Stepping into a Starbucks store is like stepping into heaven. I’m not a coffee drinker but if I was I’d visit Starbucks everyday. I had 3 Starbucks cards that I haven’t used in the last year. I decided today to go to Starbucks and have a Grande Peppermint Hot Chocolate. I had gotten one of those cool Starbucks insulated coffee mugs, that people carry in their cars filled with their favorite flavor, last year for Christmas but never have used it. I wondered if they would fill my mug with the Peppermint Hot Chocolate. I walked into the store near my house and instantly felt a good feeling. There was seasonal music playing, people were sitting around quietly chatting while enjoying their steaming cups of joe. I went to the counter and explained I had these three cards that I’d like combined onto one card. The friendly woman behind the counter happily ran my cards on her machine and added the amounts together onto one card. I then ordered my Grande Peppermint Hot Chocolate in my cool mug and a slice of iced lemon pound cake to boot. Within minutes I was sipping the sweet, warm peppermint drink. I sat near other patrons enjoying their drinks. It was such a happy feeling. The store was clean, the employees pleasant, the drink was delicious, and the music was soothing. After consuming my sweet iced lemon pound cake, I left the cheerful place with my renewed Starbucks card and my Starbucks mug full of the tasty hot chocolate.

I know that sounds like a commercial for Starbucks but with all that is happening in the world today and the way I’ve been feeling lately, I just had to share the good feeling I got while visiting my neighborhood Starbucks. Maybe tomorrow I’ll go again but this time get a Venti Peppermint Hot Chocolate!

Winter has finally arrived. Yesterday the wind picked up from the northwest and howled through my balcony door all night. It whistled between the two panes of glass. The sound was annoying and woke me up several times last night. We also had the first snow yesterday. It began as rain but as the temperature dropped it turned to snow. We barely got a dusting and it was flying around the streets this morning.

When I got into my SUV this morning, I was kicking myself for not getting the heated seats. It took awhile for it to warm up too. I only have a 10 minute drive to work so it took the whole time to get completely warm inside. I'm getting the itch to buy a new car. The one I have is only 3 years old and I don't have a car payment but I think I'm ready for something new. I've been checking out the BMW 325Ci but I think it's out of my price range with the features I want. I've also looked into the Volvo S40 T5 AWD. I think I'll have to go test drive one on Thursday. I'm going to do some internet research tonight to check it out even more. I have to find out how much my insurance will go up though. If it's too high, I won't buy one. But I really like they way the new style looks for 2005. We'll see.

I've got the heat on in my condo right now. I hardly ever put the heat on because it stays comfortable in here for most of the winter without the heat. But tonight I can't seem to get warm. I have two pairs of socks on and my feet are still cold. It's supposed to be warmer for a few days and then turn cold again by Christmas. Time for hot chocolate and cookies.

I heard that the Bush Presidential library burned down. It was tragic. Both books were burned and the President had only finished coloring one of them.

There is nothing worse then standing face to face talking to someone while totally ignoring what they are saying simply because you are completely disgusted looking at the length of their nose hair. The only thing you can think about is their nose hair is so long they could braid it! For goodness sake! Trim your nose hair!

I went shopping today to buy myself some gifts since I won't be getting any and since I won't be buying any for other people. Selfish, I know. I bought 5 shirts (all plaid) and 3 pairs of pants. I also checked out the new iPod Photo at the Apple Store. I want one of those eventually. Maybe with the tax refund.

This evening I sat down and started my Christmas cards. I put the TV on the ABC Family channel because they are showing lots of the old Christmas shows. I thought it would put me in the mood. It did a little. Got most of the cards done but need to call mom to make sure I have a few addresses correct before I send them out.

Pretty boring Saturday. I wish the weekends were longer.