Making decisions, taking risks, and achieving goals

It had been a cold January month and these little pockets of green tea had been my partners during cold nights. They kept me warm somehow before calling it a day. Anyway, January was all about making decisions, taking risks, and achieving goals. It mainly revolved around something that is basically new to me which is kind of exciting and nervous at the same time. January settled me temporarily stable and so in the upcoming months it is going to be more about making decisions if ever I make the training right in which I am hoping that I am. In case I fail, I'll walk on another path. But I won't let that happen to me. No.

Now, it is the second month of the year and yet my mind wanders off around the future months more than now. Thinking about the risks that I may encounter and what should I do if they happen right in front of my face. Yes, I think too much but I can't help it. I am scared and brave at the same time if you know how that feels. My mind wanders off but it takes a u-turn towards the present time and think more carefully and think what really matters as of the moment.

Along with making decisions and taking risks, the dreamer in me has a list of goals. I mean, big goals. I am taking baby steps in achieving them. It is not much, I know, but at least there is progress. A progress that, although discreet, still matters.

The month that has passed was not an easy one but it was glorious. As glorious as having a cup of tea to keep you sane on a cold and windy night. Be still, dream big, move forward, slowly and firmly.

In which I write about tea & coffee, my life as of now, and a really good book.

Thank goodness for green tea. I have not been drinking coffee lately simply because I want to stop and it does not do me good like how it used to give me energy(!) three or four years ago. My throat kind of feel acidic every after I drink a cup. Now, even if my body seeks for it, I always try to divert my thoughts to something else (e.g. cranberry juice, lemons, teas, Nutella? hehe) it is so difficult to stop, I tell you. I guess it helps when you read about the disadvantages of coffee and how it will affect your health. Considering the symptoms I had like when I lay in bed, I hear air (?) or something in my chest going up towards my throat. I have not felt it now though since I stopped drinking coffee. So I guess it is because of it. Also because I am a heavy drinker. I drink two to three cups straight a day. I am sorry coffee lovers, I am once like you but now I just had to stop because I am feeling some weird things inside me whenever I drink coffee. One of which is it makes me sleepy nowadays. Also, I guess having flu helps. Of course, you don't drink coffee when you are sick because it dehydrates your body. So that, too, helped me in my campaign. Hehe. Although I drank half a cup two days ago but it was mainly because the weather was so cold I just had to drink coffee and because I kind of miss it. It does not hurt to drink half a cup but now I am surprised that I don't crave for it much like the first two weeks of not drinking it. Not to mention the headache I went through. It was all worth the sacrifice.

Anyway, how is life treating you? Like what I have said, I am sick. I am still sick but not much now. Notice that I have not been writing a lot but that is mainly because I don't have the urge to write and also there are too many things to do here. I am too preoccupied with other things and that is good, I guess. Although it does make me feel sad and lonely at times. Needless to say, being a grown-up is not so easy. I hate it but I do like it at times as well. Nothing much has been going on with me except for some sickness. I guess the fourth quarter of this year is on the low side for me.

When was the last time I felt comfort? I can't remember much. I guess it comes in the package of being a grown-up. Responsibilities, guys... I have a lot of that. Wishful thinking of a much better life, it does somehow stress me out. Emotional days, too many! Anyway, how can I make this writing kind of cheerful somehow? Well, I finished reading The Hobbit! And it was awesome. It is more than excellent. I can't wait to watch the film then read LOTR. Although I have watched the LOTR movies, I still want to go into details because I have fallen in love with Tolkien's work! I like the progress of Bilbo's character and I am just so in love with the story. I guess I can re-read it once I am out of books to read and I can carry it anywhere with me just because. :)

This cup of tea is kind of weird. I guess I put too much honey in it. Still good though because honey somehow cures my itchy throat. I think I need another cup. Bye for now~

In which I am not feeling very well.

I'm back to writing (finally!) but that is mainly because 1.) it's a Sunday and 2.) I'm not feeling better. A couple of days ago, I felt a sore in the upper right side of my neck (sorry for the lack of medical term) and after days my right eye felt heavy by which I knew I'm going to have sinusitis. While taking a rest, I felt a weird feeling "down there" which caused me to cross my legs for a minute. It was so painful. I've been drinking liters of water (and have been going back to the comfort room!) since yesterday. There is lesser pain now but I am going to see a doctor for a check-up. I'm thinking it could be UTI or something. I hope it is nothing too bad.

I'm drinking Pure Chamomile Tea (by Twinings!) because I know it can help soothe my tummy. I put two tablespoons of honey for my cough. My sinusitis has slowed a bit; I hope it doesn't come back tomorrow because it's so stressful. :(

So, there you go, internet. I'm sick and I'm about to get urinalysis tomorrow to check if I have UTI or something or nothing. I wish Mama is still alive to comfort me. People surrounding me are mostly insensitive except for my cousin who gives me advice on what to take for years now. Someone even laughed when she heard I'm not feeling well. Tsk. Oh, well.

P.S. I've been reading The Hobbit and it comforts me somehow.

How about you? How is life treating you?

Tea: Peach Tea by Twinings

I am a massive coffee drinker but lately I have been drinking only a cup in the morning and rarely a cup at night because I have a bunch of teas (given by my sister) as an alternative. One of the teas I have right now is Peach tea by Twinings. Even though its intensity isn't highly comparable to coffee, its sweetness is just as good (at least as to how I make my coffee or how instant coffee tastes like). I make this tea most especially when I crave for some sweet chips or chocolates late at night. Also, don't you love sipping some hot sweet tea while writing down your to-do list for the next day? Or reading some pages of a book before going to bed? :p

Tea: English Breakfast Tea from Twinings

 

Taking for granted the medium level (of flavor strength label) of this tea was a wrong act. Based from its aroma, one would definitely indulge a big gulp. That's what I did when I had my very first cup of English Breakfast Tea. To be honest, I did not quite like its flavor. I thought it was too strong for me. I knew it will take me a while to evaluate fully the taste. And so from one sip to another, I ended up drinking the whole cup. 

My primary reaction of its bitterness is basically because of my expectation. At least now I know what Twinings' medium flavor strength tastes like in my mouth. Once I learned that the English Breakfast Tea is actually a black tea, I just started loving it. My sister gave me a bunch of teas so I am just basically trying out everything. In which I am really thankful for because I have now a good alternative of coffee. Green tea is a good alternative but I must say English Breakfast Tea is just as good as coffee. 

Sometimes I drizzle a teaspoon of honey and/or milk to have a bit of sweet taste.  I have not tried it cold yet. Other times, I pair it with a sweet fruit like banana, mango, or (in the photo) langka. I usually take some tea late in the afternoon or as meal for dinner (that is if I pair it with fruits) and it really keeps me up for hours. 

If you're a (black) coffee lover or tea lover, you really have to check this one out! It's fantastic. :)

Tea: Wild Berry Zinger Herbal Tea from Celestial Seasonings

These days my afternoons are usually spent drinking coffee or tea to blend with the cold weather. A cup is perfect for calming down after a whole day's work. Much better with soothing music in the background or even just the sound of rain.

One of my favorite teas is the Wild Berry Zinger Herbal Tea from Celestial Seasonings. It consists of hibiscus; rosehips; roasted chicory; orange peel; blackberry leaves; natural flavors of: black raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, red raspberries, cranberries and cherries; citric acid. A definitely caffeine-free tea. The sweetness is enough for me but you can put some honey if you want. It has a fruity aroma and a strong fruity taste.

It's the first tea I got from Celestial Seasonings and so far I am loving every sip of it. :)