I used to have a french press back when I lived without electricity, and I would hand smash my beans! I don't know if it was the effort or the medium that made it so fantastic, but man that was the best coffee! Life has changed since then, and now I use a regular ole electric coffee pot- it does do an awesome job at keeping up with me though!

I stopped drinking coffee ONCE and I lasted four days after friends insisted "You won't regret it!" they were so wrong... I experienced splitting headaches of jaw breaking strength, and spotty vision because of them. Probably were migraines, I called it hell lol! My hot bean water has got my number I suppose :)

I admire the resolve you have to commit to a coffee fast. It does sound like a wonderful way to fall in love with coffee all over again!