espressoDOM

Happy Halloween

2006-10-31T13:48:00.000-08:00

More Halloween DJ
Originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

I neglect this blog like I neglect my email... Journaling is hard to do online.... Those 3 people that check this blog. Sorry

Happy Halloween

Happy Hump Day.....(my Friday this week)

2006-08-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Hump Day.....(my Friday this week)
Originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

Hey lady... love of my life....Did ya miss me....Well if you did ... Here is a shot of us together. If this didn't make you smile well I don't know what will. Here is a little sappy greeting on a Wednesday morning.

Every moment we spend apart brings us closer together.... I feel like a newlywed most times when I come home. Even with our pretty boy addition to the family. You are a great mother and an excellent wife. I don't stop often enough to buy flowers or say I love you. I did getcha a couple massages in the last couple of months, but that was to say thank you for taking care of DJ. The smile I give you when I walk into a room is because you love me unconditionally... 7 years strong and counting.... Sushi this weekend...and TACO night.... with Jose Cuervo and beer.....Love ya hunny 4 ever and a day

Our Growing Boy....

2006-08-25T10:36:00.000-07:00

B*W DJ strikes again....
Originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

So its been almost a month since we wrote anything. Life has been hectic. August is always crazy because my grandmother and I both have birthdays in August. So here are the quick highlights. Tahoe was fun. Me and DJ had a beer together and spent a lot more time together than we do on a daily basis. I had a blast... I think I almost cried when it was time to go back to work. Gosh I love that kid. I checked the percentile charts and my son is all head and length. He is 90th something percentile for his head size and for his length. This leads to him being in the 50% percentile in weight so he looks like a big kid but he isn't very big. The crazy part about this is that he was born in the 5% percentile of everything. Most people aren't numbers people but I like reading this stuff...

Last but not least. He can roll over. He also has a standing/rotating command center in the middle of the family room. He loves to just stand up and rotate around and play with all his Baby Einstein toys.

More later good people... Happy Friday

You say its your birthday....

2006-08-13T15:19:00.000-07:00

You say its your birthday....
Originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

Today is the 13th of August... I turned 32 years old today. The crazy amount of things that have happened in the last year are almost too many to mention. The most important by far is the birth of my baby boy. DJ. I am off to Tahoe to drink and sleep a couple days away. I will be away for a few days. I wish you all a great week. Post comments and I will reply when I get back.

A Belated Superman Returns Review!!

2006-07-19T12:25:00.000-07:00

DJ in 3D
Originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

Life has been hectic..... Summer Movies have been alright at best...
The CURSE of Mission Impossible 3 is real. The first week of summer was kicked off my JJ Abrams Mission Impossible 3. Tom Cruise totally ruined my enthusiasm for this movie so I didn't go see it. I told myself I would wait for DVD. Not seeing this movie has led to me seeing every crap movie that came out this summer.
I saw The Omen
I saw The Da Vinci Code
I was disappointed with X3 The Last Stand
and then there was Superman!!!!
NOT....
I liked Superman a lot... It could have been amazing....
It could have been a CLASSIC...
What we got was well ... A good movie that was borderline GREAT!!!

I really rooted for Brian Singer in this movie. It had everything it needed to be a CLASSIC film. The problem is the movie trips itself up a couple of times and like Roger Ebert said it takes no joy in being a Superman film. I can honestly say that NEVER EVER will that Superman saving the plane moment be topped for me in a movie. It was PERFECT. I liked Lois' son. I liked the fact that someone let James Marsden act. Brandon Routh is my HERO for pulling off this role because it could have been a greek tragedy trying to follow up Christopher Reeves.

The Sword of Dominic

2006-06-28T00:10:00.000-07:00

Utata Tool of the Trade
Originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

The Stress Buster Bat is a staple at my desk. They call it the SWORD of DOMINIC because I wield it when STRESS sits at my desk like overcast! Right now it is my best friend. I am working toward a deadline that fights with the upcoming holiday weekend so I am working 11-12 hour days and working 5 to 6 days a week. I am so tired that I probably shouldn't be surfing the net tonight. Superman Returns has started in theaters across the country. i will have to wait till Friday for my viewing. I'm going to be GOOD people....

The pain of effort....

2006-06-26T22:04:00.000-07:00

On a Diet
Originally uploaded by Spiritually.

I look at the mole hill of 20 or 30lbs and it looks like a mountain on a Monday night I had nachos from Una Mas. I feel like I am giving confession. I'm not Catholic. It's been 2 years since my last marathon. My body has slowly began to forget what shape it was in. I used to work out for an hour or two and lose 4 to 6 lbs. I have been trying for two or three weeks and I haven't lost more than 4-8lbs. I must say that I will definitely appreciate the weight loss this time. I will understand the sacrifices I have to make this time. Now where did I put those Marshmallows....

It's Friday Again?!

2006-06-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

You Decide Color or B*W #1
Originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

Wow....
It's Friday I have survived another week of work and sleep deprivation. This week was tough because worked decided to cut the air everyday at 2pm.... So I ask what does this weekend feel like for Utatans....

