The Year That Was (013)

Dear blog,

You must hate me for changing your name thrice this year, or love me because I spoil you with a new look every time even when no one really looks. You see, I want you to always feel pretty and cared for.

In case you don't know, it's the last day of the year. And it has been one hell of a year. Crazy. Crazy good.

I feel like I owe you an apology. Remember last year when I made a blog post about 2013 goals? They hardly happened. I feel like a failure for not being able to meet my goals and expectations, but I am happy that many other (GREAT) things happened instead.

I attended school from January up to December this year with about 2 weeks off between semesters. I learned so much from my classes, and met the most amazing professors I am probably going to remember all my life. I was given the opportunity to present two papers at a student conference - my first one ever. I made my parents very proud. I made my whole family very proud. I, too, am proud of myself, but I could be more proud had I done a couple of things differently. But I know that things don't always go your way, you can't please everybody, and that things happen.

This year, I feel that I have spent sufficient time with my family, which I believe is very important. I know that I have been a very good daughter. Sometimes it gets exhausting, but that's just a matter of fact. I will never complain for spending too much time with my family, or cooking several dishes all at once because I like seeing people I love happy. It makes me happy.

I'm not rich in material things; I am still in the process of making that happen. But I am very, very rich in faith, family, and love above all other things. I know that material riches count. Some people think my priorities are shitty for settling with the few things I have. I don't know. I guess that's just how I roll.

I made new friends, and became distant with some. I don't consider them 'lost friendships' because I will always be a friend. Even if I don't talk with someone for several months, I will still be there - ready to pick things up where we left off. I'm that kind of person. I value people more than I should.

I'm ranting. Forgive me, blog. It's the last day of the year and I feel it's right to express my sentiments. Consider it as taking down a heavy load, ready to pick up new ones starting tomorrow.

I loved 2013. I will always love it. I don't think I can say goodbye to it just yet but I guess I have to in a few hours. Tomorrow scares me. 2014 scares me. But I think it will be fine. Don't you think?

It will be okay.

Love,
Joey of 2013

Tea Therapy: The Great Chasen Hunt and Matcha Latte

I am the type of person who learns to like the most random things at the most random times. And when I become invested (or so I think) on something, there is just no forgetting it unless, of course, something more interesting grabs my attention. In other words, I am very impulsive. But it's never an issue as long as I become productive at or with it. I try my best..

Yesterday, I bought 50g of Matcha (green tea) powder from David's Tea when we were at Metrotown in Burnaby. David's Tea has nice, cheap teas; the friendliest staff; and the prettiest merchandise. The interest sparked last Thursday when my uncle and I were at Teavana looking for a secret santa gift and I came across a small tin can of the green powdery goodness that is Matcha. But, I've always liked green tea or just tea in general. Anyway, my problem was- I didn't have a chasen (bamboo matcha whisk) to do the ritual with. I'd use an ordinary whisk or a frother, but I can be very meticulous. Plus, it's part of the Japanese culture and it's just right to respect that. PLUS, my uncle (we have the same, exact personality type: INFJ) is also big on culture and detail and wants me to use the real thing. We went to Daiso at Aberdeen Mall in Richmond but they phased it out. Imagine my disappointment missing out on a $2 chasen! But I guess buying a cheap chasen isn't 'the real thing' (?) Izumi-Ya, also in Richmond, doesn't carry it either. I called several small Japanese retailers this morning and not one of them has it. Nikaido in Steveston, Ming Wo in Lansdowne has it for around $15. I decided to go with the one Teavana sells, which costs $12.95. I went to Daiso to purchase a cheap frother ($2) because I wanted to make pretty latte. The frother doesn't look nor feel cheap.

I failed to create latte art.

Textured bowl w/ Matcha & Teavana's bamboo whisk

 Finished product! Not bad for a first timer, eh?

Yes, the green motif was intentional. No, flax milk does not froth. I used 2% milk. Yes, I will most probably make another one tonight because I gave the first one to my dad.

Yay.

Tea is my therapy. Preparing it relaxes me, drinking it relaxes me. Tea is the best thing ever...next to a lot of best-thing-evers.