I got a phonecall today from a local internet radio station here in Hong Kong. The assistant called me and invited me for an interview — I’m going to be interviewed as a singer in Hong Kong! At first, I thought, YES!!!! I GOT MYSELF A PUBLIC INTERVIEW!!!
Then I realized – SH*T… I’ve gotten myself a LIVE INTERVIEW.
I’ve been pacing the floor ever since I agreed to do the interview. I’m nervous as hell.
I’m telling myself, it’s good to be nervous right now - I still got over 36 hours to calm my nerves and ready to show myself for the interview slot.
Should be a good way to start year 2009. (Fingers crossed)
1. Get my business registered
2. Learn how to paste on false-lashes and start using them regularly
3. Hook my computer up to my TV so I can watch DVDs on the big screen
4. Take dance lessons — lose some weight
5. Produce and write some music, and perform as much as possible without burning out
6. Get a boyfriend, for real.
What’s YOUR new year resolution?
***********************
I remember my last year’s resolution was: to make more money, be as green to the environment as possible, and get a boyfriend.
I’m making more money than year before, tried to be as green as to my knowledge here in hong kong…
But no boyfriend. Instead, I ended up surrounded by playboys.
I’ve known Flirty-Monster for almost 2 years – pretty much since I’ve lived in Hong Kong. His Scottish-Chinese Eurasian mix totally hit jackpot - 6′2, big almond-shaped hazel eyes, dark hair, huge boyish-smile to match his broad shoulders. Most of my girlfriends literally drool over him.
It’s obvious he gets the girls. I knew it, and I never even considered dating him - he’s just too young (he’s almost 10 years younger than me) and too cute with all the sugar-ficialness Hong Kong life has to offer. He’s flirted with me outrageously at times - which is totally fine by me - I love it when cute boys flirt with me.
Sometimes I wanted to tell Flirty - I think you’re adorable… please don’t end up like Hottie playing mind games and all… stay sweet as you are right now… but the moment never arrived. To me, he’s the best fun boy to be friends with. The group of girls I met through Flirty, half of them clearly has a crush on him.
So when I opened my christmas present from Flirty, the girls all gasped at the 3-foot long plush toy-rose before me. Some complained why she got slippers instead??
I was puzzled. I even asked one of his close girlfriends if he’s given me the correct present.
“No, he likes you.” She’s one of the cool ones who nicknamed him slutty-monster. She knows him well.
“But isn’t he seeing someone?” I asked - I recall alot of his pictures on facebook with girls snapping photos claiming him.
“You know how he is. Taking things one day at a time.” She mumbled.
I know boys like him — open all the channels and make sure you got yourself a nice little lineup.
I hung out with the girls and other friends of Flirty’s in various lounges and bars in LKF for rest of the evening…. and all’s well…..
Until much later that night - Flirty ended up making out with some random girl he met.
Playboys. Can’t live with them, can’t kill them.
The little Flirty-Monster isn’t getting any cookies from me.
********************
Anyway - I’m enjoying my christmas holidays in Hong Kong. How has it been for you? I won’t get to see christmas snow this year, and no boy-love of my life to get sappy with… but I’m feeling the Christmas spirit. I’m quite happy. Life’s good, mom’s healthy and well, sister is happily married to an awesome guy and now living California (which means I get to visit California soon!!), I’m making a decent living teaching music, I get to perform shows on my own terms, and I have a great group of friends here.
By the end of summer and the beginning of fall 2008 in Hong Kong, when the weather wasn’t too scorching to stay outdoors, the gang took me to the beaches.
That’s the day I met American Boy.
American Boy came along for the beaches – fresh like the ocean with Daniel-Craig-blue eyes to match and dimple smiles. Our conversation quickly moved to his thoughts on returning to America to pursue further studies and explore career options. I briefed him on some of my career moments and gave him some supportive comments. It’s good to advance yourself, it’s good to travel and see things, it’s good to go home and spend time with your family. Do it now when you’re not attached with too many obligations. Go figure yourself out, and find your place in the world.
We became fast friends.
Later that day, Hottie showed up on the beach with his boys (not his girlfriend) and hung around all day and night.
The day I met American Boy was the night I slept with Hottie (the one and only time).
After that night - my life became an interesting intertwining days of me hanging out with the respective boys.
Sometimes we meet someone extremely attractive (the attraction is so powerful that you are willing to give them anything) — but once you got a whiff of their true personalities, your opinions of them drop accordingly. The same thing goes the other way - someone who didn’t hit you initially as impressive and memorable, but became more attractive as you spend more time with them.
Hottie is the first, and American Boy is the latter.
American Boy talks and walks like a chilled and layback version of Joey Tribbiani and resembles a younger Daniel Craig. As we spend more time together, the harder he makes me laugh (sometimes laughing AT him… but he’s so good-natured, he’s totally cool with it).
Oh and you should see him wake-board (oh my!).
Hottie ran into me with American Boy walking through Soho one evening. The moment they saw each other, the two boys had a stare-down. I broke it off by greeting Hottie. Hottie greeted us back and walked away.
Afterwards, American Boy turned to me and asked, “Did you two actually date?”
Few days later, a whole bunch of us (including Hottie and American Boy) were all out having dinner. Later that night on our way home (Hottie and I live in adjacent neighborhoods so we shared a cab), Hottie commented, “I think (American Boy) likes you.”
My response, “I think so too.”
Hottie really gets under my skin with his many mind games and dramas, so I was just saying a-matter-of-factly…
Ok, fine. Maybe I was trying to rub it in a little.
*********
One night American Boy and I were having dinner, he announced he’s leaving in 5 weeks - asked me not to say anything to anyone just yet.
I was sad to learn of the exact date of his impending departure, but I was fully supportive of his move, there are things he’s gotta do.
Few of my girlfriends suspected something was up when they noticed we were hanging around each other so much (the joy in my voice whenever I talk about him probably gave it away a bit too)… so I finally told them - no, nothing’s happening… and nothing will happen, cause he’s LEAVING.
They would freak after I broke the news.
“WHY? Why are you spending so much time with someone who’s LEAVING? You’re just going to have your heart broken, honey!”
“Becaause! I rather spend quality time with someone quality for a short period of time, than to have someone less.”
Because American Boy was honest from the very first day I met him. Because deep down, I know he’s not Mr.Right, but definitely Mr.PerfectRightNow, and I was fine knowing that. More importantly, I was fine because I know how things will end with us (not in disaster).
The weekend I had that huge fight with Hottie, was also the same weekend American Boy and I had a romantic encounter on the beach of Sai Kung.
(Needless to say, my girlfriends were mortified and concerned.)
American Boy flew back to America last Tuesday. We had a sweet goodbye.
So much has happened and so much drama and so many intricate little details. I don’t think I can get into it.
