I watched A Christmas Story for the first time this Christmas. I recognized the scene where the kid was kicked by Santa down the slide, but never saw the whole movie. Now I see why this is a classic. I think it has just made my favorite movies list.

It's been a very busy week. I don't even know where to begin. It started with the passing of a beloved family member. We will miss him terribly, though we rejoice that he has finally left this ungodly world and went to be with his Lord. The memorial service and funeral could not have gone any better. The funeral was in Kansas, so we stayed down there until today. We got to have the Armstrong Christmas again. Almost everyone was there. We enjoyed it very much. I know I probably have mentioned before, but I am so blessed to have such great family. Life is so unpredictable and only God knows. It still amazes me how I have come half way around the world and to become part of this family. This week, we have become a lot closer I think. I feel like I have finally opened up myself this past week. It's not easy I must say. I have always had a difficult time having a close relationship with others, ever since I have left home and come to America. Maybe it's because of feeling out of place or being distrustful of others. I know I have a tendency to build up a wall. I don't like people to be able to read me, and I try not to show my emotions mostly by appearing to be cold and cynical. I can be a piece of work sometimes. Gosh! Enough about me already. I know this is not what Christmas is all about, but I can't help to get excited about our Christmas gifts this year. I (and Peter) got a Kitchen Aid stand mixer from mom, a very nice serving bowl from Mark, and free puppy from aunt Mary! His name is Schroeder. He's sleeping in his crate next to my feet right now hee =)

We had lunch with our pastor and his family yesterday. It was good food and great time. We always enjoy spending with them. Also baked some thumb print cookies last night. I used chocolate instead of jam. I love the coconut flakes on the outside. I only baked half batch and saved the other half for my work. Here's a picture of them when I made it last time. Umm...

I got Nintendo DS on my Christmas wishlist this year. I wanna play that brain age game. I was also looking at the PSP system, but I like Nintendo DS games better.

Recently I'm into oil diffusers. They are pretty to look at and smell great. Unlike candles, they don't leave any burn marks and safer. I want this Anthousa blossom trio bouquet set. They are kinda pricey though. I found this other diffusers from Target, and I think they are pretty nice too.

I know my last post probably has offened some people, so I deleted it. I was exhausted from work and needed to vent. I didn't mean it to be hurtful, but I know it did hurt some people's feelings. It wasn't meant to be as hateful as it seemed. Although I was only stating the facts, it was porbably too cruel for the general public. I apologize to the people I offened. One thing I learned is never blog when you are tired.

Oh yay, finally got enough sleep last night. There's no excuse for me to be a bitch today then.

I applied for a part-time job at a department store just for fun. I figured since I only work 3 days a week and love to shop, why not work for it. I can get discount and some extra money. I got a call back yesterday but the HR person isn't there today. Will try again tomorrow.

Looking serious with my work glasses.


Just being lazy lying around the house.


Peter waiting for more sushi to come.

This is our Christmas tree this year. We only have the small one because we threw the big one away almost two years ago when we moved from Traverse City to here. It was a good tree. I always enjoy decorating Christmas trees. It's more frustrating though when you have a cat. Orlando already broke quite a few ornaments. I wanna kill that cat, but it's okay cuz I'm not gonna let a stupid cat ruin my Christmas spirit. Serenity now!!!