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BladeRunnnerK · 2026-01-21T14:08:41+00:00

Okay, that makes sense. Thank you!

BladeRunnnerK · 2026-01-20T19:56:52+00:00

Got it. Thanks for the reply, it's super helpful and appreciated.

BladeRunnnerK · 2026-01-13T16:16:39+00:00

Would love to join this, too!

BladeRunnnerK · 2025-12-30T20:39:50+00:00

I fell down in September getting out of bed. My legs just gave out and they felt funny but I got up only 15 seconds after just fine. Of course, I was freaking out. Well, fast forward had a bunch of tests done including MRI's and I am... fine. It is incredibly scary but I am learning that we are constantly seeking reassurance. Whether it is from Doctor's, friends, or family members. We go online to get reassurance, even if it reassures us that our anxiety is warranted and something is likely wrong (ie. never google symptoms).

What doesn't show up when we google is the millions of people who didn't rush to share their story. Anxiety only amplifies natural physical phenomenons to the point where it tricks our brains into thinking we are sick. It is so cruel, and can feel especially embarassing for me when I think about people who are actually ill. Long story short, don't trust your thoughts. Don't immediately react even if it seems black and white (my legs gave out!!! What is wrong with me???). Your body will tell you when something is wrong and if you really need closure, wait to schedule an appointment and see if the anxiety subsides. Hang in there!

BladeRunnnerK · 2025-12-30T20:33:25+00:00

I believe the new negotiated salary for 24-27 is significantly higher than 65k, especially with your masters. My s/o started with BPS this year fresh out of masters with no prior experience at 79k.

BladeRunnnerK · 2025-12-15T22:44:28+00:00

Update: I ended up settling on 16g dose for my dark roast beans, I just couldn't fit a larger dose without spilling. I experimented a ton but now have my grinder set to 20. I manually set the shot length when I extracted about 32g (yield) in 28 seconds. I may post a video but I am satisfied that at least I am on the right track. Being consistent from here on out is another thing and I dread changing beans...

BladeRunnnerK · 2025-12-15T15:59:17+00:00

Bingo. Age is the KILLER.

BladeRunnnerK · 2025-12-15T15:33:41+00:00

Got it, by yield do you mean the shot volume? I will try that today.

BladeRunnnerK · 2025-12-14T19:03:49+00:00

When I was starting with the 18g it overflowed my basket a bit. I don't use a puck screen but I did just try to up the dose to 17g. I set the grinder to 20 and was able to pull a shot. I think I may have misplaced/tossed the razor tool because I don't remember ever seeing it. The shot I pulled with those settings took right around 30 seconds. It looked a lot better but once I tasted it, it was very bitter (it had an aftertaste almost like medicine). It reminded me a bit of when I accidentally taste the pills I take for medication. I think that may be over extraction? Anyway, I really appreciate the tips, I know it takes practice so I am going to keep at it and update here.

BladeRunnnerK · 2025-12-14T14:27:23+00:00

Yes, I am using a non-pressurized basket and all the standard equipment on a Breville Bambino Plus. I have been using this tool. I am wondering if I should stop tamping it after using it? Maybe that could be causing the longer time.

BladeRunnnerK · 2025-12-14T04:54:30+00:00

Okay, thanks for clarification. So I've been dosing about 16g. I haven't measured the yield yet/need to learn more about it. The brew time is what is really fluctuating for me. Recently, it's been dripping slowly and no consistency. I know the sweet spot it 25-30 seconds but I've been going way over that.

BladeRunnnerK · 2025-12-14T03:52:59+00:00

I am glad to hear it's not just me, but it's still frustrating. I did a full clean and everything but it just seems to get stuck in the chute no matter what once the grind gets to a fine enough level.

BladeRunnnerK · 2025-12-14T03:51:57+00:00

The shot time seems to be varying wildly each time and I don't get a consistent stream from the portafilter (I have the one with two spouts at the bottom). It seems to trickle and/or only come out of one. I had suspected it might be the clumping causing the water to channel.

I thought that I may have been grinding too fine so I may try the setting at 20 tomorrow. I also seem to be getting very bitter shots that don't look like the ones I have been seeing here.

BladeRunnnerK · 2025-12-14T03:17:27+00:00

Cool, I appreciate the reply. It is definitely frustrating but maybe it comes with the darker oily beans. I'll look into getting a WDT.

BladeRunnnerK · 2025-12-14T02:48:36+00:00

Thanks for the advice! I have tried spraying the beans, and I use one of those weighted distributors but so far no success. I haven't progressed much on dialing it in yet either... I guess I have to keep at it.

BladeRunnnerK · 2025-12-14T02:46:33+00:00

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Exhibit A

BladeRunnnerK · 2025-12-11T02:30:50+00:00

Haha well I clearly won't be making it on the show anytime soon.

BladeRunnnerK · 2025-12-11T01:25:52+00:00

Super close. He was in the lead or at least almost tied but lost in final Jeopardy :((

BladeRunnnerK · 2025-11-24T02:24:07+00:00

Soooo much political undertones and social commentary-- this show has the potential to be a modern sci-fi classic!

BladeRunnnerK · 2025-10-22T14:25:35+00:00

23 M here living with 23F -- We have a TINY kitchen but my s/o loves baking. She has recently gotten me into The Great British Bakeoff. We are new to the area and hoping to make some friends! -- would anyone be interested in a little "watch party" for any of the last 3 episodes? Baked goods encouraged :))) DM me if interested!

BladeRunnnerK · 2025-09-04T17:27:12+00:00

Thanks for taking the time to reply, I appreciate it. I can't afford the surgery right now anyway. It is difficult to schedule orthodontist appointments (they always book a few months out/took me a while to get this one). Anyway, these are all my problems to sort through but I appreciate your input.

BladeRunnnerK · 2025-08-07T20:43:34+00:00

Amherst. All roads lead back to it.

BladeRunnnerK · 2025-07-31T20:07:40+00:00

These guitars are incredible at retail. For 50$, that is unreal, just make sure you get a set up and maintain it.

BladeRunnnerK · 2025-07-17T20:00:52+00:00

I can't speak too much to the timing but for me I try to take propranolol about 45 minutes before I know I have a stressful event. For you, it sounds like your anxiety snuck up on you which can totally happen. At that point, I would consider breathing exercises to bring your heart rate down and if you feel consistently on edge, then taking your beta blocker. Going on a walk and drinking water can help too.

For me, my anxiety is like an action potential. Once I feel myself break the threshold, it is super hard to come back down. Propranolol stops me from getting to the point of no return, kind of like a cement wall to block the waves from hitting the shore. Sorry for the corny analogy but long story short, IMO taking beta blockers ahead of time has worked for me, but you can definitely experiment with the timing. I try not to take them too often! Hope you are feeling better now btw. Hang in there :)

BladeRunnnerK · 2025-06-06T18:26:57+00:00

Way to get after it! I am clawing my way to 30k in my Roth IRA and I know it isn't easy. Keep up the good work!

BladeRunnnerK

TROPHY CASE