For those who know me, you know I am a bit of a coffee nerd. I roast my own beans and have a blast experimenting with combinations that produce interesting flavors.
On our recent vacation, I was thrilled to be able to visit, albeit briefly, with my friend, Dr. Meghaan Lurtz. She and her family are living in Italy while her husband, Justin, is serving there.
It was wonderful hearing about Justin’s love of coffee. Naples is the heartbeat of fabulous espresso! He shared the deep research he had done into the new espresso machine he plans to buy when he finishes his tour. He also shared his picks for the machine, grinder, and other equipment he’s looking forward to digging into with relish upon his return.
Meanwhile, back in New Jersey, my espresso machine is on its last legs, and a replacement is in order. I looked at Justin’s picks and salivated over his choices. It started me down the rabbit hole of espresso machines, and with the help of AI, I narrowed my choices to a few possibilities. The wands, the gauges, the double boilers, and the controls all drew me in. I could already picture that shiny piece of metal adorning my counter.
I shared my picks with my new coffee guru, and what I got back was a total surprise. He steered me toward a machine from the same manufacturer as my old one, but one bereft of lots of gauges, buttons, and complicated systems. After reviewing his suggestion, I hit the “buy” button and am anxiously awaiting its arrival.
Going down the rabbit hole can be fun and educational. But it doesn’t answer the important question: What do I want from this machine? I don’t want a machine so complicated that I get frustrated. I want consistent espresso that can be enjoyed without the need for an engineering degree.
As you pilot your life, it’s easy to get stuck in the weeds. Keep asking yourself: What do I really want from this experience? It’s working for me.
