two small coffee-related must-haves

I'll make this one short, since it's just a couple of recommendations.

I bought this Zojirushi insulated travel mug for the days I go into the office (although I now find myself using it at home).

It does two things, and those two things it does exceptionally well...better than any of the many others I've tried, including YETI, Contigo, and Swell.

It keeps hot beverages hot for a really really long time. And it doesn't leak. So far, it's perfect.

The other item I am now loving is this small desk vaccuum by IGOKOTI. I use it every morning to pick up all the small coffee grounds that lay sprinkled on my counter, after using my much-adored Baratza Encore Electric Grinder.

For $14, this tiny vacuum has made my morning routine a lot easier.

 

working and fasting

Today is Yom Kippur and I am fasting.

I always do. No food, no water, nothing.

But I do it more out of fear. Fear that if I don't, something terrible will happen.

I know this rationale is not a good one.

And, I work today. 

My fasting is probably canceled by my working on the day I should be atoning.

I know. This isn't at all the day's intent.

In late afternoon, I go to Fairway to buy some traditional food for my solo break-fast.

I decided not to join my family as I didn't want to leave work early, although I'm sure it would have been fine.

I'm at the Fairway deli counter, ordering. 

Lox. Creamed herring. Bagels. Cream cheese. And asking about the chopped liver.

That's when I see this adorable (albeit much younger) guy standing next to me. He asks for, and then samples, the chopped liver. He looks at me and says, "You should buy it. It's really good."

We start talking. He, too, is making a solo break-fast . And he too, is both working and fasting. 

"You're fasting?" I ask. "But you tried the chopped liver."

"Oh, no!!! I totally forgot," he says.  "I just tasted it on impulse. I am fasting."

Our banter continues. I feel young and flirty. It's a nice feeling.

But soon it's ruined.

I check out.

And while I'm walking home,  I look at my receipt, and see this.

How depressing! The $4.08 discount is hardly worth the reminder.

The cashier never even asked my age.

Hmmm.

Maybe this story would have had a different ending had I not both worked and fasted.

Addendum

So after I post the above, my friend Ellen texts me, 

As always. Laughing from you, but taking it a step further….: guilty about working on Yom Kippur but no guilt of buying shrimp and prosciutto to accompany your traditional break-fast food. Lol! L’shana Tova.

first three weeks

So, week one.

New programs to learn (everything is on Office) and I am used to all the Mac programs.

A million different sources.

A new computer (that I love, a 16 inch MacBook Pro that the tech experts hate, since most of the company uses a PC). But it still takes time to organize all the settings.

An office with an incredible view:

In fact, my office is so nice that I am one of a few who prefers going in to not. I like separating work from home, and the office is an easy commute.

The building is new and high tech. The security is great — no lobby directory. ID's that are programmed for individual floors.  You scan your card, and the turnstile has a scanner that tells you what elevator to take. And of course there are no floors listed in the elevator.

The area around the office is beautiful too. It's in Battery Park, a section of the city that's been entirely rebuilt since 9-11. Stores and restaurants are everywhere. As well as trees. Boats.  And a lot of water. I feel like I've left Manhattan.

Weeks two and now three feel a lot more comfortable.

I'm getting used to all the programs, though I still have a ways to go.

Everyone I've met so far is incredibly nice. Very helpful. And respectful.

And the best part? 

No messy dressing rooms, and zero returns.