Patrick O'Connell

Going Green...Tea That Is

Because of our spending fast, I am desperately trying to reduce the amount of coffee--Starbucks in particular--that I drink. I am switching to green tea. This is nothing against Starbucks by the way. They have a strong commitment to corporate responsibility regarding the environment and fair labor and their coffee rocks. But being a regular of theirs is taking a toll on my wallet and to a lesser degree my health.

Example of a health concern: one day last month I drank so much Starbucks that I was shaking from all of the caffeine. I didn't sleep well when I finally did make it to bed and then I was wakened by a really sour stomach.

The real reason for reducing my consumption is that my wife and I combined estimate we spend 6-8 dollars a day on the stuff. I am good for 2-3 Grandes a day at the office ($6) and if she even stops for one while she's shuffling the kids around that's another $2.

I LOVE Starbucks and so for me to even contemplate giving it up is HUGE. I love everything about Starbucks.

Here, I made a list:

1. I love the taste: dark, warm, (sometimes a bit bitter) like a stormy October evening. (Terrible simile I admit.)
2. I adore the friendly barristas (sp?) in their black caps and green aprons who ALWAYS smile at me when I step up to order my Joe.
3. I groove to the the swanky music that I can reach out and purchase right along with my coffee.
4. The aroma! Is there any better aroma then that of freshly roasted beans?
5. The witty quote on the side of the recycled paper cup.
6. Sitting down with friends and talking at one of the tables.

Instead, I am going to drink lots of Green Tea. It has far less caffeine and a plethora of antioxidants. It's also much cheaper than coffee. I've been drinking loads of it since the first of the month and I feel better. I've saved quite a bit of money since I no longer fork out 2 bucks for a Grande sized cup.

I'd be interested to know if any of you are aware of other benefits of Green Tea or could suggest a good brand to buy? I am all about brand loyalty.

Dinner Sunday Night: Eat Together

I found this 'draft post' in my queue and so thought I'd put it out there. We've been invited to dinner with friends this Sunday. Next week we have more friends coming over so it's kind of timely. (I think I wrote this in September?)

Sunday night we had friends to the house for dinner. We had one of those conversations with them that are real and inspiring (mostly about God). As we were sitting there eating it reminded me of how important dining together is. I am always inspired after sharing time like that. The food (pasta and salad) was wonderful--thanks to my wonderful wife--and the conversation was lively.

Just thought I'd remind you that if you're thinking of inviting someone over to your house for dinner--do it. The world would be a much better place if we broke bread together in our homes.

Loberstergram!

Here's a plug for a really unique service.

My very good friend Bob F. gave me a Lobstergram as a Christmas gift. So this past Friday we invited some friends over to share in the feast. (I live in a no shellfish zone on account of Nancy being severely allergic to all shellfish. Besides, I couldn't possible eat two lobsters myself.)

The lobsters arrived in Styrofoam box. They were packaged in dry ice (to keep them alive) and all of the tools necessary to cook them, Once we had the food ready and a pot of hot water in they went. Ten minutes or so later we had succulent lobster meant along with salad and pasta.

It's a great service and makes for an interesting gift. They even keep a blog. Thanks Bob!

Cormac's Mealtime Prayer

Here is Cormac's (our three year-old) mealtime prayer. 

God is great

God is Good

Let us thank Him

For our food

Amen.

I wish you could see him saying it. He clasps his hands together and closes his eyes tight. He will only say the prayer once everyone at the meal is quiet. It doesn't matter whether we're in public or at home--Cormac must say his prayer.

I think it's great.