Simple Decadence

 On Liz's blog tour the last couple of weeks, she's been giving away a cup and saucer. And there's something that's just kind of quaint and decadent about a cup and saucer.

After my dad passed away almost four years ago, my mom, two sisters, and I have started a tea tradition. It began because it was too hard to celebrate our birthdays without Dad--especially on my mom.

And even though the pain is no longer raw, we've continued our tea birthdays--mine is two weeks from today--and we've gotten Jordan hooked as well. There's something so decadent about having someone serve you tea, petite sandwiches, and desert. Also, for the most part, the tearoom serves as a neutral zone--any brewing disagreements are left at the door and we just enjoy our time together without judgement--as only three sisters can do. This year, my oldest daughter, Kristen, is also joining us for the first time. Hopefully, that's not my only present.

Last week, I had Wednesday, Thursday off, worked on Friday, and then had Saturday and Sunday off. I was pretty excited because I never, ever get a weekend off unless I request it or it's my vacation. My girls, Mom, and my middle-sister, Debbie, went to see "The Impossible" It was a wonderful day. And then Sunday, we had a joint birthday celebration for my daughter's at my mom's--lots of January birthdays in my household.

But to tell you the truth, I was ready to go back to work--family can be exhausting. I'm not used to not having my time for me. And right now, I'm on a seven-day work hitch and I'm having trouble finding that "me"time as well. The time for writing, and simple indulgence.

Yesterday, I dropped Jordan off at the Humane Society where she volunteers and instead of going over to my mom's--who lives nearby and visiting, I went to Panera and ordered a caramel latte and pecan bar. I pulled out my notebook and did some edits. I left my phone in the car on accident and didn't go back to get it. It was so nice to have some QUIET time. And sipping my latte out of Panera's ceramic latte mug was just a little bit decadent.

So, my question for you, "What are your simple acts of Decadence?"

PS--The Impossible is simply awesome. Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor, just perfect. In my next life, I want to marry him.