Saturday, March 20th, 2010
I’m sorry I haven’t been updating my blog as often as I would like. Been trying to stay on top of my schedule and haven’t had much time to relish on the last few weeks. Aside from constant makeup and hair appointments for shows, spending quality time with my sex-and-hongkong-city girlfriends, shopping, birthdays, catching up with family in california via skype, setting up my schedule and traveling plans for the next 6 months… I can’t neglect my duties of cleaning the apartment every other day, and of course — my teaching.
Yes, been a busy TWO months.
1. Sang for a consulate soiree (got on the local newspaper). Too much champagne flowing.
2. Finished two full house shows with the Composer for a local festival. The turnout was amazing, I LOVE doing live shows.
3. Got recorded on a local classical radio station for a program that will be aired later this year. What a high…
4. Attended other performances and shows with fellow musicians and artists, and nonstop boozing and shmoozing…
5. … exhausted and hungover on my 6am flight to SHANGHAI (It was not pleasant)— taking my mom there for Chinese New Year vacation. It was a birthday present for mom.
6. Chinese New Year’s Eve, we were in Hon Chau (city near Shanghai) for a large banquet with 10 other tour groups. During our 10 course chinese new year’s eve dinner, they had raffle ticket draws (GREAT entertainment!) — and called out my mom’s number and she won 2nd price!!!!!! The prize turned out to be a mattress cover. Mom said she had never won any prizes before in her whole life, so she was all smiles. Our whole table cheered for her.
That night, mom told me that this was “the best birthday I’ve ever had.”
7. It ~**SNOWED**~ on Chinese New Year day. We visited the most beautiful museums….
8. …and tea parlours. It was *magical*.
9. Mom was really happy with this trip… we toured all over So Chau, Hon Chau, and Shanghai — got silk beddings, chinese teas, pearl necklaces, and rice wine. It was lovely, and worth every penny. **WARNING: BUYERS BEWARE, when go on tours in Asia, they advertise the finest of the city (i.e. silk bedding, which is absolutely true), HOWEVER kept on pushing and insist that other items are pure silk as well — such as the jacket we tried (READ the label indicated that in fact the jacket is lined with synthetic silk)**
10. Happy to be back in Hong Kong after the long performing week, plus a busy vacation in Shanghai… and just to keep up with a quiet but full teaching schedule.
11. Working 6 days a week including PART-TIME JOB committing one day a week acting as voice coach for a children’s musical theatre >> going on stage next week.
12. Also another PART-TIME position…. got appointed as Music Director for a charity show happening in May. A wonderful group of professionals (lawyers, accountants, etc.) are volunteering their times and skills to help raise funds for a local charity, and asked me to join… I say, “But of course!”
13. Got offered for a full time hotel gig as a lounge singer — pay is OK, but pretty hard on the body to do the 6-days a week schedule (with no vacation or relief), and OVEREXPOSURE. Besides, my teaching practice still pays more…. not to mention the many events, functions, and special performances that I would prefer to commit myself to.
Busy enough with 1 full time job and 2 part-time jobs. So I responded, “Thank you! But sorry — no.”
14. Student Summer concert… since I’ve been singing, I’ve been asked to teach singing to little ones as well… so for this student concert, I’m mixing my piano and singing students together for a fun student concert.
15. March Baby Birthday. Had a wonderful birthday… Pampered to the max since the moment I woke up — massage, spa facial, makeup application (birthday present), shopping, and then dinner with 7 of my closest friends at the new Agnés b. le pain grille restaurant at IFC. It was AWESOME.
Not to mention the weekend before with dim sum and shopping with mom…. and other private birthday dinners with fabulous friends who are jet-setting off and couldn’t be present on my actual birthday. Yeah… it’s a good kind of busy.
