#chai break podcast

[deepak-1995]

Chai Break Podcast: Embracing Failure with Courage and Strength

[angelicgirlmj]

an angels perfect winter morning: a guide . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁

hi angels! this winter i want to perfect my morning routine. i struggle alot with sleep and energy levels, especially during the first few weeks of winter so this guide is a perfect way for me to ensure i have enough energy to get on with a busy and full day and achieve all my goals! while i cant do all of this every day what i try to do is pick a few things to prioritise daily. i hope you enjoy this and find some good routine inspo! especially if you struggle a bit with slumps during the colder months. enjoy.

school/work days - 20 step routine . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁

wake up at 6:30 - 70:00.

open curtains and window (if not raining), let air circulate.

do a quick five or ten minute yoga/stretch routine while you watch the sunrise.

make bed (studies suggest its better to let your bed freshen with the sheets unmade first thing to stop the growth of certain bacteria etc).

dress.

clean teeth and floss.

drink glass of lemon water and salt (for natural electrolytes).

start packing lunch or snacks needed for the day.

make a cup of tea (my favourites are chai, green tea or matcha).

make breakfast (my go tos at the moment are turkey bacon and scrambled eggs, sautéed apple and yogurt or a porridge/oatmeal bowl).

clean teeth and mouthwash.

do am skincare.

style hair and jewellery.

make sure bag is fully packed.

journal for a few minutes and plan day.

read or listen to a podcast.

ensure all school work is up together/everything prepared for work.

fill up water bottle for the day.

set up room for when home, leave a cute lamp on, make sure your desk is tidy, lay out evening clothes etc.

put on motivational/winter playlist!

weekends - 20 steps . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁

wake up at 8 - 8:30.

open curtains and window.

ten minute yoga/stretch routine.

tidy room and make bed.

get dressed in workout clothes.

do a five minute oil pull then clean teeth.

drink glass of lemon water with salt.

make breakfast and a tea (i normally put mine in a travel mug).

fill up water bottle.

clean teeth and am skincare.

if weather nice go on a little morning walk (half an hour to forty minutes).

journal and light a candle, plan day.

workout (i aim to workout for an hour to an hour and a half now weekends).

have a shower.

body lotions/moisturiser.

file nails.

start any work/projects needed, aim to get all finished by end of morning.

during breaks read or listen to podcast.

start weekend clean of room, change bedsheets, clean surfaces etc.

spend time with family or friends!

i want my winter mornings to be slow and mindful, focused on caring for my body and mind and doing what i can to make this time of the year easier and gentle on every part of me! there are lots of complexities within these routines so consider this a fairly basic, un-detailed guide. i might try to make a guide for any changes i make during the winter/as it gets colder if that would interest you angels? thank you for reading and have a great start to winter!

love, m.

[allwaswell16]

All the One Direction fics I read and enjoyed in Sept 2024. You can listen to my podcast to hear me talk about each of these fics as well as an overview of what was posted on ao3 including the fics on this month’s fic roundup [ @1dmonthlyficroundup ] which you can find here! Please let the writers know if you liked the fics by leaving kudos and comments! Happy reading!

Fanfictional Podcast #66 |  ko-fi | fic recs

- Louis / Harry -

🩵 Better is the End by LadyLondonderry / @londonfoginacup

(M, 26k, Greek mythology) Louis stands at the entrance to the labyrinth, and knows that this is the end. No one escapes from the labyrinth. No one can defeat the monster inside and make it back out alive.

🩵 Sugar, Sugar by @parmahamlarrie

(E, 25k, sugar daddy Louis) Meeting your soulmate was the most joyous event of one’s life… or at least, it’s supposed to be. Harry, in all of his 25 year old wisdom, was suspicious of the role fate plays in everyone's lives. He'd rather focus his time dating older men he meets off of a sugar baby website.

🩵 Break (Up)? Coming Right Up! by The_Halcyonic_Lachesist / @chai-hat-tea

(M, 14k, breakup) Louis promised Harry that they would always be together, but when Harry's dreams get in the way, will Louis be able to keep his word?

