I find myself beginning a new phase of life. I am now living alone for the very first time, in all my life. I have found that I make excellent company. It is very good news indeed.
I have been preparing for this moment for many years. I knew one day that I would have an Empty Nest! I achieved my academic goal and I established my career before my last son left the nest. I encouraged my two sons to go to university and follow their own dreams.
Now, you might be wondering, "How on earth did she never live alone before?" Well, you see, I came from a very strict upbringing. I am 1/2 generation Mexican-American. I was born in Mexico but at the age of 3 my family moved to the U.S. into a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood. As, first born and a girl, there were certain expectations of me.
I did manage to live in the dorms at university for one semester but I had a roommate. I was just a kid then so I was home sick. Funny thing was, my parents home was on the other side of the city. It was not like they were in another town or state. None the less, I did return home. My parents were very happy to see me return. So, much so that I was given the largest bedroom in the home.
In my culture back then it was expected that a young lady would only move out upon marrying. I am talking about back in the 80's. Now, it is more acceptable for young Hispanic women to leave home for university. They are also not judged as harshly if they don't marry in their early twenties if they are going to university. Now, if they don't pursue any academic studies then they are encouraged to marry young.
Now back to my present. My mother and some siblings worry about my being alone. They mean well but for now, being alone is good. For the first time, I have the opportunity to take a good look at my life and make any changes that I see are necessary. I have spent most of my life making sacrifices for my loved ones. It is my time now.
At first, it felt strange not to have someone around but now I value my "me" time. I can also take a nap whenever, I want. During the school year, I get up at 4 or 5 am Monday-Friday. I have earned my little naps. :o) At the moment, I am on vacation but I am still working on personal goals. One of them is continuing an academic goal of mine.
The next big change will be moving to a smaller place. I have it all planned out for July. I saw my new future home. It will be nice and cozy. I can see myself, reading, crocheting, writing, drinking a latte or tea on my patio. What a pleasant and relaxing thought.
Yes, I do believe that I am ready for the new phase of my life. :o)
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Natalie
by Esfand Aashena on Mon Jun 25, 2012 09:48 AM PDTNatalie it doesn't have to be a combo, you can buy them separately. When buying the kettle make sure the handles fold and when buying the teapot make sure it can sit on the kettle.
Iranian stores usually have these combos but the prices may not be as good. You can find them anywhere, K mart or Target or places like TJ Maxx or Marshalls and alike.
As for black tea being bitter, yes it is bitter and that's why most people have it with sugar or cube sugar. Since Iranians drink so much tea it means as much sugar can be bad, so many like myself get used to drinking it bitter. Although, as I said you can have it with your favorite sweet or cake, piece by piece and slowly. Again a classically brewed Persian tea goes hand in hand with a nice piece of cheesecake!
Everything is sacred
Nice Tea
by Latina on Mon Jun 25, 2012 09:28 AM PDTRaton,
Nice recipe. Thank you. Maybe I can buy a tea pot/tea kettle combination that is both functional and beautiful. I can then serve the tea for myself or guest (s) in a very nice way.
What name do you think that I will find this tea pot/tea kettle combination under? I also need to get some more glass cups. I used to have some really nice ones but they are all gone now.
Raton, I thought black tea is very bitter. It is why, I would avoid buying any.
I am not sure if people know but Hispanics do like drinking warm tea. Only for us it has tended to be more for medicinal purposes. Like camomile tea, eucalyptus tea, mint tea, etc.
Natalie the tea recipe is SUCKS!
by Esfand Aashena on Mon Jun 25, 2012 08:51 AM PDTNatalie seriously it is SUCKS!
Put rose petals and other junk in a cup of classic Persian tea??? No way Jose!
Trash the receipe but keep the method, including the clear glass cup.
For a nice aromatic classical Persian tea you first need a tea kettle which the article did not even mention, or if it did I didn't see it. You need to put a teapot (say something like this though it's more fashionable these days to use clear teapots as well) on top of a tea kettle like a combination like this. The teapot doesn't have to fit exactly but as long as it stays on top of teakettle so it can get steamed for 5 - 10 minutes. Note the handles of the tea kettle should be able to fold to allow for the teapot to sit on the kettle. You can also put a small towel on the teapot while it is being steamed to lock the flavors and aroma.
Next you need aromatic black tea like Ahmads tea's Imperial blend or Twinings earl grey. You need to go to a Persian store to get Ahmad tea but can get the Twinings at you local supermarket for about $5 - $7 a tin can. I recommend Ahmad Tea though there are other brands as well. The keyword is "aromatic tea".
Third part is choosing how to mix your aromatic tea with your general black tea. You can choose just about any regular loose black tea, preferably an Indian brand, since Iranian brands are under sanctions and you can't buy them here!
You can mix your aromatic and black teas to your tasting. Some people use aromatic only, I like to use 1.5 table spoon aromatic and one teaspoon black tea. So you mix the tea (depending on how many you want to serve) and add boiling water to the teapot and let it simmer on the tea kettle with the flame on simmer or very low. Do NOT boil the tea in teapot and for the love of god do NOT add any flavors such as rose petals, hel or other garbage!
Then you pour your tea and mix with boiling water to your liking color in your clear tea cup (not too dark and not too light, though better dark than light) and sip with your favorite sweet. Usually bakhlava or cheesecake are the best sweets for classic Persian tea! I know cheesecake is not Persian but trust me it fits like a glove!
This tea (if followed verbatim and enough experience gained) is very good if you come home from work and are very tired or have taken an afternoon nap and feel groggy afterwards, the tea will lift you up! It always works, Iranians drink tea religiously for good reasons!
Everything is sacred
.........
by Latina on Mon Jun 25, 2012 08:22 AM PDTRaton,
My Persian Kitchen
Tea recipe:
mypersiankitchen.com/how-to-brew-persian-tea/
Let me know what you think of their recipe.
Natalie
by Esfand Aashena on Mon Jun 25, 2012 04:53 AM PDTNatalie do you know how to brew good aromatic Persian tea? If so, let me know, what brand do you use and how do you make it.
A nicely brewed aromatic Persian tea is like none other.
Everything is sacred
...........
by Latina on Sun Jun 24, 2012 08:12 PM PDTActually, I do have wi-fi at my current place and plan to do the same at the new place. I just love the wi-fi. :o)
Time to rest..........
.........
by yolanda on Sat Jun 23, 2012 11:42 PM PDTHi Natalia,
Thank you for sharing your life story and the cultural issues! Very interesting! Hopefully, you won't have an empty nest for long and someone will show up to spoil you and pamper you!
If it is possible, get a Wi-fi, so you can blog on IC on your patio (lanai)!
............
by Latina on Sat Jun 23, 2012 12:26 AM PDTJordin Sparks, One Step At A Time: //youtu.be/PIE5QtkxzvM
Stacie Orrico, So Simple: //youtu.be/GdKrAlXE8w4
Diana Krall, S'Wonderful: //youtu.be/6mM2HkNE1nA
Corrine Bailey Rae, Put Your Records on : //youtu.be/wkEeNpWMvgk
Kelly Sweet, Raincoat: //youtu.be/oyE4LVA5JY0