Unter dem Weihnachtsbaum

This is what it looks like from the floor in front of our surprisingly nice artificial tree:

No, we're not indulging in Christian allegory. Skylar asked Santa for a large stuffed lion without having expressed much interest in the Narnia film. And he clearly heard her request in spite of the hype.

To thank him for his efforts, I made sure to have a pot of coffee ready to accompany the homemade cookies that she left for him. "Is this Peet's Christmas blend?" he inquired. "Yes," I replied. "Not bad. But the fact that you can buy it in hundreds of Safeways takes away some of the pleasure, don't you think?" I had to agree. And I felt sheepish saving the Raging Sage Christmas blend for myself, so I asked him if he wanted to sample that as well. "Nope, I'm already running behind. Merry Christmas!" As he walked out the door, I noticed the puddle where he'd been standing. I wonder if it will evaporate by morning.

Parting Is So Painful

Why is the MLA held between Christmas and New Year's Day? I hate the fact that I'm packing instead of lounging in front of the television in the soft glow of our tree. I hate even more that I'm leaving behind a ton of turkey sandwich material and several delicious pies. Although I've been full for hours, I've gamely been stuffing my face with the cute little pumpkin and apple-berry pies that Bean made just for me. I can't disappoint her, even if I'm going to be paying the consequences on the flight tomorrow. I'm also going to be missing several trips to the park to try out her new soccer ball and baseball glove, the opportunity to watch my new Beavis and Butthead DVD collection, and the favors of my partner, who has been patiently awaiting my recovery from the flu. And I'm not happy about any of this!