Off the Deep End

So, I'm starting to think I need some intervention.  You see, I've started to become obsessed with coffee.  I've always loved coffee, yes, and I've been able to prepare it well...

Got my "master's degree" with the Coveted Black Apron from Starbucks.

Was deemed "Coffee Specialist" and stand-in Assistant Manager with Peet's Coffee and Tea.

And now I am the "Store Leader" making all major decisions for my little shop called Joe Van Gogh.  I go to Latte Art competitions and hang out at Roasteries and nerd out on coffee crap.  We're doing well for a little shop- we're making a lot of money and selling lots of coffee and as much as I can tell: the community likes us.

But I got this itch, you see... for something BIGGER than just another coffee shop.  Something BETTER.  Something on the cutting edge.  Something that other shops in the area will see and go, "Damn, we should start doing that."  I can optimize a shop- I think I've proven that.  I can delegate so that the team feels the responsibility of running their own store.  But I crave something bigger...


So I think and I think and I ponder about what we can do to stand out and make the city take notice of us- and sometimes it's hard to shut my brain off.  Here I am, on my day off, blogging about coffee.  Downloading Wikipedia articles and preparing for tomorrow's meetings with my Lead Baristas. 

Maybe I need some intervention.  Maybe I need someone to say, "Coffee really aint that cool, Bro," or something like that.

But as of right now, coffee really IS that cool.  This is the Third Wave- and I'm probably gonna be neck deep in this for a long time.

A new song

Here's the lyrics to a new song I am working on.  It's pretty self-explanatory, but let me start by saying that it can come across harsher than I meant if you can't hear a folksy twanging rock beat in the background.  Also, this song intentionally paints a picture of being a bit of a hellion.  I still believe in God and love him dearly... I just have embraced a different lifestyle, if that makes sense.  I guess you're going to read what you're going to read, and I should just let it be.  Sorry, Mom.



I was born a Pastor's kid
And I did the stuff my daddy did.
I went to church and said my prayers
We went to campouts and we sat out on lawn chairs

I remember when my sins were simple
The Bible says don't do "this" so I did "that"
But now my mind gets quite unraveled
My world is full of colors, it aint so white and black

We used to sit around the fire singing songs of reckless abandon to Jesus
Now I sit around the fire- drinking in whiskey and good times with pagan friends

Oh I was so young back then
I said so much self-righteous sh*t
Oh I knew who was out and who was "in"
Knew every Bible verse pertaining to sin
And I'm ashamed to admit it
And I swear to God that I'll quit it
Cuz I'm a ____ _____ screw up just like everyone else.

I was born a Pastor's kid...

Asheville, NC

Julie and I visited Asheville yesterday- it was refreshing to walk around in a new town, taste some of their local cuisine, drink their beer, and chat with some eccentric folks...  Here's some pics from the trip.

 Cool chair art

 Lunch at the Laughing Seed (Vegetarian) Cafe

 My style of the day

Fantastic Organic IPA by Mother Earth- Julie got a Gin Rickey, or as she calls it, "Summer in a cup"

Hempnut Burger! So good...

Iron. Woman.

Mason Goblet.  Does it get any classier?

Sweetest gate ever.

Julie making a clay pot "Sing" 

Freaky artwork at a local brewery, "Wedge"

We tasted The Precious... Wedge's 9.9% ABV Belgian "Golem"- DELICIOUS.  I mean, best beer I've ever had delicious.

 Pizza from a local food truck: 

Asparagus with Gouda on one side, Mushroom and Arugula on the other.  

 We wanted to see the Biltmore mansion, but the tickets were 60 bucks a pop!  So we watched their crappy video about how they have so generously opened the mansion up to "all" who can afford it and sat on a bench instead.

Our last stop was at the Pisgah brewery where we stood around a bonfire, listened to live music and tasted more scrumptious beer.  We met a strange man who lives off the grid, has no electricity or running water, and is also a wedding photographer.  

All in all, it was a great trip.

-Tim