16. Went with a fabulous girlfriend for the Hong Kong Art Walk. I was stunned with the Social Political exhibition at the Wellington Street gallery, where the photography project “Invisible People of Hong Kong” tells the tales of underprivileged… children growing up in “caged homes“, illegal immigrants seeking asylum, and sad cases of forgotten and abandoned mentally disturbed and elderly. (*Anyone wish to privately donate directly to SoCO, a non-charitable foundation active in lobbying for an improvement in the lives of the 1.3 million Hong Kong people, including 370,000 children, who live below the poverty line… can contact via this website: http://www.hongkongartwalk.com/2010/aboutc.html)
On the other side of the spectrum is the inspiring works of asian and south american artists displaying their colorful array of contemporary art works. Many of them sold as much as HK$240,000 (US$31,000) per piece.
The irony of it all.
Sunday, January 10th, 2010
Weekend in L.A.
I’ve saved up since October for a shopping spree weekend in L.A. I knew I’ll be spending most of my time at the beginning with my baby nephew and family for the holidays… but also know the fun times arriving when my friends come and pick me up to hit Hollywood and boutiques.
So was catered to and driven around by the best of friends all over California for 1.5 weeks… when I can’t imagine going back to the car culture anymore (I’m so used to the convenient transportations in HK)… also came to realize how EXPANSIVE California is. It’s just enormous. It takes a whole day just to do one thing.
I’ve spent a night or few nights in:
1. San Diego
2. Manhattan Beach (and other beach areas)
3. West Hollywood
4. San Clemente
5. Montebello
and of course shopped in Santa Monica, Melrose, and Rodeo.
It was AWESOME.
Better yet… I get to head back to my sister’s and to this little fella:
No glam or money can outshine this tiny human being. He’s just turned 2 months old in this picture. I’ve never hung out with a baby before. I’ve always perceived babies as little sacks of potatoes that sleep alot. I have never expected them to have personalities and voice themselves and want and need and protest when they don’t like something. I also have never thought I’ll fall in love with a baby like this. He frowns, pouts, cries, smiles, and clings onto you. It’s the most amazing thing.
Coming Back To Hong Kong
Just when I was packing up in L.A. and switching my California sim card to my Hong Kong sim card. My phone beeped indicating voicemails and sms messages received.
One of these messages read:
“Hi. I’m (so and so) from (busy) agency. You were refered to by (so and so). We have several hotel gigs and was wondering if you’re interested. Please call us back. Thank you and Happy new year.”
When I arrived to Hong Kong airport after the gruesome 17 hour flight, I called the agency while waiting to claim my luggages. Before my cab got me home to my doorsteps, I’ve landed my first hotel gig for next week.
Looks like this is going to be a good year.
Happy new year.
xxx
Thursday, December 24th, 2009
It’s been a long whirlwind approaching to my December.
The composer and I had a huge concert for November. It was a huge feat to produce the show and worked on the marketing and the program. I’ve learned so much and gained a team of people to work with me. Also the composer came up with inspiring arrangements for our jazz standards. I was really happy with it. Tons of people showed up, and we even have a wine sponsor sponsoring us for the pre-show gala opening party. It was a great success.
Then just as quickly, the week after our concert, I had another gig with my band - I was so wrapped up with the concert with the composer, that I actually hadn’t put any effort into this gig… and turns out it will be held at the biggest club in the middle of the club district of Hong Kong (the organizer changed venues on me). In my last hour of haste, my guitarist got food poisoning, and I thought I’ll have to wing it on the keyboard with my bassist and a new drummer. But Lady Luck was smiling down on me when several local musician-friends happened to walk by the club and saw me, and have lent me their talents… and I ended up performing with the finest jazz keyboard player and his saxophonist in Hong Kong to play with me - we had a last minute rehearsal 30 minutes before the gig. It was a hit, and a blast. Thank God.
And nothing takes you higher than to a room full of people roaring with cheers.
Those are the biggest ones, I had two other smaller gigs where I was just playing the piano tinkling away, then the last one was singing at a friend’s wedding.
OH RIGHT, I also had a student concert two days before I flew off to California. It went well… oh wow.
