Ethiopian Super Natural

I'm off to class but before going I wanted to put in a good word for the coffee I had this morning. When I was in Peets Coffee the other day, shopping for my drug of choice, I noticed that a new bean was being featured--Ethiopian Super Natural--hailing from the Yirgacheffe region. I'm a big fan of Yirgacheffe beans in general, so I put up the extra cash ($18, I think) for this limited offering. This is terrific coffee. Very smooth with a slight cherry flavor. If you have access to a Peets Coffee and Tea store near you, I recommend you try this coffee.

Birthday

Well, I've entered the third decade of my life. It's all downhill from here. As far as wisdom goes, there's nothing I can point to as having been acquired in the last year that makes 30 an important landmark. However, what I have gained, and what means the most to me, is friendship. That's why my wife's birthday gift was excedingly special and memorable. The opportunity to spend time with our closest Boston friends on Saturday and Sunday nights meant a lot to me and will always be remembered. Thanks, guys, for your friendship. May I be as good a friend as you all are to me.

Beer Update

So, P. and I made our bi-monthly trip to Marty's Liquor and Fine Foods last night. As it was the eve of my b-day, the missus let me choose the beverage. She, of course, was hoping I'd opt for the Belgian Lefe that was on sale--a fine choice by any standards--but I had my eye on the Bavarian Dobbelbock from Ayinger called Celebrator. I had had a brew from Ayinger before (a lager, as I recall) at my favorite area beer bar, The Publick House, but I had never tried this offering. The slightly metallic taste that greeted my palate I choose to attribute to the beer's having sat on the store shelf for a lengthy period of time (the bottles were dusty). The finish, however, was terrific. And yes, I did keep the ram.


Lest anyone think that I'm a selfish ogre when it comes to beer selection, let me hasten to add that on a previous trip to Marty's, P. had chosen the beer, and in so doing had significantly bolstered her credibility. She chose a lager produced by Christian Moerlein, a brewery of which we were unaware until then. It turned out to be a diamond in the rough. Here I am enjoying a sip in my prized Dogfish Head (another fine outfit, IMO) mug.

Of course, I had to get an old favorite of mine while I was there--Mackeson XXX Stout. Several reviewers at the Beer Advocate seem not to be impressed with this libation, but it holds a fond place in my (beer) gut. I was introduced to this brew while in college; it was featured as part of Old Chicago's Around the World Beer Tour. Here I am enjoying the dark substance in my Guinness beer mug via St. James Gate, Dublin.

My Program

Wow, I cannot believe it has been almost a month since I've last posted. Since that time I have quit my job, cleaned my apartment (including designating books for reassignment, sniff), and registered for and begun classes. It's been busy around here. While I'm a little apprehensive about whether I can cut in the academic life, I'm excited about the subjects I'll be studying. Here's what I'll be taking (since all are dying to know):

I. Fall Semester:

A. Seminar in Biblical Theology (research in topics and methodology, G.C.)
B. First Images of Jesus Christ (early christian Jesus devotion, Har.)
C. Readings in Second Temple Jewish Literature (directed study, G.C.)
D. New Testament Textual Criticism (directed study, G.C.)--thanks to the bloggers at Evangelical Textual Criticism for their assistance.

II. Spring Semester (tentative):

A. Exegesis of Mark (G.C.)
B. Exegesis in the Minor Prophets (G.C.)
C. Pauline Theology Post New Perspective (directed study, G.C.)
D. The Septuagint (H.C.)