"'Calm?' I'll show you calm!"
Tally: 2 lattes (Starbucks)
1 mocha (Peet’s. PEET’S!)
…so I’ve cut back 50% this week. So I’m “fifty percent less sugar” or something slogan-worthy like that.
But this past week was noteworthy for this reason: I rediscovered The Tea Cabinets! Yes, two kitchen cabinets full of TEA–loose tea, teabags, tea in canisters tea in funky silk cones, even one sketchy-looking green tea in its own tiny box–in my own house.
Yes, in my own house. In my defense, the cabinets also hold the my great-aunt’s china (rarely used) and a large jar of unpopped popcorn (also rarely used. Microwave Jolly Time Lite Butter. ‘Nuff said.). But the Tea Cabinets have returned to the forefront of my addled mind, thanks to the Tall Drink of Hot Tea that is my husband.
Me (draped across kitchen counter): Latte now. Latte project is stupid and doesn’t take my neeeeeeeeeeeeeeds into account! Stupid. Can’t make brain work. Ullrrrrrrrarrrrghammumph.
HotTea: Do you need a latte, or do you just need caffeine?
Me: Need a latte for waking up! NEED! No one has to KNOW!
HT: We have tea.
Me: Whwuw*&@HSmish???
HT: Tea. With caffeine. Black, green, white, paisley…
(He quickly fills the teakettle and makes it boil. It’s as if he’s done this many times before. He adds sugar–yay!–and hands me the big mug with “IOWA” on it.)
Me: sip sip sip
I can’t believe I had forgotten about our grand stash of tea. I guess the last time I really drank it on a regular basis was when I was pregnant–the Stash Lemon Ginger stuff because I was concerned about my circulation. I used to put loose tea in my hot bath. I used to take hot baths. I guess I always saw tea as therapeutic/day spa-ish, not, well…useful.
Black tea with sugar is very useful.
I’m going to delve back into the Tea Cabinets more next week. I want to try those triangular tea-in-silk-bags ones.
Should I be jealous that my tea dresses better than me?
Saving the World One Pumpkin Spice Latte at a Time 
That was one mass mailing I’m glad I got. You go girl. The fact that this is so difficult says a lot about our culture. I think our excesses look extremely blatant at Christmastime. I think about this stuff a lot and enjoy reading your thoughts, too. And this is an extremely important cause.
This is a great idea! 🙂
Also, I have a friend in LA who’s just finishing a documentary on human trafficking… I’m on her short list of people to screen it. would love to add you to the list, especially if there will be a digital version available.
tell us more about the org you’re donating to..!
Chanda–
I’m hooked on Earl Grey lately with a little sugar and a splash of cream. Meanwhile, Tazo Joy packs quite a bit of cafienated punch. For pure indulgence though, you can’t beat the tea bags I smuggled home in my suitcase from the resort in Mexico. Revolution Ginger Peach in it’s darling self contianed organza infuser is delight in a cup. Oh, and one very important thing about tea–while it can be enjoyed in a mug or a paper cup with a lid, it always tastes better in a china cup with a saucer.
Although, as you know, I am not usually a proponent of gratuitous praise, I want to tell you that you are the BEST person ever in the entire world. By your noble quest I have been inspired, as well. Now, when I drink my daily latte I will feel really, really bad about it. You have made me a better person.
Truly, Chanda, this is such a beautiful expression of, “better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.”
ox
I’m all about spreading the guilt around! Hee. Trying to light the candle…keeping little fingers away from it and out of the wax, both literally and metaphorically…
Chanda – what a worthy cause. I wish you much strength and much adrenaline to get through latte-free days with two girls. I know you can do it! 🙂
Chanda,
I love what you’re doing! World Vision is truly a fabulous organization and I’m interested in hearing about/looking into your cause more. We sponsor a child through World Vision and every year around this time they send out a Christmas catalog. You can purchase life altering gifts for struggling third world families….such as a goat, two chickens, etc… 🙂 Anywho, I’m inspired by your idea….thanks! On another note, I’m not sure if you’re looking for additional caffeine options…but I have a somewhat inexpensive one. 🙂 My latest, greatest find @ good ol’ Freddy’s is the Millstone brand peppermint coffee, complemented with Nestle’s peppermint mocha creamer. “Yum” doesn’t do this combo. justice. Seriously.
I love the humor and humility you’re bringing to this potentially holier than thou quest – I mean, give up coffee? Do you WANT me to slit my wrists? I too, love tea, and I too, do not want to come to the end of life’s big Target spree going “is that all there is?” Keep on keeping on sister, and seek out Starbucks Anonymous if you need it.
I am a hard-core tea drinker. You should come over to my house one of these days if you get bored with your tea selection.
Since I gave up caffeine in 2006 mine are all herbal, but some of the herbal stuff is seriously useful. I highly recommend Yogi Tea, which is a company in Eugene–their medicinal teas are surprisingly effective. I currently drink a cup of their Bedtime every night–it helps me mellow out and fall asleep at the end of the day. And Kava Stress Relief got me through the most challenging work situation I’ve ever experienced.
yes, hot tea with Almond milk is awesome. Not to mention, coffee increases your cortisol levels, and can make you gain weight in the tummy. Black tea does the opposite, and green tea will actually burn 100 calories. Go Tea, did I mention this stuff fights free radicals.