Dearest friends,

I've been busy this past two weeks, so I haven't been able to read through your entries, nor greet you a Merry Christmas. So hence, this very late post. My apologies.

I took the week off from December 24 til December 28, so I could have some bonding time with my family, of whom I've sadly neglected. Oh, work, how you cut in through my social/family life. I ended up being the family cook - since I'm convinced that homecooked meals are the best. 

...actually, I just like to cook, and any excuse to step into the kitchen is a boon to me, but I digress.

Anyway! Christmas presents! I got a ton of these - mostly from work, vendors, clients, etcetera ad infinitum. A list:

1. A mango body lotion and orange body wash from Body Shop;
2. A passionfruits body lotion and body wash from Body Shop;
3. Moonflower perfume from Body Shop;
4. Raspberry Body wash and lotion set from Zen Zest;
5. A set of L'Occitane body wash, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner (yes, I know! SqueeGaspLove!);
6. L'Oreal makeup bag with a small bottle of body lotion;
7. A set of brushes'
8. A tshirt;
9. Alarm clock (from my better half; apparently it's to stop me from being late next year lolz);
10. A tote bag from my Oneesama;
11. Socks from my better half's younger sister (yes, I know, I'll go and buy rubber shoes real soon);
12. A set of earrings and necklace from Mark's Otousama (!!);
13. Britney Spears' Curious perfume from Mark's Okaasama (I don't like BS, but I like the scent so there.);
14. Ironside by Holly Black from Haruka Joy;
15. A clutch bag from one of my aunts and her partner;
16. A Nike tee from my boss;

...and a whole lot of others that I have forgotten. A lot of them were body lotion/body washes, since a lot of the vendors know that I perpetually go gaga over lotions, lol. But I really, really like the book. Joy, thank you so much! I really liked it. Your gift is still with me, though. I'll give it to you once you're back.

So! New Year~! I've been cooking since this afternoon, so I could take a load off tomorrow and hopefully maybe actually enjoy the fireworks. The chicken still needs to be marinated and prepped for tomorrow though, and dinner still needs to be cooked. But finally, a breather.

Just in case I can't actually go online tomorrow, Happy New Year, minna~! Here's to hoping for good times and a good year ahead.