My Daughter's Taking Me To Paris

Recently when my daughter stayed with my parents, I learned that it's not only about two-ice-cream-cones-before-bed, but that traveling destinations seem to arise in conversation. Apparently, there was a discussion about going to Paris, France. Umm, I'm in! But before getting ahead of myelf here, maybe I should break it down as to how this conversation came about.

Between my four year old daughter and her Gigi (my mother):

Mom reading Audriana a book...

Mom: See that picture on the wall? 

Audriana: Mmm hmm. What is that?

Mom: That's the Eiffel Tower.

Audriana: The fiffil tower? What is the fiffil tower?

Mom: It's in Paris, France.

Dad in the background... "Who wants to go to Paris, France?!"

Audriana: I wanna go to Paris, France!

Mom: Oh, no Paris is more for grown ups not children. (Nice, mom)

Audriana's eyes fill with tears, she lays her head down and sobs. 

Mom: .....what's wrong sweetie???

Audriana (still sobbing): I want to go to Pairs, France...... (sobbing continues)

Mom: Well, maybe Pop (my dad) will take you some day!!

Audriana (sniffling): .......ok.

This is where it was decided that I was partaking in this little Euro-trip. Oh, did I not mention that I actually invited myself? Ok, well I did. So this is how that went:

Audriana: Mommy! Pop's going to take me to Paris, France!

ME: I'm sorry, what?

Audriana: Pop is taking me to Paris, France!

Looking back a dad, he smiles with that expression "yea, that's what I told her" ....

ME: Well, Audriana let me tell you something ... (sternly pointing my finger) ... you can't fly all that way by yourself, so you tell your Pop that mommy has to come with you. Understand?

Audriana: Yes ma'am.

And that folks, is how I weaseled myself into this not yet dated trip to Paris, France. Although I have to credit my daughter for coordinating it all. The tears? Well played, my dear. Well played.

Espresso yourself... [a coffee confession]

...the caffeine? ...the taste? ...the aroma?

All of the above would be suitable reasons why I love desire this popular morning beverage. Although, for me, it would be ...

 morning   afternoon   evening

Now, I'm not talking caffeine overload - only necessary in the morning, to avoid my inner Oscar-the-Grouch. Decaf is certainly my alternative for those afternoon/evening cravings. 

Dependency on any kind of caffeine stimulant is not ideal, and avoiding it at all costs was a lifestyle choice many years ago. Now? ...it seems I can't live without it. Well, at least a little bit. Restraining from this addictive beverage is something I'm beginning to consider, given our future plans for a 2nd pregnancy. This could be a tough challenge! Although, it's comforting to know (credit: WebMD) caffeine withdrawal is possible without severe effects. Luckily, my intake of caffeine is not excessive. 

The MOST challenging part of it... is the creamer!! 

Decisions! Decisions!

My everyday, go-to creamer, is the sugar free Delight French Vanilla. Every now and then, the hubs and I will experiment and try something exotic. Although, one of the most anticipated days of the year (secondary to Christmas, of course) is...

...the Starbucks announcement of their seasonal Peppermint Mocha!! Mmmmm. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

Of course, until that glorious time of year, I often opt for the generic (yet, still tasteful) Coffee-Mate "Peppermint Mocha". Trust my taste buds! I have tried different brands, but this one takes the cake!

Lastly, I am a guaranteed sucker for a nice café. I'm talking:

...but, given the reality that I do not live remotely close to a real café in France, I'll take a Starbucks (or the local Coffee Crossing) table outdoors in the sunshine. 

Regardless of my surroundings, I'll never refuse a good cup of joe - which by the way, has two interesting theories regarding the history of its term.

 

Check it out, here.

So, there's my confession. Was it a serious one? No. However, it is something that needs restraint. In the meantime, the hubs would be happy to know:

Haha.

Love to you all!! Hope you have a blessed day!! :)

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