A weekend without a proper post is a wasted weekend, non?... So now that I've had some decent sleep, and taken care of some basic household tasks, let's attempt another installment of the 30 day meme.
Just ONE thing that makes me feel better?... Tough choice. I'll be generous and pick five instead.:)
1) A good cup of tea. Tea is my comfort beverage of choice, and provides some measure of peace in almost any situation. A good cup usually means one that is strong, fragrant and sweetened with just the right amount of honey. Again, the right amount of honey differs, depending on the kind of tea it goes into. If it's plain green tea, for example, it needs just enough to neutralize its natural bitterness; if it's citrus-flavored and very acidic, then it needs some more. I have gotten into the habit of drinking black tea (usually Earl Grey) in the morning, green in the afternoon/evening and caffeine-free/herbal before bedtime. So I have a sizeable collection in my kitchen cabinet. My favorite flavors are lemon, orange, mango and other similar fruity combinations, often with a hint of spice (like cinnamon) - especially in winter. Mmmmm...
2) Sunlight. Yes, I believe I am prone to what's so elegantly defined as "seasonal affective mood disorder" (or some such). Namely, gray and gloomy days make me feel, well... gray and gloomy. And even a tiny bit of sunshine usually improves my mood. Yes, I know - I would be utterly miserable as a vampire, even without that pesky inconvenience of having to kill.;) Which is, of course, a pointless remark that just came out because it had to.:P
3) Music. Particularly in my headphones, when I am outside battling the elements. As in, waiting for a bus/train in inclement weather (which is a pretty frequent occurrence, since the weather in Chicago is usually inclement, in one way or another). I swear that the right soundtrack often makes the cold/wind/humidity etc. bearable. For example, something rhythmic and energizing (like goth rock) is perfect for frosty mornings (not to mention the fact that my large headphones are excellent earwarmers... LOL). It shouldn't be too fast, so I can fit my stride to the rhythm without getting out of breath - but not too slow either, because when the temperature is below the freezing point, you've got to MOVE. The perfect case in point? Lacrimosa (yeah, I'm sure that surprised everyone ;). Saltatio Mortis. Sisters of Mercy. Tiamat. Amorphis. The Cruxshadows. Or the soundtrack for The Queen of the Damned. That's my standard "winter fuel" these days.;D
4) A "sign of life" from a good friend. It can be an email, a blog post or even a brief comment - just something that lets me know how said friend is doing, or that they have been thinking about me. Particularly if it's some verbal appreciation for the connection we have. Sometimes a very brief message keeps me smiling for days...
5) Fandom. Always and ever. That can mean a lot of things, from internet silliness to deep character discussions, from fanart and pictures to strictly verbal delights of a good fanfic. I have a particular weakness for intensely romantic moments between my OTP, of course.;) I know it must be painfully obvious to anyone who has been following this journal for a while, but I'll say it again: a good piece of erotica involving my favorite pairing is like a mind-altering substance for me sometimes. I get high on it, I really do, and experience unsurpassed mental delight while I live out my intense longing for deep, mutual love without having to give up any of the perks of staying single.;) Yes, apparently that's how I roll. Judge not, lest ye be judged.:P
Just ONE thing that makes me feel better?... Tough choice. I'll be generous and pick five instead.:)
1) A good cup of tea. Tea is my comfort beverage of choice, and provides some measure of peace in almost any situation. A good cup usually means one that is strong, fragrant and sweetened with just the right amount of honey. Again, the right amount of honey differs, depending on the kind of tea it goes into. If it's plain green tea, for example, it needs just enough to neutralize its natural bitterness; if it's citrus-flavored and very acidic, then it needs some more. I have gotten into the habit of drinking black tea (usually Earl Grey) in the morning, green in the afternoon/evening and caffeine-free/herbal before bedtime. So I have a sizeable collection in my kitchen cabinet. My favorite flavors are lemon, orange, mango and other similar fruity combinations, often with a hint of spice (like cinnamon) - especially in winter. Mmmmm...
2) Sunlight. Yes, I believe I am prone to what's so elegantly defined as "seasonal affective mood disorder" (or some such). Namely, gray and gloomy days make me feel, well... gray and gloomy. And even a tiny bit of sunshine usually improves my mood. Yes, I know - I would be utterly miserable as a vampire, even without that pesky inconvenience of having to kill.;) Which is, of course, a pointless remark that just came out because it had to.:P
3) Music. Particularly in my headphones, when I am outside battling the elements. As in, waiting for a bus/train in inclement weather (which is a pretty frequent occurrence, since the weather in Chicago is usually inclement, in one way or another). I swear that the right soundtrack often makes the cold/wind/humidity etc. bearable. For example, something rhythmic and energizing (like goth rock) is perfect for frosty mornings (not to mention the fact that my large headphones are excellent earwarmers... LOL). It shouldn't be too fast, so I can fit my stride to the rhythm without getting out of breath - but not too slow either, because when the temperature is below the freezing point, you've got to MOVE. The perfect case in point? Lacrimosa (yeah, I'm sure that surprised everyone ;). Saltatio Mortis. Sisters of Mercy. Tiamat. Amorphis. The Cruxshadows. Or the soundtrack for The Queen of the Damned. That's my standard "winter fuel" these days.;D
4) A "sign of life" from a good friend. It can be an email, a blog post or even a brief comment - just something that lets me know how said friend is doing, or that they have been thinking about me. Particularly if it's some verbal appreciation for the connection we have. Sometimes a very brief message keeps me smiling for days...
5) Fandom. Always and ever. That can mean a lot of things, from internet silliness to deep character discussions, from fanart and pictures to strictly verbal delights of a good fanfic. I have a particular weakness for intensely romantic moments between my OTP, of course.;) I know it must be painfully obvious to anyone who has been following this journal for a while, but I'll say it again: a good piece of erotica involving my favorite pairing is like a mind-altering substance for me sometimes. I get high on it, I really do, and experience unsurpassed mental delight while I live out my intense longing for deep, mutual love without having to give up any of the perks of staying single.;) Yes, apparently that's how I roll. Judge not, lest ye be judged.:P
(no subject)
Date: 2013-02-04 05:22 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2013-02-05 03:22 am (UTC)And cranking up the music is the one thing I miss about driving... LOL.