The Real Meaning of Christmas…

I know that I’ve been posting a lot about my Santa Claus collections and decorations and shopping and goodies and all but the real meaning of Christmas is really about something a lot different. It’s about a little baby who was born and the hope of peace he stands for. So at Christmas our home is not complete without the humblest of things. A crib set.

When we were young I remember my mum teaching us about how to make our crib set. You see back in those days it only came with small figurines and no house/stable/etc. So every year we’d look forward to making the crib. We’d think of creative ways to make it look humble yet nice. Believe me this is the real highlight of Christmas for us.

When I went to the US for the first time back in 1997 I found a beautiful crib set by Kirkland Signature in Costco of all places. Back then they didn’t sell that many crib sets here in Malaysia and even if they did it was small. So I bought it immediately and I hand carried it all the way back. My brother and sister loved the set and I wished I had got them one but it was just impossible to carry so many sets because they were heavy.

Of course the next time I went to the U.S. the first thing I did was get a similar set for my brother (they didn’t have the other set anymore) which was just as beautiful and hand carried it all the way back too. He loved it but now I had a problem because I didn’t have a set for my sister. So I had a friend send me the same set I bought for my brother for my sister. Unfortunately, the set came in with a few little parts broken off. I was devastated. I couldn’t give that set to my sister in that condition. I had managed to fix the angel’s hand that had broken off but the cow’s hooves were shattered and not repairable. It was almost Christmas I couldn’t send it back either. I had run out of options.

So instead of giving my sister the broken set, not that she would have minded, I gave up my own crib set to her and kept the slightly broken set for myself. After all the broken crib set still looked beautiful and now it had a little story behind it too. Besides I can still take a peek at my first set whenever I go to her place at Christmas too. So now every year whenever I put up our crib set I try to hide the cow’s hooves somehow while remembering the story. I can’t wait to tell my daughter the story of the crib set when she grows up.

Woo hoo I just love Christmas!

Christmas goodies….

My family... Guess which one is the Genie King?

Another tradition in my family is making Christmas goodies. My mum used to make cookies, and cakes and murukku and ghee balls (my favourite) and we’d help in what little ways that we could. My brother and I used to press the murukku out of the mould while my sister helped with the tarts. The other goodies mum would to do on her own. I wonder how she found the time and strength because for years now after her passing I still can’t bring myself up to her standards. I can still remember the smells that wafted through the house throughout the Christmas period. Mmmm such great memories.

Nowadays we usually buy our goodies and this year is no exception. We bought some nice little cookies which I have yet to try so I hope they taste as good as they look on the box. I also got a Christmas pudding, stollen, and fruitcake which I don’t usually get. Those are some of my favourites so I hope they taste good too.

Out of the frying pan

One of the things I wanted to make was murukku (like rice crispies but with spices). So on Saturday we found the old recipe book my mum had and we tried our hand at it. Boy was it tough! We just didn't want to open the ready mixed packet but instead wanted to incorporate some of the spices Mum used to put in. We toiled and toiled because you need to squeeze the dough out of a small hole. We managed to do it and with sore palms we proclaimed success. The murukkuu tasted better than the store bought stuff and it was worth the effort to get a taste of my past.

The final product

On Sunday bouyed by our success we decided to make another pack but it didn't turn out as good although it tasted the same. We couldn't figure out what was wrong. Wifey also made peanut cookies at the same time. So we were juggling our time and duties as the little one slept.

When we finished we were dead tired but had a great sense of satisfaction.

Now I'm wondering about either cooking or catering for our Christmas party. If I cater then it's be less work but if I cook there will be a sense of satisfaction. Although I might require a new fridge to store all the stuff that is needed. I saw a great place called Wize that had a bunch of Refrigerator Reviews. The best thing about is that they have ranks for the reviews that make it easy for you to select a top model not based on what the salesmen say but on what other customers say. To me that is important when making an online purchase espcially for a large item like a refrigerator.

My old fridge now is pretty decent and has a large capacity but you won't be able to keep two turkeys together with the other meats and vegetables that are needed for the party. For that you need a really huge refrigerator that has great cooling power and can get the job done!

My 100th Post!!

