Simon Says

It's hard to believe that 2024 ends tomorrow. It has been a challenging year, coming back to Penang jobless after being away for so long. Being a freelancer is also tough; the job and income are both unstable. But I'm happy I landed 3 jobs this year. My only stable income is the rent from a condo.  The good part about being home is the chance to spend time with my ageing parents and reconnect with other loved ones. I'm particularly grateful for the chance to spend some time with my favourite aunt, who was dying of cancer. The final days with her were precious although it was hard seeing her in pain.  She left on Christmas. Sending her off yesterday afternoon was difficult but I'm glad my aunt is no longer suffering. Over the years, I have lost grandparents, uncles and aunts from both sides of the family but the feeling of emptiness that comes from the loss of this aunt, who babysat me until I finished primary school, is much more profound. There is no Happy New Year and...

  I read this story ( https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics-makes-people-rethink-taste-101232531.html ) this morning and thought why would anyone want to rethink their chocolate preferences because of politicians and politics. It is interesting to know that research has found links between people's preference for certain chocolate brands and their political stances. But why rethink your choice of chocolates just because some politicians from parties you don't like enjoy the same chocolates? Why sacrifice your preferences? Will it hurt the politician you dislike? Take away his/her support? As a chocolate lover, I say to hell with politicians. I love my chocolates and if the politicians I dislike happen to like my favourite chocolates, so be it. They have good taste.   All I have to do is not vote for any candidate from their parties in the elections.