Monday, August 27, 2012

My Guilty Pleasure


You know you give way too much money to Starbucks when your free drink coupon comes in the mail almost as often as the mortgage does. I’ve been a gold card member for years now and one of the perks is a free drink earned after every 15 purchases. Usually I’d average a coupon every few months. Now I average one almost monthly. I hadn’t realized my Starbucks cravings had increased the last year and half until the coupons started coming. And I’ve figured it out.

Starbucks is my comfort food.

Everyone has something they crave or feel better eating when they need some comfort. When they’re stressed or down or lonely, etc. Now stop right there, I don’t feel any more stressed, down, lonely than the next stay-at-home mom or aspiring writer. Instead of chowing down a bag Cheetos, or munching on a candy bar, or downing a bottle of red wine…

…I sip my Starbucks.

After a restless night of Westly waking a few more times than necessary…

Or after a day of trying to appease the demands of a screaming, teething toddler…

Or after a long week of missing my husband who had extra meetings…

Or after feeling defeated as a writer because I didn’t meet my goal to revise that chapter…

I make a trip to the green mermaid. I inhale that warm pungent coffee aroma. I glance up at the menu full of delicious words like latte, Frappuccino, macchiato, and grande. I smile at the barista sporting a chic bob, green apron, and wide grin. I slip out my card glinting gold. I order, relishing every moment.

That first sip warms me—even if it’s a cold bev—and comforts me. While I know it doesn’t guarantee true fulfillment, it makes me feel better for that day. Westly’s poor sleep last night doesn’t seem as tiring. His screaming isn’t as loud. The week seems shorter. And I WILL revise that chapter.

Can I hear an Amen?

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