Cold...

Seems like everyone around me is sniffing or coughing...

my friends, my colleagues, even my boyfriend. I didn't get the cold from anyone though. I got a sorethroat the other day and one thing became another. First came the cold then the cough. during the overlapping period, it must be one of the worst days you have to endure. I don't know if you have noticed, they always run in a cycle.

It's raining outside. Don't see much of rain in LA. In fact, I think this must only be the fifth time that i have seen rain since moving to LA the year before.

Gotta work overtime tonight again. I have lost count on the number of off days I am entitled to over this mere one year period. Somehow it is always easier for the X to order you to work extra. But when it comes to your turn asking for some time off, it's harder than climbing than Mount Everest. Most of you have similar situations I am sure.

I have worked a full year now and I can start applying for vacation. My company offers 7 days for employees who have worked 1~3 years. I wonder if that is considered decent or unfortunate. I know of many companies that offer 2 weeks of annual leave. But there are also those that offer 5 days, as in my roommate's company.

I may seem lucky at first glance. However, her vacation days double up to 10 days the following year. So that puts me back in square one-unfortunate.

Skiing at Snowsummit

Ha..this past weekend was the third time I went skiing in my life.

I can still vividly remember my first experience. It was New Year's eve and a bunch of us thought it would be cool to do something different. So up the mountains we trotted.

Little did we know the clear blue sky was just a mask and would give way to clouds and rain as the afternoon rolled on. Alas, it wasn't merely rain streaming down. Ice began to sting my already frozen face.

By early evening, all of us couldn't take the cold any longer and decided to call it quits. This was not before our clothes were soaked inside and out though. I guess skiing is not a poor kid's kind of sports so we wanted to cash in every penny worth of time alloted.

The second time was actually a couple months back during Christmas holidays. 8 friends made the way up to the renowned Mammoth Lakes for a weekend getaway. Upon arrival, the snow-blanketed town oozed a certain serenity and tranquility that temporarily lifted the mounting weight off my shoulders.

Needless to say, it was a memorable excursion. The skis were newer, the sky was clearer even the snow seemed whiter! Although it took a couple falls before I grasped some skills, it was an amazing feeling once you take off down the slope.

So after some recuperation, both physically and mentally, I finally took the plunge and joined in the weekly trips that my few select friends have taken up Snow summit on Chinese New Year.

Although I'm far from claiming to be an expert, I strived to perfect my runs and skids. And it might take another few trips before I unravel the mystery. Nonetheless, I'm one happy gal~