And here I am — in California, jetlagged and slept for 3 days straight catching up on two months of sleep. Spending Christmas with my family and a newborn baby boy. :) I’m an AUNT!!!!
Which means that I’m probably out from blogging till January. I’ve got my friends here in California picking me up on Boxing day for a week of catching up, shopping, and parties (maybe a trip to Universal studio) before dropping me off back here with my family so I can soak up the baby love before jetting back to Hong Kong for workworkwork.
Merry Christmas to you, and may your holidays be filled with love, peace, and joy.
much love, xoxo CK
************************
On boxing day, we took a lunch trip to The Original Farmers’ Market off Hollywood. Tried the famous shredded steak taco (mmmm…) and spring salad, throw in a refreshing lime juice. Dee-lish.
Meeting friends for brunch tomorrow at the local favorite, and then maybe head off to cute boutiques like Plastica, maybe grab a really cool plastic bento box, or a spacepak from Flight 001.
… or some hardcore outlet mall shopping. Anything goes.
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
Another month, another jumbled post to update to my sorry blog regretfully as time flies by faster than I have time to catch my breath.
“Hong Kong is a tough place to adjust to.” Someone said to me the other night, she just learned that I’ve been in Hong Kong for 3 years and ONLY recently managing respiratory, dermatologic, language, and social issues.
Respiratory: It’s been hitting a steady 35c (with over 70% humidity) all week. It went up to 39c at one point two weeks ago. I was referred to an Otolaryngologist who specialized in allergy. He had gone up my nostrils where no man has gone before. All I need now, is cooler air, so all the allergens and pollutions could just calm down… and let me breath.
Dermatology: Went to see a dermatologist… she didn’t do much to help my panic-stricken skin. A good friend introduced me to Dermalogica - a very pricey line of skin products that doesn’t advertise and usually sold exclusively at salons… but we found this little booth in Causeway Bay which was selling them, so I got myself a cleanser and moisturizer.
Social issues: I was chatting long distance with a friend back in Toronto. I was explaining to her about group mentalities here. I think with big super condensed über-metropolitan cities develop many many subcultures. I’m usually the friend of the group. I never really feel like I belonged in any particular group.
Language: Diction is one of my strongest traits (it helps if you want to become a singer)… and being Chinese with a Chinese mom who speaks fluent Cantonese and Mandarin and English, I thought I’ve got an advantage — but none of that exempted me much from the pain and torture of dealing with this complex language… its tonations, foreign use of the tongue… not to mention the culture and meaning behind the words so easily lost in translation. It’s true - learning to speak Cantonese is one of the hardest things to do.
Sigh.
**************
Goals to pursue:
1. Summer is almost over. Next summer, I’m going somewhere cooler around mid-July to mid-August and not sticking around this city. F*ck that.
2. I’ve vowed to speak better Cantonese by Christmas. Less “uuuuhhhhhh… errrr…. ummmm….”
3. Have better skin by New Year.
Progress:
1. I’ve befriended several beautiful male-models, they’re surprisingly low maintenance and down-to-earth. We hang out and sometimes escort me to parties. I also become really great friends with several really amazing and fun people from the media field (production/radio/events, etc). They’re straight-shooters, have really good head and better hearts, and party hard and work hard.
2. I started a book club, and got 12 girls joining, so I get to talk about love, morales, and relationships with a wonderful set of women. Our first book is “Persuasion” by Jane Austen.
3. Dermalogica is working out really well
4. Students are very stable.
I just have to start sleeping earlier.
This is a great start. =)
*********
Adventure #1:
I went to (another) junk party couple of weeks ago - this time with the scuba diving team, and rode in one of the instructor’s speedboat to go to the junk boat which was docked in the water northeast of Hong Kong, bordering China.
On our way there in the speed boat - riding the waves, my scuba dive master yelled over the noise and speed, “Fasten your seatbelt!!”
I yelled back as the boat was flying over the water. “WHAT SEATBELT!??!”
