OK, here's my question, all you spoon-avoidants: how do you get the ground coffee into the filtery thing in the first place?

I use the scoop that came with the coffee maker. I don't understand how people grind the right amount, unless you just eye the grounds and add the correct amount of water. I measure the water too.

What trappings define adulthood for you guys?

I can't pinpoint adult trappings. I was on the phone with my mother the other day and I was trying to point out (again, futilely) how she coddles my irresponsible younger brother. I could only feebly compare that at his age I was living in my own apartment in New York. That's not "adult", that just is. I think if I ever have a real dinner party I will feel grown-up. That, or a $4000 tux.

OMFG!

(totally work safe)

I think if I ever have a real dinner party I will feel grown-up.

What's a real dinner party? We have had people, in the past when life wasn't fucking hellishly busy, over for dinner pretty regularly, but my sense is that it doesn't count.

What's a real dinner party? We have had people, in the past when life wasn't fucking hellishly busy, over for dinner pretty regularly, but my sense is that it doesn't count.

Right, I have people over to sit on my couch and watch TV and eat takeout or some spaghetti I made. But here's what I envision when I grow up:
1. A dining room table that seats at least six (mine seats two).
2. At least three courses.
3. Wine.
4. Sparkling conversation, b/c when I grow up all my friends will be like, Amy Sedaris and junk.

Piano over keyboard, no contest (if financially feasible). Better resale value, too.

Adulthood: furniture. I knew maried professors who had a little girl when I was a grad student, and they had this dining room set that was basically patio furniture. I knew then that PhDs and progeny notwithstanding, they were not adults. (Okay, I knew that already. We used to say they should have had a terrarium instead of a daughter. We were mean, and also childless.)

Allyson, I sometimes call my sister's voicemail and let Owen leave messages for her, in case of Very Bad Days. She saves them and will go back and listen if she's feeling particulary low.

Well, yes. Coffee's perfect mate is clearly sweet & low.

I used to be tried and true Half & Half girl, until I met my new, Coffeemate Hazelnut master.

What trappings define adulthood for you guys?

I don't know. Arguing with AT&T about your cable bill. Voluntarily flipping your mattress. Eating cake for dinner because you can. Nobody taking care of your problems for you.

bon bon... I was good until you got to sparkling convo.

Adulthood: durable goods. Such as a new fridge. a washer and dryer. A good mattress with a nice bedframe.

And, like bon bon, events. Having a nicely done Thanksgiving meal in your own place.

ETA I felt like a grown up the first (and maybe last) time I hosted my parents for thanksgiving.

how do you get the ground coffee into the filtery thing in the first place?

I pour it directly from the cannister/bag.

What trappings define adulthood for you guys?

Stuff in my name: bills, checks, credit cards savings accounts etc.

Though I often say that my favorite adult defining thing is that if I want to go get an icee and Kit Kat at 2 in the morning, or go wander the Walgreens, I can!

What trappings define adulthood for you guys?

Going to a job that I often can't stand because if I didn't, we'd be out in the street. Playing the Elmo CD for the 4th time. Turning down free tickets to live shows because I have to be up in the morning. Putting off buying a new amp until I've saved for it.