The life cycle of Coffee ☕️

We wake up (blessing one). We go through our morning routine, me prior to the coffee. Then I enjoy the pause of the coffee. It's a process, a way to ensure enjoyment. The beans into the grinder, just a scoop. The sounds of pulverization to that perfect mix of fine with a few bigger bloomables. The bubbling of the water as it reaches temp. The folding of the filter and perfect placement into the drip receptor. The flip and tap of the grinder to transport the grounds. The light pour of hot liquid that hydrate the grounds. That first smell, oh that glorious first olfactory sensation, the day has begun. The layering of the water to allow the transfer of godly powers from those ancient fermented beans into the serving receptical.  The drops of hot liquid into the cold cup awaiting the nectar allowing it to rise to temp.

THE POUR, oh the blessed transfer of godly nectar into my cup, not our cup or the shared space, my cup. That first sip. I'm ready for the day, what do you bring for me, I'm ready.

2022

This year you need to be careful what you say.  It's likely this post will be used against me in some way.  I've always been one that says give it time to go through the courts, freedoms will win.  The new rules are happening so fast it seems the courts can't keep up (normally I would think thats a good thing, Show thoughtful decisions).  Public opion (mob mentality) is driven by a twenty-four hour news deluge of whatever rating upping buzzword is triggering a vocal part of the county. The echo chambers of friend canceling individuals fueling the fires of the mob. When you hear or see people that disagree with you we no longer shake their hands and talk, we walk away or yell and demand. We have our jobs telling us what we should put into our bodies because the government is trying to force them to (stuff still in court on this). Our congress is able to buy stocks in a "free market" with no chance of insider trading charges but I have to ask approval because there could, unlikely, be the illusion of insider trading. To get an account for my wife and kids properly I need to jump through hoops. Most states are shutdown (ours was for comparatively a short time) and doing just as bad as the ones who arent. Numbers are fuzzy, is it died of the virus or with the virus or someone sneezed. The worse part of all of it is the loss of trust. You can no longer trust anyone for the truth. I mean flat earth is a real thing these days. I'm off the mindset every generation has its end of the world scenario, I don't think this is ours but if people don't wake up soon for themselves it may become the catalyst. 

The End of 2012

What an awesome year it was. I mean it had some pretty crappy times. Actually it had some really horrible times. The Christmas letter will be posted soon after this so the details will all be there (Ive decided to post it first so strike that). But if you take out the crappy times we survived to certain death of the world multiple times. I think 3 or 4 counting the Mayan's and that other dude at least twice for some reason I keep thinking there was one more... But anyway I or one of you must of saved the world from certain doom because were still here..  Awesome by the way.

Then we get to family stuff. Riley is amazing if when she pouting and causing problems. Would give up anything for that little girl. Melissa is awesome puts up with my crap day in and day out and she only slightly insane. Well comparatively she is fully sane or a saint not sure which. Christmas was awesome, Riley had a blast after the big day because on the big day I think she got way overwhelmed. Derek on the other hand seems to be amazed it was all for him. Riley is great with it now and still asks on occasion if she gets to do the advent calendar. We took 99% of her old toys and put them in a future give away box and she hasn't missed any. Yes that's how crazy the Grandparents went.... You know who you are! She got a few new books that she love to read and shes started singing. Not when she hears the camera click, but we will get it on video eventually.... Future YouTube sensation!!!!! She likes some of the songs Melissa listens too so not its not just ABC songs however she has been doing twinkle twinkle little star, Shes more into Train...  The band and the cool ones on a track...

Thinking ahead there is a lot on the horizon for the year. Potentially some huge life changes. Hopefully for the better. But all has been done that can be so part of it is out of my hands now. Have to wait for the stars. The other part however is fully in my hands. My classes and pursuit of the Bachelors in Business administration degree have started. I had to drop one of the classes that needed a physical presence Just in case this other thing works out, but Ill make it up next semester once all the current going on's are confirmed.

Anyways hopefully big blogger news to come from that. I'm extremely excited if it all works out. Puts me on a path for great things and goals I wanted to accomplish for a while. Either way the School is a fantastic step no matter the outcome.

Now on to the pictures. Thanks to a great Friend who for Christmas renewed My Flickr for me I ahve started re-posting pictures regularly. Check them out and look for more to come soon.

Have a great time.. I promise more to come soon and a Happy new year to all. Take a step in the direction you want to go. Even if you fail your closer for the next try.....


Josh

My Girl

My favorite Posts; Riley Updates :-) Yea!!!!!!


Riley did the most amazing thing in the world the other day. She went down a slide all by herself. I don't mean we set her on the slide and pushed. She climbed up the steps, waited for her friend's mom to take her friend off the slide, sat down and pushed herself off. The did it again.....  AWESOME!!!!! She is hitting the age where fun is always ready. Now the down side is she is getting better at pouting when we don't do what she wants, but that's to be expected. We try not to cave, actually sometimes I have to stop myself from laughing because its so funny shes worked it out that way.

