Christmas Take 2

Christmas this year was a lil different from the past. There was no customary annual Christmas dinner at DZ's place, because both Andrew and him prefer to spend Christmas in a foreign land. I kinda miss that, it was always fun.

I don't really celebrate Christmas, because I don't appreciate the true meaning behind it - for obvious religious reasons. But I do appreciate the joy and unity that it brings to so many people out there.

I know Andrew wrote about the depressing topic of commercialization during this festive period, but I don't agree with him. If this kind of commercialization can bring about so much joy to everyone, I really don't mind it at all. I mean....

How often do you see people coming together, buying gifts for everyone, and most importantly, risk being blinded with foam on Orchard Road by people you've never seen before in your life?

Okay but seriously, tis really is the season of joy.

For me, even though I dont understand the meaning of it, I enjoy the gatherings with friends and the festive vibes all around.

Another big part of Christmas, to me, is the giving of gifts.

My friend calls me a walking radish (because im the easiest customer) but I enjoy the act of gifting. Especially when my gifts warm hearts and carve out the widest of smiles.

So this season, and maybe because I'm in a luckier plight, I thought I would do more and try my best to be Santa.

I did my part for needy people around the world, and I hope that it would go a long way. =)

You should too, if you think you are in the position to help.

Next up, a reflection of the current year and what's to come ahead.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Christmas

So it looks like it will be a lonely Christmas.

Maybe I should go to church or something,
OR to the airport and spend it with the rest of the world.

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Anyway CH, on behalf of everyone, thanks for saving the world.

Amen. =)

Competitiveness

I like to be competitive.

I don't like the feeling of losing and playing second fiddle to others.

Like what a football personality once said,

"If you are second, you are nothing."

The streak of competitiveness in me started since young. I always wanted to be the top few in terms of grades, and even if I came in second in class, I would try harder to get the first position the next year.

Okay in local context, that means kiasu.

I looked forward to exams because that is the time I could fare well and get recognition. Well, that desire for good grades lasted till I was primary 4, before it kinda went downhill.

I didn't work that hard anymore, and suddenly my grades didn't seem to matter to me that much. Luckily, I still fared well enough to get into Anglican High School.

But during my secondary education, my grades were nothing short of disastrous. I was always one of the last few in class and whenever there were remedial classes for students who fared badly, I was an ever-present.

That competitive streak in me did not die though; it just did not apply to academic grades that much anymore.

You only have to look to the times I play soccer to know that I like winning (who doesn't?).

Everytime we play badly and we get thrashed, humiliated, I get very frustrated.

If we lose because the opposition is better, I would be the first to admit defeat. But if we lose simply because we are not playing well and we are not doing anything to arrest that, it really gets to me.

Sometimes I lose my cool and scold my teammates, but that is only because I want us to win. I believe that whatever happens on the court, stays on the court. No one should carry any emotional baggage or grudges off it, or get personal with anyone.

So if you have been a victim of my tirades, don't take offence. Nothing personal at all. =)

And because I am ever so eager to play well and win, I am guilty of demanding the same from everyone else. It's hard for others to match my enthusiasm because of varying personalities, and I know that.

But it is just very upsetting when our team is being played out like clowns and we are not even reacting in a positive manner. It becomes even worse when everyone starts blaming each other and eventually, the whole team just stops playing.

I believe in having fun while you're competitive; there is absolutely no fun if I find myself losing every game and sitting outside the court, waiting agonizingly for our turn to play.

It's easy if we could just play relaxingly and win, but sometimes we're just not good enough to do that. It's a team game, and we really have to conform to one another's styles.


*The above entry is written for everyone who plays soccer with me. I love you all. World peace!

Mommy, I Want My Kinder Surprise

No not this chocolate egg that contains some really awesome surprises...



... but something else that is of a lesser value.


Introducing my latest toy...
.
.
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The Amazon Kindle!




If you do not already know, and I suspect you do unless you've been living in a cave for the past year, the Amazon Kindle is a digital reader that allows you to store thousands of books in it. I've been reading lots of rave reviews about it and I decided to reward myself a little this Christmas. =)

I've only just fiddled around with it a bit but it looks amazing so far. Now for the more difficult task - I'm hoping this gadget will give me an added impulse to do more reading, instead of buying tons of books and leaving them to collect dust!


And this is how my new home office looks like, smack right in the living room!