Spring Break, Day #6

Though today was not terribly exciting, it was not bad either. I redecorated my room somewhat and finally made the decision to try out the bottom level of the bunk bed. It looks... promising.

After a hearty breakfast of oatmeal and yogurt, I took some time preparing for the outdoors - sometimes also considered dressing. The weather did not look like it would change from lightly overcast, so I decided to take the risk and wear a skirt I bought on the shopping trip with my sister. I think I made a good choice.

The first destination of the day was a tea shop just off the corner of 11th and Glisan called The Tea Zone & Camellia Lounge. A friend of mine had recommended it to me a while ago, but I never made the time to try it. Well today was the day I did - and I am so glad! The staff was friendly upon entering and even recommended a drink for me when I could not seem to make up my mind. I took their recommendation for a Heat Wave bubble tea (always a good choice for me) and it was delicious! The place was not only clean, but cosy. I studied there for a bit before moving on with my day.

My next stop was the public library - no surprise there - to drop off a few books and pick up a couple more. I lucked out and found BJ Novak's novel on the shelf which I am very much looking forward to reading. I also picked up a book entitled Why Zebra's Don't Get Ulcers. It claims to be a guide to stress, stress-related diseases, and coping. A book I had read previously, Insomnia by Gayle Green, recommended it so I placed a hold on it as soon as I could.

Just down the street from the public library was Target. The convenient location could be dangerous for some people, but I pride myself in having established particular habits that prevent me from spending most of my time (off campus, and second only to the library) and money there. Usually I have a detailed shopping list as well as bags to carry my items home. This time, however, I thought a casual stroll would be fine what with it being nice day and spare time I had. I ended up buying replacement lightbulbs for my lamp, a Maybelline Baby Lips, a soy candle, a bag of Bugles, and a tin of Yan-Yans.

Of course, upon exiting Target it began sprinkling. A quick dash to the streetcar stop secured me a spot under cover from the rain, although it did not protect me from others' titters about the inappropriateness of my outfit for the conditions. I did bring an umbrella, but - silly me - it was tucked under my recent purchases. Fortunately the streetcar came and whisked me back to the safety and warmth of home.

Upon returning, I settled in bed to read and eventually fell asleep. And here I lay, still in bed, typing this while watching a show called Michiko & Hatchin.

Starbuck Secret Menu - Thin Mint Frappuccino

Challenge: Try everything off the Starbucks Secret Menu.

I had a bit of a chocolate craving today, but it was so warm out I thought something minty might do the trick. Like the candy, it was delicious and had just enough chocolate to satisfy my craving, yet not enough to spoil my dinner.

Order a green tea creme frappuccino with chocolate syrup and java chips added.

2am Tea

A few years ago, I woke up extremely early during the summer and had a cup of tea. Granted, 5am isn't terribly early, but it was back then! At that point I realized I would probably end up being a morning person considering how much I enjoyed the calm of the morning.

Since then, I've made it a point to wake up early and have a cup of tea at least once during the summer. I've never really pushed myself to get up earlier than 5am, so I set a challenge on The List to get up at 2am and have tea. I figured if I could get up at 2am and have tea I would be the ultimate morning person!

Anyway, I woke up this morning at 2am and had a nice cup of tea. Normally I would sit outside on the balcony and enjoy watching the sunrise, but it was ridiculously cold so I opted to sit indoors, light a candle, snuggle up in a blanket, and watch All About Eve. (It's from AFI's 100 Best Films list and also part of one of my challenges.) The movie kind of gave a theme to my early morning contemplations... Lately I've been thinking about manipulation.

In the movie, the character Eve Harrington manipulates the truth and the people around her that could have genuinely been her friends. The occasion arrises when she gets her own, but it takes another person a lot more manipulative to do that. People around me have been manipulating me and manipulating the truth and, frankly, I can't stand it. It's more than frustrating.

Fortunately, having tea so early gave me enough peace, quiet, and time to think about the people and situations that are causing so much havoc in my life and give me a little perspective on my thoughts and actions in dealing with them.

I'm not saying it's a good thing for everyone to do, considering schedules and, simply, personality differences, but it's something I like doing and will continue to do so every once in a while.

Starbucks Secret Menu - Apple Juice Orange Blossom

Try everything off the Starbucks Secret Menu.

This was definitely different from any Starbucks drink I have ever ordered, but it was a wonderful change! It was sweet, smooth, and slightly tangy.

Order an orange blossom Tazo tea steeped in apple cider.