Dexter’s Birthday and a Tea Story

Woahhhh it’s early!!!

I haven’t woken up this early for a very very very long time. To make my life easier this morning I threw some oats to soak in the fridge overnight last night so this morning I could have my quick, easy overnight oatmeal! This is my traditional combo of 1/2 cup oats (soaked in 1/2 cup water overnight) with a chobani, half a banana and a spoonful of peanut butter stirred in and topped with tons of cinnamon and maple syrup. I also made a double green tea with mint to take on the road. I just got this tea yesterday from Whole Foods but already its a new favorite. It reminds me of the Moroccan tea I drank in Paris when I went to the Mosque Baths (see below).

I actually feel a lot better today. My throat is still a little sore but the cloudiness in my head has cleared and I have more energy (even though it’s only 6:00). I just hate that foggy feeling you get when you are sick and when I woke up this morning I felt a lot more clear-headed! I’m taking two more vitamins and another dose of olive leaf extract right now….

I also should bring a snack with me to my appointment today because I’m going to be there for a couple hours. I haven’t quite figured out what I’m going to bring though so I will report back at lunch. I think I’m going to hit up the library downtown after the doctor because I’ll be in the area and I’m needing a new book…

Oh! and today’s is Mr. Dexter’s birthday!!!!!!! We obviously haven’t had him for a year but his humane society papers (errr the one’s that claim his name used to be Julio) say that today is the big day. I never ever thought a cat could bring such joy in my life. He has been quite a little friend over the past months!

So, when I studied writing in Paris one of the classes I took was called “The Paris Notebook”. Basically, we went around to different spots in Paris, journaled, then read aloud to the class. It was such a wonderful class and I got to venture out on my own and visit some really cool places sort of unknown to tourists. It was definitely a test in my independence! One place that I really loved in particular was the Paris Mosque. It was right around the corner from my apartment and was a historic landmark connected to a hamman (baths) and a tiny cafe. When I got sick with a cold I finally ventured over there to see what a hamman really was all about. Here’s what I journaled (and read aloud) that day:

In an attempt to cure my strange sickness brought on by both lack of sleep and vegetables, I found my way to the Paris Mosque—a gorgeous and historical establishment surprisingly near to my apartment! I enter the mosaic tile doors and am instantly transported to someplace all together different than anywhere I have ever been. I pay more than I thought (25 euros) and not a word of English is spoken here, but hopefully I’ll feel better! After almost crying in frustration brought on by lack of communication, I am handed two pale tickets and led through a huge open area with a stone waterfall in the middle and aerobic like ledges where half naked women are sprawled out sipping tea and talking. Tables are set up all over the room for massages given by gruff Middle Eastern women. I pay the euros and lock my backpack in the locker before pausing to change into my bathing suit. I then wash myself with unscented brown soap and go to the table where I receive the exfoliation of my life. After which my skin is tingling and flowing. I make my way through a series of steam chambers, the final so hot it burns my skin and I can’t breathe. I don’t want to look like the strange American though, so I go to this room, dangling my legs in the cold water fountain. Not long after, I make my way back to the main room and receive a small cup of sweet Moroccan tea served on a colorful tiny platter. The tea is surprisingly refreshing after being in such heat but I sip slowly to make it last. I leave the Hamman feeling refreshed and anew with the determination that I am truly healed.

When I get to talking about Paris I just HAVE to share more pictures (as if you all haven’t seen enough!):

My school!

Bah! I miss my long hair!!!!!! 🙁

My tiny Parisan apartment kitchen 🙂 Complete with tea kettle and espresso machine