coffee.

Held off on coffee until my 2pm phone call/meeting.  I work with talented people but I am indifferent to the actual work.

Thank you for reading.

Oh, good. More snow.

I've made it a habit to drink green/herbal tea at night.

I shoveled for at least an hour yesterday morning and rewarded myself with cup #2 of Cafe Du Monde.  It's delicious and all but I've obviously developed a tolerance b/c I'm not getting a buzz off it, even after expending at least 100 calories pushing sludge.  It's better than pushing emails 40 hours a week, though.

Still, no buzz.

I later tried a loose black tea that my mother in law gave to Liz.  Used the Adagio.  I cannot recall the name of the blend but I will update later.  Drank it while clearing stuff out of media room yesterday.




As for Today --

Have had my Awake and my first 20oz of Pike.  Work is work.  I'm picking up the pieces from Friday's mess.  I have a feeling that'll be a phrase I often utter.

2PM
Had a 2nd Pike for my 2pm meeting.  Was sort of dreading it but it wasn't as bad as I'd thought. A new skill I've acquired is the ability to wrangle the attention span of another person so that we can accomplish a goal. In this case, finishing a thought is the goal.

445
Had a tiny bit of the mild coffee with whole milk just to get more calories.

Thank you for reading.

Beans for the week of Feb 16

To retrace all the coffee I’ve had in the past week is actually not all that difficult to note. I’m fairly certain that I had a little less over the last weekend, which extended to Monday due to the holiday. Liz bought condensed milk, so the Café Du Monde has been one step closer to actual Vietnamese style.  You can see the difference in its general darkness and how it takes on a wonderful nearly-caramel color once the milk is added. The thickness of the milk probably contributes a bit to this.  I try not to overload on the milk, though, because I want the chicory taste to be enhanced and not drowned. 

It’s been a quicker week in my existential office space. I’ve kept up with the same pace of Awake Tea upon my arrival and having my two 20 oz. Pikes.  I did break from this on Wednesday, though, as I was able to finagle a Gold Coast blend from the Starbucks downstairs as part of the now discontinued recycling program at 1045 am.  My old Christmas Blend bag was exchanged under light protest by the establishment. Fact is, they should have a recycling program regardless of the “awards.”  Deceiving as it may sound, Gold Coast is a darker roast and unfortunately it was unremarkable – less because of the actual product and more because I let it cool whilst in a meeting. By the time I got back to it, it’d cooled off and I was not about to reheat it.  Shortly after, I’d been handed a writing assignment as a freelancer, which was fantastic, and my heart was racing either because of the following up of Pike or the prospect of earning more money or the fast turnaround time it needed.  I was able to set up my interviews for Thursday (yesterday) and still make a lot of progress at work, and I guess I felt the need to celebrate a little during “Modern Family” that night. Two glasses of chilled red wine later, I’d passed out in front of “Kroll Show.”  When I let my guard down, it comes down hard, I suppose.

On a side note, I cashed in on my free DD coffee Weds night after the train ride and brought home a medium Coconut which was mostly for Liz. I did have a small gulp and it’s pretty good. I suggested she have the condensed milk with it and apparently that was quite tasty.

Last night I actually finished a decent draft one of the article, with the aid of Bruce Dickinson and Café Du Monde.  I was up really late but it was worth it (even with the Monday extension) so that at least I’m cleaning it up over the weekend instead of first writing it.  It was a little long and lighter on facts but I was able to write a decent feature that came full circle.

I have been putting a packet of raw sugar in my cups these days, because I’m not eating as much junk at my desk (which would normally provide supplemental sweetness). 

Not having coffee in the mornings at home has been beneficial. I’m sure I’ll relapse at some point but I need to move a little faster and it takes time to brew, cool and drink and honestly, all it often does is make morning bathroom trips longer and wake me up for a train ride during which I’m caged and not wanting to stay awake.  If I had the bike with me it’d be a different story. Plus, the coldness of this Winter is enough to keep anyone’s nervous systems up and running. 

Our express to Penn just sat at Jamaica for well over 10 minutes but they refuse to open the doors to the stranded passengers on the platforms.  People are freezing out there.  Apparently there are systemwide delays and it’s exactly 9am as I write this and we’ve barely made it a couple of miles out of Jamaica.  Makes me long for Brooklyn as much as one could long for that sort of thing. 

Thank you for reading this.

v-day chills

1030am

Was expecting to be up all night doing work but the atty never responded so I reckon I was off the hook.

