I've had the best festive season ever since I can remember. I know the run-up to this year's Christmas wasn't anything like what I'd hoped because I was busy with work and had barely enough time to shop properly, let alone sit down and write cards to friends. But then it all fell into place somehow. Early Christmas Eve was spent at the house of somebody I barely knew, which was a very surreal yet comforting experience. I got a glimpse of his life and I felt jealous. In a good way. I met some of his crazy friends and felt awestruck at how their friendships have deepened over the years, at how five or ten years' down the road, they're still together and going strong. When you are welcomed into this little community and treated by a relative' stranger's friends like you are a friend of their own: it is a wonderful feeling. Even if it is for that one moment in time. I covet this guy's friendships, I covet this guy's life: I want the best friends, the best friendships, the best treatment, the best of everything.

And I don't think I'm too far off, actually, if the events of the following days were anything to go by. On Christmas Eve itself I went to my darling Creampuff's and hung out for a bit with her family, which is always nice. I also hung out for a bit with my colleagues -- people who were recently strangers to me but are on their way to becoming friends. I no longer speak only 5 words a day; I can now joke openly and be myself to some extent. I haven't shown them the narky, pissy side of me, which I think is a true marker of how comfortable I can be with some people, but I think that side of me is probably better left concealed anyway. Three glasses of wine in an hour; I made up for a lot of lost time. The host introduced me to a couple of guys at her party and later whisked me away saying "I don't think they're your type. They're single". It's become a running joke this year that everyone I get attracted to is (or will soon be) married. Desperate to get hitched? Make me fall for you, and your dreams will come true.

Christmas Day was fantastic. I did absolutely nothing at home (something I have not done in way too long), had a very nice dinner, and then met Daffers darling for a beer at Mel's Place. People who like to go out and get trashed in noisy, crowded places probably haven't discovered the absolute joy of shooting the breeze with an old friend. I am lucky I know the difference. I am glad I know what I'd rather do with my time and my money. Boxing Day was good too -- we threw a dinner party for my bro's friends and we used all the leftover Christmas turkey to make turkey soup, turkey salad and turkey shepherd's pie. I stuffed myself silly (who cares that one week earlier I was writhing outside Centrepoint with indigestion?) and then followed up with a huge bowl of ice cream. And then my father and I sang along to Teresa Teng's 4CD collection.

Yesterday, similarly, was absolutely great. I had a very simple dinner with Shups and Irene (ok, so it was quite lavish. French food. Butter, terrine, fatty duck) and we just laughed over stupid things. Like, for instance, how degrading it is to refer to a group of people as a 'pack'. Later on we went BarCelona, which has changed so much over the past couple of years that it is no longer familiar to me. Even my beloved white sangria just didn't taste the same, but it didn't stop me from drinking almost an entire jug by myself. Received a well-wishing phone call on my way home. I arrived home to a bouquet of flowers from a very dear friend who is overseas and a card from the Netherlands. I am remembered even by those who are separated from me by oceans. I went to bed feeling overwhelmingly touched by everything and everyone. I felt very blessed. Every single message I've received has touched my heart. From one that says "You're such a vain pot" to "Love you till you pop"... they all mean so much. I appreciate each and every one of the gifts I got... from satsuma shower gel (eeeeek! satsuma!) to a vacuum air pump. I. love. them. all.

No, actually.

I love you all.

Now, Erin, where is my sugee cake with icing?

posted by beautiful at 8:03 am