Laughter in the sun… yeah, this is the life.
Then on our way back, the instructors let me drive his speed boat for the first time.
It was sooooooooooooooooo much fun.
Adventure #2:
Went to Macau last weekend last minute after an opening party… by the time we arrived to Macau on the speed ferry (Cotai), it was 1am… and I was so drunk, I felt ill…
Then kept partying till 8am.
Won’t be doing that again anytime soon. It was the last hurray this summer before September starts…
************
Work work work:
September’s here and I’m up to my eyeballs with a ton of work.
1. Full time schedule with full time students, new books, new addresses, parents, nannies, helpers, schedules, pricing.
2. Christmas student concert for the little ones.
3. The composer and I got gigs for November for different government functions. Big stuff.
4. I got a gig with my band for October. Low pay, but it’s going to be fun to rock out again. I’ve finally found a really awesome guitarist. He’s really making my life so much easier writing songs, he’s got good musical sensibilities, great with the guitar, well-spoken, HAPPILY MARRIED, all-around nice guy, and professional - not those snotty little kids who think they’re rock stars because they can play a few cadenzas and arpeggios, and blame the world when the pressure is on.
5. Got a paying gig to sing post-dinner at a classy Italian restaurant. (Note to Self: Practice with jazz pianist)
6. An old venue asked me to return and sing on their one year anniversary. I think I’ll just sing that one by myself. (Note to Self: Might add drum machine)
7. This means I’ve got 4 lists of songs to prep for. One is cultural (4 languages!), one is rock/pop (guitarist + bass + drummer), third is jazz (with pianist), and last one is pop (me myself and I -> vocal + piano).
xoxox
CK
Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009
When I moved here three years ago, I wasn’t planning on becoming a performer. It all started with one alcohol-induced yet inspired evening in a jazz bar where I sang not-so-brilliantly to several equally drunken friends who are just out to have a good time. Then I sang again and again, accompanied with alcohol of course. Friends become supporters, and acquaintances become friends - and I was brought from one jazz bar to another jazz bar. Boozing and singing, just having a stupid fun time.
Then I met the composer.
Three days after I met with the composer, he left for Europe for more projects and productions… leaving me with numerous tasks (arrange gigs with the manager from a prestigious club, locate a child prodigy instrumentalist, etc.), plus 4 new songs to deal with — including one duet with a local diva. All need to be done in 3 weeks.
I haven’t been challenged like this in a long long time. I felt invigorated. I was on fire. I was sober.
Weeks went by in haze of rehearsals, long-internet-chats, practice sessions recorded on mp3 and sent through emails. More rehearsals, chats, mp3 files, comments, ideas, and suggestions flying back and forth. I met the diva and everything was fine and dandy a learning experience.
*****
The composer flew in three days before our performance. We sang a song for a TV promotional gig (Yup, I was on local TV. The whole 2 minutes of it.) We were interviewed. The composer was doing most of the work (the talking). He truly is veteran.
Long story short. Somehow my mic was turned down, and only halfway through our performance did someone turn my mic back up.
Also, the diva proves how to place herself as “the star” of the show. After we sang our duet, we were asked to be part of the shot as they interview the composer. She briskly walked around me and straight toward the composer, and stood right beside him. Leaving me room next to her practically off-camera. With every shot of the composer, you’ll get a view of her.
Gotta hand it to her, she’s a smart girl. Nothing personal, she’s actually quite alright once you put aside the competition bit. There’s just really nothing I can do about sharing the stage.
Lesson noted (Tip: When going on tv, dress dark, and go easy on the false lashes). Move on.
*************
Both shows were sold out. I was really excited about it. He opened the act. Then I was first to sing - I sang the big foreign language number. Then the duet. She sang two more songs. One guest instrumentalist played (yes, I found the child prodigy for the composer, he was very impressed). I sang two more songs. The composer closed the act and wowed the audience with his virtuosity.
