and think of others as you count down to the new year. I'll be spending it at home with my family, chilling out with movies, wine and Mom's brandy-laced fruitcake, thankfull for what I have and for those around me. I think elsewhere here too, celebrations have toned down in the light of the disaster in South Asia.

I pray that 2005 brings relief, comfort and hope for the people affected by the tsunamis' destruction. If you're interested in helping, see what a group of bloggers have done here which includes list of urgently needed supplies and medicines.

I wish for everyone out there a peaceful New Year and a 2005 filled with hope.

At long last, one of my favourite books (or series, just after The Lord of the Rings) will be appearing on the big screen. Finally, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobewill make its debut on December 2005, thanks to the good folk of Weta! And what's even more exciting, they are talking about making movies of the other 6 books too! *Faints* Now that I've got all 3 extended versions of LOTR, which total up to 12 hrs 20 mins of non-stop fun, The Chronicles of Narnia are next on my 'must get' list.

I wait now with bated breath...

Christmas greetings all the way from Memphis, courtesy of D&G (my sister and her hubby) who enjoyed a white Christmas this year. I missed not having them around this year, especially after the fun we had last year. I'm hoping they make it over here in 2005. *Hey you two...Hint! Hint!*

Our annual Christmas party was quieter this year, with half the usual number of folk turning up at our home (as the invites went out late, only after the parental units returned from the US in early Dec)! But that didn't stop the preparations. On the menu this year were the usual Eurasian holiday fare such as Curry Feng, Chap Chye plus some popular Western favourites like roast turkey with homemade cranberry sauce and mushroom & chestnut stuffing, a hot mixed vegetable casserole and a Waldorf Salad. Mom's very alcoholic English Trifle took pride of place at the dessert table.

Now I have leftovers to look forward too, especially smoked ham sandwiches with Mom's pickles. And hmmm... I think there's some leftover trifle lurking in the fridge, if Dad hasn't found it yet.

There's some pretty powerful flu bugs going around. And one bit me! I'm at home today, feeling crappy and leaking from a nose like a drippy tap! I'm just glad it's now, not on Christmas Eve or Day.

Speaking of which, I'm feeling more and more irritated with Christmas. Now don't get me wrong, I love this time of year when there seems to be a feeling of goodwill and brotherly love in the air as we celebrate the birthday of Jesus. But that little fact seems lost on the hoards of scavenging shoppers thronging the malls. Especially after the year we've had, nearly everyone in Singapore seems intent on his very own 'meme' experience while cash registers ring. I'm not a Scrooge nor am I anywhere near saying "Bah...humbug!" I splurge on presents just as much as the next guy, but I hate how that is now an expected part of this holy season. And while everyone is thinking of being generous with friends and family, no one it seems, has any considerations for fellow shoppers. Rude obnoxious idiots have crawled out of the woodwork and are everywhere these past few weeks. They bulldoze through crowds, tug crying (sometimes screaming!) children and treat every public place like it was their own. Simple courtesies like 'Excuse me' are forgotten or if said, are met with glares of reproachment!

Every year, after this stressful week, I tell myself to get my presents early the next year. And every year, I forget! I dread doing my Christmas shopping. And this year is no exception. I've already put off 2 shopping days and am now faced with Wednesday and Thursday to get everything done. Sigh!

New Year resolution for 2005 Christmas? Shop online!

It's the end of my third week in the new place and I think I'm going to like it there.

Those horrid packing boxes have disappeared and all their contents have found new homes. Many of us have just spent time in the past couple of weeks walking up and down and around the whole office, just to get a feel of the whole place. New eating places have been tried, tested and shared. All the little fiddly bits that needed to be completed are finally done. The workmen have left and we finally have the whole place to ourselves to enjoy!

We just had our first Christmas party and boy! was it a riot! Our sister company in KL bussed in to join the fun and surprise us all. Food was catered; wine and champagne uncorked, games were played and presents exchanged. This served as a good bonding evening for the new team that joined us recently.

Now to buckle down to work!

There was another round of moving this weekend. I was back at work on Saturday afternoon to help another division move in. And I'm now paying for it with very sore calf muscles after cramps from last night.

I don't ever want to see another packing box again!!