Dear Pumpkin Spice Latte,

How do I put this lightly?
It's not you, it's me. 

I remember when Starbucks first created you, back in 2003.

I couldn't wait to try you.

Two of my favorite things (coffee and pumpkin) were now being combined together! 

Was it too good to be true? 

I eagerly ordered a Grande. 

I took my first sip......and I wanted to spit you out.

And, I did spit you out.

No. This was NOT a match made in heaven. 

I LOVE coffee. I LOVE anything Pumpkin.

But, I do not like pumpkin with my coffee. 

I was so confused. 

Everyone raved about the PSL.

I was disappointed in you and in myself.

Why didn't I like you, when everyone else did?!?!

(Side note: It reminded of the disappointment I felt in 1997 when the movie,  Conspiracy Theory came out. At the time, my favorite actress was Julia Roberts & my favorite actor was Mel Gibson. When they teamed up to do a movie together, I was thrilled!! 2 of my favorites in the same movie! I couldn't wait for it to come out....and when I saw it....WOMP WOMP. Didn't like it at all. FAIL.)

Anyways, back to you, PSL.

After my disappointment after our first meeting in 2004, I kept hearing how wonderful you were.

Every Fall, all people could talk about was "O-M-G. P-S-L!!"

So, in 2009, 6 years after our first meeting, I decided to give you a second chance. 

Reluctantly, I forked over $4 a gave you another shot. 

And, again....I took a couple sips and YUCK.

I just didn't like it. It tasted like burnt milk & coffee.

PSL in the trash, again.

Fast forward to yesterday.

In a weak moment at Starbucks yesterday, I had a gift card burning a hole in my wallet. 

October was here, I was happy, I needed caffeine.

I was going to order my usual (Grande Non Fat Vanilla Latte)

The chalkboard at Starbucks was filled with fall leaves & the PSL.

Both people in front of me ordered Pumpkin Spice Lattes.

The  PSL was haunting me. It was getting in my head. 

I mean it had been 4 years since I last tried you. 

When the barista asked for my order, I had a little chat with him.

I explained my dilemma.

 I love coffee. I love pumpkin. I love Fall.

I WANT to like the PSL, but the past 2 times I have ordered it  (in 2003 & 2009) I just didn't like it.

He told me to try it again. He said it is his favorite and their most popular drink during the Holidays.

He encouraged me to give it another shot.

So, in a moment of weakness & peer pressure, I ordered one.

I anxiously waited for my PSL to be ready.

I had a good feeling about it. 

3rd times a charm, right?

WRONG.

I took a few sips and it was as awful as I remembered it. 

Sorry, PSL. We just aren't meant to be.
It's not you, It's me.
I must have something wrong with *my* taste buds since everybody and their mother loves you.

Don't take this the wrong way, but I think you are Gross.

Like, I want to scrape my tongue off gross.

And, you are 500 calories?!?! No thanks. 

I'd rather drink those calories with a glass (or two) of wine.

I wanted to be one of the cool kids and like the PSL, but sadly, it's not going to happen.

Mel Larson just isn't a part of the Fall Cool Kids PSL Club, nor will she ever be.

I gave you 3 chances over a 10 year period. 

I have spent $12 on a couple sips of you and then you have gone in the trash.

3 strikes, you are out.

I am never, ever, ever going to order you again.

I should end this letter by wishing you a Happy 10th Birthday.
I am glad you have made so many people happy over the past 10 years.
Sorry I am not one of them. 

I hope we can still be friends.
Just remember....It's not you, It's me.

Love,

Mel 

(Non Fat Vanilla Latte......Forever)