By the time the review hit the newsstand, the composer was already off to London for more productions and show business matters. He called me in this morning to tell me “the review is out, hold your breath, go grab yourself a copy.”
I went to the newsstand, grabbed a copy, went home and searched for it.
I was noted as the girl who had “sung strongly… beautifully…”
Strongly. Hmmm… interesting choice of word. But good review is good review. I’m relieved. I’m happy. I’m not complaining.
The diva didn’t fare so well.
The composer asked me to team up with him again for more shows in November. Plus a show or two in Beijing… plus a show or two in Australia. No diva, he promised.
I’ll rejoice when I have the plane tickets in hand.
But in the meantime, I’m happy to be in it at all.
And yes, I’m getting paid for my performances.
Sunday, June 28th, 2009
1. During my blogging absence, I’ve been writing and recording some songs at home. I’ve had numerous friends and acquaintances, amateurs to professionals, anyone who can lend me a hand and putting songs together, coming to my home. Also finished two shows, I know it doesn’t sound a lot… but I can use some rest.
2. I met a pianist-composer 2 weeks ago. He asked me to join him for his show coming in July here in Hong Kong. He assigned me 4 classically-inspired songs, one is a duet with another soprano, and one is in Hebrew. I’m just in awe with his moving and beautiful music. We’re really hitting it off.
3. Mom graduated from her master degree program!! Graduation went well, she received beautiful bouquets of flowers, it was very sweet.
4. Michael Jackson died yesterday. It’s so sad he died too young, too thin… He’s had such incredible moments, and such tragic moments. He is a genius, and a very strange man. He’s not just a musician - he’s an ICON… an incredible part of this generation.
*************************
Few months ago, an acquaintance saw me perform in a local jazz bar… and she later asked me out for dinner to get further acquainted, and mentioned she would love to introduce me to her pianist-friend.
Weeks went by, and I got an invitation to a private party in a wine cellar tucked away in the valley. Never heard of that place till that evening. Never heard of this pianist either.
I arrived and walked into the smoking room and wine cellar. There on the grand piano, was a man in his mid-forties chatting about his adventure (and the politics behind the shows) from days ago during his visit (to perform) in Saudi Arabia.
The crowd was delighted after his story. Then he proceeded to ask the audience what they would like to hear. Something from Middle East? What about Spanish? How about some rock-n-roll? Ragtime? Beatles? Classical, of course… Beethoven, Grieg…
After the audience excitedly shouted out obscure songs, he thought for a moment, and started playing.
I don’t normally gush over musicians. I’ve met a lot of wonderful musicians and have been to alot of amazing performances. It’s either the formal classical recitals-performance or popular numbers at a club or a bar. Improvisation is usually a hit-and-miss pending the musician and the city, but almost always a delight.
But what he was doing, is something I’ve never witnessed before.
He weaved themes and melodic lines all together into one composition. Impromptu.
It was stunning and awe-inspiring.
*******
During the break, our acquaintance introduced us, and we chatted briefly. He inquired about what I do and musical styles that I dabble in. “I was raised doing the classical thing, then got into pop, then fell in love with jazz…”
He asked which piano composer I enjoy playing… I answered, “Chopin, of course.” He nodded.
He went back to the piano and again asked the audience for suggestions. Then he incorporated Chopin Nocturne in C-sharp minor with the Beatles, then a Spanish Rhapsody.
Several people from this private party knew me, and asked me to sing. I realized they were expecting a performance from me all along. So I just went up and improvized for a minute with him on the piano. We picked up each other’s cues nice, easy, and breezy. It was fun.
Later that evening, while we were having a glass of wine, chatting away, he invited me to perform with him in 3 weeks.
He assigned me 4 brand new classical-inspired original vocal pieces, one is in a completely foreign language, that I’ve never uttered nor imagined myself ever speaking.
This is a challenge I’ve never expected. I’m very excited about it.
**************
Mom graduated from school!! She’s finally earned her master degree!!! I’m so proud of her. She went to Israel for vacation and came back two nights ago. All is well with mom.