Ok, fine. I’ll tell you all about it.
Basic facts:
Hottie is very handsome with his sexy green eyes and golden brown hair (sigh… what a combo). Hottie is seriously charming in his gentleman fashion dressed in his european accent. Hottie likes asian girls. He likes the attention he gets from many, many, many asian girls overflowing here in Hong Kong. He is clear about what he wants, and he usually gets what he wants.
Hottie is a very likeable guy in a hedonistic city.
May I add - Hottie loves to play games.
Games like role playing, ropes bondage (karadas)…
The best yet - mind games.
He loves to mess with people’s heads… and of course majority of his audience are female.
I’ve decided soon after I got to know him, that I’m not playing. I’ve had my fill of jerks and players. I know they’re bad for me.
Oh - by the way, he’s got a girlfriend whom they call each other “best friends” and have an open relationship. I really don’t understand that - then what the hell did he mean when he said him and I should date?
“How is she not your girlfriend?” I asked him once.
“Cause she’s not. We sleep with other people.” He responded.
“I think you should date her. Make it official. She obviously has feelings for you.” I persisted.
“Here’s the thing. Dating comes with baggages like obligations and responsibilities that neither one of us are comfortable with. You have to trust us in this decision. If her and I make it official, it would mess things up.”
I took a deep breath, and I finally said what I’ve been meaning to say all along - “Well, I feel us flirting is wrong. I think you should pay more attention to what she wants. I feel like I’m in a bad place here, and realized I shouldn’t have been flirting with you. I know it’s fun and games for you, but it’s not something I would do with someone I’m only friends with.”
I have a feeling he was surprised at that. After a few moments, he finally said, “You’re free to stop flirting at any point.”
“Yes I know.”
I already have, I thought to myself.
He said, “Simply put, her and I are comfortable with our dynamic and where we are. If you are uncomfortable with that, you are free to adjust yourself, but please don’t try to adjust us to suit something you better understand and comfortable with. ”
So that’s how we decided to stop flirting but manage to still hang out (since we have so many mutual friends that we see all the time).
He respected my request and stopped flirting with me right away.
We’ve had some laughs and good times afterwards. We chatted now and then, and I felt that we were indeed good friends who had overcome extraordinary circumstances.
Other girls started moving in, they swamp him with kisses and cuddles. So he starts affairs after affairs.
I know he likes the attention. I know it’s inevitable that he’ll have more girls around him.
Then he started making a show of it - while we were all hanging out at a club, he grabbed one of these silly girl’s a$$ and loudly commented that it was the “best a$$ in the club” and continued holding her a$$ while carrying a conversation with her. (And of course, the girl was eating it up… “he’s paying attention to me!!”)
I rolled my eyes at that sight. I can’t stand silly girls like that, but worse yet, that my FRIEND would actually behave that way…
I smacked him on the arm.
And stopped talking to him since.
Two weeks later, I was having a really bad day - got home and was simply exhausted and drained when a very close friend of mine called me up, almost in tears, giving me more bad news.
“He’s only talking to me as revenge!! She (the girlfriend in the open relationship) is after David (my friend’s boyfriend) and he’s only talking to me because he’s competing with HER!! They’re SICK!! I’m so hurt right now!”
I snapped. I messaged him and asked him, “Stop messing with people in our group. Please just stop.”
My phone rang. I didn’t recognize that number. I picked up the call.
I forgot he changed his number.
“I got your message, what’s going on? You alright? You sounded a bit tight.”
I wasn’t prepared to talk to him calmly.
“What are you DOING? I thought you’re better than that! Why are you doing this?” I wasn’t making any sense, but I’m sure he got the idea since (again) we have so many mutual friends.
“WHAT?! YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ME?” He roared over the phone.
“Yes.” I tried to calm down and wanted to explain why.
“OH - I SEE. GOODBYE!!” And he hung up.
Things got really tense. The next day he started asking several girls from the group if they’ve said something to me. My girlfriend denied on having any involvement with this.
I saw him that day at a friend’s birthday party. A band was playing there, and they know me - so they asked me to sing a song for them. I said, “sure.”
When I got onto the stage, a mutual friend was trying to pull Hottie onto the dance floor to dance to my song. He threw his arms up to shake her off, and bolted out of the club. Another friend went after him to talk in the corner of the club.
I sang my song. Then left pretty soon after that.
**********************
I emailed him couple of days later and apologized for snapping at him.
His response was rage. He claimed that I was “moral high-horsing” and that I should just “mind your own business”, and if these girls don’t have a problem with him, I have no right to “pass judgements”… that I was “patronizing and judgmental”.
Obviously he knows that wasn’t what I was intending, but he’s got a point. I felt him sleeping around with naive little Hong Kong girls who (obviously to me) in secret hoping and wishing for more from him is wrong - and that there are far more weak-minded women who will give into his ways than well-informed/experienced ones. I’ve had my fill of a$$holes and that’s why it’s so easy for me to say “No thanks!” No matter how clear he makes it, he’s still very charming and handsome and everything a girl would dream of.
But he’s got a point. It’s patronizing of me to think “that these women aren’t able of making their own decisions.” And that he “personally couldn’t care less about what your opinion on of my philosophy on life is - the reason I am acting so bitterly is the sheer arrogance you have displayed in trying to meddle in the
affairs of others ‘for their own good’.”
He broke it off first. He still didn’t know the full story of what broke me, and he doesn’t want to hear it. My girlfriend pleaded for me to not mention her to anyone because she’s afraid of him and his power to influence people in the group to hate her/me. So I was stuck in a really bad place, and I just had to endure.
I wasn’t scared of him, I’m not scared even if the group decided they hate me because they agree with him. I was just sad that he would be so angry. I thought we could talk about anything.
I really thought we were good friends.
I finally wrote to him to tell him that “I only acted so strongly before because I liked you so much. I am embarrassed of my behavior towards you on the phone. I wasn’t acting out of malice. I didn’t mean to act out of arrogance. I will accept your decision to break off our friendship since I have no choice in that matter.”
End of rant. And I’m hoping - the end of this drama.
I’ve been pretty active in the hong kong scene lately.
I sang for an event with around 70 people with my 4-people band (me on piano, 2 backups, 1guitarist). If you’re on my facebook you’ll see the pics. I’m friends with everyone in my band, each one of them are wonderful and awesome, makes me so proud and grateful that they would collaborate with me.
Anyway - the next night after my gig, I was hanging out with one of my back ups and we went to another local artist cafe. We hung out with a guitarist and she sang. I just listened and hung out with other friends from the group.
When she offered to be my backup couple of weeks ago, I had already told her I can’t believe she would do that - I wouldn’t even think of asking her to be my backup because she’s such a wonderful singer. She said she’s proud to be my backup, and that it’s fun to sing backup. I thanked her.
