Rain, and the Art of Pulling a Perfect Shot of Espresso

If I had thought of it earlier, I would have “given up” RAIN for LENT this year.

After giving it (exactly three seconds) more thought, I realize that forty days (and forty nights) WITHOUT rain could cause a paradox in some alternate version of my world…

That, and, well– I think the drastic change in scenery would throw my incredibly redundant life into a whirlwind.

Instead I gave up

pessimism (I am presently failing miserably with it – BUT I am having a great time trying!)

insomnia – (while I am off to a good start, I do not yet know how this will turn out… but you never know).

fast food – Although I am not considering a SALAD as fast food – (it’s convenient healthy food that is already made).

I am keeping my caffiene, thank you very much for asking.

About a year ago (I forget when exactly), I purchased an Espresso machine, with delusions of grandure in regards to how much money I would save by making my own Espressso, Cappucino, and Latte beverages.

The machine was purchasd for around $300 -$400. According to my calculations at the time, two large gourmet drinks cost somewhere around $8 US. Multiplied by an average of three times a week… that is about $24 a week… (times 52 weeks in a year… I don’t think I have to keep doing the math to know I spend too much money on fancy coffee.

Taking the longer route to get the point: I don’t eat at restaurants very often. The reason is, it is expensive, and generally I find that the food quality and service sub-standard. I enjoy cooking. Most of my friends can attest to the fact that I am even pretty good at it. (cheating to add more words – by PLUGGING MY RECIPE link on the right- check them out.)

More math: Good food (less money) divided by time I don’t mind spending in the kitchen = GOOD DEAL.

Back to the point I was making… Many times, I have tried to make my own Espressso, Cappucino, and Latte beverages, with aspirations of achieving BARISTA quality results. Many times, I have fallen short of my own expectations.
Less Money x crappy drink + ten minutes wasted failing at making said drink = BAD DEAL.

I know that with time and practice, my Cappu-Latte-presso skills would become fine tuned. I know that witih my high standards and attention to detail, my coffee beverages would reign supreme among my peers.

I simply lack the patience to keep trying.

I have used the machine about six times. Making the twelve drinks I have attempted with it (but didn’t necessarily enjoy AS MUCH as the REAL THING)… cost somewhere around (I am not so great at math in my head)… $30 ?

I often fall short of reaching goals, at least, the goals that don’t affect anyone adversely. Nobody’s life is at stake, so my goal of 50,000 words in the month of February — might never be met.

Failing…. But I’m happy to be here, and having a great time!
- 479 words in this post…
48,932 to go…

(A simple exercise in self-relfection)

I NEED to get out of the habit of negative thoughts. Every morning, upon waking, I start my day by proclaiming things like,
“I’m tired”. I was recently given a book about wholeness, and faith and how positive thinking can vastly improve how we feel about ourselves. and how people around us will feel about us. According to the author, positive affirmations will guide positive energies to us; those who believe they have a good life will have good things. They look happier, feel happier and generally seem to have good luck and fortune everywhere they go.

I am not really sold yet either — but then I have been reading it for a month and I’m on — Chapter 2.

Some of the things discussed so far reminded me of my estranged online friend, K, who used to have a blog. (She has moved on to other things.) A few years ago, she and I were discussing the philosophies of Reiki, which is, from what I can tell, what this author is trying to convey.

While I have yet to make it a habit to state (upon waking) that I am glad that I am awake, I slept wonderfully and feel very rested and fantastic… and I am looking forward to the drive in traffic to work so that I can have some personal reflection time and listen to all of the music that I am blessed enough to have good hearing to enjoy .(despite the fact that for the most part, I would be lying to myself)… I do at least THINK about what I have read when I catch myself thinking, “Damn, this sucks. I don’t even want to be here today!”

I am really working on it. and I’m having a blast trying.

- 293 words in this post…
49,411 to go…

February Writing Challenge, Week II

When Cody proposed this FebNoWriMo, I had assumed he was naming it that intentionally — (if you don’t know what I am referring to see the comments on the previous post). I’ve been reading 90% true for some time now and I’ve always considered Cody to be an exceptional writer. So it never occured to me that dubbing the challenge FebNoWriMo was anything but creativity on his part.

I have been pondering various writing topics and while I have had many ideas, I have not dedicated any time to actually posting any of them. Some of the topics include this guy I work with – whom annoys me in many ways.

Most recently, he came into work half an hour late. There was an accident on the freeway, which snarled traffic for at least two hours. He waltzed into work and announced that he had driven the entire way on the shoulder of the freeway.

I looked at him and let him know that people like him are the reasons there are accidents and delays in the first place. Because people have to let assholes like him in once he gets to the front of the line. I also told him that I intentionally move over so people like him are blocked and cannot get past.

Later in the week, I saw a McDonald’s cup sitting on the ground next to his car. I asked him if it was his and he said yes.

“GO PICK IT UP” I said. and he would not. So I walked out to get it, brought it in and set it on his desk, right in the middle of his paper work.

Moron.

- 277 words in this post…
49,704 to go…

FebNoWriMo

In the words of Cody… it is a challenge to blog 50,000 words in the month of February. This concept developed from Cody’s comment in my previous post.

In an effort to get back into the habit of writing daily, I thought I might start with a Mission Statement (so to speak). At this point, I have not made many plans as far as writing topics are concerned. While I could fuel my procrastination habit by claiming it is still early and only the third day of the month… there are only 28 days in the month. This means that I should get busy writing.

In not so many words:

I accept this challenge.

- This is just the beginning.
49,981 to go…