What're some of your favorite gifts this year?

I haven't opened presents yet. In fact, Christmas is late this year. I have sent out some cards but still falling behind. We are working on our newsletter and will be mailing them out by January end if we are lucky.

Somehow, Christmas is not Christmas (to this quasi Christian with a smattering of pagan) without family (thankfully, my sil and the family are arriving today after being stalled in the bad weather in Iowa last night) and surprises, in the form of presents.

Of presents, what are your favorite this year?

M surprised me yesterday after work by driving me to this strip mall that is home to an REI, sports equipment, furniture shop and Men's Wearhouse! Which confused me greatly. Then we started walking toward the furniture store, and my mind started working overtime. He had 2 beds picked out and wanted me to decide on the one I want. You see, we've never owned a bed for more than a decade we've been together, and have always relied on box springs and that steel bed frame thingy. And for the last year, we've been sleeping on a mattress on the floor!

So, there, my Christmases are starting to come together -- M's thoughtful surprise, family rolling into town and their surprised looks on the faces, holiday newsletter in its infancy, a forecast that calls for 6 inches of snow, and good friends like you to share this seemingly dull observation with.

Because there is the so-called 12 days of Christmas, it is not too late for me to blog out a collective Happy Holidays to you all and a Prosperous New Year ahead.

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Jeremy: Right back atcha.
Jeremy: Oh yeah... money :) The bestest gift of all. That and the joy of living these days.
Melissa: Wow!!! I really can't top this! I love this blog. It shows the true spirit of Christmas. Family and truly being thankful for even the small things (not that a new bed is a small thing, because that would be an enormous thing to me too! You know what I'm trying to say, though!) Thanks for posting this. I hope that when you're able to celebrate with your family, that it will be a wonderful Christmas! Merry Christmas, Ling! And here's hoping that I'll be able to visit your way some time in 2008!

New Hair Color

Can't be clearer than the subject line. I'm having a Japanese salon color my entire head this weekend -- those brown colors you see the Japanese gals with.

Hope I don't look too darn freaky. What do you think?

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Amber: I can't wait to see pictures!!! :)

Christina: I think it'll look awesome! You always have been very fashion forward!!!

pictures, pictures, we want pictures!

Jeremy: I think it'll look good--upload the pictures :)

Melissa: Oh wow!!! How excellent! A new hair color to herald in the new year! I can't wait to see a picture!!! You'll have to post one! I so don't think you'll look freaky! I think you're going to look awesome!

Psychology of Sales

It's been a while since I posted anything. Apart from my laziness, I truly, truly want to share something substantial. I believe I found a topic that all of us can benefit from.

As most of you know, I finally landed a job, back in newspaper industry (bleah) but now in the opposite end of the spectrum -- SALES!

If I had known how fun sales can be, I would have jumped at it a long time ago. But I truly believe there's a time and place for everything. A long time ago, I did not have the maturity or life experience for me to handle this area. Now, having worked in various locations, dealing with more breeds of professionals, I have a better sense of people management, and a better moral compass as an individual.

Being an inside salesperson, where I am on the phone ALL DAY, I have gotten my share of karma, and in return, have become a better consumer myself.

Many of us have (to this day) picked up the phone to call our credit card/cable/phone hotline when we have a problem that were either created by them (wrong billing, bad service etc) or received inept service. What resulted is usually us bitching the bejesus out of them, and for the most part, hung up dissatisfied. Right? Right!

Remember the old adage: You can catch more flies with honey.

For the most part, the frontliners cannot resolve the most severe of situations. But you still need to secure the sympathy of the frontline to reach the boss.

Most thing can be negotiated to a point when it's a Win-Win. Business are out to make money, even at a discount, but they got to FEEL they are making a "sale" And you as a consumer, while most of the time, may not walk away with a FREE transaction, but in most cases, you could leave satisfied with a discount or some reconciliation - if you are patient and conciliatory.

Always ask for specials. There's a good chance there's always something available. Think about the credit card interest rates. They are not going to offer you that lower rate. But it exists.

While this may seem obvious to most of you, just remember not to raise your voice. And acknowledge how you want to keep your business with them -- that's honey to the sales force ears.
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Jeremy: Amen. I've come to realize that you can get what you want better if you don't try to force yourself. It's a bit cunning, and a bit slick and clever (in that negative British connotation), but if you calmly explain the situation, instead of bitching someone out, the person on the other end will be more likely to help you.

Good to hear you blogging again. I need to do that myself soon.