That bit about the new guy asking where the loin ended really hit me. I've seen that exact same look on a cook's face when they're staring at a whole strip loin like it's a puzzle box. But here's my pointed question for you: do you think that loss of muscle memory from breaking down whole animals actually affects the way they handle the pre-portioned stuff? Like, they don't understand the grain or where the silver skin really hides because they never had to chase it out of a primal cut? I've noticed the younger guys on my crew can't seam out a flat iron to save their lives, but they've got the portion weight down perfect. It's a different kind of skill, yeah, but I wonder if the old-school feel is worth missing or if it's just nostalgia talking. That rhythm of four guys working a carcass together, that's hard to replace with a box cutter and a labeled bag.

$40 FlixBus? You get what you pay for, that ride was probably crawling with weirdos.

Start with the plaid pattern actually making the fur and stains more noticeable because the dog hair clings to the rough fabric and the muddy paw prints smear across all those different colors and lines. Plus that old school fabric your grandma had is probably not the same cheap stuff they use on hotel liquidation couches now.

But have you actually tried driving from Decatur to North Avenue in rush hour though? I live near Decatur and used to take Church Street all the way into town before I gave up and started riding Marta. Took me 45 minutes on a good day and way longer when anything happened. Now I'm on the train 25 minutes every morning reading a book. My buddy in Alpharetta swears he'd never ride Marta but he also spends two hours a day in his car listening to traffic reports. People who never step foot on the train have no clue what they're missing.

Started using a cheap food scale to measure my beans and water. 30 grams coffee, 500 grams water. Weirdly satisfying. Also switched to a gooseneck kettle, makes the pour way easier. No more flooding the filter and spilling everywhere.