morning routine

[BlondeDocteur]

OK.. I'm putting myself out there to be ridiculed. I know it.

I have no problem admitting that I am literally addicted to coffee. I need it every morning.

I live in Manhattan, land of 24 Hour Convenience (dry cleaning, porn stores, coffee carts, etc). Even when I've worked overnight, or needed to be in by 4 AM, I've been able to grab coffee & a bagel.

When I did aways (one in California, one in Texas) that was not the case. I suffered immensely.

If the match gods smile upon me I will be leaving NYC for residency and am actually quite worried about this-- what do you all do?! Actually make it yourselves?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

OK.. I'm putting myself out there to be ridiculed. I know it.

I have no problem admitting that I am literally addicted to coffee. I need it every morning.

I live in Manhattan, land of 24 Hour Convenience (dry cleaning, porn stores, coffee carts, etc). Even when I've worked overnight, or needed to be in by 4 AM, I've been able to grab coffee & a bagel.

When I did aways (one in California, one in Texas) that was not the case. I suffered immensely.

If the match gods smile upon me I will be leaving NYC for residency and am actually quite worried about this-- what do you all do?! Actually make it yourselves?

I usually just make coffee myself - set up the pot the night before on a timer and it's ready to roll when I wake up (the smell is nice to wake up to too).

 

[smq123]

If the match gods smile upon me I will be leaving NYC for residency and am actually quite worried about this-- what do you all do?! Actually make it yourselves?

You've never made coffee yourself?

I actually do try to make my own coffee. It's cheaper, it tastes better, and I can control how it's made - how strong it is, what kind of beans, etc. I actually don't like buying coffee from carts/gas stations because it always tastes stale and a little burnt.

It also depends on which city you go to. In Philadelphia, it's actually quite easy to get coffee 24 hours a day if there is a Wawa nearby (and there is a Wawa within walking distance to 3 out of the 4 university hospitals in the city). Wawa coffee is actually quite decent too - they put out fresh pots frequently.

What happens when you don't drink coffee?

 

[LucidSplash]

Seriously, invest in a Keurig or similar machine and the separate accessory wherein you can use your own coffee instead of the packaged cups. Much much cheaper than buying coffee everyday and much more convenient IMHO.

I still buy and use the pods (from a warehouse store like Sam's usually but can also be found wherever you buy the machine aka Bed, Bath, and Beyond) if I'm running short on time in the AM but usually I just take the extra minute to use the accessory for my own coffee.

Can be programmed to turn on in the morning at a certain time. Makes better one-cup coffee than a coffee pot IMHO. Takes like a minute to make the actual cup of coffee.

For awhile I was just drinking Sugarfree Redbull in the AM but that got too expensive. Much cheaper to invest in this machine and a spill-proof coffee mug (I got one from BBB that you can turn upside down and it won't spill). Just add your favorite International Delights or Coffeemate flavored non-dairy creamer and you're set.

 

[maxheadroom]

You're doing General Surgery?? You dropped off of the Plastics bandwagon?

 

[BlondeDocteur]

Yup. Quite happy about the decision, too. Much better fit.

I registered for the obligatory coffeemaker as a wedding gift but found, upon returning to New York in November after two months away on PRS sub-is, that my Better Half neglected to empty out the grinds. Since August. So that's no longer in use.

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

Yup. Quite happy about the decision, too. Much better fit.

I registered for the obligatory coffeemaker as a wedding gift but found, upon returning to New York in November after two months away on PRS sub-is, that my Better Half neglected to empty out the grinds. Since August. So that's no longer in use.

As gross as this admission may be, I did this to my coffee maker before moving. Didn't realize it until I unpacked it about a month later. I gave it a very thorough cleaning and kept right on using it with no issues.

 

[SLUser11]

OK.. I'm putting myself out there to be ridiculed. I know it.

I have no problem admitting that I am literally addicted to coffee. I need it every morning.

I live in Manhattan, land of 24 Hour Convenience (dry cleaning, porn stores, coffee carts, etc). Even when I've worked overnight, or needed to be in by 4 AM, I've been able to grab coffee & a bagel.

When I did aways (one in California, one in Texas) that was not the case. I suffered immensely.