So I knew her sound, and I know she’s an incredible singer — but then it dawned on me — she might be a better singer than I am. Sure, I can hit the high notes with power (I’m a mezzo-soprano and she’s closer to an alto), but she’s got an incredible tone that gives you the goosebumps.
I went home that night and thought alot about it — I can accept there are always going to be younger, prettier girls, but a younger, prettier, and better singer?! It shook me.
I am humbled by her…. by her sweetness to be so willing to act as my backup singer. By the learning experience to collaborate with wonderful talents.
I’m very aware that her and I have very different vocal styles - like apples and oranges, but yet I appreciate the quality of her voice and her attitude so much. I almost envy her.
It was quite a slice of humble pie.
***********************************
The next night, I met up with another guitarist friend of mine, and we went to a local jazz bar to listen to an acquaintance of ours (also an incredible singer) singing her last night before her next gigs in mainland China. We sat down and ordered our drinks and listened to her first set of songs. After she was done her first set, she came over and we caught up and chatted. She wanted me to sing a song for them and I’m always happy to.
Then her fiance came up and announced that someone just waltzed into the club, and he just couldn’t stand her. Apparently when he met her, she pursed her lips and said, “Mynameis [synonymous to the word] Priceless, I’m a singer - what can you do for me?”
My friend who was actually getting paid to sing that night was a little offended (obviously). She’s a sweetheart and rarely displays any negativities about anyone. Unfortunately, I was a bit too drunk and lethargic to notice.
Then 2 other friends of mine came up to me and told me the same story. Apparently Priceless is another singer from another club. That’s when I noticed the hostility building up in the air.
After 15 minutes of buzzing around, my friend (who was the one getting paid to sing that night) went on stage to sing her first 3 songs from her second set. Then she and the band leader started calling out open mic — and everyone in my area pushed me to go up — then Priceless waltzed up onto the stage and started shaking her robust booty and belted out the classic “Summer Time” - and she would talk about herself between intervals… “I’m from south africa” she said with her heavy and proud African accent, “I feel sexy because the audience is so sexy tonight…. the saxaphone player is “sexy” because he’s “SAXy”….” and went on and on…
I whispered to my singer friend’s ear and said, “She’s very good.” My singer friend nodded in agreement.
Yes, she does have a terribly cocky attitude, but she has great command on stage and the band. And she can belt it out. And yes, she is very sexy indeed.
So after Priceless was done with her song, my group eagerly pushed for me to go on. Like I mentioned before, I was quite drunk, and feeling lethargic.
Plus, I felt as though it’s a competition.
I don’t like to compete because it’s a way to humiliate the others or myself.
Anyway - Priceless’ table yelled for more — and by now, my group started chanting, “C-K! C-K! C-K! C-K! C-K! C-K! ———-” and two boys literally pulled me out of my seat and threw me onto the stage.
Just then, Priceless turned back to the stage.
And there we were - with our parties yelling for each one of us to perform, and strangely enough the most awkward show-down scenario played itself. We stood face to face - she’s got the mic.
I could see her face full of surprise that my group were screaming for me. Her mouth dropped open, speechless and shocked that some people were actually booing her.
I began fanning myself (indicating that she’s smoking hot), faked a bow [by now, I could hear one of the people from my side of the group shouted, 'oh c'mon! whateva!!'].
I took the mic from Priceless, and shouted into the mic - “Let’s give it up for PRICE-LEEEESSSSSS!”
I handed the mic back to her, and she had the most grateful look on her face. She mouthed, “Thank you!” I smiled and walked back to my table.
She sang her second song, but it was quite obvious that her ego was deflated.
So I went up after that — I sat down on the piano and spoke into the mic, I said:
“Oh my goodness. I’m so humbled by the incredible talents tonight. Please everyone, give it up for the beautiful JoJo (my friend)… [the crowd clapped], and the fantastic Priceless [crowd clapped again]. I’m going to play something a little more chill, yeah?”
And I began with “If I ain’t Got you” by Alicia Keys. I played barely 2 bars into the song when the crowd recognized the tune, and roared with excitement. After I was done, I motioned to the band’s drummer that I’ll do a second song. I felt I deserve at least that, especially knowing my group wants more.
So I belted — “Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii KEEP ON FALLIN’……..
Innnnnnnnnnnnnn–nnnn-nnnn-nnnn….
aannnnnnnnd out of love……” cue in piano.
Oh right, I was playing the piano.
Good thing the song only consists of two chords. I could focus more on the singing bit.
It felt good to sing “Fallin’” — the drummer was brilliant and we were in sync. When I cut off at some points to sing a cappella, he stopped momentarily and then cued himself right back into song when my piano part resumes. When I was singing softly, he minimized his drumming, when I was building up, he built up as well.
So after all the stuff I’ve weaved through in Hong Kong - I’ve gotten myself a promotional gig (no pay but I don’t have to pay to perform either) tonight in an artist event. I’ll be singing:
If I ain’t Got you (me on piano and singing)
Somewhere Over The Rainbow (tribute to Israel Kamakawiwo’ole)
You Were Meant for Me
Fallin’ (me on piano with backups)
Beautiful (me on piano with backups)
I’ll Be There (me on piano with backups)
Of course - I’d love for you to be here… if you’re not so far away…
I’ve been hanging out at a local artist cafe for the past 2 months and singing and jamming with other musicians. I’ve been having a blast.
And of course - I met someone there. Not only did I meet him and felt the initial “BANG” of major chemistry, he made it very clear that he’s interested. He’s super hot with dreamy green eyes and golden brown hair… oh and his sexy european accent totally snatched my curiosity.
We’ve been talking for weeks and hanging out (and flirting outrageously), then I realized he’s a player… worse yet - he’s a sweet, no pressure- , go lucky, and adorable player (with numerous girls hanging onto his every word). Everytime I perform, he’s been there - clapping and cheering me on like a kid cheering his favorite idol.
Last weekend, there was a costume party thrown by a mutual friend. I dressed up in a custom made costume of Velma Kelly from Chicago the musical — he came as Justin Timberlake. We were flirting shamelessly, and he attempted to invite me over to his place.
Not going home with someone has never been this difficult.
You know what they say - women can fake orgasms, men can fake relationships…
I’m being very strong — but… Dang. Why do the cute ones always have to play so much?
It’s been an entire summer of not blogging… and to be honest - it’s been a nice break away from the publishing world. It also allowed me some time to rethink what this blog is all about.
Anyhow - the blog is fixed, though I haven’t added new graphics to my template just yet. I still have my new apartment to organize… just moved in yesterday and got boxes to open. So CK’s BACK!!! – or until some smart and savvy newspaper head chief recognize my talent and give me my own column.
So now I’ve been doing some field research, and boy - do I have things to tell you…!