***************
So it’s been a whirlwind of rehearsals, song-writing, practicing, re-arranging. My brain finally had enough, and I took a break and just hung out with some friends today… and taking advantage of this rainy day, a wonderful break from the hot and humid weather that had been sticking around.
Sorry I haven’t blogged for so long. I’m really tired right now. Going to bed.
Junk party tomorrow.
Catch up with you in the comments below.
love always,
CK
Monday, April 27th, 2009
I blinked and ten days flew by.
I don’t understand how songwriters can write songs so quickly. I’ve known songwriters who fill out lyrics for five or six songs in one day. ONE DAY! It took me a full week to pick through one single song!! Not to mention from conception to fleshing out the melody, harmony, verse, hook, bridge, progression, lyrics (again and again), then arrangements — record it, listen to it, and then take it apart, and redo the process all over again. Sit on it, sleep on it, walk around doing my errands thinking about it.
So it’s been 10 days. And I finished writing one song. It’s a good song. It’s a happy song. And I know the song is nearly done - because I’m getting bored of it.
I also am in the process of finishing this particularly sad song, and it haunts me. I’ve played it for my pianist and guitarist - it just wouldn’t end musically (the chorus just keeps going on and on and on — kind of fade out thing, but I don’t like “fade out”). Anyway, after I finish playing it, and turn to discuss it with my guitarist or pianist, they have this look - the “manshame” look. the look that says, woh, she’s been burned.
The look that pivots upon “she’s psycho” or “damn, that could’ve been me doing it to a girl”…
I don’t know. Anyhow, I’m shy about it - I don’t know if I wanna perform it in front of an audience any time soon.
I have promised to do a show in May, and I’m getting ambitious, setting myself up to perform only originals. I’ll be performing this happy song, plus 3 other songs (1 sad song, 1 kooky song, and hopefully I’ll finish up the cute song this week, ugh.) Plus I’ll be singing a fellow songwriter’s songs - he’s sent me three songs to work on.
I got one dance song half done - but if I perform it live, I have to either use my computer to do the loops while I’m performing the top voicing, or get 3 other vocalists plus drummer. Computer is a lot easier, obviously, but won’t have much of a live performance impact - plus I have to figure out the technical stuff which is screaming trouble already. But if I manage to do the dance song, I’ll be set - that’s 5 songs completed. I would also be alot more confident to get the 2nd dance song going (that’ll be 6 songs).
Wednesday, March 25th, 2009
Hiiiiii~~~~!
How have you been? I’ve sorta dropped off the face of blogworld and been a blog-stranger lately. I tried to at least update my blog once every couple weeks because so much is happening, and I haven’t had the energy to get into blogging. It really is a feat to be able to blog every day and have something to write every day. Everytime I tried, I:
1. Got too distracted with too much going on;
2. Got nothing but pure GOSSIP (wait till I tell you about Player crashing my birthday party last week… oh oh and news from American Boy), but the mere thought of writing it aaaallll out exhausts me;
3 . Couldn’t get into writing it because it required way too many details, and don’t really know if outsiders are interested in all that crap (a.k.a. GOSSIP):
4. Like many pieces of my writing, lost track and couldn’t seem to pinpoint the conclusion of my story;
5. Simply hadn’t had the time to finish the post, such as my list of 100 Things I must Do #60 to 41. So I drop it for now, but not forgotten. (I should put “Must finish 100-Things-Must-Do list” onto my 100 Things Must Do List).
Thought I’ll start fresh and check in with you. How have you been? Have you been sick lately? What about your family and friends?
It’s flu season over here, and I’ve been sick practically every other week — first got over the flu which lasted for 4 weeks, then allergy, then cold, then allergy again. My mom was sniffling couple of times, but nothing too terrible, thank goodness. Four of my friends were sick. Three of my students were sick last week. My middle ear is almost always clocked up since February… This is nuts! I don’t sing because my voice is booming inside my head stressing on my sinuses. Ugh.