If the match gods smile upon me I will be leaving NYC for residency and am actually quite worried about this-- what do you all do?! Actually make it yourselves?

Most big cities in the US will have coffee available 24 hours a day....be it from a gas station, McDonalds, or the hospital itself. I don't think that's a New York thing.

When it comes to conveniences, suburbia has plenty.

 

[Pir8DeacDoc]

Agree with the above poster about Keurig and the attachment that lets you put your own coffee in it. My hospital serves Green Mountain Coffee (great stuff if you haven't tried it) but it gets expensive. So I buy Green Mountain bag in my flavor of choice (Mocha Nut Fudge) and make my own and drink it on the drive in each morning so I hit the door wired and ready for action

 

[butterfly0660]

My Keurig has been the best thing that ever happened to me...even using those prepackaged cups I still save a ton of money since it keeps me from stopping at Starbucks!

However, even if you choose not to make your own coffee, even the town where I grew up (population 3000) has a 24 hr gas station where you can get a cup of hot coffee! You don't even have to live in a big city to find a cup of coffee in the middle of the night.

 

[filter07]

1. Make it yourself, instant coffee is easy
2. Look in the nurses station
3. McDonald's
4. Stop drinking coffee

 

[BlondeDocteur]

Agree with the above poster about Keurig and the attachment that lets you put your own coffee in it. My hospital serves Green Mountain Coffee (great stuff if you haven't tried it) but it gets expensive. So I buy Green Mountain bag in my flavor of choice (Mocha Nut Fudge) and make my own and drink it on the drive in each morning so I hit the door wired and ready for action

Ugh... we have to buy cars, too. I haven't had a car for 8 years, husband hasn't since 1996. Ugh. Looking forward to having wheels again, though.

So you like the instant coffee? Tastes good, does the job?

 

[Dr.LeoSpaceman]

Buy a French Press (~$30) and order some coffee from Intelligentsia (online or in-store for those who live in Chicago/LA/NYC). Seriously.

I live in NYC too, and certainly love the convenience of 24-hour coffee. The problem is, the coffee I make at home is 10x better than I can buy anywhere else (save for a few small coffee houses, that are neither near me or open early/late).

It takes me about 10 minutes to make my morning coffee, and I usually do it while getting dressed.

 

[SLUser11]

My Keurig has been the best thing that ever happened to me...even using those prepackaged cups I still save a ton of money since it keeps me from stopping at Starbucks!

Those things are like $10-15 for an 18-pack.....not exactly dirt cheap, but definitely cheaper than Starbucks I guess. My mom has fallen victim to the Keurig.....

Of course, I can't talk because my guilty pleasure is the Diet Rock Star, which is at the cheapest $1.50 each. Still, I love them.....

 

[Winged Scapula]

Of course, I can't talk because my guilty pleasure is the Diet Rock Star, which is at the cheapest $1.50 each. Still, I love them.....

I love it too...one of the hospitals I have privileges at (and am operating at tomorrow) has it in the physician's lounge. I usually get one to start my day and when I'm leaving as well.

 

[Pir8DeacDoc]

The key to making the Keurig cost effective is getting the attachment so you can use your own coffee and not have to use the "cups". Otherwise it's not drastically cheaper and the Keurig machines aren't cheap in the first place.

 

[LucidSplash]

Those things are like $10-15 for an 18-pack.....not exactly dirt cheap, but definitely cheaper than Starbucks I guess. My mom has fallen victim to the Keurig.....

Well, only if you buy them at BBB. You can buy a huge box, as long as you don't mind a single flavor, at the warehouse stores for much cheaper per k-cup; somewhere around over 100 cups for less than $50. But definitely, the best way to go is the accessory that costs like $12 that lets you use any coffee instead of the pre-packaged cups.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Produc...074&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C

 

[LucidSplash]

So you like the instant coffee? Tastes good, does the job?

Its not instant coffee in the classic use of the term. Its real coffee, just pushed through a single-dose unit at high pressure. Most coffe-holics I know prefer it to many chain brands and think it equal to others.

 

[beefballs]

for some reason those rockstars have me needing to take a leak really fast.

 

[Ironspy]

I'm a huge fan of the french press. Put grounds and hot water in, let sit for 1-2 min, press and go. Better coffee than instant imo.

