When work stress hits,
some people take a walk.
I walk to the pantry.

That little corner in our office
the smell of coffee, the quiet hum
is my reset button.

For me, coffee isn’t just caffeine.
It’s therapy.

That’s why I still insist on a semi-auto coffee machine.
Not because it looks cool.
But because of the ritual.

Grinding the beans.
Tamping the puck.
Pulling the shot.
Each step slows me down and reminds me to be present.

The reward?
A golden crema and deep aroma that no pod or auto machine can match.

Sometimes my colleagues complain,
“Why the coffee so bitter?”

I just smile.
“You need more practice.”

Because coffee is a science
bean freshness, roast level, grind size, water quality, milk texture,
even your mood that moments all matter.

Sure, I could buy a fully automatic machine.
Press a button, done.

But where’s the fun in that?

Life without trying new things feels a little too… automatic.

Maybe one day,
my colleagues will understand why I still insist on doing it the hard way
one cup at a time.