And now I regret not decorating for Christmas *sigh* Not enough to go pull out all those decorations now, mind you. But enough to wish I had actually put up the tree and hung up our holiday cards.  I kind of miss just that little bit of the sights and smells of the season.

Of course, this was all brought on because we had a sweet and mellow (read: inexpensive) date night last night.  First we went out to for a late lunch/early dinner.  From there, after indulging in the world’s best tapioca pudding (Brent’s in Northridge – get the large and bring home the leftovers, you won’t be disappointed) we headed on over to Galco’s Soda Pop Shop to check out all the off beat names and brands of soda from around the US (and some international brands as well).  I picked up a CheerWine (made with cane sugar – even better still!) since I love that stuff and it didn’t let me down – though I do wish I’d picked up two.

We ended the night doing my favorite Christmas event…checking out the Upper Hastings Ranch neighborhood to look at their holiday light displays.  I love driving around, with the widows down, sipping on the requisite hot cocoa admiring the decorations.  If I was a kid, I’d think I’d have died and ended up at the North Pole.  Some folks do a really great job (and yes, some are totally lame as well).  Before heading back home, we drove by what I refer to as the “Ice Cream House” (the Balian house)where they go crazy insane with their decorations.  They even end up with street vendors!  I have to say, this is the first year since I’ve been doing this that there wasn’t a pro-Bush banner hanging front and center. Interesting.

So now you can see why I’m regretting not decorating this year.  It took a while, but I do believe that I might finally be getting into the holiday spirit.  In fact, I think I need a Peppermint Mocha and a Cranberrry Bliss Bar to celebrate!  And yes, as a matter of fact, I did run out without my camera.