 

[Jorski]

I'm a huge fan of the french press. Put grounds and hot water in, let sit for 1-2 min, press and go. Better coffee than instant imo.

I would second this. They kind of suck to clean, but the coffee is great.

 

[dpmd]

I just wanted to state that this thread has further confirmed my suspicion that I am the only surgical resident who doesn't drink caffeinated beverages on a daily basis.

My husband does drink coffee and usually just makes a big pot and sticks it in the fridge so he can maked iced coffee until it is done. That is of course when he isn't out getting starbucks. He prefers iced so it works out well. The other thing he likes is convenience store slurm (futurama reference) which is available 24 hrs a day almost anywhere.

 

[Mr Cookie Pants]

Ugh... we have to buy cars, too. I haven't had a car for 8 years, husband hasn't since 1996. Ugh. Looking forward to having wheels again, though.

So you like the instant coffee? Tastes good, does the job?

Instant coffee is gross. I too, left grounds in my coffee maker for an extended period of time. Just buy the cleaner that is made by the maker, run it 2-3x and then run a few cycles of only hot water. Should be good as new.

On the other hand, lets say you registered somewhere fancy for your wedding, like Crate and Barrel, I'm sure the coffee maker of a Columbia Manhattanite desires and received would possess a timer function. Load it up the night before, and it works like an alarm clock.

My $40 Hamilton Beach works like a charm to supply me with fresh joe by the time I get downstairs.

I can't help you with your bagel situation. Enjoy joining the 'real world', where people drive, stores close, and coffee doesn't cost $0.50 per ounce.

 

[PAgirl]

How does coffee from a french press compare to coffee from a regular coffee maker? I've heard its better. I'm somewhat of a coffe connoisseur (worked in a coffee shop for six years and I even have a vacuum sealed cannister for my beans), so I'm always looking for the best tasting coffee. Although I would like to get a pot with a timer for the convenience. Wish there was a way to do french press quicker. Also, I'm not a fan of green mountain coffee or the keurig all that much. I don't think it makes it dark enough.

 

[SocialistMD]

How does coffee from a french press compare to coffee from a regular coffee maker? I've heard its better. I'm somewhat of a coffe connoisseur (worked in a coffee shop for six years and I even have a vacuum sealed cannister for my beans), so I'm always looking for the best tasting coffee. Although I would like to get a pot with a timer for the convenience. Wish there was a way to do french press quicker. Also, I'm not a fan of green mountain coffee or the keurig all that much. I don't think it makes it dark enough.

Interesting. I'm a simpleton from rural Texas who doesn't drink coffee and would never consider myself a "coffee connoisseur," yet I know the difference between coffee from a French press and from a regular coffee maker. The press tends to have a more robust flavor (not as watered down), as you have greater control of the water:ground coffee ratio.

Personally, I drink tea, made with an infuser and actual tea leaves when I have the time (weekends), as coffee gives me a tremor and makes me so jittery/hyper that I actually annoy myself instead of just those around me.

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

The press tends to have a more robust flavor (not as watered down), as you have greater control of the water:ground coffee ratio.

Also a french press doesn't separate out the natural oils from the beans as much as a filter does.

as coffee gives me a tremor and makes me so jittery/hyper that I actually annoy myself instead of just those around me.

I've really started noticing this more this year. I think it is the combo of coffee + dehydration for me, but man...I really may need to wean myself off the stuff before residency.

 

[Dr.LeoSpaceman]

How does coffee from a french press compare to coffee from a regular coffee maker? I've heard its better. I'm somewhat of a coffe connoisseur (worked in a coffee shop for six years and I even have a vacuum sealed cannister for my beans), so I'm always looking for the best tasting coffee. Although I would like to get a pot with a timer for the convenience. Wish there was a way to do french press quicker. Also, I'm not a fan of green mountain coffee or the keurig all that much. I don't think it makes it dark enough.

A French press only takes about 5 minutes, which is actually faster than a regular drip coffee maker for me.

 

[Pilot Doc]

One of the community programs where I interviewed many moons ago not only offered unlimited free food to the residents, but would deliver it to the wards. So the chief who toured me around joyfully boasted about how she would just call in her order before leaving home in the morning and her latte would be waiting for her when she arrived for rounds.

