Coffee

I paused for part of my evening at a multi-national watering hole called "Starbucks". It is true that I don't usually patronize corporate America, but when I get lost in suburbia hell while my brother visits his g/f, I visit this shrine to consumerism and the power of corporate America. As I sat there I journaled quite extensively since previously mentioned brother had bought me my favorite type of journaling books. I pondered the wonder of coffee. It is grown in many countries around the world, and from each place a different type of coffee emerges. Some countries create bold and powerful coffee beans, while others grow beans that are subtle and gentle on the senses. Granted these qualities which are so prized by "coffee elite", are really over looked by the Tim Horton's of the world. I thought about how I love the taste of coffee, about how I enjoy the energy it awakens within me, and how even such a simple cup can be the bridge between people. There have been countless times when I have shared a cup of coffee in a shop or in my kitchen with a close friend and the conversation has been of excellent quality. Coffee reminds me of the first few times when I felt really trendy in college. I was never really trendy in High School, but when I would order a London Fog (not coffee, but rather a shot of vanilla/Earl Grey Tea/Milk) in a coffee shop and have the air filled with great coffee smells, I would feel trendy. Knowledge about coffee, like knowledge about wine, allows me to add to what I know to foster my growing passion about beverages.

Today I roasted coffee beans in my kitchen. I truly believe that home roasted coffee beans are one of the best ways to enjoy coffee. I usually roast in a West Bend Poppery, yes that's a popcorn popper that I bought for 4 dollars at VnV boutique, but today I did it in a pan on the stove. The coffee that I roast is surprisingly sweet and has a wonderful dark and mysterious aftertaste. Some may wonder as to my practices, and I direct you to anyone who knows me who can vouch for my unconventional ways. My roastery is called "TownHouse Roasters", and I roast coffees from all over the world. I even am starting to garner a relationship with a coffee roaster on Edmonton Trail who sells me green beans.

In conclusion, why is Coffee one of my favorite things? It brings people together. It gives energy. It tastes delicious. It gives me something to carry around at work. It is a creative outlet when I take a green coffee bean and turn it into a grand tasting work of art. Drink a cup, and think of the beauty of coffee.

Home

On this day of Christ's birth I stop to take a moment to reflect on where I sit and what makes this place special to me. I sit in Kamloops, in my parents house. A house where I spent my high school years and a place that I still call home. As I rolled into Kamloops a few days ago, the city did not feel like home as it once did. It was odd to know that the place where I spent so many of my formative years no longer felt like home. But really what is home? I feel like the townhouse where I live in Calgary is home, but if I did not live with such glorious people would it feel such home-ish? I think that my parents house feels like home due to how safe I feel here, and how I know that within these 4 walls there are people who I love and care about, and who love and care about me. It is a wonderful feeling to enter such a wonderful sanctuary of coziness, if even for a couple of days a year. I also love home due to the excellent food. There never is a moment when I wonder if there is something for me in the fridge, if I need something I am sure that I can find it either in the freezer downstairs or in the pantry in the kitchen. What is more comforting then having grilled cheese and tomato soup on Sunday afternoon? I can think of nothing. It is also a pleasure to sit and spend around 4 hours opening presents in front of a blazing fire, to then have a BLT and go back for more family QT. As much as home is in Kamloops, I find myself drawn to the Townhouse in Calgary as I know that there too are 3 dudes who care about what I have to say, and about what I do. The difference between Kamloops and Calgary is comforting in two totally different ways. I know that my family will care for me always, and I know that my roommates are there for me too. I am amazed by how content I feel with my living and family situations. They are both some of my favorite things. And soon I get to enjoy my most favorite meal of the year, Turkey and Fixings. Nothing makes my mouth water like a good bird filled with stuffing and Cranberry sauce and gravy. So that's all, take some time to ponder your version of Home, and enjoy it to it's fullest.