This little guy owns me this weekend along with WORLD CUP round of 16.... and well BEER... and errr a little Xbox Live... and I might kiss my wife

Have a great weekend... May blog this weekend.... naaaah

7 day IMAX countdown....

2006-06-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

superman returns 1
Originally uploaded by pejrm1.

This has been the summer of discontent .....
The drought has been hard to live with ....
Xmen 3 was not a SUMMER blockbuster....
The Omen was not a SCARY movie
The Da Vinci Code was slow and pedestrian

It is curse of Cars and MI:III I did not go see either and have suffered for it... but the drought will end with SUPERMAN RETURNS

Looks good... 7 days till it is released on June 28th, 2006
Be there or NEVER go to the movies AGAIN....

World Cup Dreams...

2006-06-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

World Cup Dreams...
Originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

My son seems to be dreaming of the day he can play in the World Cup. He has the hair ... He has his pseudo Worldcup outfit on.... He can't kick anything except his feet, but the kid can dream. His future is so bright... A senator .. A lawyer .. A world class athlete... Hell that kid could be president. (Thoughts of a loving father)

'World Cup Dreams...' On Black

Utata has become addictive....

2006-06-15T12:29:00.000-07:00

Mirror Mirror
Originally uploaded by StarrGazr.

I wanted to spend a minute talking about addiction. I love hobbies. I have a lot of them that I am hopelessley addicted to. I won't list them all today, but when I find something I like I get obsessive. I want to be great at it. I bought my father a camera for Father's Day last year. I can count on my hand how many times I have let him use it. I am addicted to my fathers Canon 20D. This camera led me to find Flickr and I have become hopelessly addicted to that. I post almost all my photos and have started to get into the community aspects of the site. I have now become addicted to a community that is a subset of flickr Utata Tribal Photography. I really love this site because it gives focus to my photography which most of the time is chaos. Anyway.... It was on my mind and now its not ... more later

World Cup 2006 : THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!

2006-06-10T22:49:00.000-07:00

World Cup 2006 Logo
Originally uploaded by colinpoh.

It is time again....
Let it begin...
Beer flows a little more freely all over the world and national colors fly as we celebrate the World Cup of Soccer again...

Who cares if you are American and don't get Soccer...
It is an experience... It is every four years. Why not get into the fun.

My sisters TiVO is full now because I am recording every match...
Because I am stuck in the Bay Area for two weeks because of work and scheduled events in the Bay Area.

Germany's opening match was fun .. Gotta run

Daddy's New Toy

2006-06-09T11:39:00.000-07:00

Daddy's New Toy
Originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

Boys and there toys is an amazing thing. It doesn't matter if it is trucks or blocks as a child, or laptops and xbox360 as an adult. Almost three months ago my son was born and he is the apple of my eye. He is my favorite toy that belongs to me. Babies are not toys. They are more fragile and delicate, but nothing beats a baby for fun and entertainment value. They are the toy that keeps on giving and taking. Hence watching DJ have tummy time was like playing with my favorite toy. He hates it and this is the resulting face. I count the minutes till I can see you again! (The Love of a Father)

Happy Holiday Weekend...

2006-05-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

IMG_9358
Originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

It's Memorial Day Weekend...
Go to the movies....
Sleep in...
Drink a little more than normal...
Eat a little more than normal...
Enjoy yourself and be prepared for Monday....
ooops Mondays a holiday...hahahaha

ENJOY.... (I am off for a couple hour run)

Week 2 of Rebellion...

2006-05-23T23:05:00.000-07:00

Baylands
Originally uploaded by konaboy.

So two days running the Baylands and I am slowly feeling like a guy who has run 4 marathons. My body really forgot that I used to workout on the regular. I am reteaching it. Yesterday I did 100 minutes on the Baylands. Ipod song highlight was Ed O.G. and the Bulldogs song " I got it made" and Kanye West song "Mama". Not the funnest run in the world but it felt awesome to finish.

Today was a different story. My body was saying no before I even hit a mile so I decided to keep it short and if felt better I would go long. I got about 2 miles out and I just felt exhausted so i made my way back. Song of the day was E-40 "Play Hard" It was the song of the day because at the moment I was running my hardest with this song bumping in my IPOD.... I see it... SNAKE not a itty bitty one... Not even a ratlle snake with a early warning system. No I get the 4 or 5 foot snake lazily crossing where I am running full blast...

Needless to say I slowed the *F* up..... and just in time. I held my breath.. Please don't turn around ... PLEASE don't turn around... and then I made it in record time back to my office. Nature is a bitch....

More later

DJ in the Bay Area

2006-05-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

Originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

DJ's social calendar has begun before he is even two months old. He has a baby shower and a 1 year birthday party in the same weekend. I am sure he is excited. He has been getting overstimulated with all the new things he is seeing out in the world, which leads to whining and crying.