🩵 Like A Miracle by crimsontheory / @ireallysawanangel

(M, 12k, established relationship) Louis thinks he finally knows what it feels like to be truly nervous now that he has one very important question to ask his boyfriend. Part 4 of Marcel series

🩵 touch me baby, put your lips on mine by @insightfulinsomniac

(E, 12k, pwp) the soft and sweet sex party fic with a dash of dom/sub dynamics and a LOT of public sex.

🩵 Smells Like TEAM Spirit by @persephoneflouwers

(NR, 10k, high school) Punk Louis and quarterback Harry have been secretly dating for years. Feeling overwhelmed by his commitments, Harry suggests a short break, fearing he can't give Louis enough time. As Louis reflects on his vulnerabilities, Harry struggles on the field without him.

🩵 This Ain't Red Wine by LetTheMusicMoveYou / @letthemusicmoveyou28

(E, 9k, supernatural) the one where Human Louis accidentally finds himself at a Vampire only party which actually turns out to maybe not be the worst thing

🩵 Haunting Beauty by 4ureyesonly28 / @evilovesyou

(G, 6k, ghost Louis) It’s 1988. Harry has just finished his first year of teaching English and looks forward to a relaxed break. Louis is a poltergeist and has different plans for Harry’s summer.

🩵 Good-Old Fashioned Lover Boy by not_fitzwilliam / @not-fitzwilliam-darcy

(NR, 5k, omegaverse) When a miscalculated decision leads to an accidental courtship with the sweetest, most gentle alpha, Harry is torn between breaking the alpha's heart and telling the truth. 

🩵 we could be enough by @hellolovers13

(M, 5k, omegaverse) Louis never imagined anyone could love him for who he truly is. Then he meets Harry.

🩵 Only Angel by starryhaze / @starryhaze28

(E, 5k, pwp) the one where Louis is in Japan and stumbles upon a boy wearing angel wings

🩵 this cage was once just fine by amomentoflove / @daggerandrose

(T, 3k, uni) the one where Harry pines for Louis

🩵 A Tight Space by @haztobegood

(T, 2k, shapeshifter curse) Louis startles with a hand to his chest. “What the fuck was that?” “Oh, that’s the cat. I told you Liam found a stray a few days ago. That’s him.” “Are you sure that’s a cat?”

🩵 The Wilds - Timestamps by @jaerie

(E, 2k, omegaverse) The fact of the matter was that they were still bonded. And since they were just like any other bonded pair, Louis really wanted his knot. Part 3 of The Wilds

🩵 we could be the greatest team by 5sexualhomos / @hogwartzlou

(G, 1k, friends to lovers) Imagine your OTP accidentally and unofficially moving in together. Bonus points if they aren't dating at the beginning.

🩵 Singing Like a Bird 'Bout It Now by QuickedWeen / @becomeawendybird

(G, 1k, meet cute) Dr. Louis Tomlinson is worn to the bone, but only has a few patients left before the end of the day. One of those appointments takes quite a few twists and turns.

🩵 The Ball Guy by @homosociallyyours

(T, 1k, humor) Harry is an unpaid intern on his first film set, and he's pretty excited to see that his number one celebrity crush, Louis Tomlinson, will be a part of the movie. He's on the call sheet for the day, followed by a very odd addition: a ball guy?

🩵 Wordplay 2024 (series) by @kingsofeverything

Nest (G, 100 words) Harry wakes up first. Tight (NR, 100 words) Louis comes home early. Carry (NR, 100 words) Baby bump. Press (E, 100 words) Louis asks for it. Interference (G, 100 words) Bottom of the ninth.

- Rare Pairs -

🩵 circling the truth by we_are_the_same / @so-why-let-your-voice-be-tamed

(T, 3k, Liam/Louis) Liam Payne has met his soulmate. He knows he has, because he woke up with his power this morning.

