End of Year Musings

It's the end of 2007, and as I recover from the post-Christmas haze and attempt to get my still-holidaying brain back to reality, I realise what a glorious year it was for me. Career wise, was a year of many changes; I went freelance and took up a few exciting projects, and ventured out to the world of retail sector part time. I've met a lot of interesting people. It's also been a year for good friendships and stronger family ties. I've really come to appreciate my friends and family.

This year, I'm spending the NYE in solitude, instead of going to parties or hitting the town. This will be my third time and I'll just relax quietly. I realise it's not everyone's cup of tea, but it really is a lovely way to finish the year. When I announced my intentions the first time 8 or 9 years ago, it startled a lot of people, particularly the ones that didn't know me very well. They saw my solitary NYE as something outrageously antisocial and depressing. Some looked at me as if I'd just expressed my desire to club a baby seal. They said "You.....want to spend NYE alone?!" in horror. To me, it's a perfect time to reflect and unwind. I got sick of having to explain myself and justify my decision, so I simply said to everyone "I have already made a plan" the second year, and didn't offer further details. People around me are more used to the concept now, and they generally just let me be. I still get the occasional "Maybe you should talk to someone" plus that whole concerned look from acquaintances, but these days, those that are close to me do understand and accept why I like to do this. Some even said they'd like to try it one year.

I also had an epiphany. I can afford to be solitary because I have a choice not to be, meaning I have friends and family that would welcome me if I'd like some company. People are kind enough to invite me to things. There's a world of difference between loneliness (pain of being alone ) and solitude (joy of being alone). There are people in this world who are bona fide hermits that literally cut all or most ties with others. I used to think that I am only a step away from that, but I was mistaken. If I didn't have the interactions with my good friends and family, I'd be lost. I'm eternally thankful to their existence for giving me the chioce to relish in solitude. Some people don't have this choice and are forced to live in intense lonliness with a huge gaping hole in their hearts. To be able to live like this is a privilege, and I hope I've been a good friend and a family member to them as well. I shudder to imagine what would it be like to be unloved, unwanted and uncared for.

I'll brave the intense heat soon and will get some nice mangoes, watermelon, cherries and nectarines for dinner. Then I'll run a cold bath with some candles and soothing music to literally chill-out. I'll reflect on the year, maybe read a book or watch my favourite DVD, and send out "thank you" vibes to everyone who are important to me in my life, as I reflect on how they all helped me be happier and more balanced throughout 2007.

It's getting a little heavy for a NYE topic, so I'm off to prepare for my solo festivity now.
Have a terrific New Year, everyone!

PS The Top-selling drinks list hasn't been forgotten - it will appear on the next deli post :-)

Merry Christmas

The silly season is truly upon us, and what do you know, it's only three sleeps until Christmas.

I'll be spending it with my parents and a family friend who would have otherwise spent the day alone. All of us are going away for a few days from tomorrow, and for once in my life, I've actually packed ahead of time. I wonder if Hell's frozen over yet. Having multiple jobs has forced me to be a tiny little bit more organised, but I still have a long way to go. My mind becomes a sieve when I have a lot happening at once.

I'm hideously behind in Christmas shopping, and I won't even bother catching up before the big day. I concede defeat. I THINK my family decided to abolish Christmas presents this year. If I'm wrong, sorry guys, I haven't got anything prepared... Perhaps I could write you a poem each? The only gifts I got in time are for the children. More and more of my friends are having kids and I do enjoy spoiling them (with their mum and dads' permission). I don't ever want to be the Grinch.

This Christmas will be another one spent without my siblings. I love them all in my own way and I do hope to catch up with them in person sooner rather than later. I actually think that a family reunion would be lovely, even if we end up wanting to slaughter each other after half an hour. We can't live with or without them, can we?

My parents just called and I've just been informed that they'll be arriving 5 hours ahead of schedule. I will post this now and tidy up the place....

I wish everyone a very happy Christmas. Hope Santa will bring what you've wished for :-)

Still at the Deli

Where did 2007 go?
I blinked and it's not even 2 weeks until Christmas.

This year has been a rather eventful one for me with many changes, and so much so that I feel like it went past me in a blur.

My part time job at the deli is going surprisingly well. When I first announced it, the reactions I got from people ranged from worried to amusing. Some read my blog in haste and assumed that I'd made a massive career change, but this job is a temporary arrangement until my friends get their business on its feet. I have a few projects happening at the same time so I see myself moving on within 3-4 months (then concentrate on my day job). It's been such an eye-opening experience, though, and I'll miss it in some ways.

My sandwiches are less of train-wrecks than they used to be, but I'm getting less practise now that I'm on evening shifts. People don't tend to order them after lunch time. I've mastered the art of pretending to know what I'm doing, however, and I now casually wrap the sandwiches while they disassemble, as if to say that's what's supposed to happen.

The deli now operates as a cafe, so we actually serve proper meals in additon to the light snacks, and so far, many locals have come to order takeaways (some dine in as well), which has been keeping us busy.

My colleagues consist of an emotionally unstable 20 year-old girl who is known to swear at customers (needless to say, her days are numbered - a new girl starts in January), a very quiet chef and the sweetest kitchenhand boy who just finished year 11. Unlike my previous job, I don't really see any solid friendships blossoming at this one, but at least the chef, the kitchenhand and I have a good teamwork happening.

Despite being surrounded by copious amount of food and beverages (and because I'm a staff member, I can eat and drink anything I like at the shop), I've lost a little bit of weight since I started working there. It's quite odd, because I graze during my shift and I don't walk around that much, but I'm not complaining.

Since it's summer, here is a list of topselling icecream brands at the shop for November:

1. Magnum (Streets)
2. Cornetto (Streets)
3. Golden Gaytime (Streets)
4. Paddle Pop (Streets)
5. Bubble O'Bill (Streets)
6. Dixie Cup (Peters)
7. Splice (Streets)
8. Heaven (Peters)
9. Calippo (Streets)
10. Drumstick (Peters)

As you can see, Streets ice creams win hands down.
I will do a list of topselling drinks in my next post.