**********
Let me tell you something that happened most recently.
Like today.
There is one man in Hong Kong whom I cared about romantically. I liked him alot at first - we were inseperable for a little while…
After we kissed - he disappeared. He ignored my calls, he won’t reply my sms till hours or even days later. I thought we had something that started us off… so I slowly realized he’s just too dumb to appreciate me.
So I moved on. I removed him from my facebook list. I did everything a girl would need to do to purge herself of this sorta-boyfriend. I bought myself the Chloe bag that I’ve always wanted (50% discount on warehouse sale, of course).
Then he started sms me again. As though we’re still friends. I missed him enough. I still had good opinions of him. I thought he just didn’t know what he wanted. Besides, I had already moved on.
Until he drunk-dialed me couple of weeks ago. I asked how his friend’s birthday party went, and if they’re continuing on partying for the rest of the night, he said he’ll give me his friend’s number if I really want to hang with his friend.
No, silly - I said to him. I just wanted to see if you guys will be coming around to my neighborhood… afterall, why call in the middle of a saturday night if he didn’t want to meet up?
THREE MINUTES OF SILENCE AND THREE DAYS OF MOURNING…
It’s been one week since the Sichuan Earthquake. The update reported that the earthquake was actually a full 8.0 scale, not 7.8 or 7.9 as believed before. Nearly 7000 schools were destroyed, killing many children which shook the core of the Chinese families who are limited by the one-child policy.
At 2:28pm this afternoon - there has been a 3-minute silence all around - in China and in Hong Kong. Cars blared their horns in symbolic wailing of grief. People are now battling to dig out survivors who are past 140 hours under rubbles. 200 rescue workers are buried in mudslide while in rescue operation.
Disease is next.
In Hong Kong - all entertainment is suspended for three days.
We are paying tribute to this day of mourning.
****************************************
An earthquake with massive 7.9 magnitude hit southwestern part of China last Monday on May 12th, 2008. The epicenter was Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province. Xinhua News Agency reported that almost 15,000 people died from the earthquake in Sichuan and neighboring provinces of Shaanxi, Gansu, and Yunnan and the death toll could reach far higher as the search and rescue effort continued. It was the worst natural disaster hitting the region in the last three decades.
Sichuan is fairly close to Hong Kong. Close enough that western Hong Kong residence could feel the tremor of this devastating earthquake that tore through Sichuan.
A local acquaintance here in Hong Kong was from Sichuan - and once he heard of the news, he made an emergency flight back.
Next day he sent a very simple text message - “Both Parents are Gone.”
The death toll is still climbing. Many buildings were built extremely poorly and many schools collapsed during this earthquake - killing children and teachers, and hundreds more trapped under rubbles. More than 130,000 rescuers were desperately working around the clock as the rescue window shrinks by moment.
There had been 58 counties and towns stricken by the massive quake. The Chinese government opened a new road - part of a national highway from Nagqu in Tibet to Chengdu - to ensure faster delivery of disaster relief materials to the epicenter of Wenchuan, since blocked by landslides created by the quake.
The news reported the Beichuan county got hit the hardest. It is encircled by hills 500 to 1,000 meters high, and is renowned for its picturesque scenery - now was virtually ripped apart by the quake. Officials said about 80 percent of the buildings collapsed in the old town area and nearly 60 percent were leveled to the ground in the new town.
This is not the ending either - there are still fire-fighters and medical workers are sent to Sichuan to help the survivors. Currently - with the lack of water supply, the survivors will face another likely devastating state - disease.
I know there are couple of serious Kenb fans out there, so I thought I’ll post about Kenb’s recent (and his FIRST!!) visit to Hong Kong. Never fear - CK’s here.
As some may know, Kenb had been traveling through asia for a month - and it was quite a list of places that he had visited. Japan (with me!), Thailand, Vietnam, and last but not least Hong Kong.
Apparently - he LOVES Vietnam.
While we were in Japan - I handed Kenb a card… it is no ordinary card… It’s an OCTOPUS CARD.
ALLOW ME TO ELABORATE ON THE COOLNESS OF THIS CARD:
An Octopus card (Baat Daaht Tungtraditional Chinese, “eight-arrived pass” means reaching everywhere) is a rechargeable CONTACTLESS smartcard originally used to collect fares for the city’s mass transit system (combining over 5 transit companies in Hong Kong), which includes the fabulous Airport Express (24-minute speed train out of the airport and into Hong Kong Central).
There are logical reasons why there are twice the amount of Octopus Cards issued than there are people living in Hong Kong.
Imagine you’re traveling with Ken:
Arriving in Hong Kong from an airplane, and survive the airport customs… you wheel yourself into the gigantic airport lobby… and there it was - the airport express - a speed rail inside the airport terminal to take you to the city in no time.
You waltz to the turntile, and with one hand quickly wave your wallet holding all the cards including your Octopus against the Octopus card reader. Almost immediately you can hear a beep, which simultaneously flashes the amount deducted and the remaining balance of your card before you. Then you walk on by and seat yourself comfortably while the train steadily bring you into the city.
After 24 minutes, you arrived in Central, and walk out of the airport express into IFC mall. Go ahead to the Starbucks to grab a coffee, cause as easily as before - you wave your wallet against the Octopus card reader, and the coffee was paid for.
You gotta go next door to Watsons (Hong Kong’s drug mart chain) so you could get yourself a nail clipper, since yours was confiscated at the airport before arriving to Japan (As if you can hold up an airplane with a nail clipper).
Then off to McDonald’s for a Big Mac, and a beer at 7-Eleven. Both paid for with a wave of that card in your wallet. And not once did you have to take your card out, and no loose change or cash.
Just make sure you had enough money in the card to start with.
Of course, if your live in Hong Kong, you can buy your groceries at PARKnSHOP (supermarket) and Wellcome (another supermarket), grab a quick meal at Cafe de Coral (both in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China), and never having to take cash out — well, you have until one last purchase into the negative debit (max -$35) then you’ll need to refill the card (cash or preapproved credit card).
And of course - there are several posh apartment buildings and institutions that use Octopus cards for access control in buildings and for school administrative functions.
Did I mention you can get the Octopus card in a wristwatch format or a keychain format?
Yeah - the Octopus card RULES.
*********************
Ken arrived on Monday, and immediately I showed him the best cheap eats in Hong Kong. LKF for a little dining at the rat alley, drinks at LKF, then more food at a local Dai-Pai-Dong in Soho’s Elgin street.
Then Tuesday we were off to the dark side a.k.a. Kowloon for a little more authentic traditional hong kong experience by walking through the ladies’ market, and a little Shanghainese cuisine.
Then we jetted back to Causeway Bay for some serious Chinese bar experience via drinking games and kareoke.
