tea and tofu

I've taken a liking to herbal tea and tofu. The tea is soothing; a pinch of cinnamon, a dapple of honey, two bags of sugar. I drink it before or after dinner, to de-stress, unwind, visit with friends. I drink it in the kitchen, leaned over the island, breathing in herb after herb. Something about tea is kind of like laying in a grassy field on a sunny day; both make you feel alive and well.

Tofu: Lipy is a vegetarian. She has introduced me to a plethora of spices, vegetables, meat replacements. Every night, I stand over a cutting board or skillet like a child, my excitement and wonder and awe swirling in the aromas of caramelized onions, snap peas, carrots, peppers, okra. I can't get enough. The colors alone are worth the effort of preparation.

Slowly, I am broadening my horizons in this place. I eat every new food I can get my hands on. I've been reading books that I wouldn't have typically picked up. I've been jogging every weekend morning - which, by itself, is quite the feat. I have never had the stamina or desire to run, especially along unevenly paved, hot city blocks, but now?

I am a tea-drinking, tofu-eating, jogger. This place is changing me, or I am changing in this place, but whatever is happening, I embrace it. If college brought me out of my proverbial shell, DC has placed me in the middle of the ocean.

And I am playing in the waves.