Simple Living

Exploring other coffee spots and gave PJ’s a try.  The vibe is of a franchise and they had an overwhelming menu so opted for a cold brew. Cold Brew They suggested the pecan flavored and I added some whole milk.  It was quite nice and better than a regular iced coffee.  I’ve only had cold brew a number of times and mostly from Starbucks. I wouldn’t mine stopping in again, but tend to prefer non-franchise.  Starbucks while decent has made everything taste the same.

Nespresso isn't cheap and I'm averaging $1.50 per serving.  While its still cheaper than a coffee shop, its benefit is more convenience than a good cup of coffee.  Still there are some flavors I'm finding pleasant and really enjoy the Pierre Homme Hazelnut and Double Espresso. I'm also really loving the iced coffee options and addicted to the LE Coconut and will need to pick up more when they restock.  And since experimenting with the PH Double Espresso, I'm finding almost every strong Espresso pod like Altisso and up are perfect mixed with hot water into an Americano. That's basically it for me a couple Espresso's for an Americano base or the LE Coconut on ice.  Doing it that way helps me keep the cost down and enjoy the convenience of a Nespresso machine.  I can then ration about 1 sleeve per week and limit my consumption for the weekends when I hit 2-3 pods per day. My favs: Coconut LE PH Hazelnut PH Double Espresso Kona Espresso LE Any strong Espresso (A

Over the years I've had a chance to own and try several different models of Android devices and while I'm primarily an Apple user, I'm continually impressed by how far Android has come and even surpasses iphones in screen quality, cameras, battery life and UI. Performance however is where it still lags and requires ever increasing specs on chipsets and memory to keep pace with the iPhone.  After 3 years the typical Android is considered slow...iPhone that's not even middle age and can go another 3 years to at least 6 years when it's comparatively slow. When Android bridges that performance gap it'll be the decline of iPhone to becoming a niche brand.  Even though I'm an Apple fan, I remain agnostic.  It's unlikely to happen as the problem is not the specs, but the Android OS.  Which is weird as Linux is fast on old computers and Android is based on Linux, yet somehow it cannot duplicate the same performance experience on a more powerful device like a fl

I picked up a Samsung A15 5G.  It’s a decent budget phone and is about the same as my older A32 5G, but with a better 90hz OLED screen, nice 5,000 mah battery and 128gb memory.  It’s also a plus to have 3.5mm headphone jack. Initial Review.   The screen is awesome and resolution beats the A32 hands down and is actually better marginally than my iPhone 14 Pro.  What sucks is performance after sleep mode.  UI and apps are functional and decent, where you may encounter problems is when you let apps go into sleep mode.  But I got it to watch streaming shows and it’s awesome. Overall it’s a budget phone but nicely done to make it feel comparable to an iPhone 15 Pro Max, but obviously not the same performance. This is great for streaming videos and for single applications, heavier lift apps and any multitasking will be limited.  It's almost like a phablet and I plan to use it as such for travel.   Specs: Release - Dec 16, 2023 Android 14 | One UNI 6 Screen 6.5" screen (1080 x 2340 p

Found a great bagel shop in Texas.  Beats Einstein Bro in quality although the price is higher, but it’s worth it when you want a quality bagel. Got the Salmon Lox on Onion & Chives Schmear and a classic Bacon & Eggs.

I forgot what I ordered but wanted to record it here I had a decent Negroni and some Watermelon energy cocktail.  Was good.

Sometimes I just want a margarita and some chips.  Mi Cocina is most elegant choice.  It’s not the best margarita, but it’s decent and strong.

It’s actually difficult to find good Chinese food in Dallas and only dim sum spot I could find is in Richardson.  Apparently it’s very popular so parking lot and tables fill up early.

Ordered the steak and it was excellent.  Had a bunch of appetizers and amazing Old Fashioned.  This place has got it all.  Prices were not bad for the drinks.

I had some time again in Dallas for work and stopped at Nest Craft.  Love trying new coffee spots and the Cortado was delicious, but the Old Fashioned with Toki Whisky was meh.  They used simple syrup rather than muddling of fruit so it tasted more like sugar and scotch.  Strong yes, but wanted a proper drink. I plan to visit DFW quite a bit for work.  Love the per diem.

Enjoyed a delicious Barbacoa Mexican Breakfast.  Reminded me of Austin where I got something similar.  You can tell it’s gonna be good when the chips & salsa are good.  Coffee wasn’t too bad.

Had a nice lunch at Platia Greek Kouzina in Frisco, Texas.   Got the Brizola Steak and it was delicious.  I’d have preferred some fresh veggies as it was overwhelming carbs, but the pita bread is amazing and so was the hummus dish.

Updated my EDC over the years, but settled on some basic brand names. Card Wallet concerns.  For the longest time I’ve owned a Coach card wallet but always was nervous to use it as I found myself it falling out of my pockets at home.  I finally found a way to clip it to my inner pocket and weigh it down next to my keys.  I may try other attach point options to clip it to my phone. Another reason for downsizing to a slim wallet is to keep my back pockets empty as it’s painful during long drives and a nuisance to be mindful to relocate my larger wallet. March 2024: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Casio A168WG Victorinox Manager Victorinox Huntsman Coach Leather Card Wallet

Took the plunge and bought an Apple iMac M3.  Opted for the larger 16GB / 512GB HHD configuration.  So far it’s been pretty good and once I learn more of the OS and keyboard shortcuts the easier it’s going.  This orange version cost me about $2.1k (California Tax Rates). Why an iMac? I’ve been Windows and Linux for many years and for a few years in college did own an older MacBook.  For most of this time I’ve managed with cheap laptops.  Although I debated a MacBook, the price was too much and I figured why not a desktop computer again?