That's me, alone on the end of the platform there. My usual bad timing. Both trains have shut their doors and are pulling away. I'm stranded for 3 minutes until the next train arrives--an eternity. It's Christmas Eve and I am busy.

So many things left to do and not nearly enough time to do them. It's this way every year during the holidays. I shouldn't be surprised, really.

My day started out a disaster. I slept poorly, tossing and turning in anticipation of the day ahead. At 3 am, I gave up sleeping and read for a while. When the sun rose, I showered and dressed but I couldn't find my watch.

Every night I take it off and put it on the dresser, but it wasn't there this morning. It was a present from my husband. He was a good man and I miss him every day. The watch helps me feel near to him, and reminds me that it's only a matter of time (not much longer now, I suspect) before we're together again.

The cat probably batted it off the dresser in the night. He's done that a few times before.

Nobody at work was in a holiday mood. Tempers flared as we tried to get too much done before quitting time. I drank entirely too much coffee. Ended up running to the ladies' room three times. Coffee was not as good for productivity as I'd hoped.

Most of us worked through lunch, snacking on cookies and popcorn that a kind soul sent us last week. I wish they'd sent fruit or sandwiches.

By 16:00, we were running low on supplies, so I delegated my tasks to one of the helpers and ran out to make a purchase. I wanted the fresh air to clear my head. As I walked to the station, I hummed some carols, hoping the music would wash away my stress. My tuneless singing frightened a child walking past after school. That was not the effect I was hoping for.

90 minutes later, mission accomplished and shopping in hand, here I am. Stuck at the train station. I'm sure by now they've run out of ribbon and tape. I hope they think to get started on the gift cards before I return.

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