New York Fries

So I decided that I should finish my Christmas shopping on Saturday. but to my surprise there was what it seemed like the entire town of Abbotsford, at the mall! The line ups in every store seemed crazy and whenever you asked someone for a different size or make for a particular item... it was the same answer every time..." Whatever is on the shelf is whatever we have left."

Now most years, I am not like this. I have my shopping finished weeks ago. And my hair isn't being ripped from my head from all the stress levels rising. But due to the change in lifestyle and in my daily routine, there was no way that I could escape the horrifying prison called the mall.

While there, there where many people that I knew. From work, from high school and from sports. So it was impossible to walk around without having to take a moment to chat and catch up with the people that you see and know.

Half past 12 came and I could feel my stomach aching for something to eat, so giving into this I took a moment to go to the food court. What bad timing that was, with everyone else thinking the same thing, I grabbed my food asap and headed for the tables to enjoy my meal. With very little seating left I had to take a table that originally was meant for 6 people. So there I sat, like a loner in the middle of a very busy mall, with people that I knew in very which way.

But that was when the fun really began. Sitting there minding my own business I was politely asked by an older gentleman if there was room for one more at my table. now knowing that it was very busy and seeing that he just wanted a spot to eat, I responded back "yes there was." But in the back of my mind I was very hesitant about the situation due to the fact that I am a female and not normally comfortable about sitting or being around strangers.

So sitting there trying to figure out what was left on my Christmas list, forgetting my pen and paper, I tried to resort to the handy "task" application on my cellphone.But he noticed I was having some trouble and asked if I would like a pen. Which was exactly what I was wishing for at that moment. Then searching for a paper, he very nicely said, " I do not have a piece of paper but you may use my receipt from my fries. All $4.51 worth." And by the way, that pen was very nice. Wrote like an baby.

That broke the ice. Ha! Normally that is used in a romantic way, but I had a very pleasant conversation. We talked about how busy the mall was, and he asked about what I was doing now that I was out of high school. Which he thought I was in high school. And he said that it was good that I was making an honest living. Which I guess I need to take into account. And how his son was coming for him.

And as soon as it had started, it ended as quickly as it started. Wishing each other " a Merry Christmas" and good luck in future endeavors we continued on our separate paths. But it helped me take the whole situation of the business and just enjoy where I was and what I was doing.