As I am waiting for the teapot on the stove to boil, I have decided to write, appropriately, about tea.

I know of several varieties of tea. So far as I have encountered, there exist green tea, red tea, black tea, herbal tea, and white tea. I don't know what makes them these diverse "colors," and I like some of every sort. I also dislike some of every sort. As a generalization, I am not fond of Tazo brand tea, although I drink their green tea in the dining hall out of dire necessity. I much prefer anything blended by the Republic of Tea. From the little *pop* as one removes the end of the cylinder to the delicate aroma of the contents to the final product, the Republic of Tea experience is a joy. And I like their flavored black teas best of all.

Green tea, however, is the best for you, because it is chock-full of antioxidants. I discovered an interesting factoid while perusing Muscle and Fitness Hers last week as well - apparently, drinking a cup of green tea before bed will soothe mind and body and prepare one for a peaceful sleep. I have tried that a few times this week, and it seemed to work. Or exhaustion could have brought about the same results.

I never appreciated tea properly until four years ago, when Gabi and Ashlea D., beloved roommates, introduced me to its multivarious attractions. Perhaps I still do not appreciate it, because I must drink it with a packet of Splenda applied. Ashlea tells me that one can best taste the flavor without sweetener. I don't know. I find it bitter.

OK, the pot is whistling. Time to imbibe a mugful of Ginseng Peppermint herbal tea from the Republic of Tea. :D  ¶ 3:04 PM