We were considering one of the Keurig machines, but after reading all the user reviews Amazon.com, we decided against the Keurig. The reviews stated the machine has a tendency to fail after a few months to a year, so we thought we would try this one, which has a two year warranty.

The best part, it makes a great cup of coffee in under 30 seconds and the cleanup is nothing! We also use it to produce a fast cup of hot water for tea.

The MyCafe website shows a decent selection of pods you use with the machine. But visit Amazon.com to get a better variety of the pods, if you’re interested.

Ingredients:
4 teaspoons instant coffee granules
2 teaspoons sugar
1/3 cup and 2 tablespoons warm water
1-1/2 cups cold milk

Directions:
In sealable jar or container (I used a water bottle), combine the instant coffee, sugar and warm water. Cover the container and shake until it is foamy. Pour into a glass full of ice. Fill the glass with milk. Adjust to taste if needed. For the mocha people out there, try adding some chocolate syrup. It’s yummy, trust me.

I think instead of making new ones, I am going to fulfill the list from past years…here goes:

1. Spend more time with my friends and family!
2. Finish the backyard landscaping at my home.
3. Create a better living space at home (remove clutter and reorganize).

If I could do just these 3 things this year, I would be so happy!

I have promised on several occasions, to many friends, to grab a beer with them and let my work schedule get in the way of that. If you would like to help me with the first item on the list, leave a comment below and let’s schedule it!

We finally reached the top after climbing for a couple hours – I was so relieved when we got there. We sat there for short time resting, drinking water, eating energy snacks and took a few photos. A funny thing happend to me as we started climbing back down, the pain from my legs and chest was gone and all I could do was look around and marvel at the scenery and the views from the altitude we were at. I was overwhelmed with feelings of excitement and accomplishment. I felt awesome!

After climbing down a while, my legs begain to hurt again, but I did not focus on the pain (as I did on the way up). Instead, I surrendered to the physical messages from my body and simply enjoyed the moment and engaged in good conversation with the guys all the way down. It was a great day!

I learned a couple things about myself that day. Besides learning I am COMPLETELY out of shape physically, I learned that the pain or sacrifice we go through is usually a trivial thing compared to the reward or sense of accomplishment we get after moving past our obstacles.

It was a great day and I am gratful for my friends taking me with them. Here are some photos from the day.

Another mountain in the distance

Looking back from the top

Tony is happy!

Me and Ryan

Me and Tony

view from the top

resting at the top