[shostack]

I wasn't a coffee drinker until the past couple of years when I discovered that there's a world beyond starbucks over-roasted sugary crap and awful-tasting pods.

Now, I'm extremely addicted to a perfect vanilla cappuccino as long as it isn't made with nasty sugar-filled syrup.

It has gotten to the point where french press doesn't do it for me at home, so I'm going to invest in an espresso machine and grinder and learn how to make it by hand. I'm also a huge fan of the vanilla powder they use at Better Buzz in San Diego. That stuff is worlds better than the syrup.

While the caffeine helps after lunch, I find the ritual of having a smooth creamy warm drink in the afternoon is incredibly relaxing, and is a good excuse to be "still" and organize my thoughts for the rest of the day.