Anyways here is the video for the slide:

I must post a recent development in the Family. My little Brother was just married this last weekend. So congrats to him and my new sister in law. Your wedding was fun and Riley was an amazing flower girl ;-). Pictures of Riley to come, I just don't have them yet ....

Other awesome Riley things, she is now counting, in order to about 13. does she do it correctly every time no, but she is getting better and is now not just saying the numbers in order like before but can actually point to objects and count them (this only about to 7 or 8). It's still really cool. We are working with her on counting and her abc's  trying not to sing the song but identify the actual letters and some words. mostly with flash cards. I have to say some Disney and Sprout programs really help with this. Thank you television education for speeding up development in this area, while some programs take you back several years I would suggest to all don't think your kid is to young to learn something, they want to learn things....

That's all for now, I'm sure my mother is getting tired of reading already..

Bye

Baking Bread

Baking Bread

Well it's memorial day weekend. Took a few hours and studied for a cert, now sitting waiting for something to happen. The little girl and wife at home watching the rain come and go. Little tropical storm to the north east of us let a downpour of rain just as I was walking out the door. I mean those clouds opened up. Sheets of water flying off the roof with no chance of the gutter capturing it.

All that grading of the yard I did last week put to the test, we will see what it looks like later tonight. Made some bread last night. My first attempt at it. Didn't realize I was making enough for 3 large loafs. Had to find out if I could refrigerate and/or freeze the dough without to much going wrong. You can by the way, Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks and Freeze for a long time. Thank goodness. So I sat there and waited for the second rise of the bread after I put it in the loaf pan. And waited and waited and waited. 1230 in the morning came around and I said screw it I'm baking it. It did come to the top of the loaf pan but not 1 inch over the top. So the bread is a little dense but dang it tastes good. A honey wheat bread.

In other baking news made a banana bread loaf as well. Now that turned out perfect I think. Riley agreed so that's all that matters. The picture above is her enjoying some of the bread, Do not know if it was the banana or the wheat but who cares shes cute...

Like usual life goes on, trying to figure out a few things, we will see what happens. Sometimes you just have to pursue everything and see whats in store. This is the game plan for now. Lets see what the big one thinks....

Talk soon.

The year in review

Every year (at least the last 2) we have been sending out a Christmas letter. Vanity letter whatever. Its not one of those I'm better than you letters others send out, its just a review of the year for those family member who care. Obviously its limited by space and postage, so I wanted to share the slightly extended version.

2011 the most exciting and eventful year in my life thus far. With so much more on the horizon I say to this year goodbye and to all our loved ones and friends a very Merry Christmas and a joyous new year.

This year started with great news on the agenda. Little miss Riley was on her way, determined to make her presence into the world on schedule for March 18th 2011.  During the wait Melissa hit a big (for us young folk) step in her life. This year she turned 30. While pregnant this brought up many emotions throughout the month. But these all pass with every kick that little Riley provides. (I kinda think she was saying quiet up there, but thats just me). January flew by at a pace only seen in stories then February with a Baby shower behind us we only needed wait for the day.  

Then bad news, our little Dachshund our “child” for years passed. He went fairly painless in my arms, what exactly caused it we will never know, seizure?, heart attack?... A great dog, our first together. Ruffels will always be loved and missed. We know he was waiting until his mommy could handle it. He waited until Riley was ready to pop. So I will always thank him for that.

Days later final preparations made on her room, unknown pains, unexpected early hospital visit, sent home with an everything okay. Looking back this was likely the first signs of her Gall bladder issues. She had that removed this December with no incident.

Then on the 16th of March a uncomfortable feeling and pain of which she had never felt, a call to the doctor and a car ride to the hospital. 9:30 pm after a quick check and a conference with the doctor via that wonderful device the telephone, we were in for the night. 2:30 in the morning and Melissa could no longer handle the pain it was epidural time, 8:00 am everything slowed after the water was broke a little medical assistance and at 12:21 pm on the 17th of March she was born 6 lbs 15 oz and 20 inches long. Eyes going everywhere looking at the world ready to explore. It was the start and she didn't want to miss a second. Really it was amazing. This little package of curiosity. Even today she looks at everything trying to suck it all in. At no time does she want to close her eyes for fear of missing something, anything, she ever curious and always observant.

Shortly after the birth of Riley we also lost another dog. Our last one, Otis the beagle. Died of what I can only think was a broken heart. With his best friend Ruffels gone and so much attention on Riley, I think the stress was just to much for him.  We will miss his constant bark, anxiety through thunderstorms, and all the love and companionship he gave. He was a great dog, I wish he was still with us today. The day he passed was Riley’s first roll. This was truly said, Ruffels was older and had issues, his young death was (said to say) expected, Otis though I had no doubt would be Riley's first dog, her first pet. Now the house even though filled with a beautiful little girl seem empty without a pet that wants your attention constantly. He truly, even through all the yelling and stubbornness a beagle offers was a great companion.

