To finish this off, a little throwback to Day 5. Meemz. Mimi. Mariam. My niece, my everything. I’m her favorite person in the universe, despite seeing her only a few times a year. It’s amazing that she likes me so much (probably because I look a lot like her dad). Well my Meemz, the feeling is mutual. Plus she already likes coffee and cupcakes, so I’d say this is the start of a great relationship. I wish I could see you more often, but if it means anything, I think you’ve shown me what I want most in life. 

I had a mid-year performance review at work today. The thought of it is scary, but it turned out totally fine.My boss said nothing negative about me, which felt almost strange and unfamiliar to me. At my previous job, my boss was awful and hyper critical of matters not even related to my performance. Things like not being back at my desk at 1pm sharp from lunch, or taking a personal phone call in the hallway. It’s easy for me to complain about my life, but things are far better now than before. Thank God. 

Fight laziness, fight comfort. I came home at 730pm tonight and pushed myself to get things done. Laundry and cooking, two of the worst things to have to do on a long weeknight. I easily could have grabbed takeout on my way home and then show up to work tomorrow in an oversized Coyote Logistics polo. But no, no more laziness, no more. My shirts are clean and I’m enjoying clean home cooking too. Might as well call me Outkast, I’m so fresh and so clean. 

Sidenote: I tossed in a couple cinnamon sticks and a few bay leaves when boiling the brown rice. It brings floral brightness to the rice, nicely juxtaposed with the hearty keema. 

I bought a couple plants to bring some livelihood to my solo one-bedroom apartment. Those plants are dope, but nothing is quite like actual roommates. Better yet, temporary roommates, because I definitely need my own time and space. I’m hosting my friend and his cousin for the night, and it’s been hilariously fun all night. I’m running on no sleep, but somehow I’m staying awake and listening to ridiculous stories. Pretty solid Monday night. 

A far too short reunion with these fellas. My God, it’s been way way way too long! So glad to see Teef and Mojo on this brief trip out west. These guys were the cornerstone of my Philly life, countless memories and stories with these goons. It makes me miss my old life in Philly so much. Life is just so different now…but I’m hella glad we can reunite after years and kick it like no time has passed. No better way to end this trip. Till next time fellas. ATL, I’m coming for you. Next trip: LA and Joshua Tree over Labor Day weekend! 

Day 2 of this short west coast trip: Lake Tahoe. Oh Lord, what a place. We hiked to the summit of Mt. Tallac. It took every ounce of strength and energy in me to reach the top. I doubted myself many times, almost on the verge of turning back, but my friends pushed me to continue. New levels of soreness and pain, but my God, these views made it all so worth it. Unbelievable. 

The first day of this weekend bay area trip was a ride down memory lane. I took the train into SF proper and strolled along The Mission. I visited Four Barrel, a coffee shop that I went to about three years ago with my brother. We were mind blown by the excellent pour over and roastery in the back of the shop. I just had to revisit that shop, and I’m so glad I did today. The pour over was the best I’ve had in recent memory, and I even got to watch them roast some beans in the back. Afterward I headed to Mission-Dolores park, a place very special to me. Each of my SF visits involved that park and chillin with the homies. Can’t get a better view of the city from the southwest corner of that park. So glad to be back here again. 

Oh boy, what a crazy week at work. It’s almost too conveniently timed just before taking off Friday for another weekend excursion. I’m free and ready to roll! Bay area and Lake Tahoe, leggoooooo! So excited to reunite with a couple high school friends and see the Best Coast once again. This 5 hour flight separates me and the upcoming weekend – a very needed moment of solitude, reading, and reflection. 

Yassssssssssss! This is wonderful. I just received the first shipment of my coffee subscription. I subscribed to Sweet Bloom recently after discovering them a few months back. I visited a shop in Cincinnati called Collective Espresso – they rotate through different roasters, and that week they featured a gesha varietal from Sweet Bloom. I bought a bag and took it home all the way to Atlanta. Oh. My. God. Best stuff I’ve ever had, like a spiritual reawakening for my love of coffee. I’ve been having such mediocre coffee as of late, so I decided to subscribe to Sweet Bloom to relive that moment. Ah yes, I just brewed, and it did not disappoint. Oh Lord, this feels ethereal. 

The final 10 days of this challenge. Wow, hard to believe I’ve come this far.

A rough day at work. I got home around 8pm, then logged back in at 9pm till about 11pm. Absurdly late by my standards, but very normal by others’ I’m sure. It sucks, no questioning that, but I’ve been good to myself most of the day. I brewed coffee in the morning, packed grilled chicken and streamed broccoli for lunch, and even took that hour break at home to go on a walk through Freedom Park. And now I’m heading to bed early, even better.