I had three large cups of lychee green tea in the last two days. It’s been so hot lately that the cold drink has become such a welcome respite from the heat.

Then again, who am I kidding? Jeff and I have become regulars at this little boba shop at The Village Dandenong that they pretty much know our orders already before we even tell them. It’s always lychee green tea with two serves of herbal jelly for me. No sugar, half ice. Jeff gets the taro smoothie with whatever kind of pearls he’s in the mood for.

The Taiwanese owners of the business are such a lovely couple. They brew the tea themselves and let me tell you, between their tea and that of Sharetea, I reckon theirs is waaay better. Their one doesn’t have the slightly bitter aftertaste that Sharetea has. Something I noticed last night after having Tea Break in the afternoon and Sharetea in the evening.

If I have to describe Tea Break’s tea in one word, it would be ‘smooth.’

And yes, it’s always money well-spent because sometimes you just gotta enjoy life too, you know. I mean, YOLO. And besides, Jeff and I are happy to support their business. They deserve it.

Anyhow…

Jeff decided to take Raven to the pool at Noble Park today. Do something as a family while we all got the day off, thanks to Labour Day. As it’s a public holiday and all, the place was packed but Raven had fun and that’s all that matters.

I was headquarters, as per usual.

She did my hair before we left. Lately, she loves playing hair salon with me — braiding and styling and brushing my hair this way and that, enjoying the creative process while I complain of the sharp pains when she tugs a little too harshly.

“Oww!!!” I would react. “Raven, be gentle!”

“I am being gentle!” she would reply. “It doesn’t even hurt, bruh!”

It’s all fun and games until I see all the hair fall on the floor and we’re testing each other’s patience.

Also, I have been reduced to bruh.

*Raven at 7 years old