Wednesday, I woke up feeling pretty darn beatened up from our previous night of partying. But the party must go on. Ken and I dragged ourselves to Stanley beach area for some pina colada and sun. And there is plenty of sun.
We finished off with Ladies’ Night Wednesday at the hot spot in Wanchai – Mes Ames.
I didn’t feel any better by Thursday morning. But after I was done teaching, I managed to meet with Ken and others, and drank the night away at the Peak and Causeway Bay.
I gotta catch up on some sleep right about now. Nighty night.
The manager called me again. This time he said he had some time to think over what my situation is, and he’ll be willing to work with my part-time hours and give me an easier transition into the office.
I’ve got an interview next Thursday. We’ll see how it all pans out.
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I got off the plane less than 24 hours ago and turned on my Hong Kong mobile — and my phone beeped with a voicemail. It was from an interior design firm. The manager got my resumè and interested to hire me as full time intern — and become one of the interior designers in a year’s time.
At least that’s what he told me when I returned the call.
We chatted for a little while - I told him I’m now teaching piano full time (per my resumè), and looking at most for a part time position.
It’s funny how everytime I tell people that I’m a piano teacher, people automatically think it’s part-time. I have to reaffirm that no, this is my full-time job, I treat it as my career. I have plans and goals.
Same goes with this manager - he quickly mentioned one of the interior designers is working full-time in his office, and teaching part-time during the weekends. And he asked me to do the same.
“When can you come in for your interview?” He asked. “Can you come in tomorrow?”
Normally, I’d say sure, my portfolio is ready anyhow, and I can see how things go — check out the salary, test my market value, etc.
But something stopped me. I just couldn’t go through with the interview. I asked him to give me sometime and think about it. I asked if he would allow a part-time position as a graphic artist - and his response?
“No. You will be trained to be an interior designer. It would take too long. It’s not efficient. This is YOUR CAREER. You have to make a choice.” He said.
“I need to think about this, then. I’m sorry.” I said. “I don’t want to waste anyone’s time. Let me call you tomorrow.”
Hong Kong is fantastic in many ways - but working like a maniac isn’t one of them. I really really need to rethink this. Cause I can’t afford to lose half my students this time around.
What would you choose? Piano teacher or Interior Designer?
I took my final shinkansen (bullet train) ride from Hiroshima to Tokyo in time for the weekend madness.
TOKYO IS GI-NORMOUS.
By the last day of my travels, I could barely shuffle my feet - my legs were stiff and throbbing. Even the muscles in my feet are strained and crying in protest.
T’was the price for the traveling.
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DAY 6:
After a late arrival on Day 5 at the Sunroute Hotel in Shinjuku (Times Square of Tokyo), Kenb and I explored the trendiest neighborhood of Tokyo — Harajuku, Takeshita, Yoyogi bridge. I just wanted to witness the hardcore teenage costumes and styles.
Harajuku is the trendiest of trendy trends - from girls dressed their school girl uniforms (it’s Sunday) to funky architecture, stylish bars, and hip-hop American second hand clothings.
I also witnessed in a trendy salon where a Japanese cool-guy gets his perm with his “Pinky-the-Brain” dog sitting obediently on his lap.
I came a long way to “Take-A-shita” (pffff — giggle giggle — another shot of shÅchÅ«, please!)
Across the street from Harajuku where taste is exquisite, Takeshita is the bargain hunting ground, offering everything from cheap bargain on cosmetics (inexpensive Shiseido anyone?) to more affordable costumes. More Japanese girls in doll’s dresses and bo peep costumes.
But the real costume-wearing kids hang out on Yoyogi bridge attracting all the tourists who would hound them into taking pictures. Just don’t ask the goths - they’re not seeking attention, apparently.
Thanks to an architect buddy’s girlfriend, she took us to a hidden japanese bar/restaurant for some winding down. (Horse sashimi, anyone?)
Afterwards, Kenb and I made our last stop to the red light district, the Kabukicho… saw some weird stuff and just called it a night. I’ve never seen a japanese cross-dresser until now.
DAY 7:
Monday morning, I sent Ken safely off to his flight to Thailand for his own R and R, and dragged my aching body to the Fish Market in southeast side of downtown Tokyo for some organic coffee, deep-fried egg on a stick, and fried eel on a stick. It was nice.
JAPANESE FOOD IN JAPAN…
… so far hadn’t blown my mind — given I’ve been eating Japanese food forever, and great Japanese food (sushi, sashimi, Teppanyaki) are readily available in any major cities all over the world - plus I didn’t go to visit remote Japanese islands where the fish are freshest. During this visit, I’ve tasted the Hiroshima pizza, japanese curry, horse sashimi (not impressed, even with great salad to complement it), lots of sushis, shÅchÅ« (pronounced “show-choo”, and not impressed either btw — I love my whiskey and cognac, but no lust for shÅchÅ«), and had lots of sake. Coolest food moment was watching some trendy Japanese girls eating fish-and-chips and mussels with their chopsticks.
Trendy Japanese girls eating fish-and-chips & mussels with chopsticks in Brit pub
Back to this fish market — to my delight and excitement, I found something home grown… something I knew I had to smuggle back to Hong Kong.
Fresh Wasabi.
Baby.
Yeah - FRESH Wasabi.
Normal restaurant wasabi is the fake horseradish stuff that’s so spicy it clears your sinuses with one drop — you know what I’m talking about. Well, fresh wasabi has none of the shock, but all the flavors… and creamy. There’s nothing like it. I can’t wait to buy some fresh sashimi and dig in these babies… I’m so excited thinking about it right now.
ANYWAY!!
Have you ever seen a long line up and followed suit? I followed a crowd of old Japanese ladies (in their kimonos) and ended up with two boxes of Japanese strawberries in my possession. I didn’t know what the fuss is about (sure they’re big and red and juicy, enough indication for me to purchase)….. until I left the market to stroll along the Imperial Palace - sat down under an already-bloomed cherry blossom tree and bite into a strawberry. It was an explosion of sugar and strawberry juice. I got it now.
I had requested for a permit weeks ago to go into the Imperial Palace, but kenb and I couldn’t make it upon our first two days of arrival, so I didn’t go in. Besides, I was in so much pain, I don’t think I’ll manage. But I was determined to see as much of Tokyo as I can. I continued onward to mid-town Tokyo Shibuya to witness the awe-some street intersection.
Shibuya lunch time on Monday
With my Starbuck’s Soy Chai in hand, I knew I couldn’t go any further. I was exhausted. So exhausted I slept the moment I got on the plane… the kind of sleep that you jolt awake catching drool from sliding onto your clothes. As much as I enjoyed my trip to Japan - I’m happy to be going home. I can’t wait to sleep for two days… and make an appointment to see my physical therapist.
It’s been an amazing race against the clock. I don’t know how other people do it, but there’s no way I had any time to blog about my trip - LIVE.
