Happy Xmas - Part 2

Hi,
Just a quick note as I don't have a lot to say.

I've had a lovely Xmas day. I think the main reason is low expectations. As I didn't build it up to very much, it's been a lot of fun compared to an average day. It's been laid back, and I really enjoyed the Wallace and Gromit programs on TV - the Curse of the Wererabbit feature film and the new Loaf or Death standard episode. Both were excellent (though I think Loaf or Death isn't quite up to the incredible standard set by Wrong Trousers.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed your Xmas day.
Peace and love to you.
AcidCat

Happy Xmas

May I be (one of) the first to wish you all a happy Xmas for 2008.

I am typing this on my shiny old computer, which my brother has kindly resurrected for me with lots of hard work from him, and a new network card which we purchased today. I'm awfully excited as it's going to make working on it next term so much easier, and it means I get to use Windows less often (although I am still using Windows XP and have avoided the dreaded "Vista" like the plague) and am currently using a version of Linux. It's shiny, fast and isn't crashing which is nice. I'm a bit of a Linux novice, so it'll be a fun adventure.

When we were at the shops buying a network card, it really struck me that the credit crunch is indeed biting. The whole high street was much less busy than expected for the Xmas period, in particular for Xmas eve.

I visited the pub with a few old school friends too this evening. The pub was also way less busy - also a victim of the credit crunch? There were four of us (each of whom go back more than half my life) and I felt a bit alienated, and got the whole "I don't belong here, I don't fit in here, and the others have moved on" feeling. It changed a little when two of them left and I chatted to the remaining friend on my own. It felt like proper communication was happening and like I was getting something out of being there instead of us just turning up to the pub out of boredom/duty/nostalgia/habit. It was good to see them all though and good to see them happy, especially the two who were having problems in their life, and the remaining one is very happy and in love.

Happy Xmas to you all

AcidCat

It's Xmas!

Had my flat Xmas dinner today.

We had:
Prawn cocktail
Pigs in blanket (sausage wrapped in bacon)
Roast turkey crown with onion gravy
Roast parsnips
Roast potatoes
Roast sage and onion stuffing balls
Mashed sweet potato
Brussels Sprouts
Carrots
Viennetta icecream
Yule log
Tiramisu
(Didn't manage to squeeze in the mince pies).

The others drank mulled and fizzy wine (Cava). I had a more civilised gin and tonic.

It was fantastic.

I haven't done much work at all today, but I've had a brilliant day.

This work life balance thing has swung too far towards the "life" side of things. However, I think I'm now happy, which counts for a hell of a lot, and I've now also got "the fear", so from now until the exam, I think my work rate will increase markedly.

It was quite good fun to cook the turkey and trimmings (which went quite well), and we had so much fun cooking together as a flat and having dinner together. It was lovely to feel like I belonged, which is a rare thing for me, and something I've really wanted for a long time, even if it's for a short period.

I'm happy.

AcidCat

Merry Xmas

Dear everyone.

Merry Xmas to you all.

Christmas. Overhyped. Expensive. Stressful. Boring. Depressing.

However, at christmas time, it's a time for family. A time for thinking of friends and the less material things. A chance for relaxation and boredom. A chance to stop and take stock of life and thinking about philosophy and the meaning of it all.

I do like it. Sod gifts. Be with people you love. Use it as a chance to tell people what they mean to you.

Good luck one and all with the Xmas period.

Love
AcidCat