Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts

By Alyce Wilson

Emma and Una with their Christmas bears

On Friday, Christmas Eve, The Gryphon and I had a somewhat busy day. He had to work until noon that day, so I did my regular 1 p.m. assignment from home and then, as soon as he arrived and we had packed the car, we took off for central Pennsylvania.

The trip there was pretty easy: most people had traveled the day before. We didn't even encounter any winter weather problems.

We arrived in my hometown with just enough time to grab something quick for dinner before I started my next assignment.

We chose the only convenient place that was open, an Original Italian Pizza.

Inside, they were playing Frank Sinatra. It felt like we were back in Philly. I ordered a 6-inch turkey sub, and The Gryphon got an Italian sub. We sat down and chatted while we waited for our order.

Looking around the little restaurant, I thought about all the times I'd had lunch there while I worked in the small town newspaper only two blocks away. Far too many times, considering what I used to order when I did so. No wonder I gained so much weight after college!

When our subs were ready, we drove the rest of the way to my dad's place. The Gryphon unpacked the car while I got the computer set up. I asked him to put my sandwich in the oven until I had a chance to eat it, which he did, even having the consideration to put the oven on warm to keep it at a good temperature.

I finished my first assignment and joined the others upstairs to enjoy my sub and socialize a little before the rest of my evening's assignments. They were playing a game, Katamari Damacy, that The Gryphon had brought, where you go around collecting things in a huge ball that become stars. It's a really cute game, and they seemed to be having a great time.

Then it was back to the grind. I was working late, because in addition to my usual assignments, I took on a few extras. It was my way of making up for the work I know I'll be missing out on New Year's Eve.

By the time I finished, everyone had gone to bed, and The Gryphon had made up the fouton for us. We crawled in, with my dog, Una, at the foot of the bed, and waited for Santa.

More from Christmas 2004:

December 28, 2004 - Artsy Christmas

December 29, 2004 - Helper Elves

December 31, 2004 - More Christmas Pics

Copyright 2004 by Alyce Wilson

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