it's not life that matters but the journey...

in case anyone is wondering, I am still alive. I've just been so busy, and haven't had much time online. I do have a lot to say, but not much energy to say it. I'm hoping that this weekend I can catch up on my correspondence with everyone and maybe even write the post that I've been meaning to write for awhile. I do need to unload a lot of shit, and this is the best place to do it since I have so many supportive friends here ^-^

This week has just flown by, and it's been a weird one - both good and bad. I have had some major frustration in regards to a portable DVD player that we bought from Wal-Mart. Apparently in my stupidity, I threw away the box that the machine came in ( honestly I have never done that before and I have no idea why I did this time), and in that box was a cable that would hook up the portable player to our TV. We don't really need to hook it up to the TV since we have another player - but a guy at work gave me some DVD's he downloaded, and I can't view them on my regular DVD player. They work on the portable, but we need to connect it to the TV to get a better picture. Well, without the cable, I was lost; however, the guy at work (Dan) was great and let me borrow his cable. However, to our diappointment, the connection on the DVD player is broken. And without the box, I'm not sure Wal-Mart will let me return the DVD player for a refund (not to mention that I lost the stupid cable!). I'm beyond pissed at myself, and at the piece of junk that we bought, and can only pray that Wal-Mart might be flexible with me.

Otherwise, the week has been actually quite good. The last couple nights I've been preparing gifts and things for my co-workers - to my surprise, three of the girls in my office gave me very nice gifts this week, and I wanted to be sure to return the favor. Plus I wanted to buy some little things for some other girls in the office since they have been so sweet. Unfortunately I did last minute shopping, which means it wasn't inspired. I wish I'd had more time to find gifts that were really special. but not being much of a shopper, I haven't even wanted to go out to any stores, and especially not to the malls in the last couple of weeks. I just really hate crowded shops, and even though I truly love the concept of Christmas, and I LOVE giving gifts, I feel that some people just make Christmas into a time for greed and overspending. It can bring out the best in some people and the worst in others.

I've started watching "Smallville" finally - got through the pilot the other night and am ready to watch the second episode tonight. I like it so far, and can't wait to progress through the seasons (should take me forever!)...

Well I do have to get back to my wrapping of presents and signing of cards. I spent an hour or so making japanese potato salad for a potluck at work tomorrow. I haven't ever made it, and it sems okay, but I won't be sure until other people eat it. Masahiko's mom used to make it when we were in Japan, and I loved it.

I do hope that everyone is all ready for Christmas. since it's just the two of us (I'm without my family until I visit Washington in January), it will be quiet for me. although we might take a road trip on Saturday if the mood is right.

have a wonderful weekend and a peaceful, happy holiday!