Gimme A Break

It’s mostly around this time of year when many of us are pondering about the year that’s soon over. We rarely have time in our hectic lifestyle to stop and ponder about life too often?

In fact, the only time when I actually do take a moment to reflect on some of the most mundane things in life is when I read David Woon’s blog, Just a Thought.

I don’t always have time to read his thoughts but then again, reading what someone else has to say about life and some of its curiosities can be the most refreshing thing ever.

It can inspire us to look at things from a completely different perspective. I find it very interesting. It’s like looking at the world wearing someone else’s glasses, know what I mean? And I enjoy that very much, even though those thoughts may differ vastly from mine.

I like chewing on other people’s opinions and perspectives and pondering on why they’re so different than my own. Hmm, I really need to find more time to read blogs like his. It’s a shame I’m not into New Year’s resolutions or I might just make that one of mine for next year .

• thoughts of hibernation
• me, trading apprentice?
• what not to do every day
• going for gold everyday
• reading the news

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I hardly watch movies any more. Partly it’s because I don’t have the time or the inclination. Partly because I don’t fancy watching reruns (who does?). And partly because the subtitling can be so seriously horrible.

Well, they are good for a few laughs but in general, they irritate me. I mean, there are so many good closed captioning companies out there, why can’t they find one that does even halfway decent work?

It’s a shame we can’t turn off the subtitling on DVDs and in the cinemas. That’s the first thing I’d do. I don’t like my kids reading them because there are just mistakes everywhere.

• why read the news?
• snatch reading
• 5 ways to reduce festive stress
• switching to movies at home
• disappointed dad

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It’s amazing how the car salesman who sold me my mini-van still messages me with cute wishes and greetings on every occasion you can think of. Eight years of follow-up is a darned good customer service record .

A couple of months ago, when they launched a new model, he sent me a message invite. It’s true I do love checking out new cars when they have these promos going on at the mall. My son and I would climb into each car and try them out.

We’d look them over for all the latest features – the dash, the engine, and specials like the billet grilles. Pretty soon, he’d be snapping pictures in spite of the crowd. Anyone looking at us would think we were seriously going to place an order.

But I mean, is it quite normal to follow-up with a customer for eight years when they’ve only ever bought just that one car from you? This must be a record in sales history :lol: .

• we got a new sofa
• food is good but service sucks
• low on engine oil
• tale of my kitchen faucet
• virtual sticky pads

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An ex-co-worker of mine was lamenting how she dreads having to go back to work after this long stretch of annual leave. I used to feel that way too when I was working fulltime.

The only difference is that I never considered nor made my office my second home. I was clear about striking a balance between family and work. I mean, even if I lived in the office, I’d still never be done with work.

Basically the work would always be there, it was just up to me to know when to walk out of the office and home to my kids. I was by no means an irresponsible employee but I had my priorities. And once I got those down pat, it was easy.

For some people, I know it’s not so easy. Their work is their life and even though they complain about having to go back to the grind soon, I know they wouldn’t have it any other way :lol: .

Different strokes, that’s all.

• is your home office office-like?
• slow but at least I’m blogging again
• Tuesday morning blues
• sauna au naturale
• kids at the mall

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Ack, school starts for the kids next week. I can’t believe how quickly this holidays have flown. I thought we were only just getting started. Quite frankly, I’m not ready for all that madness to start again so soon.

Next year (someone please tell me it isn’t only days away!) is beginning to sound really hectic. Gosh, I can’t bear the thought of it. With all three kids in different schools, I’m going to be doing even more chauffeuring.

I’ve also been offered my part-time job back next year. I haven’t decided if I’m going to take it up. It all depends on whether I can fit it all in. If not, I’d have to turn it down.

I don’t want to try and do too much. And there’s my dancing and gym which I’m not prepared to give up. In fact, I was thinking of seriously starting yoga next year too. Let’s hope I still can.

Hmm, I can’t even bring myself to think about it right now. It’s still the holidays now, right :roll: ? Let me just enjoy myself now and I’ll think about all that later.

• the answer is no
• do we have apes in the house?
• my two left feet
• taking the headache out of gift-shopping
• too early for Christmas?

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Ahh, I’m feeling better.. finally. I’m still got some remnants of the flu left over from the past few days. But at least I’ve tucked in a couple of fairly decent meals yesterday and feel less weak. I’m still tired though since I didn’t get a chance to nap at all yesterday.

I’d hope to get an early night but DH’s flight from Tokyo came in late last night. The kids were all up waiting for their presents from “Santa” Daddy. He’d called from the airport to say he had tons of goodies for them.

Indeed out of his suitcases came like a dozen pairs of colorful socks, clothes and shoes. Not to mention Japanese snacks and crunchies that we’re going to savor in the next few days.

• the price of keeping fit
• frenzy weekend ahead
• yummiest coffee
• five things i love most about cny
• Japanese buffet, really?

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I’ve only recently acquired a taste for wine. Over the past year, being offered wine at the many weddings I’ve been attending has indeed made me realize what I’ve been missing .

My favorite by far is red wine. DH brought home a couple of bottles from his recent trip to Bangkok and I’ve been sneaking a sip or two.

I’m still not good at distinguishing between the different types of wine like whether it’s merlot or chardonnay. I’m still learning.

But I found a site called TasteVine.com that offers personalized recommendations of wine and the opportunity to connect with others who enjoy the occasional glass of good wine. So this might be an interesting site to check out when I have time.

• learning to enjoy a glass of wine
• compare free cell phones
• practice makes perfect
• more than a nurse’s guide to good living
• free traffic to your website

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Merry Christmas, everyone, and Happy holidays !!

• Merry Christmas!
• Season’s Greetings
• the search is over
• happily occupied
• if I should need a new kitchen sink

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