Putting the pep in pep-permint

My tastes change as I get older. I change overall as I age. I didn't think that possible, but it's true: people do change. I didn't say ALL people, but some people do and I am hoping I am one of them and said changes are for the better. Hoping and praying, that is.

For instance, as a kid when it came to candy canes, I wanted any flavor other than the traditional. Peppermint just didn't tickle my fancy. . . or my tongue for that matter. I loved the sour apple ones.

Now, I think I have embraced my inner peppermint-loving self. And the holidays are the perfect time to explore that part of me. Peppermint mochas at Starbucks. Peppermint icecream Ghiardelli peppermint bark. Bring it on. Bring it all on. Except no peppermint flavored butter cookies. Some things shouldn't change.

I'm off to a good start: two peppermint mochas. . . . .

On another note. . .

Yesterday I donned my down coat, my brave face and my comfortable shoes, and practiced my mantra, "Patience is a virtue" as my mom and I faced Black Friday head-on. Cynical, it seems will be having a very merry Christmas. I, on the other hand, will face the upcoming year without a hand-held shop vac. Sad, so very sad, but we will persevere.

Actually it wasn't that bad yesterday. Best Buy was manageable. Target was a madhouse. And the rest was a blur, but I did come home with a few items on my list, leaving a few behind and glad that I had worn both the brave face and the down coat.

Wishing and wanting

And now we are at the point where I am supposed to give Cynical ideas as what to get me for Christmas. In all honesty, not just partial disclosure, I cannot think of anything I need. That's the key word: need. That's what complicates the list-making process.

What's on your wish list this year?