it's quittin' time

I decided it's time for me to get off the junk again. Last year, I quit coffee as my new year's resolution (or was it the previous year?). The goal was to wean myself off coffee on a daily basis, but still enjoy it on the weekend. My resolution lasted for almost 9 months, but once I was on the playa at Burning Man the junk was a creature comfort as well as a necessarily stimulant. When I got back to the city, I missed it. I'd pass the coffee shop on the corner in the morning and the aroma would almost make me weep. I started sneaking weekly cups here and there. Then I started craving it around 3:00 every workday. So I gave up, and started hitting the mug every morning again.

It's funny how one minute you love something and you love loving it, and then suddenly you want it out of your life. Last weekend, I decided it was time to get off the junk again. I mean, nothing beats an occasional mug full of french press, but after daily drinkage the joy slowly wears into need, and that's no fun. A pound costs $11 and last 2 weeks. Soymilk or creamer costs about $2.30 and lasts about a week or so. We're looking at a monthly habit that amounts to $31 ($374 annually). For what? Stains on my jacket, stinky breath, a nervous buzz, and a time-sucking morning ritual that provides yet another thing for me to carry on my already clumsy bus commute. Plus, the whole addiction thing.

It's not hard to quit, as long as you make sure there is none available in the house for the first week or so. I've got an impressive tea collection that deserves more attention anyhow. So each day this week, I have been enjoying tea. My favorites are Roasted Bancha (green tea), Bengal Spice, and Lemon Ginger. When I eventually get around to grocery shopping, I plan on filling up on bulk teas for economy and variety. So that's it. My November resolution has now been declared, somewhat publicly in print. Wish me luck!