A long time ago in Bethlehem...there was a Star that shone bright! It shone so bright that it led shepherds and kings to the place where a baby was born with the hope of bringing peace on Earth. This was the beginning of Christmas! The Star of Christmas therefore signifies a light so bright that it shines in the night and guides us to the goodness of life.

I am fortunate that my 100th post coincides with the wonderful season of Christmas so I'd like to take the opportunity to create something in the spirit of Christmas for my readers and community members to commemorate the occasion by giving you back a little something.

That is why I created my very own Christmas Star. It is to be shared with all the people on the blogsphere who are my Christmas Stars for their role in being a guiding light by shining so bright in one way or another and lighting the path of my journey here!! Thank you all!!

Drumroll Please:
A Great Pleasure
A Nice Place in the Sun
Anything Goes!
Brainy Bimbo
Cotojo
Shinade
Monday Morning Powerl
Sugar Queen's Dream
Christy's Coffee Break
Diamonds Saphire
Emila's Illustrated Blog
Huma B
In Cinq
Journey with Water Learner
Kim Fei's Blog
Lady Java's Lounge
Listening..Learning..Living
Maunie James
My Life is Murphys Law
NAFA
NoDirectOn (not: NoDirection)
Nessa's Mumblings
Nihal's Anything & Everything
Petty Ramblings of a Petty Queen
Room's of My Heart
Project Heavy Traffic
Random Magus
Revellian
Speedcat Hollydale Page
Purple Frog
Polliwog's Pond
Santa's Community Blog
The Magical Golden Cat
This Is A Miracle
Zubli

& last but not least my best blogger friend Mariuca!!

I hope I have not missed anyone but if I have please feel free to help yourself to your Christmas Star! They come in two colours, pink and blue, and you can pick which one you like or even have both... I really do hope you like your little Christmas token. Thank you again!

<a href="http://eddiejohn66.blogspot.com/"></a><a href="http://eddiejohn66.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><br /><br /></a><a href="http://eddiejohn66.blogspot.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141669144008805410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vUj59ZGIvYZARz3Xa3ZamIA3H9iQIOJt-_c3BK7wZNhgK8_9Xlrs8RU_4IcuInMHqUp43KfPQ6WtPRtFa7CKVm85gdqhWle7SY9bTPBf2oc9UO3djSmvBOcS71h1vIJiIx9q58CKG26a/s320/starpink2.jpg" border="0" /></a>

<a href="http://eddiejohn66.blogspot.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141669139713838098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn46syk4pz4DBledsvQbqMCggpKZZVloeFnIRmCmP2xVPJ5ux392qMidWpuMdqSc88ora3X_8AFa4TtN6OTMofqsoXc4XdsNYiju-u1bhwHZd-QjNJzDP0OpTpBf0yX5-6atA0YXlG1hd1/s320/StarBlue2.jpg" border="0" /></a>

Peace to all and Have A Very Merry Christmas!

With love from our family!

Here we come a Caroling…

Genie King's first caroling gig

A long long time ago I used to go caroling during Christmas. In fact they (the elders) asked me to be the leader of the group which was strange because I had no experience before and had never gone caroling with the with the previous group before that which was disbanded several years prior. I think they asked me because everyone else before me had turned the job down too. LOL To tell you the truth I really took the job because I was interested in one of the girls there hehehe (Wifey quit giving me the evil eye….that was a long long time ago LOL) and was trying to impress her too! The first thing I did of course was to get her to be my co-leader…a wise decision too considering that I can’t sing for nuts! LOL

Genie King's first gig as Santa

So together we worked out the list of songs to sing. Then during the final term school holidays we’d round up all the kids in the neighborhood who expressed an interest and started having caroling practice. Every afternoon we’d get together and work on the carols. It was a lot of hard work because some of the children were very young but we were pretty persistent and pretty soon got them into some sort of shape to sing.

This was the home of a Hindu family who didn't celebrate CHristmas...we spread the cheer!

As Christmas drew ever nearer we’d pick a few days to go out and visit the homes of those who were celebrating and sing our little hearts out. The first year I remember that we didn’t have a Santa with us and we only had parents who helped chaperone the kids and walk around with us. It was a great feeling to go from house to house. The kids never complained and were probably excited to be out at night too! Some people even gave us money which we put aside. We were pretty good and someone asked us to go to McDonalds in Section 14 to give a little performance. We were thrilled took the offer. We sand a lot of songs that night and then were treated to free McFood! LOL They even paid us handsomely too!