Is it just me, or are we getting sick more often in this generation than the last? Or maybe my immune system is just plain shot from all that crazy partying. Or maybe there are more medical facilities available now then before? Or it’s easier now to go to a doctor or a pharmacist and tell them your symptoms and get a pill and be done with it?
Again, maybe it’s my partying.
1. Came back from a beach party last weekend - the weather was about 20c, not warm enough to jump in the water and splash around… but enough to wear a bikini with flowers in my hair and dance in the sand to old college dance tunes and play with glow sticks. (Did absinthe for the 3rd time in my life, with the sugar cube and lit on fire and everything. GAG~! EW. GROSS.)
2. Sunday, went to an electronic music show where they had a champagne buffet and served gourmet burgers, roasted turkey, roast beef, etc. etc., plus cakes, pastries, and fresh butterfingers. (Ohyyyeah)
Besides, the weather in Hong Kong has been crap - two week ago was 14c, a week ago it was 28c, and now suddenly dropped back to 20c, with humidity between 50% to 70% the entire time.
This extreme temperature change didn’t just affect the bacterias. It also affected the traffic. The temperature drop induced a thick blanket of fog enveloped Hong Kong and it’s still clinging on even as I type. Last Saturday, the poor visibility of less than 350 metres caused two collisions from CotaiGold CotaiJet vessels in the Adamasta Channel.
According to SCMP - The first jet crashed into a small boat, cutting it into two (and didn’t stop!!) It occured at 4a.m., and threw an elderly couple into the water. The husband Mr. Leung, 62, clung onto wreckage while searching for his critically hurt wife, 60, for over 10 minutes. After he located her, with his unconscious wife in one arm and the other held onto the dismantled sampan to stay afloat in water, Mr. Leung shouted for help until marine police launches arrived. The wife was in critical condition for 24 hours and now stabilized.
Then 90 minutes later — around 5:30am, the second accident occurred when the New World First Ferry catamaran First Ferry XI, carrying 130 passengers and four crew, collided with a cargo vessel, 43-metre long Xin Hui Ji 9, at south of Kau Yi Chau., injuring 13 people, none seriously. Twelve passengers and one crew member - eight men and three women - were taken to Ruttonjee and Queen Mary hospitals, where they were treated and discharged.
That’s two accidents in a span of an hour and half. Why couldn’t they just stop running the ferries when they can see the fog thick as a wall? These jets go 42 knots (that’s 21.6 meters per second)!!! SERIOUSLY WTF!!
Sigh…
****************
It’s raining and lightning outside my window. Heading to bed now. I’m getting ready for:
1. Coldplay concert tonight
2. Meet up a girlfriend and borrow her “He’s Just Not That Into You” and read it over this weekend. Heard the movie isn’t that good, so maybe I’ll catch it next cheap tuesday.
3. Do my scuba diving theory exam on sunday morning - it’s like a driver’s license, you have to get your written exam done first, then scuba dive on sunday afternoon if my health allows. (In my opinion, it is inhumane to make anyone participate in written exams at 9am on a sunday morning… but whatever).
All-stuffed-up-and-a-million-things-to-do-quick-bearhugs,
CK
******************
Read the rest of this entry »
Monday, March 16th, 2009
Last Sunday was a milestone birthday for me.
I had dinner at a nice British (but also a touch of Asian fusion) restaurant/lounge with several of my favorite girlfriends in Hong Kong. We had spinach salad, clam and mussels, suckling pig with apple sauce, duck breast with red wine reduction, and seabass.
Then 30 other close friends joined us for countdown champagne and cake in the terrace afterwards. People were having a really good time meeting new people and some were surprised with the diversity of friends I have - from fashion, to media, to law, to business (I even have a banking lawyer who’s my scuba diving classmate), to theatre, to music, to just plain good old-fashion party pals.
It was a wonderful birthday party. I was grinning from ear to ear all night, and it wasn’t just because of the champagne.