Watch Veronica Mars

2006-05-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

Watch Veronica Mars
Originally uploaded by wendie7.

The CW today confirmed that Veronica Mars returns to network television after an awesome season 2. I hooked both my wife and my sister on this show off the buzz of fans from season one. We may have to make Season One a blockbuster weekend in absence of new episodes this summer. Too happy to hear the VM is back. Still dealing with the stupid moves that ABC is making with moving Grey's Anatomy. Oh well can't get everything right. See ya later!

Recuperating

2006-05-12T11:38:00.000-07:00

Recuperating
Originally uploaded by DogMilque.

Oh the dangers of alcohol and 3rd story windows. The DogMilque a Bay Area legend now probably almost died when he went out drinking and fell out of a 3rd story window. The story is can be found HERE. but when you don't know how to deal with the seriousness of a situation. Well you make fun of it.... A t-shirt has been made and I am ordering mine tonight in honor of my flickr bro. who almost flew, but didn't. T-shirts can be purchase HERE. Get well soon Steve.

"Brilliant!"

2006-05-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

"Brilliant!"
Originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

It's Friday which means its DJ time... As a Dad that commutes a lot seeing my son on Friday afternoon is like finding GOLD! Hold him tight and kiss that little face of his maybe even a walk. Then it is off to both of our favorite places.... Naptown U.S.A. Weekends are made for Daddy's even though Sunday is Mommy's DAY.... Everyone have a great weekend.

P.S. Did anyone go see Mission Impossible 3.... None of my friends did which is wierd. Is Tom Cruise Losing his touch?

"Mr. Bond I don't care what you do, you will Die"

2006-05-10T16:26:00.000-07:00

"Mr. Bond I don't care what you do, you will Die"
Originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

Happy Wednesday....
So far we lost 9lbs....No big deal!
I have a long road to hoe... On my way to run 5 or 6 miles. It is photos like this that motivate me to workout. Grrrrr damn chubby cheeks.

PS DJ is almost 2 months old he is headed out into the world to meet people next weekend.

The time is now...

2006-05-03T15:22:00.000-07:00

IMG_5503
Originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

Time to get back in shape. New Years resolutions and diets are for the weak and the undisciplined. I can't believe I just typed that as I look at myself needing to lose 45lbs. Well not need but wanting to... I will lose at least 40lbs and get back into my running shape and run the Lake Tahoe and Sacramento marathons. How long will this take who knows, but determined is determined. I don't a ton of junk food, but I have my offdays. Pizza, Beer, and Cereal are my hard hitters but excercise will always win. My travel schedule gives me at least an hour or two a day to work out.... I am just writing this down for posterity. New Orleans killed me. gained at least 15lbs while I was there. DJ and his birth tacked on another 10lbs to the already 10lbs I gained after the marathons. The time is now...stay tuned for updates!

Married a Year Ago .....

2006-05-02T18:56:00.000-07:00

Married a Year Ago .....,
originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

Time flies when you try to fit 5 years into a year. Current tally in one year: I proposed, we got married, we moved out of the Bay Area, we bought a house, we landscaped our backyard, furnished our new house, got pregnant, and had our first born son. A lot to do in such a short period of time. Needless to say I am happy and exhausted.

Back @ Work....

2006-04-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

IMG_7245,
originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

Separation Anxiety is such a bitch... Ooops I swore sorry... (nobody really reads this but me anyway) I am back at work and so early mornings and late nights are back on my agenda. I have missed the internet. For some reason when I am at home I shun the internet. The bunnyman steals all my free time. Now I am in the Bay Area wanting to go home and snuggle with my little buddy. This photo is from his first week on planet Earth. Here are a few more:

DJ's First Week Photos

DJ's First Week Slideshow

Thanks everyone for the well wishes.

(if you want any pictures shoot me an email at dominicwilliams@comcast.net

DJ came home on the 3rd Day

2006-04-06T14:32:00.000-07:00

DJ goin' home on the 3rd Day,
originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

I felt like such a parent at that moment when I packed him up to bring him home. Wow Crazy Overwhelming Dad Feelings. I think I have thought about what kind of dad I would be since I was like 16 when I had my first driving incident and had to go home and talk to my father. Or was it even earlier than that. I have always wanted to be a family man and I smile probably 75% of the day. (25% I am either sleep or drowsy because of sleep deprivation).Last night I didn't go to bed until 5AM, mostly my fault because I was editing photos. This Link is to photos of DJ's Birth to CarRide Home. The next four will contain pictures up until babies first month has passed. After that I will drop back to monthly. Thanks to everyone for all the kind words.

More Photos

A New Arrival

2006-03-21T14:27:00.000-08:00

IMG_7057,
originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

Hi all

I just wanted to announce that Dominic Brotarlo Williams Jr. was born on 03/21/06 @ 12:15 a.m.
He was a healthy baby boy weighing 5lbs 15ounces and about 17" long. (Click Photo to see a larger version)

I am on my way back to the hospital, but I wanted to share our joy with you.... I don't have time to edit through the pictures right now so you get practically every picture I took.