Genie King as Santa with an old friend

After all the caroling was done we tallied up the cash and then had a little party for the kids and parents and the community too. We’d also buy gifts for the children who participated. It really was a lot of fun and I can still remember the barbeque we had the first time!

Genie King manning the BBQ

The following few years I’d take the bus (three in fact) over to my cousin Joey’s place in another town just to borrow their Santa Suit. It was a simple suit but back then it wasn’t so easy to get a Santa Suit. The beard was made out of rabbit fur too. So of course I’d be the Santa…and I must say I was a pretty decent Santa (this was even before I used to collect Santa’s mind you!) and I can still remember sweating buckets in the suit. It was not easy walking around in rubber boots wearing a suit and hat and beard with a pillow tied to my tummy. Yeah back then I needed a pillow to look the way I want to look now LOL I made a fine Santa who just didn't stand around but danced and conducted and sang too LOL...Fav line..."Rudolph with your nose so bright...won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"

The new carollers - this Santa was a little dull.

Nowadays, there is a new group of carolers going around. They are a lot of them too and I haven’t joined then but I just might so that my daughter will enjoy those wonderful memories that I did! In fact we recently bought her a couple of children’s books that have Christmas stories and songs. We’ve been reading to her at bedtime every night too and teaching her the songs. I think that she has learnt a lot from the Chipmunks Christmas CD she loves to listen to. In a few years she’ll be ready to go out with the group and sing too!

The group is much bigger nowadays

I better take care of myself if I want to be able to follow her in future. Hey I'm not young any more and she's just two so there is a huge age gap. I'll need all the help I can get and maybe I'll try to find tips on better care to help me. I'm no genius and judging from past experience I've pretty much failed miserably in taking care of myself. So with the tips and hints that are available at better care I'm sure going to have a better chance to keep the old engine in check. After all we are like cars...need our tune ups and oil changes and most of all preventitive maintenace and that's what better care is all about....taking care of yourself before you breakdown! You could probably look around for some nice nursing homes to settle down when you get older too...all part of life nowadays!

More so I'll also need to keep tabs on the latest topics by joining the discussion forums. Being a first time parent I want to be informed about everything. And this will also be a good place to trade experiences and learn from others too!

The Broken Ball

This year we got a little help in setting up the Christmas tree. Our little one was really excited to be part of the fun and we loved having her help. Besides I was not feeling well at that time and it was up to wifey to get the job done so she welcomed the help too.

Everything went well when we set up the tree and there were no mishaps. That was until I chose to buy a few more balls for the tree. "but we don't have white balls" was my excuse to wifey. So while putting up the new white balls we kept the little one away because these were made of glass. Somehow, with the speed of lightning she got her hands on a couple and before you could say "Santa" we heard the pop. She was covered in little shards of glass. All over!!

We slowly lifted her and removed every tiny speck...thank goodness she stood still too because the carpet was also full of sharp bits. We quickly got our old vacuum cleaner out and it barely got the job done. I mean after vacuuming I could still spot little pieces here and there. I really ought to buy a new vacuum and I saw a few fantastic looking models the other day at Dyson. They have a whole line of Dyson vacuum cleaners to suit everbodys needs. Believe me I don't like vacuuming but some of the models there are just so cool looking...I wouldn't mind doing the cleaning. Guys these vacuum cleaners look like power tools! Cool! Opps I better not talk too loud because wifey might just get me one for Christmas. Doh!! What am I saying...I MEAN I LOVE THE VACUUM CLEANERS THERE AND WIFEY SHOULD JUST BUY ME ONE FOR CHRISTMAS! Do you think she got the message.

To top it off the have a whole range of and Dyson genuine accessories and parts too like the stubborn dirt remover which I could have used to clean up the glass and made the place safe for the little one. Sometimes these things are just necessary.

My Santa Collection

Santa on the tables!

