Been neglecting my blog, but only because I've been busy at work and working on another blog project. I promise to update soon...possibly tomorrow.

after 5 days, i decided that my old phone won't be coming back and shelled out for a new one. i got exactly the same model and the good part is that i backed up everything, so it was a quick few minutes to transfer everything over to the new one. 

i've gotten over the anger and have moved on to acceptance. that said, i shall be keeping a tight rein on ALL my personal belongings from now on. i will also do a quick sweep of seat whenever i get out of the taxi.

on a much more positive note, holidays start at 6 p.m. today and the weather has been grand the last few days....low-twenties, sunshine and dry. not exactly your typical CNY weather, but i'll take it nonetheless. 

speaking of holidays, i hadn't realized just how much i needed them until yesterday. received some feedback on a book i'm working on from the big boss's no talent/taste/tact bitch wife. she was blunt, rude and of course, completely unqualified to provide any sort of criticism. moreover, she upset a lot more people than just me which intensified my anger yesterday. 

i'm feeling calmer today, but that's likely just because i know i get to be out of here for 10 days. 

looking forward to holidays and the respite from work that they will bring.

expensive mistake

i had a bad weekend. Went out for a few drinks on friday night and lost my two-month old phone in the process. i've been searching, making calls and trying to track it online but 48 hours has passed and still nothing. i think i'm going to have to accept reality and just buy another one. man, am i pissed off at myself.

BBC News - Mount Rainier ranger shooting: Iraq veteran found dead

BBC News - Mount Rainier ranger shooting: Iraq veteran found dead:

'via Blog this'

It never ceases to amaze me that when tragedy strikes and there is a crazy on the loose, just how fast media outlets create a profile of a suspect. Not to mention the fact that it's always a typecast photo that suits the profile...I feel really bad for the woman who was killed, but they don't waste any time showing a damning picture of her killer. The man was clearly disturbed and needed help. I mean, I certainly don't have any photos of me shirtless and carrying around weapons, but BB did and that might have been my first warning sign.

the merriness is upon us

So, this is officially my first blog typed from my new iPad. I told myself I wouldn't ever have a use for an iPad, but that was before I actually owned one. Man this little machine is amazing! Have spent most of the day snuggling in bed with it, downloading apps, admiring how shiny it is and of course, basking in its soft, warm glow.

More about the iPad's awesomeness later. Christmas is clearly upon us and I always make it a habit to post something close-ish to the holidays. It's shaping up to be a very busy few days. Tonight, a bunch of us are heading out to. People's bar on Anhe road for Christmas cocktails. Always nice to get a little festive with people, especially since I might not see some of these people for Christmas.

Tomorrow, foreigners everywhere will be descending on Taipei arena for a midday holiday skate sessh. After that, we're supposed to be doing wine And cheese somewhere for a couple of hours, before the main event at a friend's place. Potluck Christmas BBQ = tastiness. And lest we forget, ample quantities of holiday drink and extras to keep things very merry.

On Christmas day, Elisha and I have decided to get our own bird, watch Christmas movies on Netflix and generally be sloths for the day. We will have seen all our friends by that point in the weekend, so other than a few obligatory calls to friends and family overseas, we will have successfully fulfilled our holiday obligations.

Lout the holiday fun isn't over yet, folks. Not by a longshot. On boxing day, yours truly has the day off and the missus and i have quite the day planned. We'll start with a leisurely breakfast at the diner, followed up by a quick onc through the 101 area before we shop til we drop. This year we decide that it would be more fu to take each other shopping and buy whatever suits our fancy. Now, I did jump the gun a little bit and buy this lovely piece of tech to keep me warm thought the cold winter months, but I still have some money to spend on clothing. Elisha has a small fortune to spend an Monday so I guess I'll be encouraging her to spend, spend, spend.

No firm NYE dans yet, but there are some ideas. I am planning on watching the fireworks from my roof as I didn't get to do it last year and this looks like the first and last time I'll be living so close to 101. We'Ve invited whomever wants to watch to come over, then head out to the event of their choosing. I think we'll likely head out to the big expat party for a bit, then back to a friend's place for the after party. I'm not really feeling new yeAr's this year for some reason, but maybe I just need to get Christmas out of the way first .

Once the dust settles from the holidaze, it's of course time to get back to life and reality. First and foremost is to get back on track with savings and health. I'm not saying what or how yet, but things need to be reeled back in a bit. What better time then new year's? I hate to be a cliche and makes resolutions about health and money, but I do have some ideas and want to put the into effect as soon as we can.

I'll finish by wishing everyone a very happy and safe holiday season and all the very best in 2012.

Catch you next year!