🩵 'Cause What I Want Came True by @lululawrence

(NR, 1k, Louis/Diego Luna) He’d known Diego was attractive, the few photos he had shared on the dating app had made that clear, but there was something about seeing him in person that made him feel… more.

[metamatar]

@digsdigsdigs asked me to list 5 boring things about me. I was made for this

1. i like when a bird is shiny.

2. i prefer black tea to masala chai. not because im drinking fancy black teas. no, the walmart brand assam stocked in the break room.

3. i use podcasts mostly as a sleep aid. i've gotten through only 30 minutes of the latest well there's your problem despite putting it to play 4 times atleast bc i've been tired. snork mimimi.

4. i last went to the club 5 months ago.

5. i love to organise the computer. dragging and dropping folders around is the point of a gui imo.

tagging @hungerpunch @hurricanewindattack @max1461 @ardl @eikotheblue

[disregardandfelicity]

just heard michael lucas say on the latest ep of his podcast that the newsreader season 3 wrap party was the other night and he specifically name dropped that chai hansen was there break dancing! which means....

gay tim from camera will return

[lavenderfairycow]

1. coffee mugs

2. chocolate bars

3. bubblegum

4. i was homeschooled

5. soda bottles

6. kinda preppy i guess?

7. earbuds even though i prefer headphones because i always break them and earbuds are cheaper

8. tv shows

9. the relief of rain within the drought

10. never took p.e. because dance counted in its place

11. bagel and fruit

12. right now it is called "audition anxiety? i don't think i know her."

13. lanyard

14. fruit snacks or anything mango

15. to kill a mockingbird

16. crossed legs

17. converse

18. foggy with light rain

19. all over the place, i don't have a solid answer for you there

20. my notebook and then i type up anything worth typing up on my laptop

21. emily dickinson

22. sufjan stevens

23. i never have anything to do with the number 3 especially before something important like an audition or an exam because of the curse of 3

24. amethyst

25. yellow by coldplay

26. think about cold weather

27. go walking in the fog with a hot chai latte and good music

28. hoax by taylor swift, to be alone with you by sufjan stevens, demi moore by phoebe bridgers, outta my head by m ward, should have known better by sufjan stevens.

29. making shared playlists

30. the paradise theater, my grandfather's house in centralia, washington, the side stage curtain in dublin where our lips nearly collided, but i hesitated.

31. spiderweb tights, black (faux) leather skirt, and black corset.

32. girl i barely remember vine 😂

33. you've got to be fucking kidding me

34. grammarly

35. 12-2 am

36. something about aquarius probably

37. suitcase

38. tea

39. lemon meringue without the pie

40. im an online student

41. my mom

42. pants pockets?

43. jean jacket of course

44. lavender and oat

45. fantasy

46. gray comfy shorts and a sports bra

47. do goldfish count?

48. mango!

49. "your faithless love's the only hoax i believe in" - ts

50. when she and i were fencing at rehearsal and i knocked hard into her so we both collapsed to the ground laughing and smiling at each other, our fingertips nearly touching.

51. i don't have my audition results back yet from friday, it's only sunday but im losing my fucking mind.

52. cambria

53. raw bitten nails, chipped scarlet polish, and they hurt from typing all night

54. i learned how to advocate for myself

55. snow white and rose red

56. my mom and i always make organic pumpkin muffins with a hershey's dark kiss in the middle for the autumnal equinox.

57. losing my home and town to wildfire, first (unrequited) love, academic pressure but it's the opposite because my parents want me to go to community college

58. writing poetry, painting with watercolor, persuasion, natural kindness

59. free gay hugs! free gay hugs!

60. i don't know anime that well

61. "is it better to speak, or to die?" - call me by your name (2017)

62. elio perlman, ellie chu, kate messner, rory gilmore, little dog, jane penderwick, luna lovegood.

63. i don't do clubs

64. pinterest, i lied about my age at seven

65. one on the palm of my hand

67. snowdrops and daylilies, also calla lilies

67. the number 17

68. meat

69. never wash your hair before an exam

70. right

71.triangles

72. math

73. strawberries and hot cocoa

74. 3

75. i don't remember, but i stopped at 13

76. crinkle cut french fries

77. aloe vera or basil

78. coffee from a gas station

79. school id photo

80. a mix of both

81. fireflies

82. pc

83. both!!!!!!