Click this link to see the photos: DJ's Pictures
or
Click this link to see a slide show of the photos: DJ's Slide Show

I have to run, but please keep us in your thoughts and prayers during this joyous time.
We love having you all in our lives. Please forward this email to anyone you think would be interested.

Send all well wishes either here or to domndi@comcast.net
or
Dominic & Dianna Williams
6063 Brogan Way
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

Her hospital room phone # is 916-781-5003
--
Dianna Williams
cell (916) 919-6691

In Memory of Dolarita Brotarlo

2006-03-16T09:16:00.000-08:00

In Memory of Dolarita Brotarlo,
originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

My mother-in-law passed away on Thursday night prior to her youngest daughters wedding. We are all dealing with our grief in our own way. This was an idea I thought of after the wedding was over and I was alone with my thoughts. I found her name placard from the head table. We had a picture of her from our wedding last year. My wife was the matron of honor and she carried it down the aisle and sat it next to my father-in-law. It is a sad time for our family, but I thought this was something I needed to write. A beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. Please send any condolences to:

Dianna Williams
6063 Brogan Way
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
or
domndi@comcast.net

Have you Seen This ....

2006-03-08T09:46:00.000-08:00

Is this what happens to adults....? Do we just get so busy that we have no times for ourselves let alone others. It is a trip, but it seems like I never see anyone anymore. This is before my son is born so who knows what comes afterwards. It is scary sometimes how many people I know, but it is even scarier how many people I never see or talk to.

Friday means....

2006-02-24T07:59:00.000-08:00

Party On 1, originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

Dude it is Friday... Bring on the Weekend.
I promised Sohail I would post his party pics so everyone that went to his houseparty could download the pictures they wanted and see what they look like when they are drinkin' and having fun. Quality first party for the bachelor in The City. The man we call Papa Soey or Sohail for short has party planning skills.

To view the slide show: Slide Show

To view photo album: Photo Album

We had a great time at this party it was worth the drive down to the Bay Area.
More later...

SO Behind....

2006-02-23T19:03:00.000-08:00

IMG_5305, originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

You would think someone actually reads my blog I feel so guilty. This is from my bestman Sohail's housewarming. He moved to SF he was sooo proud you could tell. It was a great time. It only took me let's see 3 hours to get there. We stayed like 6 hours and then made the drive home. Correction. The wife made the drive home. It was great to be out. I don't go out and party as much as I used to. College days gone by.

Missing Home....

2006-02-09T09:27:00.000-08:00

Di's pics 093, originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

It's Thursday... I guess its my hump day... I go home tomorrow but I just was missing my wife... my house... my bed.. my backyard...kinda the first time in 6 months. Thought it was significant especially with the baby on the way. Life on the road is going to be an interesting struggle. Don't get me wrong ... lovin' life but just miss the things that are dear to me @ breakfast.

Calgon Take Me Away....

2006-02-08T14:10:00.000-08:00

Hawaii Oldskool...., originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

I am tired... It has been a looong day at only 2pm. I just needed to be reminded that there are relaxing places on planet earth. Oh Hawaii how I miss you. I think I went 4 times is 6 years but it has been almost 2 years since my last trip and oh how I miss thee..... oh well back to work.... (listening to TWIT podcast on my ipod)

A New Car....

2006-02-03T08:32:00.000-08:00

IMG_5081, originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

Not Really...
I was in Vegas for New Years. We went to the Wynn Hotel for like an hour and we stumbled into the Ferrari store. Wow pens 40 bucks. So baby clothes were priced thru the roof. The question is wouldn't you want this for your kid to roll around the neighborhood in? AWESOME!!!! It's Friday my mind is wandering. Goal 3 entries today alone

Work PC Desktop 2/1/06

2006-02-01T11:53:00.000-08:00

Work PC Desktop 2/1/06, originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

I have been neglecting my blog... I guess I haven't felt like talking to myself. Backyards almost done... Baby is almost here... Superbowl is this weekend... Goin' to Papa Soey's Housewarming in the CITY.... SF for non Californians...hahaha MAJOR love to anyone that actually reads this. Mr. Freeze is on the brain today because its COLD outside

It's A....

2005-11-19T18:22:00.000-08:00

IMG_4741, originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

[Dom] I can't tell you how much agony not knowing has put me thru....

Calling my child it... Interchanging He and She... Coming up with Girl Names... Coming up with Boy Names... Oh the torture... Finally the day has come!!! but oh what a day it was....

First the appointment got resceduled back 2 more agonizing hours of waiting and at a facility further away due to technical difficulties... So we start the appointment and the technician asked if we wanted to know... OF COURSE we want to know Geez..

So about 3 minutes into the examination he goes... Do you want to guess?! I looked at him sideways like WHAT are asking me... and then I got the joke... He was pointing with an arrow on the screen... ITS A BOY... Woohoo... little DOM is on the way... BOYS outnumber the girl in the house...

