Time for joy and cheer…check out our Holiday Party pics and see how happy everyone was!

My girlfriend got me this gorgeous amethyst, diamond and platinum necklace . . . I am floored, it’s so incredibly beautiful. I’ve never gotten such an incredible piece of jewelry before as a present except when my grandmother died, and that doesn’t count. I just hope she liked the bedside water pitcher I got her too. If not, at least the big trip to the U.S., the New Year’s bash in Vegas, and the clothing shopping trip will help too. I also gave her some hardly-worn clothing I can’t fit into anymore as well, to which she’s already taken a great liking. The leather mini-skirt looks far better on her than it ever did on me. (She’ll get the other leather items over my dead body. :P)

One cup of cocoa, Grand Marnier and Amaretto later, I’m full of warm toasty Christmas cheer. I just can’t believe I have to work today!

At least there are three things that make it wonderful: (1) I’m taking my GF out for an incredible dinner tonight, replete with caviar and all the finishing touches. She’ll light up like a Christmas tree! (2) Work is bound to be slow, since most people are gone and I’ve finished all my deliverables for the year. (3) Christmas in Japan is known as a holiday for lovers, not for religious reverence (for obvious reasons.) At first I was a bit shocked that it wasn’t a family holiday, but the more I think about it, the more it feels like a more “true” modern Christmas spirit. At least everyone is in love, happy, and spreading the right cheer (and presents!) I keep finding reasons to be happy living here.

GF just said purple looks good on me, and she’s right. I’m off to prove to her how purple I can look in the dark in bed. =) Have a great holiday!