84. podcasts

84. barbie

85. mythology

86. cookies

87. the number 3, also rejection

88. to end up with my first love

89. my mom

90. quitting competition dance freshman year

91. bags

92. fairy lights, with lamps as a close second

93. mel and melly

94. autumn

95. spotify

96. western washington university campus

97. 5

98. shakespearean / elizabethan

weird asks that say a lot

in

1. coffee mugs, teacups, wine glasses, water bottles, or soda cans?

2. chocolate bars or lollipops?

3. bubblegum or cotton candy?

4. how did your elementary school teachers describe you?

5. do you prefer to drink soda from soda cans, soda bottles, plastic cups or glass cups?

6. pastel, boho, tomboy, preppy, goth, grunge, formal or sportswear?

7. earbuds or headphones?

8. movies or tv shows?

9. favorite smell in the summer?

10. game you were best at in p.e.?

11. what you have for breakfast on an average day?

12. name of your favorite playlist?

13. lanyard or key ring?

14. favorite non-chocolate candy?

15. favorite book you read as a school assignment?

16. most comfortable position to sit in?

17. most frequently worn pair of shoes?

18. ideal weather?

19. sleeping position?

20. preferred place to write (i.e., in a note book, on your laptop, sketchpad, post-it notes, etc.)?

21. obsession from childhood?

22. role model?

23. strange habits?

24. favorite crystal?

25. first song you remember hearing?

26. favorite activity to do in warm weather?

27. favorite activity to do in cold weather?

28. five songs to describe you?

29. best way to bond with you?

30. places that you find sacred?

31. what outfit do you wear to kick ass and take names?

32. top five favorite vines?

33. most used phrase in your phone?

34. advertisements you have stuck in your head?

35. average time you fall asleep?

36. what is the first meme you remember ever seeing?

37. suitcase or duffel bag?

38. lemonade or tea?

39. lemon cake or lemon meringue pie?

40. weirdest thing to ever happen at your school?

41. last person you texted?

42. jacket pockets or pants pockets?

43. hoodie, leather jacket, cardigan, jean jacket or bomber jacket?

44. favorite scent for soap?

45. which genre: sci-fi, fantasy or superhero?

46. most comfortable outfit to sleep in?

47. favorite type of cheese?

48. if you were a fruit, what kind would you be?

49. what saying or quote do you live by?

50. what made you laugh the hardest you ever have?

51. current stresses?

52. favorite font?

53. what is the current state of your hands?

54. what did you learn from your first job?

55. favorite fairy tale?

56. favorite tradition?

57. the three biggest struggles you’ve overcome?

58. four talents you’re proud of having?

59. if you were a video game character, what would your catchphrase be?

60. if you were a character in an anime, what kind of anime would you want it to be?

61. favorite line you heard from a book/movie/tv show/etc.?

62. seven characters you relate to?

63. five songs that would play in your club?

64. favorite website from your childhood?

65. any permanent scars?

66. favorite flower(s)?

67. good luck charms?

68. worst flavor of any food or drink you’ve ever tried?

69. a fun fact that you don’t know how you learned?

70. left or right handed?

71. least favorite pattern?

72. worst subject?

73. favorite weird flavor combo?

74. at what pain level out of ten (1 through 10) do you have to be at before you take an advil or ibuprofen?

75. when did you lose your first tooth?

76. what’s your favorite potato food (i.e. tater tots, baked potatoes, fries, chips, etc.)?

77. best plant to grow on a windowsill?

78. coffee from a gas station or sushi from a grocery store?

79. which looks better, your school id photo or your driver’s license photo?

80. earth tones or jewel tones?

81. fireflies or lightning bugs?

82. pc or console?

83. writing or drawing?

84. podcasts or talk radio?

84. barbie or polly pocket?