So for about 3 hours I had a smile on my face. You couldn't slap it off my face. We are both very happy. We wanted to share with family and friends....
The baby weighs more than a coke can.... WOW 1lb already
Thanks for all your support

The pics up close: The Face up close

The profile #1

The profile #2

The "Let Me Out" picture

The "It's A Boy" picture

Cue the Music

2005-11-10T11:07:00.000-08:00

IMG_4418, originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

Sorry life has been hectic....
I am in catch up mode with my blog...
Trying to keep a journal of this little adventure ... (cue up the music)

dunnuh dunuh dunuh... dunununh (jaws music)
Week 17 has come and gone
Size of the baby: A Large Onion

More to come.... the countdown to the 18th of November creeps closer BOY or GIRL....

ps. if you aren't watching Surface and you like Jaws or E.T. you are missing out.... (where did that come from)

Need to Calm Down.....

2005-11-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

WooWoo!, originally uploaded by konaboy.

Everyday is a day closer to a child sitting on my lap. I am a father-to-be and that is scary to me.... (I rhyme'd)

I am as anxious as a kid at Christmas to know if it is a boy or a girl... No particular good reason except that I am a spaz when it comes to surprises... I LIVE for gifts and surprises. So the ultrasound is my Christmas gift this year along with a backyard for my house.

2 WEEKS... 2 MORE WEEKS until I know...

Why the Hawaii pic you ask...because I need to calm down and relax. I am working 50 to 60 hours a week commuting 2 hours home once or twice a week.... Hawaii is in my future... People say NO WAY once you get a kid NO WAY you get to travel... little do they know

who's that?

2005-11-07T10:01:00.000-08:00

who's that?
Originally uploaded by Gelatomettista2.

GUT CHECK....(sympathy weight gain sucks) I saw this on flickr and it tripped me out

What the hell..... WOW...
Congrats Jack.. You are a fat man's idol. Jerod eat your heart out

He was pretty sloppy fat for a young guy..... He rebounded in a big way.. O.K. Back on the road to recovery 30 lbs by the time the baby is BORN... Now I just have to commit to do the work. This is less than a pound a week.

Ozzie is da' man...

2005-10-27T15:12:00.000-07:00

oz
Originally uploaded by jaymce.

Congrats to the White Sox...
Wow the Bay Area should be disappointed....
Jermaine Dye
AJ Pryzynski
Dustin Herminson

all in the Bay Area playing baseball at one time...

WOW Ozzie wins a World Series ring as a manager at 40. Barry is still playin' what's your problem?

My Wife Encounters an Old Friend

2005-10-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

r369883756
Originally uploaded by JugarMatt.

So I had like 3 hours sleep yesterday before coming to work... I fell asleep almost instantly when I got off work. So around 2 hours into my nap my phone starts ringing... and ringing and ringing....5 times it rings... I ignored it... It was my wife who is in San Francisco. She ran into Steve Nash at her hotel. She wasn't sure if Steve would remember me so she didn't want to go up to him without talking to me....CMON wife I'm sleep.... So she missed her opportunity.... I finally answer the phone and so she goes back downstairs and starts up a conversation. She talked to him for a while and he did remember me.... Geez its like my wife doesn't believe I know all these people...hahahaha
(back to work)

Pregnancy Clock: Week 16

2005-10-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

The secret is out of the bag...
Welcome to our Pregnancy Clock....
15 weeks have passed
16 week begins....
Size of the baby: An Avocado
Stay tuned for our Blessed Journey

2005 so far:
-bought a ring a.k.a got engaged
-got married
-bought a house
-moved out of the Bay Area
-missed Hurricane Katrina by a month
-got wife pregnant
(wow still a few months left to go can I fit anything else into ONE YEAR)

Tahoe Trip 9-2005 011

2005-09-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

Tahoe Trip 9-2005 011
Originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

I love my blog because very few people come here.... So it is my private place for my thoughts. I have been SICK... Head cold, drowsy from tylenol PM and just feeling all around icky... When you are sick you usually feel sorry for yourself. It is this wierd reaction you have... Life turns upside down and empties your pockets... funny thing though

I always have my wife and she always cheers me up... This smile cures most of my doldrums....Plus She has this GLOW lately...still HINTING.... no guesses CMON you can figure it out OH WELL maybe I will tell SOON (ah who am I kidding no one is readin' and I already know)

Can You Feel The Love Tonight....

2005-09-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

Picture 278
Originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

Been on a week hiatus from life...aka Vacation.... aah SLEEP... Gotta love it.

No espresso machine has been a new experience... It has been unhooked for about a month. ETA for its return is to be determined.

PS .... TOP SECRET news is on the horizon

ode to the Home Roasting Crew

2005-08-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

Espresso Monkey
Originally uploaded by Pe_tah.