Had my Awake tea this morn as usual and and found doughnuts and Vermont maple cream oreo-type cookies (in the shape of a leaf) so my sweet tooth is balanced by the egg & cheese sandwich I had for breakfast.

Am going to start on a different writing project and reckoned I needed to Pike up.  I can feel a slight headache coming on but it's from withdrawal and possibly the wind (needed the thermals today).

It's also worth noting that I'm starting my day with Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" today and mostly instrumental jazz and such while I'm at my desk.  I do crave some Helloween so I'll eventually let that devil out and then get back to a cafe-type atmosphere.

130pm

Another in-house Venti Pike to get through part 2 of meeting day.  Tuesday will also be meeting day. I just want to get the work done so I don't have to stay late b/c I'm working with a West Coast person.

Is there still a need/craving?

Today is the 2nd day in a row where I did not jav it up at home and opted for grapefruit instead.  I realize that my lifestyle change probably led to this; not biking has chilled me out a bit.  No changing trains, no amping myself up for battling the weather; the pedestrians are still there but in a different setting.  Being able to wear my fav leather coat and read for a bit does wonders and contributes to a feeling of clarity.  No need to get amped up for a 50-min sit-fest.  Maybe I'll feel differently when I take my personal writing more seriously (which I should).  Also the morning coffee probably also contributes to an extra BM that keeps me from making the train on time.

Had Awake tea this morning as I got settled and tackle my first real lawyer ego.  No need to stay awake for this, either.

1045am

Got a 20oz (Venti) sized up from 18th FL and filled up with Pike.  One raw sugar bag.  So far so good.  Will help me map out rest of Feb and Start of March.

3pm (approx)

Am taking on my first real writing assignment for an atty who was overlooked in the nomination process.  Figure I can use another 20 oz esp if I have to write on the train.

445

I guess it helped.  I got it all done in time. Will pick up tomorrow.

In da' House Blend

Had yet another meeting but this time in a large conf room where there was House Blend, which is Medium and darker than what's up here.  Threw some raw sugar in there and it was actually pretty effective.   Had a cup and a half and that was it for my entire coffee intake (had Awake tea at 930).  Meetings are boring.

Been a while for the creature of habit

It's been too long since my last post. It's on my mind and I should make more of an effort to just write it out.  I will not limit myself to weekends anymore. It'll happen frequently but sans consistency.

I've been acclimating to my new job on 7th Ave and in doing so, have developed new coffee habits here.  The coffee options @ this firm are either Flavia or percolated Starbucks. I asked the HR rep about the authenticity of the latter, which she confirmed.  Apparently the most popular reason for going packaged as opposed to 'bucks is b/c it can likely be fresher.  They brew every morning but I doubt every afternoon.  Additionally, on my floor, they have only 2 varieties of caffeinated blend (Light Note and Breakfast Blend) which are Mild.

However, I realized that on the 18th floor (where I can also get free iced coffee in the cafeteria), they've got Pike Place Roast, which is darker and the fall-back when I'm @ an actual 'bucks location.  So I make up to 2 trips to get my fix.  It's one elevator and two flights down, as opposed to leaving the building and paying.

Up until last week I had been using the Bodum single press here for my Christmas Blend.  I love it but it loses its flavor (and thrill) after about a week.  By the time I brought it in, it was just another blend.  Or maybe I got desensitized to it.  I thankfully now also have a large Bodum french press for home, so I can ask grinders to do it up and enjoy special stuff on weekends.

Side note, I had asked the barista at the RVC 'bucks to grind one bag as fp and the other as ground and she did both as fp.  This is the second time this has happened in as many years. I was able to tell for sure this time by the coarseness of the beans and the fact that it was coming out lighter than it ought to have in our dripper.  Not the end of the world but I feel like I will have to trick them in the future or not fall for the BOGO gimmick.

Since SB has a distribution deal here, we also have Tazo, which is fantastic.  I'm starting my work mornings here with "Awake" first.

I'm reading Coffee: Grounds For Debate and while some of it is beyond me, the authors give a nice brief history of the bean as well as how it effects our nervous systems and economies.

That's all for now. Thank you for reading.

Parlor tricks

...and we're back.