85. fairy tales or mythology?

86. cookies or cupcakes?

87. your greatest fear?

88. your greatest wish?

89. who would you put before everyone else?

90. luckiest mistake?

91. boxes or bags?

92. lamps, overhead lights, sunlight or fairy lights?

93. nicknames?

94. favorite season?

95. favorite app on your phone?

96. desktop background?

97. how many phone numbers do you have memorized?

98. favorite historical era?

[basketleaftea]

Online Marketing Tips for Small Tea Brands – Basketleaf

In today’s digital-first world, even small tea brands need a strong online presence to grow and thrive. With the right online marketing strategies, you can attract customers, boost brand visibility, and drive sales without breaking your budget. This guide provides actionable online marketing tips tailored for small tea brands operating on  best businesses under ₹1 lakh or less.

1. Build a Strong Social Media Presence

Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp are essential for building brand awareness.

Showcase Your Products: Post aesthetically pleasing photos of your tea blends, packaging, and brewing process.

Engaging Stories: Use Instagram Stories to poll followers, announce new blends, or offer limited-time discounts.

User-Generated Content: Encourage customers to share their tea moments and tag your brand.

Hashtag Strategy: Use a mix of trending and niche hashtags like #TeaWithBasketleaf to reach more people.

2. Leverage WhatsApp Marketing

WhatsApp is a powerful tool for directly communicating with customers.

Broadcast Messages: Send updates about new blends, offers, or discounts to customers.

Customer Support: Provide instant assistance and take orders through WhatsApp Business.

Exclusive Offers: Create a VIP WhatsApp group where members receive special deals.

3. Build a User-Friendly Website

Having a website gives your tea brand credibility and allows customers to explore your products online.

Keep It Simple: Use easy-to-navigate pages with clear descriptions and beautiful product photos.

Offer Online Ordering: Allow customers to order tea directly from your site.

Include Testimonials: Display positive reviews to build trust.

SEO Optimization: Use relevant keywords like “best business under ₹1 lakh” to improve visibility on search engines.

4. Sell on eCommerce Platforms

Expand your reach by listing your tea products on popular eCommerce platforms.

Amazon and Flipkart: Use their vast customer base to boost sales.

Meesho or Shopify: Platforms like these are great for small businesses looking to sell online.

Social Commerce: Sell directly through Facebook and Instagram shops.

5. Collaborate with Micro-Influencers

Influencer marketing is a great way to promote your tea brand without spending a fortune.

Find Local Micro-Influencers: Work with influencers who have 10K-50K followers and are active in your niche.

Offer Free Products: In exchange for reviews or social media posts.

Run Giveaways: Collaborate with influencers to organize contests that promote your products.

6. Use Email Marketing to Retain Customers

Email marketing is one of the most cost-effective ways to nurture customer relationships.

Collect Emails: Offer a small discount in exchange for customers’ email addresses.

Send Newsletters: Share updates about new products, offers, or tea tips.

Abandoned Cart Emails: Remind customers about items they left in their cart.

7. Run Targeted Ads on Social Media

Social media advertising can help you reach new audiences without spending much.

Facebook and Instagram Ads: Promote your products to tea lovers, wellness enthusiasts, and gift shoppers.

Target Locally: Run ads in specific cities or areas where your products are available.

Optimize for Conversions: Use clear call-to-actions like “Shop Now” or “Order Today.”

8. Use Content Marketing to Educate and Engage

High-quality content helps position your brand as an expert in the tea industry.

Write Blog Posts: Share articles on topics like health benefits of tea, chai recipes, or sustainable tea farming.

Create Video Tutorials: Show how to brew the perfect cup of tea or create iced chai at home.

Launch a Tea Podcast: Discuss tea culture, wellness, and entrepreneurship to engage your audience further.

9. Offer Discounts and Limited-Time Promotions

Online promotions are an effective way to boost sales and attract new customers.

Flash Sales: Offer a 10% discount for a few hours to create urgency.

Free Shipping Offers: Encourage larger orders with free shipping on purchases above ₹500.