Life moving along a little more, my sister also pregnant introduces us to Derek Danger Leduc July 5th. A bald little man that provides our family with another little one to enjoy. Four months younger than Riley and almost as cute, but much more handsome. So far he is enjoying the lightning games with his mom and dad and providing them with tons of fun and excitement all their own. He is an amazing little boy. Almost now the size of Riley and trying to catch up fast, I am very happy to be an uncle and for Riley to be so involved and in the radius of his life. I have no doubt they will be great friends and competitive throughout life (or at least us brother and sister will be).

Her first Halloween she went as a little lady bug, and enjoyed collecting candy for her mom and dad in the mall. Cute beyond cute...

We spent a little bit of time up in Ohio this fall visiting family and friends, enjoy the fall leaves and the long road trip to get there and back. Riley was amazing, she went up there with only the slightest complaint about the drive. It took me longer than planned and an extra few stops in each direction, but we did not want our baby cooped up in a car for so long. Visited near every rest stop and even stoped in a very small snow flurry on the way back home. All in all a good trip, and a great drive.  That's all the space I have until next year stay safe and enjoy the ride. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Thanks Giving was a thankful day, as is every other. Enjoyed it with Aunt Leigh, Uncle Adam, Gram, Cuz, Sister, Bobo, Cass, Dave, Mom, Dad, Mel, Riley and Derek. Always festive times when everyone gets together. I hope i didn't leave anyone out that was there. If I did sorry... Anyways we had a delightful Turkey and all the traditional fix-ins, great to do and who doesn't love the food... Blessed as always.

Christmas was Riley & Derek's first. What a wonderful day, many memories that will last for all my life. The fact that the bows were as good as the gifts. Who really opened the gifts? Who was really excited about them. Oh the great fairy tails that will be told to her about her first Christmas, until she's able to read this will hold true. What a day.

I think this was one of the first non party New years days we've had. Riley's God parents welcomed their new little girl at the beginning of the month, welcome Reese Olivia, so new years was a sobering experience. Other guests prego and unable to drink it's looking like an exciting future we can all share. The fact I had to go to work in the morning didn't help the fun, but that is part of the life we lead. Dang responsibility...

Anyways with a new year at hand, and goals and dreams on the horizon 2012 is expected to be another great year no matter how horrible it may get.....

“Here is the world.  Beautiful and terrible things will happen.  Don't be afraid. “ -Frederick Buechner

Josh, Melissa & Riley

Spending the day

Today a normal Saturday for us. Go on up to moms (nana's) meet up with sister and Bobo. We today Bobo decided a trip to Atlanta and six flags would be more fun... Fine can't say I wouldn't of made the same choice :-). Got to hold my nephew a lot more than normal, he's hitting that time now where its not all screams and catching up to Riley in size. Being  that they are 3 months apart he moving along. He starting to show more of that chunk, growing into that noggin of his, amazing how fast they both grow. Exciting to see it happen even though the time is flying, seems like just yesterday Riley was brand new. In the tech world we would be expecting the new model to start showing up. In the people world there is so much more excitement to come....

Steps in a Direction

To be honest I think I've been pretty lazy when it come to defining a path. I really have been some what content in the hope that the work I've been putting in would get noticed and in some way I'd be rewarded for this work. Instead any reward has been blocked or overlooked at some point. I guess I dont stand out enough from the crowd of fellow opportunity seekers. Blend back into the crowd old boy, the opportunity with the position I am currently in is limited. At least as a direct path and with the life changes now made the priority I am going to have to reach harder than ever. She requires it, and it the best thing for her. So the route I am laying out has got to be direct and clear cut. I've been thinking about it a large amount today since going back to school full time is out of the question right now I'm going to have to go the certification route. ITIL is looking like a decent place to start. A foundations certification will at least get the momentum going and the start up cost doesn't look to be much. The job listings are asking for it so I think that along with a project management coarse or two should kick me off int he right direction. I honestly dont think the ITIL cert would take very much extra education because it is a base process I use daily, so only the book terms and step location would need to be memorized. So I say it today here and now this is where I'm starting. This is the first step in a stagnant water removal process and it must be done! Amazon ITIL study books here I come... 


-Real life is becoming an interesting thing, should of got onto the coaster sooner.

She doesn't want to nap

Guess I can't complain, she sleep at least 8 hours through the night. But when I'm home or even just for Mel, she starts getting grumpy because she's tired. She will take a nap for about five to ten but that's it. Anyone have any great tips? Melissa's really looking for some, me too... ;-) is she worth it? Not a doubt, she's worth everything...

Something so Simple

It is amazing how something so simple for people you would consider don't deserve it, can be so hard for you. Now mind you it's simple for others as well that do deserve it but they tend to be the ones that have some kind of complication. I guess its just one of those ways they test you. At least me believing in a higher power is going to say that. The only other thing I can think that would cause the issue would be environmental, but you can rule that out right away because all the people around you are not having any issue. I guess its just what keeps life interesting and give other people the drive to do something about it. It truly is an amazing world we live in, where something that could not happen on its own for whatever the reason, we as people have found a way to make it happen. To correct the error, the brain misfire, whatever the cause. Now by all means we are not perfect at this, but every moment we get better. Thanks to all of those people who strive to fix what we or something else has broken.