Have you ever done something totally new lately?
Have you ever tasted something special that used to be an ordinary treat?
Does absence really make one’s heart grow fonder?
Staying over in a hotel – whether be in the city (NYC) or Princeton, used to be a regular weekend treat for us. But with the change in the economy, we have tightened our budget: no weekend getaways; very limited restaurant dining; no shopping just for the sake of it.
Yesterday, with the help of my husband’s parental units (mom and dad), my husband and I had one relaxing day – a break from our crumbcatchers’ regular hectic schedule. Lucky for us, we have parents that love to break away from their regular routine and gift us with a “mini-vacation”. For our past birthdays, mom and dad gave my husband a spa gift card and dinner money for mine. Mom calls them the “save-the-marriage” gifts! I think they are more like spreading “tinker bell gold dusts” at a loving marriage. Yes, happy thoughts were badly needed and a time off is what the doctor ordered!
(Mom and Dad gave us a gift certificate to Short Hills Hilton’s Spa. The spa was closed for 10 months, and it was just great timing that I booked it last week! Or is it bashert or kismet? )
We stayed the entire day just hanging by the pool – reading and napping. And then for an unplanned dinner, we headed to Ruth Chris’ steakhouse. (courtesy of mom and dad’s birthday present to me!)
However, last night…the steak was absolutely delicious! We had: carpaccio, chop salad and wild mushroom. Our palettes were enjoying every flavor. We split every thing and we still had left overs! We savored every little bite and you’ll be amazed on how tasty the foods really are!
While enjoying every bite, we realized that our past over indulgences had clouded the little things that we used to enjoy! I shouldn’t say little because there’s nothing little about Short Hills Hilton and Ruth Chris’ sizzling steak. When you over indulge so often, you tend to overlook and take the pleasure it provides for granted, so the experience was just a waste.
I should know better since I grew up in a Third World country. America does allow someone to live in excess that the beauty of simple pleasures get lost at times. It’s not the country’s fault, it’s just human nature.
So I think when we give ourselves a treat once in a while, every little tiny experience becomes so much more meaningful.
Have a meaningful Sunday everyone!
Keep smiling (:
BTW, today is the North Central NJ Walk Now for Autism. If you're in the area, come and join us!
Have you ever tasted something special that used to be an ordinary treat?
Does absence really make one’s heart grow fonder?
Staying over in a hotel – whether be in the city (NYC) or Princeton, used to be a regular weekend treat for us. But with the change in the economy, we have tightened our budget: no weekend getaways; very limited restaurant dining; no shopping just for the sake of it.
Yesterday, with the help of my husband’s parental units (mom and dad), my husband and I had one relaxing day – a break from our crumbcatchers’ regular hectic schedule. Lucky for us, we have parents that love to break away from their regular routine and gift us with a “mini-vacation”. For our past birthdays, mom and dad gave my husband a spa gift card and dinner money for mine. Mom calls them the “save-the-marriage” gifts! I think they are more like spreading “tinker bell gold dusts” at a loving marriage. Yes, happy thoughts were badly needed and a time off is what the doctor ordered!
(Mom and Dad gave us a gift certificate to Short Hills Hilton’s Spa. The spa was closed for 10 months, and it was just great timing that I booked it last week! Or is it bashert or kismet? )
Honey had fun at the hotel’s fitness center while I had the realigning sports massage . And I must say that I totally loved it! This morning, I woke up and I felt so relaxed – no achy bones! I was hesitant at first because most people I know tell me that the massage could be painful. I must tell you: no pain at all – just pleasure! Tightness in my neck, lower back, shoulders and glutes are all gone! The best treat was that the massage was supposed to be for my husband, but he gave it to me instead! I felt guilty (for a second) because I truly enjoyed his birthday present, but then he said,
“My gift to myself is to see you happy. If you’re happy, I’m ecstatic!”
We stayed the entire day just hanging by the pool – reading and napping. And then for an unplanned dinner, we headed to Ruth Chris’ steakhouse. (courtesy of mom and dad’s birthday present to me!)
Let me tell you, once you have deprived yourself of something special, the day you get a chance to enjoy it again is something memorable! Ruth Chris’ was like going to McDonald’s to us at one point. We stopped going a few years back and didn’t really miss it because the last few times we went, the sizzling hot prime rib steaks that are seared to perfection at 1800 degrees and topped with butter - just didn’t make us salivate!
While enjoying every bite, we realized that our past over indulgences had clouded the little things that we used to enjoy! I shouldn’t say little because there’s nothing little about Short Hills Hilton and Ruth Chris’ sizzling steak. When you over indulge so often, you tend to overlook and take the pleasure it provides for granted, so the experience was just a waste.
I should know better since I grew up in a Third World country. America does allow someone to live in excess that the beauty of simple pleasures get lost at times. It’s not the country’s fault, it’s just human nature.
So I think when we give ourselves a treat once in a while, every little tiny experience becomes so much more meaningful.
Have a meaningful Sunday everyone!
Keep smiling (:
BTW, today is the North Central NJ Walk Now for Autism. If you're in the area, come and join us!
what super folks you have. and i so know what you are talking/writing about. not 20 minutes ago we passed some homes with a LARGE amount of halloween decorations. my son says, "this might sound weird, but when you put that many Halloween decorations out(and the are the gruesome kind)--it isn't scary....it's just weird and silly." it loses the effect. we miss so much here in the states, don't we? taking it all for granted--or rushing through. i going to think about this some more, thanks friend.
ReplyDeletexoxo
i need to proof-read. rushing through. ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd I believe we're in this economic mess because people don't have contentment, even having a lot of things in their lives. Through this tough economic times, may it bring people to have desire for those things that truly count the most!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome "gift" you got and the beauty of it all, you and your DH got to share it together in His perfect time! God bless you sister.
Dad and I are so happy that this day brought you both lots of happiness, and a much needed, and well deserved, day of rest and relaxation.
ReplyDeleteWe love you both. Just let us know when you need another day away. We are happiest when you are happy.
Love you, Mom and Dad
That is so sweet of your hubby... :)
ReplyDeleteRuth's Chris!! We love this place, but don't go there too often. A bit pricey, hmmm. :)
You're blessed to have such wonderful folks, Jenjen!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day!
I am lucky indeed to have wonderful folks!
ReplyDelete@Deborah, no need to proof-read - this is a place where you won't be judged at all!
@RCubes, you're right. Part of the economic mess we have right now is due to the fact that a lot of people bought homes they couldn't afford, and companies who fed on such notion.
@Buckeroomama, that's why we split the appetizer, entree, etc..and came home with left overs!
@Veronica, thank you - you, too!