"chaff bitch"

ahhhh, so the past few weeks have been pretty hectic at hines public market coffee (HPMC). yesterday began at 0500 (open shop) and ended at 0030 (helped sanders roast for a few hours after my 2nd job). gotta love the 16hr work day.

despite having only worked 12hrs, i had a great time helping sanders roast coffee. i even got to try my hand out with a few batches -- an ethiopian harar, a sumatra, and a sulawesi. it was pretty stressful, but fun. being one of my first few times dealing with a HUGE roaster (compared to me), i was intimidated. the probat 22K is a powerful machine. there are so many little things that matter -- airflow, flame, timing. being pretty tired, it was a challenge trying to keep track of everything, but with a little help from papa john i only 'burned' one batch. i think i'm going to LOVE roasting. the science behind it fascinates me, it feels pretty zen, and i further my understanding of what goes on with coffee.

of course, it's not all just being one with the coffee. for the past few weeks in between all the bar shifts, my adventure and responsibilities expand to handling paperwork, wholesale, deposits, cash&carry, being at sanders' beck and call. i always forget how much work goes into running a business outside of my little world behind the bar. at least with the other stuff, i don't have to deal with the 'once-in-a-while high maintenance customers".

right now, i'm pretty dazed on 3hrs of sleep. loved every minute of my day. can't wait for my 0430 alarm. i'm going to get some shut eye.

bronwen +)