Reading through a new Twitter follower's past few tweets, I came across one that really sent my senses in a tizzy and started a chain reaction of thoughts about what little things I've totally forgotten about since I've left the US. Her tweet was simply this: "community Pumpkin Spice creamer in the office kitchen. My coffee is scrumptious! Totally made my morning!" Pumpkin spice creamer might seem like a silly thing to blog about, but besides making me verbally exclaim "YUUUM," it got me thinking about all the great things that come with the Thanksgiving season, and it even reminded me of what it is I miss the most about working.
Last weekend, at a party full of Americans (and a Canadian) the topic turned to Thanksgiving dinner. After listing off all of our favorite dishes - greenbean casserole, mom's stuffing, homemade pumpkin pie (my absolute favorite) - we got on the topic of eggnog. A few people have spotted the milky holiday beverage at various grocery stores around Paris, and someone verified the name in French to look for on the next trip to the market. I was never crazy about eggnog, and in fact usually only drink it when it's spiked, but somehow it seems to be more important on my list of holiday specialties than ever before. Talking about the drink conjures up memories of Christmas Eve finger-food dinners, holiday office parties, and winter dinner parties with friends. We have plans to replicate a perfectly American Thanksgiving dinner here this year, so I'm hoping all my seasonal cravings will be fulfilled.
As for that pumpkin spice creamer, I could actually see that in the community fridge of any one of my jobs of the past. My lovely friend (and old co-worker), Jen would totally bring that in to share with our department in celebration of the cooler temps or just to brighten everyone's day. She'd make her coffee at her desk in the miniature French press that was stashed in her office and come to the breakroom for a splash of creamer and an earful of the latest gossip. We'd compliment each other on our latest buys - her new kitten heels or my new pencil skirt - and talk about what's on the agenda for the coming week. That's the kind of work camaraderie that made working an often less-than-thrilling 9 to 5 job so worth it. And, there are those little things - like the pumpkin spice creamer that someone thought to share with the rest of the burned-out office - that seriously made life that much happier. Is it silly for me to be dreaming of artificially-flavored soy-milk when I can indulge in freshly-baked baguettes and tarts all day if I want? Perhaps. But, isn't the grass always greener?
Last weekend, at a party full of Americans (and a Canadian) the topic turned to Thanksgiving dinner. After listing off all of our favorite dishes - greenbean casserole, mom's stuffing, homemade pumpkin pie (my absolute favorite) - we got on the topic of eggnog. A few people have spotted the milky holiday beverage at various grocery stores around Paris, and someone verified the name in French to look for on the next trip to the market. I was never crazy about eggnog, and in fact usually only drink it when it's spiked, but somehow it seems to be more important on my list of holiday specialties than ever before. Talking about the drink conjures up memories of Christmas Eve finger-food dinners, holiday office parties, and winter dinner parties with friends. We have plans to replicate a perfectly American Thanksgiving dinner here this year, so I'm hoping all my seasonal cravings will be fulfilled.
As for that pumpkin spice creamer, I could actually see that in the community fridge of any one of my jobs of the past. My lovely friend (and old co-worker), Jen would totally bring that in to share with our department in celebration of the cooler temps or just to brighten everyone's day. She'd make her coffee at her desk in the miniature French press that was stashed in her office and come to the breakroom for a splash of creamer and an earful of the latest gossip. We'd compliment each other on our latest buys - her new kitten heels or my new pencil skirt - and talk about what's on the agenda for the coming week. That's the kind of work camaraderie that made working an often less-than-thrilling 9 to 5 job so worth it. And, there are those little things - like the pumpkin spice creamer that someone thought to share with the rest of the burned-out office - that seriously made life that much happier. Is it silly for me to be dreaming of artificially-flavored soy-milk when I can indulge in freshly-baked baguettes and tarts all day if I want? Perhaps. But, isn't the grass always greener?
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Twitter?? I think you're becoming a regular social media expert! Haha...even I have yet to TWITTER! Now that should tell ya something! ;-)
ReplyDeleteHey! I'm Raychelle on Twitter :)
ReplyDeleteThe lack of pumpkin spice creamer totally bummed me out this morning. It truly is the little things that get you through the day when you work a 9 to 5. I can see how you would miss those little bright spots you have when working...even if the rest of it kinda blows.
I on the other hand am totally enamored with the fact that you live in Paris...it's how I found you...from The Paris Blog.
Anyway, good luck with your holiday planning :) I can't believe you can get eggnog in Paris!
Silk soy creamer. That's all I want, dude. Why can't we have SILK in france??!
ReplyDeleteNope, you're right. Right now I am sitting in my little rented Paris studio, working on my book proposals, after reading and responding to yesterday's emails from friends complaining about the regular work load (and I know what they mean, mid-semester) at my U... and feeling a little sad that I can't join them at the State Fair in Dallas, enjoying all manner of fried food on a stick. And admiring the butter sculptures. Despite being here, with, as you say, great baguettes and coffee and chocolates... Sigh.
ReplyDeleteWhatever I totally miss International Delight French vanilla & hazelnut creamers...the French wouldn't dare poison their precious cafés with these! I'm so picking some up when I go home for Christmas :) And J (and many other French friends) think it's crazy we enjoy pumpkin pie or Starbucks pumpkin spice lattés. Why is pumpkin so weird to them?? yum. Why am I not working right now?
ReplyDelete...HUGE AUDIBLE SIGH...
ReplyDeletePumpkin spice smell...this is my first Thanksgiving away from home (Houston) and you just made me identify with one of my favorite smells/tastes! Pumpkin spice. Really, even if you hated the US, that smell can make you think it was heaven, all cozy and warm in the fall (on a cold day) with a sweater, looking out a window at the cold streets filled with SUV's.
Oh crazy-ass chemically charged additives how I miss thee!
Have you guys been to Thanksgiving in Paris? I found chocolate Silk there before. Probably don't have the pumpkin stuff, but they used to have Silk. Also, there is a great health food store in the Bastille area (can't think of the name of the street, but it's off of Bastille, has tons of japanese and vietnamese restos near it). You can definitely get Silk there, and probably soy creamer and maybe even flavored stuff! They have a lot of vegan-type stuff, so I'd check it out.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah.
ReplyDeleteI must admit I had to google for both "eggnog" and "Pumpkin spice creamer" since I had no idea what you were talking about! :) I don't think we eat that a lot in France (or maybe it's just me...), but anyway your post made my mouth watering! Do you know any good shop or restaurant in Paris where I could find that? Oh, any address for a good pumpkin pie is welcome too! ;)