Several years ago I was invited to a house of a colleague for a Christmas party. It was just like any other Christmas party but because it was the first time I had been to his place I noticed that his wife had a collection of Santa’s. I was so enthralled by their collection that I spent the best part of the evening looking at their collection while everyone else was mingling and having fun. And that was when I decided to collect Santa’s too.

So ever since that fateful day I’ve been picking up Santa’s wherever I go. Not every Santa but the one I like and find interesting and unique. I look all over for them. Whenever I travel on holiday or work I’ll look around too. Somehow my eyes are attuned to Santa’s and I can spot them through a pile of stuff or if partially hidden. Scary isn’t it? LOL Even wifey is into it and will add to my collection when ever she can find a nice Santa during her trips.

So I’ve amassed a small army of Santa’s over the years. You name it I have it! Hehehe Big and Small. Short and Tall. Thin and Fat. Wooden and Plastic. Resin and Porcelain. Metal and Ceramic. Soft and Hard. New and Old. Stationary or Moving. Lighted or Clear.

I have Salt and Pepper Santa shakers and even porcelain Santa and Mrs. Claus Sharpeners would you believe! I have Santa's that can dance and Santa's that can sing and Santa's that can do just about anything! I have Santa's on the wall and on the floor and even on the doors! I have Santa's that are on the fridge and in the air and almost everywhere! Okay! Okay I suppose you get the picture LOL

I’m pretty proud of my little collection and hope to keep on collecting forever...if you don't like Santa's then I'd advise you to not go any further! LOL

Santa's magnets on the fridge!

A Santa clock courtesy of my brother and a Santa windsock!

A flat Santa and a lighted Santa (and Snowman) for the ouside!

Santa birdhouse!

Can you see my daughters tree...shes is so proud of it...and her lights are battery powered so she switches them on and off to have the twinkling effect LOL

The shakers and the movers!

Okay this is not Santa but it's my favourite movie of the season!

Close ups of the gang in the old showcase!

The latest addition to the "family"!

Okay either you like it or you're out puking your guts because of the overdose of Santa's LOL Either way is fine as long as I get a reaction! hehehe

Pre Christmas Bash

Christmas time always means loads of parties and gatherings among family and friends and in my recent post "Traditions" I wrote of one more tradition. Our pre-Christmas Bash!! Yes! It was today! basically the bash is usually the three of us, Sean Nick and me who have dinner, drinks and then sit around and talk about old stories and song old songs.

For dinner today I made a beef pie which turned out pretty decent. Then wifey also made a lovely chocolate cake. It was her first attempt and I hope she keeps it up! So after pie and dessert we had a few drinks and then started talking about old times.

You know how when we are younger we do strange and foolish things well here is a prefect example. Recently you read about my friends Sean's wedding. Well in that post I mentioned there were some who never thought that he would....but did you know I was referring to a certain blogger we all know LOL Yes Nick stand up and take a bow.

You see at one point in time dear old Nick believed San would get married and did the foolish thing of taking a bet with us. Even better he wrote it down. Now this happened ten years ago and me and Sean always remember it. I even save the paper he wrote it on and recently scanned it in...

We gave him some suggestions on how to have his socks but he's going to surprise us...Oh I can't wait!! You'd think he'd have stopped there but NO...he had to go a step further...just read this and you'll know what I mean...

I hope that we continue with our pre Christmas bash until I'm old and grey...speaking of grey...I've noticed a grey hair here and there on my head and while I still have a full head of hair I sometimes worry (did you notice a strand of hair on the scanned copy...arrrghh) about what if my hair starts to fall...my dad didn't have much hair and I know the barber said that I have a little bald patch somewhere but I still don't see it. Well I was worried until I came across this place run by Dr. Shapiro that offers a great service to mankind! Restoring hair! So if I'm ever in need of good Hair Transplant that is very reasonable in price I'll know where my first stop will be. In fact I know a few people that do need hair transplants now, but I won't mention names, who I'd recommend to Doc Shapiro because they do such great work from what I can see!

Traditions

For me Christmas is a time for traditions and remembering the old while enjoying the new. Every Christmas I usually think back to the past and remember the Christmases of yesteryear. Call me sentimental but that’s what I love about Christmas…the nostalgia and the romance that is what to me is the most wonderful time of year!