Referral Discounts: Give customers discounts when they refer friends to your online store.

10. Track Results and Optimize Campaigns

Monitor your marketing efforts to see what works best and optimize your campaigns accordingly.

Use Google Analytics: Track website traffic, conversion rates, and popular pages.

Social Media Insights: Analyze engagement metrics to see which posts perform well.

Ad Performance Metrics: Monitor click-through rates (CTR) and adjust targeting if necessary.

FAQs

1. How can I promote my tea brand online with a small budget?

Use social media marketing, WhatsApp broadcasts, and influencer collaborations to promote your brand without spending too much. Create content that educates and engages your audience to build a loyal following.

2. Do I need a website to sell my tea online?

While a website adds credibility to your brand, you can also sell through eCommerce platforms or social media if a website isn’t feasible initially.

3. Are social media ads effective for small tea brands?

Yes! Targeted ads on platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow you to reach the right audience at a low cost. Start with small ad budgets to test what works best for your brand.

Conclusion: Grow Your Tea Brand with Smart Online Marketing

Starting a tea business on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t compete with bigger brands. By leveraging social media, eCommerce platforms, email marketing, and influencer collaborations, you can build brand awareness and drive sales effectively. With consistency, creativity, and smart strategies, your tea business can become one of the best businesses under ₹1 lakh.

[shw123]

Unlocking the Secrets to Optimal Mental Health: A Comprehensive Guide With Chai Break Podcast.

[shrutim12]

Traversing The Realm Of Ad-Free Music Streaming

In the ever-evolving world of music streaming, there's a silent revolution happening – the rise of ad-free platforms. As our playlists become the backdrop of our lives, the intrusion of ads can feel like an unwelcome interruption to the harmonious flow. So, let's dive into the realm of ad-free music streaming, where uninterrupted beats meet the melody of financial sense.

The Quest For Uninterrupted Melody

Ad-Free

Imagine this: you're grooving to your favorite tunes, the rhythm building, and then – a sudden break for an ad. The flow is disrupted, the vibe shattered. Ad-free music streaming rescues you from this plight, offering a sanctuary where uninterrupted melodies can flourish. No more abrupt transitions from your favorite track to an advertisement jingle. It's music without compromise.

A Budget-Friendly Sonata

Ad-free options often strike a harmonious balance between cost and content. These platforms are not just about eliminating ads; they're also about delivering value for your money. With affordable subscription fees, you can enjoy a vast library of songs without the discord of interruptions, making it a pocket-friendly choice for the discerning music lover.

Also Read: Discover Fresh Music Daily With These Apps

The Players In The Symphony

Gaana

Gaana, a leading force in India's music streaming scene, stands as the ultimate sanctuary for uninterrupted sonic bliss. Seamlessly fusing local Indian tunes with global hits, Gaana offers an ad-free subscription that goes beyond eliminating interruptions – it crafts a curated musical journey where every note is savored. More than just playlists, Gaana ventures into podcasts and original content, transforming into a cultural hub. Opting for Gaana's ad-free subscription isn't just about uninterrupted music; it's a concise, immersive exploration of curated soundscapes and cultural conversations, making it a maestro in ad-free music streaming that resonates with millions.

Amazon Music

In the landscape of ad-free music streaming, Amazon Music stands as a mighty river, promising an uninterrupted flow of melodies to its listeners. This platform, backed by the tech giant Amazon, offers a diverse array of tracks, seamlessly blending global hits with the rich tapestry of Indian music. With an ad-free subscription to Amazon Music, listeners can embark on a musical journey unmarred by disruptions, experiencing the pure essence of each note. The platform's commitment to providing an immersive sonic experience makes it a noteworthy player in the world of ad free music streaming, ensuring that the river of melody flows freely for those seeking an uninterrupted musical voyage.

