The days after Christmas...

Christmas is always different each year. And I think, I like it that way. It is unpredicatable and always "quirky" in more ways than one.

I lost somebody very precious to me prior to Christmas. That was hard, and it still is. Her passing way was unexpected and that makes it even tougher for me. I loved her so dearly. I console myself with the fact that during our last long distance phone conversation, I always ended with telling her I loved her, and I meant it deeply each time. I smile every time I think about it, and it eases my pain a tad bit.

I wished "R" and "T" and I were together this Christmas, but that would not be how circumstance would allow. I was with "M" and it worked out great; and I had a blast of a Christmas Party with friends as well.

I love Christmas even if I get melancholy during the Holiday Season. I wished I was much younger and knowing what I know now, I could really enjoy the "innocence" of it all. Those were the days...

The idea of gift giving is always at the top my list any any given day but most especially during Christmas. I love to shop and get gifts -so what better season to indulge and enjoy both - but Christmas. I love any sparkling gifts and expensive ones. I just love bright objects and large purses and great Spanish and Italian shoes. Moving on...

Being around people who care about people are loads of fun as well. Friends are the next best thing to family, of course you cannot substitute one for the other but when one is lacking you can enjoy and love the other. I like Christmas in the US. The weather is cold, boots are in and hip, the coats and sweater are abundant. Food is great. Fruits and pies... I love to celebrate Christmas here every year. Shopping and getting around with all the hustle and bustle of the season is something I have crave for each year. I can live with this for the rest of my Christmas life. I will miss if ever I am not here on any Christmas. I will be happy wherever I am, but it will not be the same for me. My heart will be longing for Christmas in the USA. It is just so me.

So, as we fast approach 2008, I do not want to jump the gun early and think about what I want to do better and accomplish in '08. I would like to sit back and think about 2007 first. The people I've met, places I've have been, things found, people lost, and old friends found and met, people hugged and loved, feelings experienced, reconnections made, tears shed, smiles and grins, dreams that came true, new dishes cooked, all the good things and the bad. 2007 what a year!!

I am mostly thankful for the wonderful people that have visited my blog and have listened to my rantings in here. I wish you the best of 2008 and I hope you had a great 2007 like I did. Life is great, peaks and valleys of life gives living the texture that give us the great colors of our lives.

2008 will be another day...See you soon.

Christmas Shopping 2007

(sigh) I had completed a huge task, I have completed my 2007 XMAS Shopping. Female friends gifts - check. Loved ones - check. Children of loved ones - check. Hairdresser - check. Etc, just in case I forgot you - check.

The list was endless, I tell you. I started very early in December and it took me 3 weeks to finish. I mean I know there are people who start shopping for next year's Christmas as soon as January 1 hits, but c'mon...the deals and the NEW STUFF. OK, OK I know I sound so materialistic but hey ...isn't that what gift giving is all about - I do not mean what Christmas is all about but..what gift giving is all about. Getting the stuff that the receiver will like, use and flaunt to others,right? Be serious, when you get someone a present you are hoping that first and foremost - they will like it, will like it enough to use it, and by golly not throw or GOD FORBID - regift it!!

SO there I was finished with my presents. I just have 2 present to give. One for my hairdresser and the other one to my "M". After that, I dust my hands and then I have survived the hurdles of the gift shopping for 2007.

Let us not lump into this conversation the crowds that I have to shove,elbow and backstroke against during the AFTER XMAS SALE. Be ready for that coz, I have worked out all year for this marathon of an event. Where would one even begin to start...Lots of lingerie sale, towels, perfumes, latest fashions and let alone the inticing websites... I need to focus here I know.

But I love the thought of doing this every year - REALLY. I love the challenge and the realisation that I can still come out a victor in a contact sport like shopping. I am sure if this becomes an Olympic sport I will go for the try outs and I am sure there are able bodied women out there (and men!) who can outwit me. But hey, my first rule of XMAS shopping is NEVER, EVER pay retail price for anything. Coupons is just one of the deals I come very well equipped with. 60% off the retail price is not a bargain for me. I need to pay no more than 20% of the original price and I know regular price coz I scout the pricing before XMAS come around!!

Love the adrenalin rush of XMAS shopping. I think I will shrivel and die if they ever outlaw shopping.

Oh well, I have to rest now for tomorrow will definitely be another day. I heard MACY's is having big sale, now if Nordie's could ever bring themselves to go down in price jsut a tad bit, I would shop there often, and I would like to get more shoes for 2008. A definite ADD ON on my to have list for next year.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS everyone. And beware of those that keep saying "it is not the gift but the thought that counts" , they are definitely going to get you something you do not want, like, want to use and will definitely regift before the year is over! GOOD LUCK!

Ciao!

See you 2008.
Do not drink and drive. Get a DD - silly, it means designated driver!!

My long absence..

Hi there all. My last post was dated October 17th, 2007. A lot of things have happened since that date.

My last post was made in Buenos Aires Argentina. I am now posting in California.

In between the two places I went to SouthEast Asia for a funeral. I stayed for 3 or more so weeks there before and after the said funeral. I went home to take my nanny to her final resting place.

When people say...things have away of working for the best...they really do.

I am in mourning. I think about alot of things since the news hit me until the very last time I made my final goodbye. But one thing has never left me, that I am proud to have known the woman and had told her I loved here when she was still alive. She has raised a good person in me. I can honestly say that sometimes people who serve you give up their own lives for they see potential in another person to do even more to others than they themselves possibly ever can.

I would like to keep my grief as privately as possible but I would like to say that her wisdom and good examples will always be remembered and honored.

I will miss my Mama Ed. Wherever she is, I hope she is finally happy and resting in peace.

I apologize for my long absence but things have to be taken cared of after a loss as major as my Mama Ed. Things needed to be put into place as much as we can.

Next posting will be next week and I hope to cause havoc as usual and have loads of fun and laughter in the process.

All these are just part of living it for another day...

Ciao.