apatheticWell, it's another year, and time for me to finally begin using this LJ! 2006 went by so quickly for me, with some changes, some ups and some downs. And now 2007 - another year closer to 2010, another year closer to that mysterious time known as 'the future'. And I thought it was bizarre enough when we were in 2001!
So, after spending a lovely but fairly quiet Christmas and New Year with family and friends, I returned on 2nd January to home, work and of course the New Year Sales. I've begun to notice with Christmas and New Year that nothing really changes. In October the shops have halloween treats jostling for position on shelves with Christmas cards and Advent calenders. By November, when Christmas still seems an age away, you realise that you need to start Christmas shopping. Then there's a month or so of carol concerts, lights and decorations going up in the streets, putting up your own decorations, office Christmas parties, drinks, Christmas music playing just everywhere, catching the last post before the holidays... And that's all before the actual day! By the time December 25th comes around, Christmas almost seems to have come and gone. And after all that excitement you need a few days off work. But then there's Christmas dinner to organise and family to see. And then there's preparing for New Year's Eve. Ah, the pressure of having a good time on NYE. Is it really possible when you have to drink way too much, spend way too much and then have trouble find a cab home?
Then there's the sales - they start on Boxing Day. Adverts everywhere. As if you hadn't just spent enough money. But we get drawn in anyway. Such anticipation. You just know you're going to find that perfect pair of shoes at 50% off. Or that jacket you've been eying will be reduced. But if they are, then they won't have your size. Or colour. Or someone's just taken the last one ahead of you. I went shopping, to all the usual high street shops, and came away with a new handbag, not reduced, and only because I really needed one after my old one broke. And that was the January Sales for me. I hope others have more luck!
Call me cynical, call me pessimistic, but I'm off to break some more New Year Resolutions. Roll on Spring!
