<a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/P7180022.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-6720" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/P7180022-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>A couple of months ago <a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/04/29/day-213-this-is-it-i-promise/" target="_blank"><strong>I alluded to a possible addiction</strong> </a>to the free samples at <strong><a href="http://www.teavana.com/" target="_blank">Teavana</a>.</strong>

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Today, I am here to say, "Hello, my name is Michelle.  I am a Teavana free samples-aholic."

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For YEARS, I've snagged those free samples and pretend that I'm tasting them for the first time.  The salespeople are usually hovering about, and I've always been nervous that one day I would be exposed.  I envisioned the hoverers lecturing me with a "No more free samples for you!  It's time to pay up, lady!"

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On Day 294, Kim C. accompanied to the mall for an errand.  I suggested a lookie-loo around Teavana.  I asked Kim, "Have you ever had their White Chai?  It's to die for!"

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Yes, Kim C. had indeed sampled the delectable chai in question.

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"Pretend like you're drinking it for the first time then!"

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Kim C. looked more than puzzled.  "WHY?"

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<span style="font-size: medium; color: #993300;"><strong>"Because I've oversampled here one too many times, and they might be on to me!  I may be guilted into buying some!!"</strong></span>

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Kim C. burst out laughing.

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It was here that I knew I had a problem.  Paranoia and little white lies are the telltale signs of addiction, are they not?

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And little white lies from ME??? The person who normally cannot tell even the littlest of white lies?!?! WHAT HAD BECOME OF ME?!?!

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Mr. Teavana Sales Hoverer, as if on cue, arrived at this very moment.

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He poured me numerous samples.  He lured me into the store for more.  He guided me to the back of the store, and opened those large, marvelous tins where they do that fanning thingie with the lid so you can catch a whiff.

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<span style="font-size: medium; color: #993300;"><strong>He had me at the White Chai whiff.</strong></span>

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Not to mention that I would feel terrible walking away after 5 minutes of his time, 7 samples, and 3 whiffs.

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I agreed to 2 ounces.

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Mr. Teavana Sales Hoverer weighed two scoops and -- in non-chalant upsales mode -- asked if 2.8 ounces were o.k.

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I replied, "Sure!"

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Mr. TSH announced, "That will be 14 dollars and yada yada yada cents."

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I nearly fainted.

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<span style="font-size: medium; color: #993300;"><strong>Ladies and 3 Token Gents, you previously thought there were TWO things in life that were for certain?  Thank you for playing, but try again!  There's THREE!</strong></span>

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<ol>
	<li>Death</li>
	<li>Taxes</li>
	<li>Free Samples at Teavana.  You're going to pay for them sooner or later.</li>
</ol>
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I decided then and there that I would put World's Most Expensive Tea to good use.  Day 295 was a Monday, and what better way to jump-start a Monday afternoon slump at work with a World's Most Expensive Tea tea break?  :-D

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It certainly added a bit of sunshine into my Monday afternoon.

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Cost of Teavana White Chai:  $14.88.

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Cost of beating the Monday afternoon doldrums?  Priceless.

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