Real Ale Coffee Porter

I spent the evening people watching with good company in a cool atmosphere in a nice little alehouse in the art district called Roosevelt's at 7.  It was rainy out, reminding me of Seattle of course, and I was craving something rich like a stout or a porter.  I asked if there was a beer menu, and found it odd that there wasn't.  You see, Roosevelt's apparently changes their beer selection so often that they don't keep a beer menu because of it.  As someone who likes seeing her options on paper, I was a bit disappointed by this.  Regardless I asked the bartender to sample all of the stouts and porters on tap with the exception of Guinness.  Sadly there was only one porter to choose from and two stouts.

I chose the Real Ale Coffee Porter.  If coffee is going to be in the name of my beer, I expect bold coffee flavor.  I was surprised when the hint of coffee was actually more like a background note in the taste.  It was subtle and not overwhelming.  By the end of the pint I was actually glad the coffee flavors weren't so powerful, but I would have named this porter something that denoted a subtle coffee taste.

I did love the feel of this brew, and while it did not blow my mind I would probably drink it again.  I did expect less carbonation and more richness, but it was a nice balance.  Not too carbonated, but more so than expected with a porter.

Overall, a good porter, but if you're a coffee snob like me, you may want a porter with stronger coffee notes.  Cheers!

What was in your pint tonight?

Those Angel wings in the background are almost placed where they should be...

Gratuity // Thankful Post

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am sitting here, drinking my hot cup of coffee deciding who I should declare thankfulness to.  It has been a blessed year and I think last Thanksgiving I just wanted to be at home more than anything.  I wanted to be surrounded by all things familiar and love and step away from the new life that I had established for myself in Louisiana.  It was a hard year, a year of growth, and for that I am eternally grateful.

For my profession I am thankful.  For the wonderful students I have the privilege of calling my own I am thankful.   I only hope that they have learned as much from me as I have learned from them.  For the community I have become a part of in central Louisiana.  I am thankful for being welcomed with open arms and open hearts to learn from these people and to give a piece of myself to their children.

For the education I have received, and that I hope to continue to receive every day.  I never stop learning, and everyone I meet teaches me something valuable.  Even you. 

Thank you to my supportive and loving family, for caring about me, encouraging me to pursue my dreams and trusting my instincts...even when they're crazy and involve possibly moving to the Pacific Northwest.

To my friends, new and old. Those I may speak to every day, and those I may speak to once a week.  Those who think I forget about them...I don't.  Those who have come into my life, out, and back in. Those who I never thought would touch my heart after high school.

Love you, Sarah

I'm thankful for Molly Denim Lupo and her loving parents

"Miss you Auntie Laura" 

To all of you, I sincerely thank you.

Update:

My University of Washington School of Social Work application is officially submitted! Now comes the wait. Come February I should hear a response.  I think about this every day and even had dreams about it the other day.  Sometimes you just know in your heart you're supposed to be somewhere.  I knew I was meant to do Teach For America.  I knew I was called to work for a greater cause much larger than myself, and when I stepped off that plane last Labor Day holiday in Seattle I knew that the next chapter in my life would begin there.

Send me positive vibes! 

With a BANG

Oh how glorious it is to be home.  First thing on my mind as soon as I landed: a haircut.  Nothing drastic, but definitely overdue for a change.  I have been trying to grow out my hair because I had it short for so long the last two years of college.  I miss my long hair.  I added some layers and some bangs to make a difference.

End result...

Long layers & some bangs

We like? I definitely LOVE.  My hair looks a bit shorter than it actually is in this photograph.  My long layers are perfect and I think my bangs add the perfect change that I needed for the end of 2012.  Best part about being home for the holidays?  Getting to wear real people clothes and not work clothes that make me feel like a teacher.  Saturday's outfit:

Fashion Saturday: Royal Blue Blouse - Marshall's
Skinny black pants - Forever 21
Gold leopard print tuxedo flats - Target

 Also, look at this amazing looking fruit I've had since I've been home.  Tonight, I'm looking forward to a spin class at my local gym.  CAN.  NOT.  WAIT.

Beautiful grapefruit

Fresh Pomegranate! 

 Tomorrow I get to see one of my best friends from high school.  YAY.
Anyone in the RGV for Thanksgiving?