i really should get some japanese tea cups. these white cups i've got now are fine for drinking from while doing work, but they're no good for guests. instead of having a small cup refilled with fresh hot tea regularly my guests end up with lukewarm tea by the time the cup is half-emptied. if i had japanese teacups i could serve my chinese and japanese teas in those. and possibly i should also get a proper english tea set after this semester, if it looks like i'm going to stay for a few more years. if i get through this semester my friday afternoon teas will certainly become a fixture - there will always be new graduate students joining the department, and even more old friends to catch up with, and in time i will have students of my own to tutor! wouldn't that be fun!