Already

Picture it, if you will...

It's Monday morning. It's 6am. I slide gingerly out of the car with two arms full of *stuff* and a big bag slung across my back when the cold air hits. A fine mist covers the fabric of my rain jacket; a minute later, and I'm soaked. It's definitely fall in the Northwest.

Bleary-eyed, I stumble from the darkened (post Daylight Savings) parking lot, a bit cold and equally wet. Opening the employees entrance door, I walk into the sterile hallways of the hospital, illuminated by the harsh light of fluroescent bulbs.

The muted grey and purple carpet welcomes me as I continue through the well-known maze, en route to my destination on the first floor.

As I turn from the corridor and arrive in the windowed main lobby, or the Galleria as it has been aptly named, I am startled by something which is most familiar and comforting, yet strangely - out of place.

White twinkle lights. Garlands festooning every bare entrance way, every naked stairwell. Turning, I look outside and nearly do a double take: the entire main entrance is lined with trees which are dripping with more white... twinkle... lights. Oh my.

Is this for real? Rubbing my eyes, I think I must be dreaming. Halloween was three days ago. Seriously? Already?

Are you ready?