When I was young we used to stay in my grandparents (I never got to meet them for they passed away a few years earlier) place. Come Christmas time I remember all my uncles and aunts come there to join my parents. They used to chase out us youngsters and have us play outside while they closed all the windows and doors and secretly decorated the house. Once the doors were opened we’d all be amazed at the beautiful tree and ornaments that adorned the house.

Before that though we’d be anxious and excited . I remember trying to peek through the window but because I was too short (my nickname back then was Shortfella LOL…thank God I grew up to be tall) I’d have to pull myself up to the windowsill to peep. While trying to pry open the window I actually slipped and hurt my jaw and still bear the scar on my chin to this day. However, every time I rub the scar it takes me back the past and my wonderful memories of my childhood.

I remember going for midnight mass at St. Anthony’s church with my mum and dad. I remember feeling so sleepy for I was a wee lad of just five or six then. I don’t think I stayed up the entire mass and am sure my father would have to carry to the taxi for we didn’t have a car until later.

After mass all the family would gather and we’d have a big feast. There’d be sausages and ham, roast beef and pies, turkeys and chicken and everything good to eat but I can’t remember what because I was so young then. Everyone would be merry and having fun until the wee hours. My uncles were great singers back then and they’d sing carols with gusto. Once our neighbor commented that she woke up and thought she heard angels singing LOL

Then came the best part for us kids…the presents. We’d be so excited and tear open the wrappers and dig in to our new treasures. I really can’t remember what we received then but with all the planning and preparations stuff I’m sure it was good.

Later years after my father passed away and we moved to our own home Christmas was still special. My Mum had to take care of us three kids all by herself while holding on to a job but she still managed to make Christmas special. I can never forget the smells that came from the oven as she baked cookies and cakes at night. She’d be sewing something be it a set of new curtains or a dress for my sister on her sewing machine while we’d be playing in the living room and the Christmas tree would be lit in the corner. I can’t forget that scene.

Christmas Eve we’d get ready for church all dressed in our Christmas clothes…every single item of which was brand new. We’d go for midnight mass as usual and then return home to feast on a pie or bangers and mash or a leg of lamb or something special (my mouth is drooling just thinking about it). Of course the other Uncles and Aunts by them had families of their own so we celebrated alone. It was still fun. We’d have hot cocoa together with our meal and then it would be time to go on to the living room and open our presents.

On Christmas day we would have an open house for our friends. Mum would have prepared all the ingredients and condiments for cooking the night before. And she’d slave in the kitchen to prepare a lovely meal for the guests. We’d get the cake trays ready and the cookies and cakes and murukku and tarts (mum made the best tarts and I kid you not).
Around noon the first guests would arrive and we’d entertain all day and all night until all the guests had come and gone.

The next few days we’d spend visiting our Uncles and Aunts homes and they would in turn come to our house on December 27th for our bash for the family. Again Mum would cook some of her specialties and we’d get all the goodies ready. More presents would exchange hands. After dinner there’d be singing and dancing and a lot of merry making till the wee hours. This would go on until New Year’s Day for every day we’d visit an Uncle or two and all meet up over and over again and have parties’ non-stop. It really was the best time of the year for us for Christmas was a special time for us all. I guess know you know why I love Christmas so much.

My home this year...I will post more pics to highlight my Santa collection!

After a few years everyone started to move on. Families grew and then there were marriages and births and even deaths and pretty soon all the traditions died away. I really miss those days.

I still try to maintain my Christmas party but not everyone does anymore. I long to bring back the joy and merriment of the past so that my little one wil be able to experience what I did. Unfortunately, everyone has branched out and have their own commitments. "Whatever happened to Christmas?" That song has just started to play on my pc…the song is from a cd by Frank Sinatra. How apt…

Anyway I know that one tradition will not die and that is my pre-Christmas bash (PCB) with my two best buddies Nick @ Mr. Over-Sensitive and Sean. I just managed to confirm that our PCB will be on this Saturday and pie is on the menu! Wooo Hooo I just love Christmas!!!!!!! More good news Mr. Over-Sensitive just called to say that he is also having a Christmas party this year...Woo Hoo again...things are really begining to look up and I haven't even posted this yet LOL

Cheers!!

