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The week before Christmas is traditionally very busy. Last minute errands occupy every after work hour. Evenings are spent shopping, packing, writing cards and decorating. Each minute is planned with Martha Stewart-like efficiency.

At least that is the way I imagine it would look if I could just stay focused. It seems that I suffer from late onset attention deficit disorder. Recently I spent three hours in rapt attention to my sock drawer. This was not a task on my to do list, but for some reason I was compelled to organize my clothes before I tackled anything on my list. By the time I finished the stores were closed for the night.

Last night I made the mistake of turning on the television. I intended only to watch an episode of Frasier while I ate dinner. But, of course, a commercial came on which forced me to switch channels. By the time I was done switching channels Frasier had long ago ended and I had watched three hours of sit-coms, info-mercials, MTv, FashionTV, and most of The Three Amigos, a classic film from my formative years.

I did make it out to the stores tonight though. Of course, it was the worst weather I've experienced here in Lebanon, but that's what I get for poor time management. I did manage to get to several stores and complete much of my shopping despite the rain, wind, lightning and minor power outages. The lights went out while I was in Amir's which would be funnier if you knew what kind of store it is. I can't say because that would divulge the nature of some of the gifts I bought.

I also met Leon, an eighty year old Armenian photographer who has owned the same portrait shop in Hamra for fifty years. He has soulful eyes and lots of stories. One of these days I'd like to return with a tape recorder and a pad of paper. Unfortunately, I would probably be arrested. And, given my obnoxious nature, deservedly so.

I've forgotten what prompted me to write this letter to begin with. It had something to do with the hustle and bustle of the holidays and how easy it is to lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. Or it could have been about getting sidetracked from your goals. But now I think it may be another attempt to procrastinate. Commercial's over, I gotta go.