On Sunday, I took mom to have dim sum at our favorite chinese restaurant, then we went shopping (got 2 pairs of Steve Maddens and a sparkling top from Mango), then hot-potted at home for dinner. It was a good plan, cause I was pretty brain dead.
Then rest of the night was spent talking on the phone till dawn with some friends over in NYC and Toronto. This is definitely a milestone birthday for me. I’m not youngling anymore, even though I still eat fast food and drink too much. But now it’s different, the hangovers and junk food hit me harder than ever, takes me longer to recover. I can feel my age, more so as the days go by. And there is definitely a distinct physical and psychological changes since a decade ago:
1. Gravity is at work
2. An all nighter is now a mission impossible, and when I do have sleep deprivation — I creep myself out seeing deep lines of fatigue around my eyes and my skin.
3. It takes alot more to make me happy
4. I can’t walk out of my apartment without make up;
5. I find myself hugging and cooing over cute babies.
But there also the wonders of gaining experiences.
1. I’m a lot less confused about the world, and so much more comfortable in my own skin.
2. I’m far more confident and softer…
3. I have grown a thicker skin and I’m not afraid to negotiate, and at the same time, I don’t have the need to bust balls (all the time) in order to get what I want.
4. I’ve learned to choose my friends wiser, and even more importantly, learn to determine and handle a given situation better than ever.
5. My emotional well-being is a lot more stable, I have less sad days and more happy days.
6. I’m making my own money, and enjoy my time being a woman.
So I’ve finally recognized the true meaning of birthday celebrations — we learn as we grow, figure out how we’ve changed through the year and celebrate it. Say adieu to the old self we shed and thank those who have helped you grow.
Thank you for being here, for being part of my life. More importantly, thank you for your continuous love and support.
kisses,
CK
Thursday, March 5th, 2009
I thought my wildest, craziest party days were over and behind me. But last weekend… all I know is that people covet private parties because anything goes.
**Ok. The burlesque party… kinda goes like this…
- For the finale, our choreographer got sequined nipple tassels and jumped on the bed for 12 seconds… a la the madonna-esque Britney for her upcoming tour “Circus”
Soon after the burlesque show on saturday, I was ushered into a cab driving to Wanchai and into the 30th floor penthouse where a private party was held.
Whatever happened at that party… stayed at the party.
But I’ll leave it with a note, I had a blast and I didn’t do anything I wouldn’t do (and there’s a lot I DIDN’T do.)
************
Despite a random boy’s protest, I went home at 8am and crashed in my own bed. When I woke up at 3:30pm, I had the braincells of a dim 3 year-old. My phone beeped with a text message,
“Hey, don’t forget we’re watching Slumdog Millionaire in an hour. Meet you in IFC. Love you! xxx”
On my cab ride to IFC, I was overwhelmed by the feeling of hollowness. As though my entire system was pumping cold water, gauging all the meanings out of my own existence. I couldn’t escape the yearning of a real boyfriend, one love… someone to be my sunshine for me to hold and cherish on a chilly March Sunday. Someone to tell me what to do in order to cheer up.
***********
Sunday: Saw “Slumdog Millionaire”. I can see why “Slumdog Millionaire” won so many awards - it was absolutely incredible - incredible cinematography (from action to breath-taking wideshot Indian landscape), dazzling cultural details (visual colors and imageries), and astounding emotional resonance… it is powerful, entertaining, and an amazing tale of the modern times.
Monday: saw Jason Mraz concert with a dozen of my friends. Nothing like watching his light hearted, airy, catchy, and freshly self-realized pop tunes on stage with great friends.
I’m going to take it easy for a little while. Catch up on some work, and some great blogs. See you in cyberspace real soon.
xoxo
CK
p.s. This month, I’m going to start meeting friends at parks, have lunches, go swimming, indoor rock-climbing, scuba-diving, play my music, sing wherever people would let me, work on my teaching business, go to museums and amusement parks…
And have a fat burger today for lunch.