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas!

It's Christmas time! Wow all the shopping malls are brightly decorated with Christmas trees and lights! Everywhere you look you find sales going on to tempt you to spend for Christmas.

Not to be left behind wifey and I have started working on our Christmas list already. On Sunday we found the perfect gift for the little one at Toys R Us and it looked huge in the picture. Unfortunately when we wanted to purchase the item we were told that it was out of stock. I asked them to check around with other outlets and pretty soon the manager said that they had only two more units left but it was at another mall called Bangsar Village. He also said that they would only hold it for 24 hours. Boy talk about pressure LOL

The next day was Monday of course and I had go to the gym at 6.15 to meet my trainer. I was also swamped at work and couldn't get off early either. So after work we rushed down to Bangsar Village. At first I didn't see it there so I asked for the guy who was supposed to hold the item and he said he had it in the store! Phew!! We actually wanted to see it first before buying because all we had seen before this was the pictures.

So off he went to the store and after a few long minutes I see the makings of a huge box appear with the guy slowly pushing it from behind. You'd think Toys R Us would have enough staff.

Anyway, I help the poor fella open the box and inspect the item. It looked good and we said okay we'd take it! He said that it was the last one. It seems that after we booked ours the night before someone had come and purchased the other set. Another branch had called to ask if they had it too and he said that he had told him no...keeping his promise to save the toy for us. Nice guy huh? Well we paid and of course the box was too huge to carry all the way across the mall so for the first time in our lives we asked the sales staff to help us carry the item with a trolley. Good thing I have a small SUV and push downs seats because I'm pretty sure that it would not have fit in a car!

After that rushed to take it home and still managed to make it in time...well just a few minutes late for gym.

You'd think that the story ended there right...but being a long winded wind bag I have to also say that we were supposed to go to the gym again today. BUT!!!! Yes there is always a but...realized that it was the start of the Metrojaya sale. Good thing gym was just a routine cardio workout so wifey and I bailed out and headed for the Metro. Yes more shopping! THe thing is we usually argue about what to buy for the family. She'll have her ideas and I'll have mine. Then we'd spend a ridiculous amout of time shopping and looking for the perfect gift for everyone. We love giving pressies at Christmas. Seeing the joy in the faces of young and old as they unwrap their presents is worth every penny! :)

Today though, uncannily, we both had the same item in mind. So that spurred us to go. So within a half hour we'd bought everyone their gifts. What we usually do is get a his and a hers item for the guys and gals in the family. This year we consolidated and got a large item for both. And that item came with some gifts that were large too...two in fact per item. So suddenly we were facing another carrying crisis. Well we sent the items to be wrapped and did a little more shopping for a few other folks and wifeys cosmetics. By the time we finished we had another two bags...although small to contend with.

I must say before I go on that this time there were a lot of freebies. Basically (sing to the tune of the twelve days of Christmas LOL)...we got

10 white balls in a box,

90 minutes waiting for the gifts to be wrapped,

8 free pillows,

70% off,

6 free vouchers for Gloria Jean's coffee,

5 nice paper bags,

4 large presents,

3 free multi purpose canvas bags,

2 free Citibank watches

and a pair of high heeled shoes for wifey!!!

So after all that shopping (it was only around 7.30 pm) we had to get help from the store to take the stuff to the car AGAIN! LOL I guess when it rains it pours! LOL


We still have a few items to go for my nephews and niece and maybe we'll try go go somewhere where we can Save Buckets of money like we just did today. I saw a site that goes by that name and judging by the vast array of electronic goods from MP3 players, portable hi-fi set and other gadgets and gizmos I'm sure I'll be doing just that if I make my purchases there. Check out this cute MP3 player I just found that is in the shape of a whale which I think my niece will love! I might also get a new digital camera because mine seems to be giving me a little trouble lately...or maybe I'll give it to wifey as a pressie LOL

Okay time to hit the hay now and dream of a white Christmas...

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz yawn...What it's morning already???....hehehe

Found this over at Marzie's place this morning and since it's not a tag nor is it December I did it PDQ....join in th efun to see which reindeer you are too?

