Espressing Myself.

 I did it. I wasn't going to do it because I told myself I really didn't need it, but I often lie to myself, and when I do, I usually ask myself to stop doing so.  I lied to myself so often, so many times, about not needing an espresso machine. I made excuses that didn't hold water. I made up stories about things that I thought could happen (again) if I got one -- you know, all the bad things like it'll be cheap and you'll hate it. It'll leak, and you'll hate it. It'll be in the way, and you'll hate it. Then I sat myself down and shook some sense into my head.

    I don't have to buy a cheap espresso machine, one that will leak or be too big for the already restricted cabinet space in the kitchen. I can buy a good machine that is smaller (they make them now) and one that won't break the bank. It's 2025 - I know I can check all the boxes and have the coffee I really want!

    When I get up in the morning, I'm not immediately thinking about coffee. I have chores; many furry faces staring at me, licking me in my eye socket, reminding me that they have been crossing their legs most of the night. I put the dogs out, turn on the shower, let it heat up, turn on the lizard lights, take my shower, let the dogs in, dress myself for the day, give the dogs and cats their treats, feed the dogs, water the dogs and cats, and then...only then, can I think about making myself a good cup of coffee.

    I know what you're thinking...you want to know why I don't feed the cats before I make my coffee, and if I did that, they wouldn't need Laura, would they? That's me, always thinking of someone else!  After I'm allowed to stop and breathe long enough to make myself a coffee, I sit and go through my social media, love on the dogs and one of the cats, as the other has gone back to Laura by this time because she's still in bed all nice and warm while I'm moving about and my lap is full with four dogs and the other cat.

    Well, none of that will change with the purchase of my new espresso machine; nope, not one thing will change. You see, I'll still use the Keurig drip machine to make that first cup, because I am still on auto-pilot until after I drink that first cup, then, and only then, can I think clearly enough to brew a good cappuccino with all its frothy goodness, added flavors, etc...etc...so, the 2nd cup will be the fun one.

    Around 7:15 a.m., just before going to work (and by going to work, I mean walking down the hall to my home office), I will make the 2nd cup for myself, using the new Casbrews 3700 Essential Espresso Machine.  One of the really cool things about it is the reviews online saying it doesn't leak, it isn't large, doesn't take up space, but still provides a good cup, and the frother gets higher ratings than most of the others. This one was recommended by a friend; she's had hers for over a year and says it works wonderfully -- that made me smile.

    The fact that it is semi-automatic and not 100% manual was, again, something that interested me. It shouldn't be a chore to play a barista in the early hours of the day - I am forever grateful for those who get to the shops before I arrived to be there to take and create my order back when I went to an actual shop to drink a cup -- that was so very long ago now; I remember it though -- but not like it was yesterday; more like it was a few years back. 

    Laura was a barista herself, and that was...geez...2008-2010. I never bought myself a single cup of coffee that entire time; that's a memory to hold onto! Now, she's going to get to hone up on her old skills because I fully expect to pull up to my sofa this weekend and order whatever the heck I want just to see if she can make it for me. I'm not above going out and buying all the flavors, creams, mixes, etc..etc.. just to make her look good! Again, always thinking of someone else; it's what I do!

    Well, that's it. I'm a happy camper, and you know I'll share with you the results, good or bad...or great and fantabulous because it's coffee! It's not only coffee; it's going to be GREAT coffee! 

PHOTO CREDIT:  Amazon.com  (Casabrews 3700 Essential Espresso Machine)