 

[toxic-megacolon]

I live in Manhattan, land of 24 Hour Convenience

I question the "convenience" of having to walk a block in freezing cold just to do laundry, or having to shop for groceries 3x a week b/c there's no way to transport more than 4 bags at a time.

 

[dpmd]

True. What do people there do if they want to stock up at Costco or something? Oh wait, they wouldn't have any room for that stuff in the closets they have to live in.

 

[SLUser11]

I question the "convenience" of having to walk a block in freezing cold just to do laundry, or having to shop for groceries 3x a week b/c there's no way to transport more than 4 bags at a time.

True. What do people there do if they want to stock up at Costco or something? Oh wait, they wouldn't have any room for that stuff in the closets they have to live in.

Come on, guys. Let's get off New York......

 

[BlondeDocteur]

I question the "convenience" of having to walk a block in freezing cold just to do laundry, or having to shop for groceries 3x a week b/c there's no way to transport more than 4 bags at a time.

1) Fresh Direct
+
2) SeamlessWeb
+
3) all grocery stores deliver for $5
+
4) in-unit w/d or 24-hr laundry pickup (with exorbitant 1-hr service if you really, really, really need it)

you become unbelievably lazy here

 

[opr8n]

Actually make it yourselves?

yup

i used to be your way, and my wife said no to spending $3K a year on star bucks

now i have a single cup coffe pot ($20), and buy coffee ($10 lasts a month), put it together at night, set the timer, when i get out of the shower at 430am, if hot and steamy and ready to grab and go, remember water is pretty much free

cost savings $2860
wow
although im not quite sure where i am spending that because i dont actually seem to have that much lying around????

 

[SLUser11]

yup

i used to be your way, and my wife said no to spending $3K a year on star bucks

now i have a single cup coffe pot ($20), and buy coffee ($10 lasts a month), put it together at night, set the timer, when i get out of the shower at 430am, if hot and steamy and ready to grab and go, remember water is pretty much free

cost savings $2860
wow
although im not quite sure where i am spending that because i dont actually seem to have that much lying around????

How did you spend more than $8/day on coffee? I know Starbucks is expensive, but it's still like $2/cup. Are these all Orange Mocha Frappucinos?

Also, props for being able to shower and function that early in the morning. I still feel a sense of wrongness anytime I wake up before 5am.....luckily, those mornings have become less frequent.....still, I was always a night showerer, and then straight out the door in the morning.

 

[LIDO]

How did you spend more than $8/day on coffee? I know Starbucks is expensive, but it's still like $2/cup. Are these all Orange Mocha Frappucinos?

Also, props for being able to shower and function that early in the morning. I still feel a sense of wrongness anytime I wake up before 5am.....luckily, those mornings have become less frequent.....still, I was always a night showerer, and then straight out the door in the morning.

Actually, a tasty grande or venti at Starbucks costs 4-5 bucks. Here is some evidence:

http://www.nbcwashington.com/around...es-at-Starbucks-Grande-to-Venti-82051807.html

"If the Starbucks barista has to add anything to your drink, it’s going to cost you.

The price increases for some of the items are as much as 33 percent. For example, an extra shot of espresso costs 70 cents and a shot of flavored syrup now costs 40 cents.

So ordering the triple grande soy vanilla latte jumps from $5.55 to $6.25."


Costly. Costly. Costly.

 

[GoodmanBrown]

Any of the coffee connoisseurs do cold French press? You let the coffee soak overnight, then press it and microwave the coffee. I've heard this really reduces the acidity and is supposed to be even better tasting. Thoughts?

It's also be easier for mornings too because it'd be all set when you wake up. Basically wake up, press it, and microwave for 2 minutes, and you're set.

 

[deleted89854]

When I was in med school in NYC I was addicted to the burnt, foul-smelling, sugar loaded coffee from the cart. Then I moved to Miami and learned the joys of Cuban coffee. One colada - basically espresso with sugar - is enough to induce palpitations (apparently it's supposed to be consumed by the thimble-full and shared with your friends). I can't round without it.

 

[BlondeDocteur]

and the sugar : coffee ratio is roughly 2:1.