You Are Dasher

You're an independent minded reindeer who never plays by the rules. Why You're Naughty: That little coup you tried to stage against Santa last year Why You're Nice: You secretly give naughty children presents.

Tuesday Tickles

Okay it's been a gruelling few days with tons of work just pouring in. At home I have loads to do with Christmas just around the proverbial corner too! Combined I haven't had time to blog and have just been in and out a little. So when this came about today I just knew I had to post it and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

NEVER GO TO HR FOR HELP

After 2 years of selfless service, a man realized that he has not been promoted, no transfer, no salary increase no commendation and that the Company is not doing any thing about it. So he decided to walk up to His HR Manager one morning and after exchanging greetings, he told his HR Manager his observation. The boss looked at him, laughed and asked him to sit down saying. My friend, you have not worked here for even one day.

The man was surprised to hear this, but the manager went on to explain.

Manager:- How many days are there in a year?

Man:- 365 days and some times 366

Manager:- how many hours make up a day?

Man:- 24 hours

Manager:- How long do you work in a day?

Man:- 8am to 4pm. i.e. 8 hours a day.

Manager:- So, what fraction of the day do you work in hours?

Man:- (He did some arithmetic and said 8/24 hours i.e. 1/3(one third)

Manager:- That is nice of you! What is one-third of 366 days?

Man:- 122 (1/3x366 = 122 in days)

Manager:- Do you come to work on weekends?

Man:- No sir

Manager:- How many days are there in a year that are weekends?

Man:- 52 Saturdays and 52 Sundays equals to 104 days

Manager:- Thanks for that. If you remove 104 days from 122 days, how many days do you now have?

Man:- 18 days.

Manager:- OK! I do give you 2 weeks sick leave every year. Now remove that14 days from the 18 days left. How many days do you have remaining?

Man:- 4 days

Manager:- Do you work on New Year day?

Man:- No sir!

Manager:- Do you come to work on workers day?

Man:- No sir!

Manager:- So how many days are left?

Man:- 2 days sir!

Manager:- Do you come to work on the (National holiday )?

Man:- No sir!

Manager:- So how many days are left?

Man:- 1 day sir!

Manager:- Do you work on Christmas day?

Man:- No sir!

Manager:- So how many days are left?

Man:- None sir!

Manager:- So, what are you claiming?

Man:- I have understood, Sir. I did not realise that I was stealing Company money all these days.

Moral - NEVER GO TO HR FOR HELP!!!

PS That's why I love my job...in HR! LOL

Oh and I'm also thinking of having a meme/tag free month in December! yeah everybody loves memes right and I must be out of my mind to want to refuse memes but it's only for a month and then I'll be back to my old meme generating ways! LOL

I'd like to invite anyone who is interested in my Tag Free Month Movement to put up the cute badge below too! Awww come on....you know you wanna do it!!!

Join the Movement!

<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hI7gS7XiJBM/R0hg1lo4KyI/AAAAAAAAAoM/1g_VQOxb_Fg/s1600-h/Tag+Free+Month.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136461848768949026" border="0" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hI7gS7XiJBM/R0hg1lo4KyI/AAAAAAAAAoM/1g_VQOxb_Fg/s200/Tag+Free+Month.jpg" /></a>

Mugs, Memes & Awards

Whats that? Another mug!! It sure is...Emila the Genie Buddy said that she'd make me a mug sometime back and now she has!! It's a really wonderful mug that has the masthead of my blog painted on it! What a gift!! I really happy to get it too...Thanks Emila you're the best! :) Now I have two of her wonderful creations for my collection!! :)


Now for some awards that I've recently received ...

From Lady Java

From Diamond Sapphire

From Zubli

From Jackie and Sugar Queen's Dream

From MT

From Colin aka Cotojo

From Mel

I'd like to thank each and everyone of you for these awards...it just makes my blogging journey fun and also gives me encouragement to continue! I am truly appreciative of each and everyone of these awards! :) And shall pass them on in good time! :)

I'd also like to award these last two cute little "pet" awards to the ladies, namely Janice, Jean, Marzie, Emila, Bobo, Ratu, Ann, Sugar Queen Dreams, Mauniejames, DiamondSapphire and Lady Jave and of course anyone I missed is more than welcome to take one or two too! Cheers ladies! :) (sorry I'm playing games here with my daughter and can't get your links up just yet)

Meme Time!

