One thing I have been inspired by though, is the espresso machine I got for my birthday from my delightful Dad. This delightful machine has occupied all of those extra brain cycles (when not in use by the Olympics). I’ve spent far too much time thinking about brewing delicious little drinks. They are delicious too, which surprised me a little considering the cost, which I think just makes it more awesome. Awesome enough that I have one at home and at work now. At work I bought a little set of espresso mugs like these, but mine are a bit more subdued in color. I’ve been brewing a few different Lavazza blends and right now my favorite in the machine is Lavazza Qualita Oro, but that could change at any moment as I’ll try anything, anytime. Well, any time being between one and two pm because that’s the only time I let myself have espresso. Restraint, I am thy master!

A couple of my coworkers have gotten to experience my learning curve. I didn’t kill ‘em, so I guess I’m doing something right / not horribly wrong. Anyhow, I’ve been kicking out some nice drinks with thick tasty crema and excellent flavor.

In other news, Zoey has been continuing her quest to destroy us by sprouting molars. We know this from the screams. Our screams, her screams, we all screams. Every hour, every night. This makes my espresso particularly delicious.

I’m finally feeling better today, no headache or fevers, just normal me after what seems like a very long time. KT is sitting near looking lovely in some new pajamas she recently bought. Pretty things that are hers and not my boxers and old T shirts. Feeling better I can’t help but remind her about how beautiful she is and how at ease I feel being near her, having the chance to sit nearby. It’s all I want to do at this moment and so in most ways I have exactly what I want and I feel very lucky for that.

Today is also Mickey’s birthday, two days before my own, another Leo. We shared our lion influence for many years until she passed away. It must be ten years now, she died just a month after KT and I started dating so they never met. Mickey was my Dad’s mom, but I never called her grandma, she was Mickey to everyone. That wasn’t her real name either I suppose, but it’s who she was and I think that counts. Mickey’s death was really the first I’d ever experienced that made me realize what missing someone is really like. I remember living in Flagstaff when I was in school and I’d close my eyes when I had something important on my mind and I’d ask her for advice that I hoped would then bubble up from somewhere. Now I need to figure out how to tell my kids about Mickey. She was important to me and I want them to understand why, and to find their own sources of love and family.

So I miss Mickey, but I’m very happy with where the flow of life has led me and though we’ve lost some wonderful parts of our lives I’ve also gained so much and this is exactly the life I want to lead. KT has asked me if I’d like to travel back in time and I always say no. I’ve worked hard to try to steer my life to the place it’s in now. I never edit my posts and I never second guess the choices I’ve made. So far, it’s worked out exactly as I hoped.

Clearly these fevers have got to go.

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