Thought I’ll quickly jot down the highlights of my last few days.
DAY 2:
After lunch in Tokyo, we jetted off to Kobe (city near Osaka) which is about 3 hours away on the bullet trainand met up with my friend Malanie for dinner…
I love Japanese food. Mochi, sushi pizza, peach fizzy drinks…
We managed to race back to the bullet train to catch the last train backtracking (eastbound) one stop to Nagoya for the night. And we’re just too happy to have made it… esp when Ken’s friend showed us what he meant by “The Best Scotch Bar in all of Nagoya”. This is the classiest (scotch) bar I’ve ever been to, in the world. Not that I’ve been to a lot…
And we didn’t even have a hangover the next day. It was fiiine.
DAY 3:
We raced to the bullet train again for a quick 45 minute ride to Kyoto, this is the older part of Japan.
The moment I made it to the top of Kiyomizudera (”Pure Water Temple”), I fell in love with Japan — I finally understood what everyone was marveling about.
Pure Water Temple, Kiyomizudera, was founded in 780 is one of the oldest sects within Japanese Buddhism. In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. Kiyomizudera stands in the wooded hills of eastern Kyoto and offers a beautiful view over the city.
We even tasted the spring water.
I wish I had spend the entire 7 days in Kyoto. I only managed to see the Gion district and several Geishas on the street. I vow to return to Kyoto another time… hopefully during the cherry blossom period. I can just see it now.
Then off I went deep into the heart of Hiroshima. I made good use of my JR pass. By the time I was in Hiroshima (Thursday) and met up with my girl Jessie, I was out like a light when my head hit the pillow.
DAY 4
Kenb was still in Nagoya when I visited Jessie’s public school in the morning. It’s fascinating to see such peaceful classrooms with uniforms and indoor slippers (!! Seriously, only in Japan would they require students to go to school and change into slippers).
Afterwards we went to Miyajima - which means “shrine island” and celebrated as a sacred island - one of Japan’s three most scenic views. Itsukushima Shrine (photos) is famous for its large wooden torii (gate) which stands in the middle of the water during high tide. It was low tide for me when I visited… wild deer move around the island freely chasing after tourists for food.
During my visit, I get to witness the setup for a Japanese wedding ceremony. I love the kimonos.
Kenb arrived from Nagoya later that afternoon and we visited the Atomic Bomb Dome site.
Afterwards, Jessie and Tobie took Kenb and I for the famous Hiroshima pizza - okonomiyaki… it’s a barely-there thin crust pizza layered with egg, cabbage, moyashi, sliced pork/bacon with fried squid, octopus, cheese, and soba noodles, topped with another layer of egg and a generous dollop of okonomiyaki sauce. The amount of cabbage used is usually 3 - 4 times the amount used in the Osaka style, therefore arguably a healthier version. It starts out piled very high and is generally pushed down as the cabbage cooks.
Now that’s something I’ve never had before. We partied out the night with Kareoke and Ramen… more photos later.
DAY 5
We finally went in to see the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum…
UPDATE!! I was staying at Nagoya with slow internet access, and I was too drunk on scotch to be patient - I am now in Hiroshima but about to go out for a bite to eat. I will blog shortly!! Lots of photos this time.
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I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.
And the strangers in Japan are very kind indeed.
I was sitting next to a Japanese man (in his thirties probably?) on the 1:30am flight to Tokyo. The lack of sleep didn’t faze me any more than the 4am breakfast served by All Nippon. (I must note that All Nippon serve a good-looking almost Bento-like breakfast) I noticed the stranger next to me put wasabi in his japanese noodle soup along with the little shredded seaweed. I was finishing my quiche when I turned to him and inquired about his way of eating the noodles. I asked if it’s a personal choice of his, and he remarked that “It’s very common.”
He gestured that I should try as well - so I added a small dallop of wasabi in my noodles.
And it was DELICIOUS.
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The 4 hour flight is a lot shorter than I expected to fly from Hong Kong to Japan. During this time, I got to know the stranger next to me. He’s a business manager in Tokyo, and was returning from his vacation in Hong Kong and Macau. I asked how he liked Hong Kong, and this was his reply -
“In terms of views, Hong Kong isn’t that great. But I want to live there.” He replied with bright eyes and a small wonderous smile.
“Yes, it’s very convenient.” I replied with a smile.
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The Japanese stranger flipped through my guidebook to Japan, as I was asking him which onsen would be closest for me. I wanted to go to one today before my Canadian friend lands in Tokyo. I’m in no mood to stay in the city.
He flipped to a page of my guidebook, and reached into his breast pocket of his shirt, and wiped out a marking-sticker and marked the page. I was just marveling at how incredibly efficient he is, when he offered to guide me out of the airport and help me exchange my rail pass coupon for the rail pass.
Kindness indeed.
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After 3 hours of transfering public subways, finding my way through the complex Tokyo subway system jam-packed with rush hour crowd with their blood-shot eyes…. plus a bus ride — I made it to Hakone. Read the rest of this entry »
Do you believe we become our ex’s in a new relationship?
I dated a great guy years ago. I was in bad shape then. I was depressed from my father’s death and my grandfather’s death. I just moved back to Toronto starting afresh, working as a temp receptionist my gal pal hooked me up with - I was in transition and feeling really lost.
Just not the best years of my life, you know what I mean?
So when this awesome guy came along — handsome, successful, and he was crazy about me.
I was more than flattered.
I was terrified.
I felt insecure - that I wasn’t good enough, that he was just fucking with my head and no way was he sincere. I felt I wasn’t pretty enough, despite him telling me he thinks I’m beautiful, an angel even. I froze in my deep-rooted fear and negativity, I ignored most of his efforts to connect with me daily. If he couldn’t get a hold of me, it’s too bad for him. I barely made minimal effort to show him how I felt.
And soon, he lost interest - not because he was shallow, but because I had quenched our passion with my negativity.
We finally had a fight about it - he yelled at me. He was angry that I was appearing complacent, that I didn’t reciprocate - and later found out that I just wouldn’t trust him, that I wouldn’t let him in my life.
I know he’s not all wrong. And so I realized the error of my ways.
Sometimes we do things for reasons that is sensible to us privately - but I did forget about his feelings. I didn’t realize it’s hard for boys to initiate romance, every phone call, every date.
After he moved on, and I’m alone again, I began working on being more communicative and open about my feelings in all my subsequent relationships - baby steps toward being more fearless in romance.
I still have this deep rooted fear wherever I go, but finding someone I can connect with outweighs my fear nowadays.
That’s why I admire you girls who have a love in your life.
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Last weekend, I was having drinks with couple of girlfriends when I finally confessed about a certain someone I was interested here in Hong Kong - but for some reason unknown to me, after our fatal kiss, he hadn’t ravaged me with his attention - I hadn’t seen him in weeks… which is infuriatingly frustrating.
