Despite the cramps and sleepiness that this day of the month always brings, I am feeling quite good. I think I'm finally starting to feel all Christmas-y. I love the holiday spirit. I love giving and receiving gifts. Yesterday, we got a bunch of cards in the mail, and I love knowing that all those people thought of us and cared enough to send one to us. And today, we received a package from Joe's mom. I set it under the Christmas tree.

Also, I decided today to go out and do something I've been meaning to do for the past nine months -- get my new driver's license! I went to the DMV today, finally, and something amazing happened... It wasn't crowded. AND, it didn't take very long! I felt like I was in elementary school, because I dressed up knowing I'd have my picture taken. Except that I never gave a damn about pictures in elementary school! Apparently, now I do. It's weird to me that wearing a new shirt and necklace and my favorite jeans can do so much for my mood. I have a feeling that means I'm materialistic on some level, but really... who cares? If dressing nice makes me feel good inside, I'm going to do it more often!

So I got my picture taken and signed my name, and they said I'd have my new license in a couple of weeks. Yay! I'm now Mrs. Meghan on all my forms of I.D.

After I was finished at the DMV, I didn't really feel like going home right away. I wanted to do something else, and suddenly had this urge to go to Beverages'N'More. I know, but it's a cool store. Really, you should go sometime. I had a Bailey's Irish Cream at Joe's office holiday party, and have been wanting more ever since. So I did a little shopping, picked up some Bailey's, and some Blackberry Brandy and even some cool brandy glasses. I mean, I can't drink alcohol if I don't have the right tools! It just doesn't feel right. So now I have nice glasses to drink my yummy alcoholic beverages.

Something about owning brandy glasses and brandy makes me feel sophisticated and grown-up. I'm not sure why.

I also briefly wished I could smoke cigars. (Can't -- allergies.. Oh and that whole issue of cancer, too...)

I also picked up some sharp cheddar cheese and a baguette. The latter is for Joe (but I hope he shares it with me!). It's his favorite thing to buy at the store, and he hasn't found a good one in a long while. I rock!

The guy in front of me at the check out counter was buying a ton of wine. Like, 30 bottles. And a pack of cigars. Now that's a Christmas party!, I thought. He apologized to me, because it was taking a while. And when they needed a price check over the intercom, he said, "Delinquent customer at check-out." I laughed, and he smiled. It was an odd, nice moment of the day. Maybe it was nice because so many people have been assholes lately. I think I just love to see people smile. I think also that it's those subtle things that happen in life that stand out in my mind and make me feel happy.

After I loaded my purchases in my car, I walked on over to Starbucks, which was only two doors down from Beverages'N'More. And I ordered the sacred, the coveted, the warm, sweet, and yummy drink that no other can match.... The Gingerbread Latte. Mmmmmmmm.... I love those! And I decided I absolutely must try their peppermint mocha next time I'm there.

After I got my drink, I decided to stay for a little while. I sat in the comfy cushioned chair by the window, looked at the Christmas decorations, and just relaxed while listening to the classical music playing above, and sipping my drink. And then I headed home.

Just before I reached my house, I saw the moon hanging low in the sky. White and full, floating in a sea of lavendar and pink wispy clouds.

And I thought to myself, "Today is a really great day."

~~Meg