Yesterday was such a do-nothing day.  Just me and my Chickie.  I finished the remainder of the Kenya Karinga that I grinded/ground myself for french press. Got it from a cool co-worker who bought it from Parlor Coffee.  While I do not go out of my way for African roast it's certainly good, but not as strong or dark as I'd have thought. I'm so used to dark and nutty that when there's a tartness (?) to it, it throws me off a bit.  I needed it b/c Chickie wouldn't take real naps yesterday and around 3ish I was passing out.  Not ok when a toddler is toddling about.  We dropped her mother off in W. Hempstead for a party and she slept for about 25 minutes and then I realized why television (or "TV") and films are B.S.  You often see a parent holding a sleeping child draped over their arms and then he/she can seamlessly place the slumbered party in to the crib so he/she can continue to dream.  I DECLARE SHENANIGANS!!!!  My kid will not let that cliche play in our house.  So I dealt with that on the ride to and from W. Hempstead.  45 combined minutes of nap time apparently was not enough.

Today I'm nearing the end of the Vienna Roast.  Will certainly buy it again.  I'm getting ready to have the Starbucks blend soon.  I've got 6 days remaining at work I might bring it in just to drink it while it's fresh.

Sat morn

Had Melitta with Miri this morning. Today is a break from the normal routine, as we had to hit Gymboree early b/c they close early. We had breakfast together, which was fun.  She's really in to bananas, lately, and at one point started using it the way one would use a stick of butter on a pan.  My request for that action to cease was not well met.  We listened to an old Blue Note favorite, Kenny Dorham's Afro-Cuban (RVG remaster, the only way to listen to jazz from the 60s.) I just randomly plucked it from my jazz collection. I think I'll do this every day with her.

Just downed the cold leftovers just now, as she finally is taking a nap.

Starbucks Christmas tasted good but doesn't wake me up the same way it once did.  Possibly because it's part of my routine.  Had it around 2 while Miri slept and I checked out some power metal.

2015 - Initiation of Caffeination

Decided to start a new blog based on weekend and off-day caffeine intake.  While I'm mostly doing this for my own amusement (who loves coffee puns?), some little bits of insight may make its way through the steaming mug which is life.  See what I did there?  This really will be less about the java and more about chronicling whatever's happening at the moment. My 18-month-old daughter, Miri, sees me drink coffee as she has her breakfast(s) so I reckon she'll equate it with me. She should know the good stuff early on.

Fact is, I drink a lot of coffee over the course of the regular work week and I try to chill out with less, but better stuff on the weekend.  Normally it's just 4 cups in the morning which gives me about 1.5 full mugs. In the late morning and afternoon I try to utilize my french press single-cup. I'm not partial to any one brand, really. I do have a beanery in Long Beach I tend to favor for gourmet/flavored french press, but I just finished Hawaiian Hazlenut and German Chocolate cake and will have to finish what I recently bought from a major coffee retailer before I return there. Their stuff is always really good but its taste doesn't outlast the smell but that may also be due to the fact that I don't drink it fast enough.

I also wanted to finally just get some thoughts out on e-paper and see where they lead. Possibly through the brown filter that is my consciousness.  See -- did it again!

I wanted to start this new blog yesterday but I uncharacteristically had some digestive issues. So here we go.

For the past couple of weeks, the mornings begin with Melitta's Vienna Roast (Dark, extra fine grind).  I thankfully had a coupon for this brand a while back and picked it up (normally it goes for over 6 or 7 bucks for a 10oz bag) but I think I got it for closer to 3 or 4 and no, it was not on clearance. The label promises a "Deep intense flavor with a velvety finish. Superbly balanced. Never Bitter." Hard-pressed (see?) to find a better description -- it's completely accurate and certainly not at all bitter.  I periodically add a hint (much less than a teaspoon) of raw sugar, but by and large my breakfasts are sweet so I normally don't bother.  It does the job in the morning and even as a leftover cold beverage later, still has some kick.

Yesterday, I had the french grind of my favorite coffee, Starbucks Christmas Blend. More on this blend later today.  Shortly after, I hit the bathroom and then twice more over the next couple of hours and read the first passage of The Devil and Philosophy. Apparently there is an interpretation of hell/sins where there's a specific demon for each of the 7 deadly sins.  One was in my colon at the time.  I'm less in to Satan and more in to the philosophy series (Open Court and Wiley).

So today I've had one mug of Melitta. Shortly after, I took Miri to her 18-month checkup and she gave me a harder time getting weighed and measured than she did getting a hep/chickenpox vaccine shot. Seriously, screamed about laying down and didn't flinch when the needle entered her arm. We hit Gymboree for a little while after and then came home for her abridged breakfast and nap.

Cold stuff coming up. Liz works until 7ish tonite so I'll need it.

Cold stuff was imbibed too fast but it was during Miri's late lunch.

I had the Starbucks french press and I drank that too fast, too, because we had to go do some food shopping before dinner.  We'll make it memorable tomorrow.