Thanksgiving in America is over, but Advent, the four weeks before Christmas has already started. In the office, we’ve started on the Christmas promos and ideas for our clients, but at the same time, there’s this sense that Christmas and the New Year is coming, and there are things up in the air. I know I can’t wait, as I write this, it’s 16 more days to Comic Fiesta, one of the biggest Anime Festivals in Malaysia. It’s an event I’ve been looking forward through the whole year, and now that it’s here, I’m terrified.

On another note, this has given me the opportunity to look back on what’s happened so far. December will be here soon, and along with Christmas, it’s generally a time of introspection for me. I have many things to be grateful for, not the least of it is my parents. Despite the many crises I’ve had with them over this past year, I found out that I really do love my mom, and I’m like her in many ways. I can tolerate my dad mostly, but mreh. Still working on that one.

I got myself a new job in April. Ever since then I’ve never looked back. I never regretted leaving YTL, even though the four months I spent there was priceless to me in the sense that I realise what I want to do. It also makes this Christmas extra special, because somehow last year, I lost it due to overwork. I’ve become shallower in a way, and many things starting from that time period culminated in me having a huge and massive writer’s block in October. Nanowrimo has helped clear that out, and well… I’m happy that my colleagues are there to help with my work. Though I’m not too happy with the quality I’m giving. I know I can do better, and so I shall!

Friends. Family. Pet family to be exact.

I’m really thankful of all my friends, even if I don’t get to see some of them very often. I miss Tai Ka Che, miss Vivian, miss Adeliene, miss Vida. I miss sitting down in the cafeteria and just chatting. I miss our carefree days, when all we had to worry about was meeting assignment deadlines. I miss our companionship, but most of all though, I miss you girls. But then, I’m glad at least that we still keep in touch. I’m thankful for that at least.

I love my family. I love the little kids. I’m grateful that my family members are all alive and safe, though I do miss a few people.

I’m thankful for the people I met online, especially those on LJ. Special dedication to Geoff, Leslie, Simon and especially Kyle. Thank you for giving me glimpses into your lives and for sharing those times with me. Thank you, most of all, for being there and for being the wonderful people you are. This may seem presumptious, but I do love you guys too! 🙂

Most of all, for IRC. Thank you for being there guys. Thank you for your support, your love, and your acceptance. Thank you for everything.

To the One Up there, thank you for your blessings.

To Boss… OI. When I see you next, I am kicking you! AND YOU’D BETTER BE IN HEAVEN, YOU HEAR ME???

Love
Naoko, Geminianeyes
I forgot to mention the most important person in my life. Thank you love, for being who you are. Thank you for everything. You’ve taught me so many things, I can’t even begin to describe. Most of all, thank you, for being you. I love you.