I just listened to the Ken David's interview on the coffeegeek podcast. Quite honestly it brought me back to why I got into home roasting. It was a great listen. I really remember thinking about going the popcorn popper route and deciding to get my Fresh Roast.... I remember my first order to sweet marias... I remember meeting the green coffee co-op dudes.... I remember going to the Annex to pick up green for the first time. I remember my HotTop fat boy roaster. I love it. I also listened to portafilter.net's #11 podcast and enjoyed it for different reasons. I love listening to those guys because they try to keep it fun..... nuff said (Podcasting is too much fun for when you have busy work to do)
http://media20b.libsyn.com/podcasts/coffeegeek/cgpodcast_015.mp3

IMG_3006

2005-08-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

IMG_3006
Originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

If ever in Portland, Oregon... Go To Stumptown... 3 locations ... Quality Coffee.... Nuff said (end commercial)

DSC02507

2005-08-09T08:21:00.000-07:00

DSC02507
Originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

Back in the Game ... If only for a weekend. I had a great weekend. I pulled like 30+ shots over the course of the weekend... Unfortunately the bens were not supreme so I had a good time playin' with my espresso machine but it begs the question is home roasting practical when you live on teh road? I probably should have bought a 1/4lb of Barefoot or Blue Bottle to get my weekend started off right. More news later....(like anyone reads this..hehehehe)

Welcome to Dick's

2005-08-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

IMG_2719[1]
Originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

I have been movin' and shakin' lately.... SD 2 weeks ago... Portland last weekend. I am almost never home... Geez.... More later...(PS Alvin we have to hook up you are going thru the same stuff as me) traffic violations.... wanting to run again... my brutha from another....

Tenacious D!!!

2005-07-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

tenacious d at comiccon2005
Originally uploaded by karmagrrrl.

I am still reeling from my hangover from a weekend of Geekness...... Comic Con rocked. I went 3 days in a row start to finish....10-7 walking miles and miles of convention floor. More from that weekend later in the week.. HIGHLIGHT of the CON TENACIOUS D and Kevin Smith's introduction

The Evil Bean

2005-07-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

I have been approached by a couple of friends etc. to provide fresh coffee for them.... so I have inadvertantly become a local friend of the community and roast in small quantities... A far cry from becoming a professional roaster... but I gave myself a name to feel that much more self important... THUS "THE EVIL BEAN coffee roasters" is born.... (too funny) In an effort to remain true to my evil Genius roots my operation will remain closed 4 days a week in an effort to turn great coffee against the consumer. I don't need your money I do it for fun... but pay me or your coffee will be drank by the sole proprietor...mwuahahahhaha

My Home Roaster

2005-07-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

DSC00746
Originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

I love thee let me count the ways.... Today I left my fresh coffee at home (sniff) don't cry for me Argentina. A buddy at work had a jar of Pete's. ARgggh it smells skuzzy... How old is this crap... I call him "COOKIE" the old cranky cowboy who likes cowboy coffee..... dark, skuzzy, and just plain nasty... better than community coffee at the office but NOT MUCH better. So I go to a happy place by posting a pic of fresh coffee and my baybee the Hot Top roaster. If you haven't tried freshly roasted coffee you should!!!!

When Coffee is Painful

2005-07-06T08:36:00.000-07:00

DSC02396
Originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

I don't knock coffee shops for being what they are.... if you are not about your espresso who am I to make you change your business plan. A friend of mine owns a coffee shop in the City and he does not offer decaf because it is not part of his business plan and isn't fiscally responsible for him to offer it. BUT a cafe with a ELEKTRA espresso machine with the Gold dome heater should make espresso. Your staff SHOULD NOT look bewildered when a customer comes in and asks for a double.... CMON... that was a typical experience during my time in New Orleans

Have I said HDTV rox....

2005-07-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

DSC00273
Originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

Saturday night my wife watched the replay of the A's v. Whitesox game in HD.... nice...can I say BARRY ZITO...hooooo (that dude it too cool)

*say something coffee related... YEMEN*

16-0!!!

2005-06-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

16-0!!!
Originally uploaded by TheFeeder.

Do the Oakland A's rock... or do the Giant's suck that bad...? The question BEGS to be asked....Wednesday night I flew in to Sacramento and my wife and I proceeded to drive to Fremont then to SF to watch the Giants beat up on the AZ diamond backs.... pictures coming this weekend... we had 3rd row seats. But to find out this morning that the A's pummeled the Giants after that victorious moment.... WOW... WOW... (I think the A's are better but Giant's are just dealin' with a SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS... (sniff)

GO A's ... Go RIVERCATS??!

Batman Begins "Wow"

2005-06-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

1280_e
Originally uploaded by nwistheone.

