Happy Christmas

I woke up to a horrid nightmare.
I swear I was in cold sweat.
What better way to kick start a long weekend?
The nightmare was a silly one.
So silly, if I were to mention it here, I would hear the laughters echoing in this blog.

I had a horrid week.
I try not to bring the troubles I have at work home. Afterall, I've already spent 9 hours a day suffering and slogging through my work.
Why should I bring them home?
I leave those troubles at work.
But I guess the residue of it all filtered through into my nightmares.
I really couldn't get a good sleep. And I think I should at least try.

For some time now, I've been thinking that every single one of us is unique and different.
Sometimes when I read blogs, the muses and fears of strangers.
I realise that everyone has about the same fears and insecurities.
Isn't that strange?
If we are all that unique and different, how is it we have the same emotions?
You know how sometimes you read about someone, and what that person is going through.
And you particularly relate to that person.. because you seem to know exactly how he/she feels. Or that you found yourself in that particular situation before?
It happens to me all the time.
And that leads me to think. Are we all that much different?

Or do we state that we are unique and different just to give ourselves a status.
Just so we will think we'd make a difference.
When in essence, you and I disappear amongst the billions of faces on this earth.
How special are we? When there are billions of us out there.
Is it really that impossible to find someone that is exactly like you in character, to react in the exact same way you'd react?
Considering the fact that there are billions of us. I'd say anything is possible.

What a way to celebrate Christmas isn't it?

It is strange.
After 22 years of Christmas.
This is the first time, I actually felt christmasy.
I actually went out to buy gifts for a selected few people around me.
Not that it says alot.
But something my boss said to me yesterday, when she gave me my present struck a chord inside.
And it got me thinking.

When she passed me my gift, 2 books wrapped in a Times wrapper.
She said..
I don't celebrate Christmas like others.
Although I bought you a gift. I really don't expect or need you to get me a gift in return.
I got you a gift. Because to me, Christmas is a season of giving. Its a time for me to show my appreciation to the people around me.
Like you, I bought you something because it is a time for me to appreciate you, and thank you for your efforts. And also to apologise for the times that I show my unnecessary frustrations at you.

Somehow, those words touched me.
It feels good to be appreciated.
Suddenly those times when I was unhappy at work melted into the background.

It is only necessary that we all get frustrated at work.
But it is something else, when she acknowledges it, apologise and at the same time appreciates.

For I bought Christmas presents this year because others bought it for me.
To me, it was like an exchange.
Not so much an appreciation.
I was duly ashamed.

Next year...
I'd appreciate more.

In the meantime,
Happy Christmas.

Thank you Karen,
I received a Christmas card from her this year. Along with a birthday card.
It warms my heart, to receive a card from down under.
More so, to think that we are still in contact after this many years.
As much as I am lazy friend.
I don't keep addresses.
I hardly even keep the cards that people send to me.
Because when it starts piling. I have no idea where to store them.
This is how much I appreciate those cards.
But then again, I remember, and I keep it close to my heart.
Happy Christmas.

Thank you Joey,
I cannot say I've been there for you as much as you've been there for me.
The silent understanding between us is something I treasure. And I know we are friends, and friends for life. When it just takes a simple gesture from you to move me to tears.
The times when I am down and out, and you were there. I lost count.
Happy Christmas.

Thank you Carebear,
It was in instinct to want to thank you first.
But words sometimes cannot describe the amount of appreciation and love felt.
So I hope in time to come. You'd feel and know that you are appreciated.
Happy Christmas.

Thank you Pixie,
Time probably took us apart more than we like to admit.
But memories of that great time we've had in school is truly something that still keeps me going.
It's nice to reminisce to good memories.
With the age of technology. I hardly hear my friend's voice over the phone anymore.
But I am really thankful, for the times you called knowing I was down.
I hope the best for you.
Happy christmas.