Boys should be the one chasing the girls, not the other way around. I’ve been nice, I’ve been communicative, I’ve been keeping to myself, going out with others, giving him space, giving myself things to do.
“That’s because they’re Hong Kong men.” My girlfriend jumped in. “The game here is different. Especially the EXPATS, they think they have lots of options, so they don’t care.”
This sucks royal ass. So much for romance in this city.
I’m feeling like my ex - losing interest and just getting angry and feeling sorry for myself.
I’m so sorry I haven’t blogged in 5 days!!! Oh my God - Time just flew by!
I’ve been:
1. Planning out the most expensive flashpacking travel since Europe
2. Getting the railpass after comparing prices after prices
3. Planning routes all around Japan
4. Meeting up with current schedule - drinking times included
5. Chilling out in Hong Kong watching “Charlie Wilson’s War” in cushy velvet screening room with friend and chocolate popcorn.
6. Running around Hong Kong teaching…
7. and - Oh yeah - I’m enrolled with night school for more computer graphics, which cuts into my working hours, so I have to spread my time pretty thin. Read the rest of this entry »
I’m proud of my heritage and my background. I’m proud that I can identify with a lot of people, whether they are pure-bred or mixed blood (I actually love people who are mixed because I think they’re so interesting and often very attractive — I find them most engaging).
Having spent over half my life in Canada studying, working, dating, living, and before that — growing up in New York City (Queens if you must know), and having baby pictures of myself on the picturesque English grounds — I would think my fellow North American friends would get me and my openness. I’m certainly not one of the cliquey asians who gravitate to their own kind, nor am I one of those “bananas” who refuse to mingle with asians and stand tall and proud as the token asian in their groups. I easily befriend blondes, redheads, brunettes, asians, native americans, and blacks alike. As long as they’re sweet and cool, I can easily love them and call them my friends.
So imagine my surprise when my Canadian friend turned to me and said, “You’re a Hong Kongese.”
“How am I a Hong Kongnese?” I laughed and questioned her. I’ve never denied calling myself a Chinese - ever. But Hong Kong-ese?
“You were born in Hong Kong, aren’t you?” She asked.
“No. I was born in U.K.”
“Oh.” She said.
I let the subject drop and didn’t think about it again until……………..
Months later, I was out having dinner at Habibi with several other friends when the same girl turned to me and said the same thing, “You are a Hong Kongese.”
Then I noticed I was the token Asian in the group. I wasn’t even conscious of this stuff anymore.
“I’m not Hong Kongnese.” I said to her, again.
“But you were born here!” She insisted.
“No. I was born in U.K. This is the SECOND TIME I told you!” (Translation: Why don’t you just get it?)*And it was only moments ago that she turned to her boyfriend and told him that I was living in New York while back.
“Do you speak Cantonese?” Another girl asked.
Me: “Some, yes. And getting better as time goes by.”
The first girl thought for a moment. “Well, your parents are Hong Kongese.”
I felt exasperated and said, “Sure.”
Note: Actually, to tell the truth, even my parents aren’t Hong Kongers. My dad was from Canton in China, though he did spend his childhood in Hong Kong before moving to Italy and study and became a tenor (so what does that make him — Italian-EASE?) My mom was from a town nearby Shanghai before she grew up in Hong Kong and moved to England to study, so what does that make her? A permanent immigrant?
It’s not like we’re five generations Hong Kong based Cantonese, y’know?
This is why I just tell people who gotta learn the source of my blood DNA - “My grandparents are alllll from China.”
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I went to the British consulate this morning to get my U.K. passport renewed. I was sitting around waiting for my number to be called when this scenario replayed itself over and over again in my head.
As the numbers flashed on the monitor and called out one by one in the consulate waiting area - I calculated it takes about average 1 minute per number assigned… I fidgeted in my seat impatiently.
I didn’t think this “Hong Kong-ese” accusation would bug me so much. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. But how the hell did she come up with that anyway? How are you suppose pronounce that?
Hong Kong-EASE? Hong Kong-NESE? Hong Kong-GEESE?
“It’s Hong Kong-ER!!!” A friend of mine later rebuttled when I told her about it. Now she’s the real deal - raised in Hong Kong since she was a baby, but nooo, she doesn’t speak Cantonese - so no one ever questioned her Hong Kong-ness. Not that there’s anything wrong with it.
This label demanded a truly annoying nasal sound.
Even more annoying how quickly she would dismiss my entire life and birth rights because when I was a child, I paid attention to the literature that my mother (who’s an interpretor BTW) taught me… everything she knows as a woman - both in English and Chinese…
So since I can utter some French, and briefly lived in Nice — does that make me a Nice-EASE?
Part 2: 100 Things I have TO DO countdown — #80 to #61
I haven’t forgotten my previous list of 100 Things I have TO DO… it’s definitely something else to list things I wanna do and from things I gotta do. FYI, I’m going from the bottom of the list upwards, which means the further up I go, the more important of things I gotta do. So here’s list of #61 to 80. Read the rest of this entry »
The rain quickly gave into humid heat over here in Hong Kong. It’s 28c at at 2pm.
The 32nd HKIFF - like last year - has been an eye-opener. I had 3 more movies left from the 32nd annual HKIFF marathon… and I have indeed ventured to a very dark place.
It’s been raining - you know what I’ve been doing.
I’ve been walking, and spacing out inside my big beach umbrella. Too distracted to think-blog on a regular basis. It’s not like I don’t have enough materials to blog about - I was just feeling super lethargic.
I’ve been zipping through the rain from theatre to cinema.
(1) I saw “The PillowMan” written by Academy-Award-winning writer Martin McDonagh. This play made its Hong Kong debut at the Fringe Club last weekend - and its stomach churning contents made it… err… unforgettable. It was a complete opposite of my joyous noodle-salad tap-dancing broadway tune belting musical from only weeks ago.
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(2) After the stage, I switched to films. I started off my Hong Kong International Film Festival marathon with “A Permanent Part-timer’s Distress” which documented one year in the life of a Japanese permanent part-timer who was a university graduate striving to be closer to the glamour of Tokyo and hopelessly stuck in low-pay soul-crushing spirit-depleting no-benefits part-time jobs.
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(3) Then my spirit went up again when I screened the documentary on Philip Glass also known for his work Koyaanisqatsi (1982). To celebrate his 70th anniversary, Director Scott Hicks brilliantly presented “Glass: A Portrait of Philip in 12 parts“. His close encounter to Philip Glass’ everyday life and showed us Glass in 12 parts — with the legend himself talking about his experiences studying under the world revered piano teacher Nadia Boulanger; to the multitude of Glass’ working ethics; to his spiritual, romantic, familial, physical, and intellectual pursuits - as well as his collaborations with filmmakers such as Woody Allen, Chuck Close, Ravi Shankar and Martin Scorsese; and Glass’ advant garde opera while making pizza… (like it was normal everyday thing to be writing an opera.)