I love Turkish/Greek coffee, which is chewy. Talk about sympathomimetic.

 

[sideways]

Whatever you do, don't get the Keurig. To quote Abraham Lincoln:

"If this is coffee, please bring me some tea; but if this is tea, please bring me some coffee."

 

[Dr.LeoSpaceman]

Any of the coffee connoisseurs do cold French press? You let the coffee soak overnight, then press it and microwave the coffee. I've heard this really reduces the acidity and is supposed to be even better tasting. Thoughts?

It's also be easier for mornings too because it'd be all set when you wake up. Basically wake up, press it, and microwave for 2 minutes, and you're set.

I've done it before, and one of my friends has the Toddy. There's really no need for a special device, though. I just brew it in a pot and dump it through a filter. Definitely smoother than hot brewed coffee, but doesn't have the kick that I like. It is, however, the best way to make iced coffee. There are a bunch of recipes out there, but this is the one I use.

 

[toxic-megacolon]

4) in-unit w/d

On a resident salary? That's hard enough to do here in Washington DC.

 

[Green Grass]

I've done it before, and one of my friends has the Toddy. There's really no need for a special device, though. I just brew it in a pot and dump it through a filter. Definitely smoother than hot brewed coffee, but doesn't have the kick that I like. It is, however, the best way to make iced coffee. There are a bunch of recipes out there, but this is the one I use.

1 cup of ground coffee for 4.5 cups of water?!?! This stuff must keep you up for days.

 

[Dr.LeoSpaceman]

1 cup of ground coffee for 4.5 cups of water?!?! This stuff must keep you up for days.

That's why you have to put it over ice and I even cut it with a it of water, maybe like 2 parts coffee:1 part water when you actually pour a glass. But yes, drink a cup straight and you may need to grab the metoprolol.

 

[opr8n]

How did you spend more than $8/day on coffee? I know Starbucks is expensive, but it's still like $2/cup. Are these all Orange Mocha Frappucinos?

Also, props for being able to shower and function that early in the morning. I still feel a sense of wrongness anytime I wake up before 5am.....luckily, those mornings have become less frequent.....still, I was always a night showerer, and then straight out the door in the morning.

yes i was a fan of the fru-fru dinks and i woul study there and commonly refill once

 

[njbmd]

I have a Keurig in my office, my lab and at home. When want a cup of Joe, I just pop one in and its done in seconds. My staff loves this device too and keep it stocked with flavored coffees which don't do much for me.

I have cut back on my caffeine intake somewhat because I was finding that I started to shake operating under a scope or loupes with more than 3 cups. I can't stand the energy drinks even though they are stocked in our lounge fridge too.

Marching out the door in the darkness with a hot cup of strong black coffee makes my day run smoothly. My cup holder in my car keeps the coffee warmed nicely.

 

[Jwax]

One of the community programs where I interviewed many moons ago not only offered unlimited free food to the residents, but would deliver it to the wards. So the chief who toured me around joyfully boasted about how she would just call in her order before leaving home in the morning and her latte would be waiting for her when she arrived for rounds.

That sounds amazing. Where was this? Because I will definitely be applying there.

 

[NEEDLE DRIVER]

I'm not sure how many people have tried the Starbucks Instant coffee packets, but I personally think they're awesome. I heat some purified water (about 8 oz) up to about for 2 minutes and then add one of the packets. Add some half and half...tastes just like the real drip coffee at Starbucks IMHO. A box of 12 will run you $10 bringing the cost to just under $1 each cup. Still pricier than brewing your own coffee but I found that to take too long and I end up throwing half of it out each time. Try them and you won't look back.

 

[psipsina]

I'm mildly obsessed with my coffee maker. Its a nespresso machine. The espresso is in individual capsules so there's no mess at all. You just turn on the machine and hit a button. When you're done the capsule drops into a container inside. It came with a milk steamer that is similar, just push a button and it heats it to perfection (and froths if you want), you have to rinse it out but thats it. I'm fully capable of operating this pre-caffeine at 3:30 am. I put it in a to-go cup and walk out the door with it.

 

[45408]

I have a Mountain Dew every morning to keep my eyes open, only costs about 30-40 cents a can. I wish I liked coffee...