Meme One

LJ wanted to know what’s on my handphone. What else would I have but a picture of my little girl!! It's quite an old picture but I like it very much. In fact the phone is quite old too but I just haven't found one I really like...doesn't help to be fickle I guess LOL

Meme Two

LJ & Spiff recently tagged me with the Two things About you meme and well here are my two cents:



Two Names I go by - Adrian and Genie King
Two things I am wearing right now - Glasses and Shorts
Two things I want (or have) in a relationship - Good Conversation and Laughter (agree with ya LJ_
Two things I like to do - Playing with my daughter and watching TV
Two thing I want very badly in this moment - To sleep (but have to do this meme first) and a glass of water
Two things I did last night - Watch TV and Sleep (yeahI lead a normal life sometimes)
Two thing I ate today - Nasi Lemak and Star Fruit
Two person I last spoke to - My Wife and My daughter
Two things I am doing tomorrow - Going to work and look for a course to take
Two favourite days of the week - Saturday & Sunday (Doh the weekend!!)
Two favourite holidays- Christmas and New Year
Two favourite beverages - Coffee & Neslo (Milo with a dash of Nescafe)
Two things about me that you may not have known - I don't like to eat fish & I collect Santa Claus figurines
Two jobs that I have had in my life - Been at the same office for 20 years (does that count as two jobs)
Two Movies I would watch over and over - It's a Wonderful Life and Star Wars and Lord Of the Rings (Yeah I can count so whats it to ya? LOL)
Two Places I have lived -Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya
Two of my favourite food - Anything spicy and Nehi Parapu LOL (Okay that is lentils with ghee...very yummy combination that is served only on Fridays at Indian restaurants)
Two places I would rather be right now - Europe and and anywhere that has snow right now!
Two persons I'm tagging Janice and Jean. If you've done it it;s okay with me!


Meme Three

LJ really had my number cause this is the third tag she left me before running off to Singapore. Just you wait LJ! LOL It's the 8 random facts about me (like as if anyone wants to know). but here goes nothing:

Like LJ, I also started wearing glasses since I was a a youngling, around 11 if I remember correctly;
I wanted to be either in the Army or an Actor when I was growing up;
I am scared of flying insects if you must know...a childhood phobia;
I hate to eat fish unless it's been processed into other products like crackers and balls and stuff;
I love the smell of rain and freshly cut grass;
I would rather listen than talk;
I am addicted to blogging

Here are the rules if you want to participate:
Link to your tagger and post these rules.
List eight (8) random facts about yourself.
Tag eight people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).
I'm not gonna tag anyone but feel free to tackle this one if you like and let me know if you do! :) And that number 8...I don't play by the rules all the time LOL


Memes Four and Five

Marzie tagged me with this one...well two but I've done one already. It's the Sorting Hat Test to determine which Hogwarts house I belong to. I ended up in Gryffindor because I must be a god guy LOL.

She tagged me on this fairly simple meme, which I found rather interesting! Here's how it works: Use the first letter of your name to answer each question. Must be places, names … nothing made up. You can’t use your own name for the boy/girl’s name question. If you get stuck, skip to the next one.
1. Famous Singer: Aretha Franklin
2. Four Letter Word: Abba
3. Street: Alamanda
4. Colour: Magenta (oops...forgot to erase that) Amber
5. Gifts/Present: Aeroplane Kit
6. Vehicle: Audi
7. Things in Souvenir Shop: Ashtray
8. Boy Name: Andrew
9. Girl Name: Amoreena (my best friend wants to name his child after the girl in the Elton John song of the same name)
10. Movie title: A bridge too Far
11. Drink: Anchor beer
12. Occupation: Architect
13. Celebrity: Ashton Kutchner
14. Magazine: Auto
15. U.S. City: Antioch
16. Pro Sports: Archery
17. Fruit: Apple
18. Reason for Being Late to work: A shomach ache
19. Something you throw away: Ash
20. Something you shout: Assho...oops...Alakazam! LOL

Again I'm not tagging anyone so feel free to help yourselves to this nice meme!