christmas works in mysterious ways.

today is christmas. the celebration of jesus christ's birthday, the day where every little 5-year old on the planet [kay, more like north america] opens a ton of presents and is disappointed with the majority of them except for the "Big" toy that they want, which most people never get because it seems like the laws of supply and demand just DON'T seem to work together with christmas shoppers and shippers and stuff but -- oi, i'm off on a tangent.

my christmas was nothing like this.

today, i talked to a lot of people online -- about christmas, winter break.. you know, you start the conversation with a general but appreciative "merry christmas" and then that jumps into a conversation about how the day is going -- this day being christmas. and people asked about presents, and i responded.. well, my parents were kinda busy this year aka they didn't really think we needed presents this year. in a way, i feel like i've "grown out" of presents from my parents -- but i haven't grown out of christmas.

some friends responded with these gigantic lists filled of things i sort of wish i had. new dress shirts, new cashmere sweaters, scarves, video games, make-up, new clothes, perfumes, colognes, all sorts of "neat" stuff.

in a way i'm jealous. in truth, all i got was what my friends gave me. it wasn't much since most people were busy this year and didn't do presents before break (good idea. higher APUS grade. lol -- i already ranted this in another entry) but still. that was what i got. and my parents sort of just let me chill today.

i played piano today. for 40 minutes. i found a "standing ovations" book from a LONG time ago (i think i played this in middle school) and i just ran through it -- it was so much fun.. just sitting there and playing pieces that i enjoyed playing. i improvised, sped things up, slowed them down, and just played to impress .. the living room. and most importantly, myself.

christmas was different this year. it wasn't all.. decorated and everything. heck, i woke up at 1:40pm. but we didn't lose the spirit.. we just lost all the material parts of christmas. we didn't have a tree. my parents didn't get me presents (wah. lol oh well). so what? i.. still enjoyed this christmas anyway.

i don't really need the presents. to be honest, all the stuff i wanted this year was.. unbuyable. and hey, it is a word, oryza! lol. i didn't necessarily get all of it -- but hey, i couldn't really buy it either. didn't get "governor." but that's okay. God has his ways. my other two "wishes" are still up in the air. one is.. to maintain a good relationship with my "crush," hahaha. and the other is to make videos. i wanted a camcorder to suffice with it, but meh, the digital camera will do. i mean, i have it all. a good family, amazing friends, and a stable position in life than a lot of people.. and i appreciate that. don't need to elevate my "status" anymore. ooh, santa, if you could get me a higher bio and calc grade, i'd love you for that. i guess i'll have to work harder for that though. heheh.

i watched death note -- about .. 10 episodes, heck yeah. that's like 200 minutes. dang. hahaha. maybe i shouldn't have ;] and i talked to friends. had fun with them. listened to music -- "thinking of you" and "la la land" and "don't forget" have been on repeat for like, ever. and .. i just ate. and enjoyed myself. and my family. and their company. i had a good little time with my sister and i have to say she is the most adorable being i have ever met. and i am so glad she's here :)

i've grown up. i am complete saying that. christmas is still a fun holiday, it's just not all the materialistic hype it used to be. and i don't mind that.

speaking of materialism, we're shopping tomorrow. MAJOR EXPRESS SALE apparently so that's gonna be BEAST. gonna use that hawt gift card that reina got me :]

yeah.

it's been a good christmas. different.. but in a good way.

it's almost 2009 and i can't wait.

by the way, i haven't been this happy in a long time. even after reading some "sad" stuff, i'm still happy. this winter break saved me from like, eternal darkness. haha.

i hope you ALL had a wonderful christmas because you all deserve it!

and if you didn't get what you wanted, well, at least you got something :) heheh.

- gary