Like a rusty nail

...or something. So it's been 3 weekends now that I've been tripping the GB5 fantastic (otherwise known as picking up shifts) and I am realizing just how rusty I am at all this. And with only 6 months really since I last barista'd for a living. Huh. Didn't think the skills would go that fast.

Been having mediocre success with cappuccinos- especially dry ones, oddly enough. My mochas seem okay. But straight-up espresso...I am pulling crap, syrupy-gross shots. Which, shouldn't be since I don't feel like I'm doing anything different when I dose and tamp, but alas, it doesn't seem meant to be.

And with only one more weekend ( I think) left lending a hand, I doubt it will improve. And oddly, I'm only somewhat bothered by it. I'm starting to enjoy being on the receiving end of delicious coffee, and am less enjoying being on the preparation end. Maybe it's just right now? Maybe it's the (what I feel is ridiculous) methods employed by the current cafe for setting up shots? Who knows.