The Reality of Today's Economy

I believe there are no other time than this that we find more TV shows talking about how to make the most of our money in this times than before. And then there are the shows that teach people how to get or make inexpensive gifts, Xmas decorations and the Xmas meal. All very wonderful. But what really hits me today is to learn that even TV serials are now considered to be cut or put on hold by the economy. And artists are rallying for people to tune in if they really support their show or write in to the editor of the studio to avoid being canned. This is indeed reality!

Why Am I not like my MUMMY?

My mum always amazes me. She is one of the friendliest person you can meet. She understands little about privacy, so it can be tough living with her. But it also serves her very well, which I sometimes wonder what happened to me? Why can't I be like her?

I mean everyone in the neighbourhood are practically her friends, and it is not only that she knows them, she knows who their families are, what issues they have and all that stuff. My mum rocks (in the words of young people these days). Once, I was grocery shopping with her and while waiting for the traffic light to cross the road on our way home, she went over to an old lady and took her grocery bags from her, helped carried the bags till we crossed the road and we had to part ways, chatting about stuff and all. So naturally, I think must be a friend. Turned out, it is not the case. It blew my mind. I mean she just took the bags from the lady, then started a conversation with the lady. Who does that, without the lady thinking she was being robbed and all. But my mummy always get away with things like that.

Another time, she spent a night over at my place while WEP was away. I had the company D&D the night before, so was sleeping in and she said she will go take a walk downstairs. She came up an hour later, packed with information. How much our sweeper earn? Befriended some older neighbours, including who they are and all that and found out about a new coffeeshop and grocery shop opening. All within 1 hour and it was her first stay at my place. Impressive, isn't it? Maybe because I am so different from her.

My mum rocks, at least to me.

My Real Xmas Tree, finally...

I have always wanted to have a real Christmas tree for Christmas when I can. More specifically, the Noble Fir.
First criteria: I have to own my own apartment
Which we met a few years ago (the criteria), but Xmas trees are far too expensive. But I was not for fake trees and won't settle with it, but still wanted something fun and unique. So we did this (as some of you would have remembered).


Now, we are in SD, and most Californians love their real trees for Xmas which was more than fine by me. I I am going to have a tree, a real tree but we got a budget, USD50.

We found 5" Noble Fir for approximately USD35. Hooray. But then we realise we still need a tree stand and a dish to hold the water and Sprite (the food for the tree). The normal tree stand was sold out and the only one available was USD30. We are only going to be here for one Xmas so seems a bit much to spend...Sigh...No tree. I always decorate for Xmas!!!

So we still need something unique and NO FAKE TREE. So what are we left with?

THIS!!! Shrunk from the initial 5" to 1". Cute? (This is before deco)


This is after Deco.


Total cost: USD13. It is a Rosemary plant, so as we celebrate Xmas, we will get herbs for our food. How wonderful. I hope it will still look like a Xmas tree by 25Dec. Hee Hee.

Coronado Bay Bridge

Did you remember about the Coronado Bay Bridge? Well, yesterday there was this huge jam, so huge, it went all the way from the bridge to near our place, which is at least half a mile from the beginning of the Bridge. First time ever in all our time near. Sadly, we later understand that the jam was due to the bridge being closed due to a lady trying to commit suicide. Took a couple of hours before the bridge was reopened. Thankfully, the lady did not make it.