Disclaimer: I am a life long 20+ year comic book fan. I root for movies like this, but I do groan. I groaned at Batman & Robin... I groaned at Super man 3 or 4 can't remember. After Xmen and Spiderman got it right I was intrigued by Batman. A little history. I saw American Psycho in the theater with my girlfriend as one of our first 5 or 10 movies together (twisted I know). We knew nothing about the movie.....It was a trip to see Christian Bale act. I was waiting for the day he would make super stardom... That day never really came... then BATMAN... he has arrived.... Everytime he was Bruce Wayne I could see Bale with his chainsaw in A.Psycho... but I loved Batman Begins... It was a GREAT MOVIE... One of those movies you could watch over and over again on TNT or DVD...or even in the theatre... Good Pacing.... Good Acting... Good Action... GREAT movie.... It will be remembered for its ability to tell the story of Bruce Wayne and the evolution of the Bat... GO SEE IT

Starbucks is Good For....

2005-06-20T10:25:00.000-07:00

my new bodum, originally uploaded by T r a c y.

Yesterday I brought up this topic about what is Starbucks good for.... I was pondering this question yesterday as my time on travel comes to an end. I have my cheap grinder. I have my freshly roasted I roasted MYSELF before I left. Lot's of coffee shops in Nawlin's ... none of them up to snuff.... I got sick of the hotel coffee machine yesterday. So this morning as I was making my way to Cafe Du Monde..... I see a Starbucks... OPEN early.... LOCATED everywhere... LIGHTBULB goes off.... BUY a FRENCH PRESS... .and whalla for 30 bucks I bought a frenchpress and I was on my way OUT THE STORE.... Starbucks served me well in that capacity at 8 am on a Sunday. So it begs to question what else is Starbucks good for?

"Big SHOT Rob"

2005-06-20T10:11:00.000-07:00

horry, originally uploaded by handbags.

Last night in the delerium of a 13 hour day at work I got to watch the fourth quarter of the NBA finals at WORK by the way.... so at 11:30pm Central time I saw Robert Horry score 18 points in a quarter single handedly WINNING the game for the San Antonio Spurs... It was AWESOME.... He was like the French Press I had this morning REFRESHING

Coffee Dogs Unite

2005-06-16T18:21:00.000-07:00

The Three Amigos, originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

The Three Amigos live in Vegas... Two have coffee names and the one in the middle rules the roost as the elder statesman.... Napoleon is my wife's pug. She had to give it to her mother because she had become so attached to the dog while it was living in her house while we lived in an apartment. The other two dogs KONA on the left and MOCHA on the right belong to my sisterinlaw.... Such a cool crew of dogs except Kona and Napoleon don't get along much ... Hence the SPACE between the two of them.... Napoleon appears to be hitting on Kona's gir...hahaha (wife sent me the pic in New Orleans and I had to blog it)

Coffee on the Road Is....

2005-06-15T13:25:00.000-07:00

Coffee Maker, originally uploaded by blackcoil.

An ode to my traveling schedule for work... I have been off and on in New Orleans for the past 5 months. New Orleans where coffee is somewhere between awful and don't ask. I roast about a lb or so to bring with me in order to make it a bearable trip. I brought a whirly grinder for the hotel coffee machine. The machinen is a Hamilton Beach Aroma Elite (super budget coffee maker). I have no filters I use tissue paper. MISTAKE #1. Every trip I have one pot of coffee that becomes a soupy mess in the filter basket. Today was that day on this trip. I jinxed myself before I made the pot. It sucked. The coffee wasn't bad though it is just the clean up ... Sorry cleanin' ladies everywhere. The coffee tasted like a good french press instead of coffeemachine coffee.... I do miss my espresso machine but I am survivin' ... this pic is not mine but it represents what happened in the bathroom of my hotel room.

Ethiopian Yirgacheffe green coffee

2005-06-12T08:39:00.000-07:00

Ethiopian Yirgacheffe green coffee, originally uploaded by tonx.

I must give major props to flickr for letting me blog other people's pix... I am not home so when thoughts occur to me I just search for things relevant to what I am thinkin'.... My buddy Alvin was commenting on a Yirgacheffe the other day on his blog "Thick & Stout"... It got me thinking deeply about the flavor I am getting from the coffee I brought down here with me to New Orleans. The Yirg is real medium to light bodied coffee in my estimation. It is a good coffee to introduce people to coffee that don't necessarily like coffee.... Alivn used tea as a way of describing it. The more I think about it the more I agree. It has the caffeine... It has the body of a coffee, but not the bitters or the intensity of say a Sumatra.... I am going to go look on Sweet Maria's to see what there comments on it are.... For some reason figuring this out has intrigued me... PS Arlene was a bust all it brought me was good weather in a time where the weather should be hellish at 10 at night as well as 8 in the morning.... Cheers

Tropical Storm Arlene III, 9 June

2005-06-10T12:28:00.000-07:00

Tropical Storm Arlene III, 9 June, originally uploaded by Simon T.

Here is someone's pic of the Tropical Storm yesterday in the Caman Islands a ways away.... It just started rainin' pretty hard in Mississippi this afternoon.... Should hit the Gulf Port area Saturday morning

Giants Suck... A's Suck.... Traveling Sucks

2005-06-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

2405HDTV2, originally uploaded by Mckirkus.