My favorite moment was when Glass spaced out mid-conversation working out a musical solution in his head.
This was very comforting for me. I know a lot of people don’t really get me, but I never meant to be rude when I space out - it actually means I’m comfortable enough to be myself around them…
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(4) Again, after going high on spirits and music — I was then brought down by an arthouse french film “Beneath the Rooftop of Paris” (Sous les toits de Paris). It was utterly the most devastating torture depicting the director’s terror of aging. The story speaks of an elderly man’s declination in his grey top-floor apartment in the heart of Paris with his only son barely acknowledges his existence. The only thing that was likeable with this film was the beautiful Parisian horizon and clever use of music.
The moment I stepped out of the french arthouse, I called my mom to see if she’s ok. I bought some chinese dumplings to bring home. I promised myself I’ll take mom to Singapore soon for a much needed mother-daughter vacation. I also now more determined than ever to make money and sustain myself before old age.
It was so depressing - even I’m afraid of growing old.
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So I’m not short on stuff to blog about. Just couldn’t bring myself up to blogging and catch up on everyone’s blogs. I’m trying… but in the meantime I’m wondering — can I sustain blogging while I’m in Japan?
P.S. I’m quitting beer. post-down moments. Wine only for me these days. Beer is the culprit to my down time. Party marathons only remind me my physical age. Gah.
I love the fact that Google blacked out too for the hour.
The Earth Hour was spectacular over in Sydney. In Hong Kong it wasn’t much to look at… they don’t really know about the earth hour anyhow - hong kongnese don’t really care enough, but I managed to drink wine for an hour in the dark. Afterwards I met up with a sweetheart of a girlfriend for dinner and hot chocolate.
What did you do?
CuriosityKiller Is Teal Green
You are a one of a kind, original person. There’s no one even close to being like you. Expressive and creative, you have a knack for making the impossible possible. While you are a bit offbeat, you don’t scare people away with your quirks. Your warm personality nicely counteracts and strange habits you may have.
Mmm’kay — actually, I do scare people off with my “quirkiness”, but anyway — What Color Green Are You?
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I rarely do the msn/google chat things. I innately HATE those messengers — I find them the most annoying, easily misunderstanding, conflict building ball-and-chain in our world of technological convenience. If I’m “online” but don’t respond to a message, the other person would be offended. And vice versa - I hate it when I leave a message, but the person doesn’t respond. I think it’s soooo rude! Let’s not even mention unexpected hour long conversations when you can’t afford that kind of time. I hate it even more that I have to stay on the computer and wait for a response.
But once in a while, like today, I go ahead and connect with my global friends and signed on my google chat — within minutes, a full blown conversation popped up in a small little window……
They came to Hong Kong as part of their world tour.
They are currently featured on my music player.
This Love of music made a huge commercial success.They’re also amazing LIVE. With every song, it gets harder to breath, especially when the red hot lead singer/guitarist sings he won’t go home without me. It was his birthday the day before this Hong Kong show.
And once during interview, he said, “During the time between our record deals, I spent a lot of time in New York where I was exposed to an urban and hip-hop culture in a way that had never happened to me in L.A. It turned me on to an entirely new genre of music which has had a profound impact on my songwriting.”
Maybe I should mention (not to show off or anything), I saw their show for FREE!?
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Beatriz tagged me on THE 7 THINGS ABOUT ME meme - and I’ve been avoiding this one forever and ever… I was tagged for this meme, like, probably 7 times now. I’ve been totally procrastinating on this because I have to state 7 facts about myself that you guys don’t already know about me. I mean, what don’t you know??
Yet there are a few things:
7. I’ve fired a rifle… more than once.
6. I have a pretty good aim if I do say so myself.
5. My favorite flowers are tulips, roses, and gerbera daisies.
4. I work very hard to gain basic skills of reading maps — $50,000 worth of tuition actually. To this days, I’m still bad with directions.
3. I dyed my hair blonde when I was living in France.
2. I dyed my hair fire-engine red when I returned to U.K..
1. There was a time in my life that my unhappiness was constant and never had a breaking moment. It got so heavy and null and deep and alienating that I was at the crossroad to choose Depression or myself. The emotions of unhappiness remains, but I managed a better life because I slowly started focusing on the good moments - and learned how to recreate them for myself. Little things like flowers, being around children, navel oranges, hugs, chocolate, completing small tasks, and some things money can buy.
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And since I’m in the mood for memes again - plus I saw this yummy meme at Hilly. I’m throwing it in to complete this feast.
Here’s how it works:
1. Go to www.photobucket.com
2. Type in your answer to the question in the “search†box
3. Use only the first page
4. Insert the picture into your Blog
1.) What is your relationship status?
2.) What is your current mood?
3.) Who is your favorite band/artist?
4.) What is your favorite movie?
5.) What kind of pet do you have?
6.) Where do you live?
7.) Where do you work?
8.) What do you look like?
9.) What do you drive?
10.) What did you do last night?
11.) What is your favorite TV show?
12.) Describe yourself.
13.) What are you doing today?
14.) What is your name?
15.) What is your favorite candy?
I’m off to party out rest of this long weekend. Enjoy your Easter weekend, everyone!
I’ve been trying to leave comments on my favorite blogs all day and noticed not ONE went through. This has been recurring… My comments just dissipated after I pressed the button “leave comment” for WTF reasons. Things got better when I changed my browser from my Firefox to Safari. Just so you know, I still love you… Communication via comments just got cut off somehow. Blame Firefox.
Anyway - just in case my facebook friends are wondering - CuriosityKiller facebook account was deleted - it was too much maintenance. Instead I’ve been adding my favorite bloggers on my personal account… some of y’all won’t recognize me. It’s been a clash of blogworld meets reality lately.
Speaking of Facebook…
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My fortune cookie says - “Being loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone gives you courage.â€
I know there are thoughts on Facebook as the mighty evil force commoditizing friendships - turning human beings into collectors’ items, not to mention privacy issues and all… but I still cherish my visible list of my peeps. When I look at my facebook profile, I have a mental hierarchy of my real loves — friends who will help me bury a body, friends to borrow money from, solid party friends who will hold my hair back if I hug the toilet… I separate them from the rest of my acquaintances.
But for my birthday, all’s fair in my arena. I cherish every thoughtfulness and kindness by every click of the keyboard buttons - every little comment, little emails, messages short, long, sweet, thoughtful, f
Then we jetted back to Causeway Bay for some serious Chinese bar experience via drinking games and kareoke.
We finished off with Ladies’ Night Wednesday at the hot spot in Wanchai – 
