Christmas 2012

Unfortunately, I’m stuck in the lab this Christmas. While many will be making merry in front of fires, the closest I shall get to a roaring fire is some patient sneaking into the ambulance bay to smoke in defiance of the four—count them, four—signs. That is, however, quite unlikely: since the doors automatically lock behind you, most people are smart enough to go out the front. Most people.

More unfortunately, I will be too late for the dinner provided by the hospital. They don’t seem to remember that there are people who come in to work after 1900. Most people who know me know that on my list of things I like about the holiday season, food ranks 2nd. There are two parts to this: 2a) Good food and 2b) Free food. Occasionally the two come together.

There is, at least, some festivity. Among my gifts are a flashing pink flamingo and a Charlie Brown Christmas tree. I’ve got my Walkman loaded down with Manheim and Kenny G. There is also a batch of homemade fudge to slate my holiday appetite, and there’s usually a few things in the break room that day shift hasn’t completely consumed. Usually.