I am in New Orleans Again.... Tropical Storm Whatever is on the horizon here...pretty trippy.... but what really sucks is I felt the pain of travel yesterday...... HDTV got installed at my house... My wife was home and she watched Win a Date with Tad Hamilton.... mediocre movie...but she was blown away by the starry sky of the night shots in that movie....Of course I am not at home so NO HDTV for me.... not 1 day... not 3 days ... not five days..... I won't see it for 10 more days SUX.... Hay is it just me or does Bay Area sports SUCK all around this year wow.... the plague has spread to BASEBALL.... (the pic is not mine but it combined HD and the GIANTS)

The Man Got Me Down

2005-05-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

awesome pic, originally uploaded by docfalken.

Stuck in the Swamp.... Sure I could go see Star Wars in the South... No I can't this is the final time I go to the theatre to go see a "NEW" Star Wars flick this is like a right of passage for me... It will be special and I won't let work ruin that for me.... I won't be the first in the theatre, but I will have my own personal experience.... this pic is priceless...ain't it..

Mississippi Burnin'

2005-05-17T12:16:00.000-07:00

DSC02034, originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

I know the picture is of Canal Street in New Orleans not Mississippi...my days are spent in Stennis Mississippi but my nights are spent in New Orleans near Bourbon street...(Bourbon Street is to the left of the Alexa Hotel)

personal note: Boy do I miss California

MY Espresso Rig

2005-05-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

IMG_2288, originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

It has been a trippy week. I am continuing to pack. I have been asked by a couple of my friends to post a pic of my espresso RIG because I talk so much about coffee these days... So this is for Jesus in SPain and a couple of others who asked.... People think that I am this evil Espresso Genius.....GEEK for short...mwuahahahahaha (waay too much caffeine)

Morning Shot of the Day

2005-05-11T10:19:00.000-07:00

dripdrop, originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

I am so drained.... Call it jetlag... Call it mental overload.... Call it Fatigue... There is no way around it I am beat.... I have the closing of escrow to deal with ... I am in town 5 more days and then I am gone potentially to the end of the month.... I have to pack up my whole apartment in those 5 days... I have to work at least 2 more of those days....etc etc. etc. I just want to curl up with some nice soothing tea and take a nap....

This shot of Organic Panic wasn't from this morning but I had some this morning as an Americano and as a Mokapot. I am still dragging today....
I am off to lunch with a couple friends I have not seen in a couple months...LATER

Americano's The Beautiful

2005-05-10T07:01:00.000-07:00

sweetyirg, originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

My evolution of espresso started with a Krups Coffee Machine w/ Espresso. The type of espresso where when you drink it.... well it tastes like a crappy cup of coffee sorry for the candid comments. I then transitioned to having real shots at coffee shops, the kind you won't name ($B, etc.). One of these days I will relate the story of Pete's and how I started to love coffee. Anyway Pete's made me appreciate good coffee. CoffeeGeek made me appreciate good espresso, latte's, cappa's, and the Americano. The Americano is a regular cup filled with heated water. Then let a 2oz. shot pour into the water. It is like poetry in motion and it tastes like a strong cup of espresso in a larger format. This pour was after tonx told me how he made his Americano look so yummy and thick looking. Great stuff

domndiwilliams1

2005-05-01T22:15:00.000-07:00

domndiwilliams1, originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

Our special day has come and gone.
Dom n Di became officially Mr. & Mrs. Williams @ 4pm April 25th, 2005.

tricked out Synesso Cyncra

2005-04-17T22:20:00.000-07:00

tricked out Synesso Cyncra, originally uploaded by tonx.

SCAA was this weekend in Seattle and what did I do... WORK... All the beautiful machines (I wanted to see the new LaMarzocco and the above Synesso)... All the talented barista... Good company... Good friends... oh well it looked like it was fun... On top of that there was the World Barista Competition... Great job Phuong way to REPRESENT... Much luv to Sammy and Canada for makin' it to the World Finals
(pic is courtesy of tonx)

Pure Genius part 1

2005-04-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

puregenius1, originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

So we were having this disussion on www.coffeegeek.com regarding latte art and the sensory appeal of it all. The standard shapes hearts,rosettas,etc. My stance is that the visual appeal of latte art is temporary because it is a drink that you are ultimately going to consume. I like etching as much as I like latte art. The point is this pic was a screwed up heart that I decided to swirl into shapes...because screwed up latte art isn't as appealing to drink as a perfectly formed heart. I was pretty proud of myself for what I created from from my screw up... so I dub this PURE GENIUS

Welcome to the HALL of ESPRESSO

2005-04-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

homesweethome, originally uploaded by espressoDOM.

This is the house my fiance and I just made an offer on. We move in 30 days. We are so pumped to be getting married and moving into a new house. I dub thee the new "Hall of Espresso" in the beautiful city of El Dorado Hills, California. WHERE??!! El Dorado Hills is 90 minutes from Tahoe off of Highway 50 in Northern California. A place for us to call home. A place where the espresso will flow freely and hearts are the art of choice. You are all welcome to visit on your way to Tahoe....(more info later)