210/365
This one also came as a sample with my latest Bluebird order, and is the tea that used to be called Skinny Minny. I vaguely recall that there was some kind of story behind the name change, but I can’t for the life of me remember what it was now. This is a blend of pu’erh and oolong, with ginger, orange, ginseng, and fennel. It’s supposed to have stomach settling and metabolism boosting qualities, although I don’t feel I’m going to be qualified to comment on either of those. This particular mixture of things sounds entirely unappetising, and not like the kind of thing I’d want to drink for pleasure, but I’m going to give it a go anyway. I’m so bored right now (like hardcore bored), and it’ll be something to do.
As a side note, if you’ve been reading my notes for a while you’ll probably be aware that I’m not all that fond of my job. I found out this week that I have an interview elsewhere next week, which is excellent news, but my first thought when I got the invitation was “oh no!”, quickly followed by “but I can’t do this!” Part of it’s just a combination of nerves and stupidity, because I’m a bit of an anxious scaredy cat – particularly about stuff that really matters. Then, as I thought about it some more, I realised that I seem to have something approaching Sockholm Syndrome for my current job, and maybe the company it’s based at. I spend most of my time hating the fucking place, but at the same time I’ve become kind of complicit in my own unhappiness, because when I do get an opportunity my first thought is not overwhelming joy but something approaching dismay? I think it’s just because I’m well within my comfort zone here; I know what my job is, and I’m good at it, even if I don’t like it…and the thought of possibly leaving after so long here, for something that’s entirely unknown, is a little overwhelming. Plus, no-one likes an interview, right? But still. It was uncomfortable to realise that I think of myself as a hostage to this job, and then that I might actually prefer to remain a hostage. Anyway, this is nothing to do with tea (and everything to do with being so bored I can actually feel my brain atrophying. Plus, I felt the need to record this nonsense so that I can look back and see how ridiculous I was being.) Back to tea.
The scent of this one reminds me of Super Noodles – specifically the Chow Mein flavour. It tastes quite a lot like it, too, which is not entirely what I was expecting! It’s brothy and savoury, strong, and quite rich-tasting. I’m not entirely sure what it is that’s creating the effect – maybe the combination of orange, ginseng and fennel? I can definitely taste the ginger in the background, but that’s quite distinct from the other flavours, and adds a really pleasant spicy kick. The pu’erh base is a touch earthy and very soupy, the oolong might be there, but it’s hard to say when there are so many other flavours competing for prominence.
I actually really like this one, which is a surprise. I think I tried it back when it was Skinny Minny, but I have absolutely no recollection of that cup. This is a nice change of pace from the sweeter, dessert-like teas I’ve been drinking recently, and for once I don’t feel the urge to cold-brew it in lemonade! Super Noodles tea could become a regular fixture in my cupboard. Who knew?!
Preparation
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Good luck with the interview! I think your Stockholm feelings are actually pretty normal; the sad state of the world speaks to how much humans will endure rather than take a risk for something better. Be brave and know you deserve to spend 40 hours a week of your life on something that is meaningful to you :)
I can relate to your feelings about your job. But I agree with Tamarindel. The devil you know is not necessarily better than the devil you don’t know. It’s easy to get comfortable with misery, particularly when you’ve been that way for a long time. It wasn’t until I was forced into a situation where I had to get a new job that I realized the true extent of my misery at my old one. Now I’m something approaching blissful — not that my work doesn’t have its frustrations, but I’m working in a place where I feel valued for the first time in a while. And that has translated into nothing but good things for me including a promotion after about 2.5 years, which is pretty rare in my new company. I wish the same for you! Best of luck with the interview, and know that you can do this!
Change can be scary! Don’t be hard on yourself! It is self preservation in part, I think, and natural. We stick to what feels safe even if it doesnt feel good. But think about how you would feel to still be there a long time from now, and how you could possibly be way happier moving on. And if you don’t like the new job, perhaps it will be a stepping stone to something better. This message brought to you by the world’s biggest fraidy cat who panics at ANY change.
Good luck with the interview! I think your Stockholm feelings are actually pretty normal; the sad state of the world speaks to how much humans will endure rather than take a risk for something better. Be brave and know you deserve to spend 40 hours a week of your life on something that is meaningful to you :)
I can relate to your feelings about your job. But I agree with Tamarindel. The devil you know is not necessarily better than the devil you don’t know. It’s easy to get comfortable with misery, particularly when you’ve been that way for a long time. It wasn’t until I was forced into a situation where I had to get a new job that I realized the true extent of my misery at my old one. Now I’m something approaching blissful — not that my work doesn’t have its frustrations, but I’m working in a place where I feel valued for the first time in a while. And that has translated into nothing but good things for me including a promotion after about 2.5 years, which is pretty rare in my new company. I wish the same for you! Best of luck with the interview, and know that you can do this!
Change can be scary! Don’t be hard on yourself! It is self preservation in part, I think, and natural. We stick to what feels safe even if it doesnt feel good. But think about how you would feel to still be there a long time from now, and how you could possibly be way happier moving on. And if you don’t like the new job, perhaps it will be a stepping stone to something better. This message brought to you by the world’s biggest fraidy cat who panics at ANY change.