Can it be done? That is the question…especially since I received not one, but two Kurig machines this year. I was so excited about the thought of a Kurig because I thought that these things brew tea. Well, technically — they do brew tea. Kurig tea is in the form of Celestial Seasonings K-cups. Now, I’m wandering if I can brew “real” tea? Anyone out there tried it????
It’s been quite some time since I’ve sat down and paid attention to my tea blog. I’ve started a new job this year as an English teacher. When I’m at my computer, it’s usually because I’m pouring over school stuff. Exams are created and printed, though — and the rest of the semester should be smooth sailing. What this means for me is: TIME!!! Time to be with my family, time to drink tea, and time to do something I really enjoy — writing (blogging). It’s also time to give the gift of tea to your favorite tea drinker! I recently went shopping and saw tea gifts in several different stores! Teavana has gift sets 30-50% off right now. I know what’s on my list!
Death Star tea infuser. Perfect for the Star Wars geek in all of us.
Tea is not exactly what I’d expect this particular villain to drink, but this Star Wars inspired infuser sure is cute! I can picture little Yoda drinking an herbal tisane though!
picture courtesy of thinkgeek.com
My posts have been far and few between, but tonight, I feel like writing. I’ve started a new job as an eleventh grade English teacher and to say that my time is limited is an understatement. Be nice to all your teachers or your children’s teachers; teachers work all the time! Ironically, I decided to go into the biz because I wanted to be on the same schedule as my children; however, the amount of work that I am putting into just “getting started” in teaching is cancelling out that great schedule! I never realized how much start up time, energy and money is needed just to get going in this job! First of all…there’s the classroom issue. While mine was fully functional, I decided to make some changes. This of course, took time and money. I had a horrid orange wall and that was the first thing to go. Educational psychologists say that orange often makes students feel hostile. While there are some things that teachers cannot control, an orange wall that creates hostility is something that is very controllable! A coat of paint was my solution to that issue! There was also a lot of organizing to do. I guess having everything just perfect isn’t really necessary, but since this is a totally new career change for me — I wanted everything to go as smoothly as possible during the first few weeks…and that meant planning and planning and planning. I’m still waiting on my teacher’s textbook and it’s supplemental resources so I’m creating everything from scratch right now. Luckily, I went through a wonderful teacher certification program where my professors taught us that using a textbook is like siding with the devil himself. As a result, I learned to use my brilliant brain to come up with all my lessons while in college. Little did I know at the time that this would perhaps be some of the best training I could have ever asked for.
You might ask why I am writing all of these non-tea related things in my tea blog. The beauty of it is that this is my little spot on the web to write about anything that I want. Usually it’s tea, but now it’s about life. Keeping with the whole tea theme; however, I am very excited to say that I bought a coffee maker for my office area today. I can brew hot water! It won’t be perfect, but I can always let it cool a bit if I want to make greens or oolongs. This is the best idea that I could come up with (not going the electric tea kettle route…if I get one of those – I’m keeping it at home – not at work!). I’ve also made a little tea bar area on my filing cabinet. Most of my tea is bagged tea (I know…inferior quality, but sometimes you’ve got to do what’s easiest), but I brought my loose leaf maker so I can brew some good stuff up when I’m working before school starts in the morning and after school when I’m there working on lesson plans or grading paper.
The only time I get to drink tea is on my lunch hour and planning period…but that’s okay. I’m not there to play tea, but instead — I’m there to inspire the minds of our next generation of doctors, lawyers and landscaping contractors. But I have to admit…I love seeing the looks on their faces when they see my glass tea infuser with a crazy looking blooming tea inside it. They think I am the coolest, weirdest, and most mysterious teacher EVER. (mission accomplished)
Wow! What a crazy summer I’ve had. I’ve been getting ready for my new job and unfortunately haven’t had time to update my blog in several weeks. To all of my loyal followers (that would probably be a total of 9), I apologize for the lack of tea blogging. The good news is that I have in fact been drinking my tea. Iced is my preference when it’s 100 degrees outside. What do you cool off with in the hot summer months?
Although tea is an option on Starbucks‘ menu, most people visit the coffee giant to get just that—coffee! The coffee giant, however, is beginning to place a greater emphasis on it’s Tazo line of teas.
Starbuck’s recently announced that they will open their first tea store later this year!
I am happy to hear that a greater emphasis is going to be placed on tea. I’ve said it for years — there really needs to be a drive-thru tea store. Although I do not know whether or not this will be the case (drive-thru), I am happy to learn that a major coffee retailer is now paying attention to the joys of tea. Starbuck’s has offered several tea drinks to it’s customers for years, however, their major sale is coffee. Now, us tea drinkers can look forward to something new!!
…trying to figure out how I can brew tea in my classroom. That’s right — I’m going to have my own American Lit classroom in August! I will be working with angelic 11th graders each day. In order to enjoy our literature, I say we have tea (or at least, I have MY tea).
One of the most interesting and brilliant people I have known was an older English professor who came to class each day with her fabulous wire rimmed glasses, white-haired (and perfectly turned under) bob, Mister Rogers-like cardigan, and cup of Earl Grey!
June 10th is always National Iced Tea Day. Whether you drink yours sweetened or “un,” grab a tall glass and take some time to relax. I’m already planning my tea drinking schedule for the day — iced oolong (probably Ti Quan Yin), iced matcha, and an iced herbal or two!
Here is some interesting info on how iced tea began…
…looks like The Loveless Cafe in Nashville is ready to celebrate. Yummy!
