I smile back, glance at the line and tell him, “wow, there’s a lot of people tonight.”

On an ordinary day, I would have walked away after seeing the snaking line. Today? No.

Sixteen minutes, three people away from the counter.

There’s something about the holidays that makes my patience level increase. Maybe it’s the presence of families all together for the holidays? Friends laughing together, having a good time.

Almost twenty minutes later, I get my holiday drink. It doesn’t taste good — too much ice, i think, and not enough flavor. Oh well, that’s the holiday rush for you.