Also Read: The Impact Of Music On Productivity And Concentration

Decoding The Melody Of Subscription

The Affordable Symphony

Subscribing to an ad-free music streaming platform isn't just about removing interruptions; it's an investment in an uninterrupted sonic experience. The subscription fees are akin to the price of a couple of cups of your favorite chai, making it an affordable luxury for any music lover. The value lies not only in the absence of ads but in the added perks that come with the subscription – higher audio quality, offline downloads, and an enhanced user interface.

Free vs. Paid

While free versions of music streaming platforms exist, they often come at the cost of ads. Upgrading to a paid subscription is like unlocking the full potential of your musical journey. It's not just about removing ads; it's about gaining access to a premium musical experience that transcends the limitations of the free version. It's a small price to pay for an uninterrupted symphony.

The Road Ahead

As we navigate the landscape of ad-free music streaming, the question arises – is it worth it? For those who cherish the seamless flow of music, who want to curate their playlists without the interruption of ads, the answer is a resounding yes. The road ahead promises a more immersive and enjoyable musical odyssey, where the melody takes center stage, unmarred by the static of advertisements.

Also Read: Transform Your Music Listening Experience With These Apps

Conclusion

In the world of music apps similar to Spotify, the ad-free experience emerges as a crescendo of harmony. It's not just about eliminating interruptions but about embracing a musical journey that flows seamlessly from one note to the next. So, if you find yourself yearning for uninterrupted melodies, consider diving into the world of ad-free music streaming – where the rhythm reigns supreme, and every beat is a step closer to musical nirvana.

[theeveningletter]

Tuesday, 01/03/2023 @11:59 pm - 12:16 pm

Last night's dreams: I dreamt I was in America driving in the snow. Except the car was covered in it and it was an open convertible. I was driving around two kids, who I felt bonded to, but I don't know who they are. I dreamt I was at home and that we had a cool canopy outside. And I was grabbing biryani for dinner with a bowl instead of a spoon because Popo thought it was more efficient. I soon woke up to what sounded like someone in my room moving the covers, but it was only the waves of the Avatar sounds I fell asleep to. Today I woke up earlier than usual. The waves woke me up between 9:30-10:00 am and from there I stayed in bed on my phone, read a few chapters of Howl's moving castle, posted on Instagram, and got out of bed at 12:00 pm.

Where I went today: Home.

What I ate today: For brunch, I had 2 eggs with parmesan cheese & chutney, shrimp & snow peas that mom made, and leftover black bean chicken from congee queen. I also had an orange pekoe tea with almond milk, and yogurt, I think. I snacked on toast and hot chocolate, and fries (which Alex made in the air fryer) with mustard and duck sauce between meals. Dad made me more tea (with milk, no sugar), and for dinner, we had pizza from Metro. Dad called earlier to ask what toppings we'd like and I put him on speakerphone while we (Chai li & Alex & I) told him our requests. Dad came home a bit earlier than mom. He wished me a happy birthday and told us to wait for mom before we started eating. Mom bought a tiramisu cake yesterday and today they sang me happy birthday and we had it after pizza.

What I did today: Not much. Stayed on my computer. Answered messages.

Media I consumed today: Howl's Moving Castle chapters 5 & 6, Episode #1 of Animation Happy Hour podcast.

Things I worked on today: I updated my resume and links on LinkedIn.

Things I’m grateful for today: Dad - he made me tea and bought us pizza for dinner. I even thought about having pizza before he called us to ask what toppings we wanted. My parents always remind themselves of what foods I'm avoiding - red meat and sometimes dairy. Mom - when I told mom and dad thank you for the pizza and cake, they brushed it off like it was nothing and that made me want to cry. Not because I feel ignored but because I am so grateful. I think today was the quietest birthday I've had in a while, but I think I needed the break from seeing too many people. I am happy with our quiet time spent together. Mr. Francis! - He always remembers to wish me happy birthday. He says he might retire this year and I hope he isn't too sad about leaving.

Closing Thoughts: I'm officially 22 and for some reason, that doesn't feel so crazy. I think I'm going to do a lot of great things this year. And that's not to jinx anything, but more to affirm it will happen. Thank you to everyone.