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.

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

]]> http://curiositykiller.com/?feed=rss2&p=262 http://curiositykiller.com/?p=1386 http://curiositykiller.com/?p=1386#comments Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:25:42 +0000 CuriosityKiller http://curiositykiller.com/?p=1386

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.

“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

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.

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

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).

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

******************

What’s Your Omnivore Score?  I just discovered this from food vagabond - there’s been a really cool food meme floating around since last summer from Very Good Taste. And it looks like I’m pretty committed to killing animals for the sake of my tastebuds.

See if you are an omnivore. The rules:

1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4) Optional extra: Post a comment at Very Good Taste (the initiator) linking to your results.

CK’s SCORE ON OMNIVORE’S ONE HUNDRED: 86/100

1. Venison (I don’t mind game meat once in a while)
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros (had the original with potatos, and another with bacon sauce and toast)
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile (had popcorn crocodile similar to the style of popcorn chicken, wasn’t that great)
6. Black pudding (I’ll eat it again, but not a big fan)
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht (comfort food)
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho (comfort food)
13. PB&J sandwich (hellooo~ who hasn’t?)
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart (a.k.a. street meat)
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes (apple-wine, strawberry-wine, peach-wine, pear-wine)
19. Steamed pork buns (steamed, pastry, fried, rice-pastry rolled, etc.)
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes (fresh on its own, with lots of pepper)
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters (a fan since I was 9, introduced to quite a few friends too, LOVE them)
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda (but it sounds yummy)
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl (Go Canada!!)
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float (mm.. mmm… mmmm)
36. Cognac with a fat cigar (MM… MMM… MMMM… sooo good!!  But talk about dry mouth the next day…)
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects (Yeah, I don’t think so)
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu (but I will as long as they prepare it right!!)
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin (my favorite thing on a sashimi menu!!)
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone (I once knew a girl whose father specialized in selling abalones in asia)
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal (how many?)
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine (Go Canada!)
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe - I’ve drank this disgusting form of liquid NUMEROUS times (note “Beach Party” above), and still have not drank it the original method.  DANG IT!!
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill (I don’t know if I ever would be that hungry - I’ll probably be a herbivore for quite sometime before I would agree to eating roadkill)
76. Baijiu (my grandma’s chinese so it’s a regular in her house - we also call them rice wine)
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor (this dish is sooooooooooo good, hard to come by)
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake (just around the corner where I live, there’s this restaurant famous for snake dishes…)

I would add some more items like:  tripe, chicken’s feet, shrimp chips, grilled cheese sandwich, spotted dick, egg tarts, almond croissant, and fresh lai chi.  But I guess that wouldn’t make it 100 then, would it?

What is your Omnivore score?

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

**Ok.  The burlesque party… kinda goes like this…

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.

When I’m stressed, I do what most girls do.  I eat greasy and go shopping.

Today I jumped out of bed at 2pm (I know, it’s terrible) and ran out of my apartment in a hurry to make my appointment, stopped over at McDonald’s to grab a combo meal. The fries were done perfect today, they are crispy, chewy, not too salty and so hot it burns the roof your mouth… it was heaven.  While I was savouring e-ve-ry crispy hot fry, I wished I large sized it.

Cooled it off with a coke.  I unwrapped the McDonald’s asian flavor of the month - Sichuan Mala Chicken burger and bit into a regular grilled chicken burger with a touch of spice and juiciness.  I really like that bit of spicy kick, it’s so mild, I can practically slurp that sauce up with a straw.  It’s way better than their short-lived Wasabi fish filet burger (yuk).

If I had time, I would have gone to “Fat Burger” or my feels-like-home “Burger King”.  But I was hungry and in a rush, so I chose what’s most convenient.  Sorry greasy burger and Mr. potato… I’ll be there sometime next week.  Promise.

After my appointments and work, I headed to Causeway Bay and shopped for my necessary Bobbie Brown lipgloss, makeup base, hair dye in black, Mac lipglass, hair gloss, facial oil absorbant paper (papier poudre), and false-lashes.

I’m debating on which false lashes I should use for the burlesque night.  What’s your vote?  The “Feather” or the Madonna “Diamond” lashes?

Been doing some research for the look and costume.  Hair hopefully would be Dita von Teese inspired.  Add false lashes, red lips, black corset, long red satin skirt…  I need long black gloves.

I just gotta get my lyrics down.  I’m jamming alot of songs in my head this week.  GAH!!!

After I was done shopping, I bought 2 stewed milk custard (one for mom) to take home and relax.  It’s one of those super comfort foods that just makes you forget that pounding headache…

I’ve got 23 songs to perform this week.  *Gasp* *Heave*

For the 3-hour show, the first hour is be geared toward local Chinese sponsors… so I’ve decided to mix two mandarin songs together.  **I’m doing a jazzier version of the original songs, so it’s not as.. err… wrist-slit-inducing…**  One of the songs is about self-obsession and not regretting the way “I” (the singer) live my life whether it’s wrong or right.  The other song is about being desperately in love, but turns out he never wanted anything to begin with.  The two songs go really well together sharing their unyielding manner.

Got me really thinking how much I’ve changed since 10 years ago.

10  years ago, I would live my life the way I want to, and I wouldn’t care what other people think (I still kind of am, but definitely more weathered now)… and remembering being so desperately in love that even a little affection would enable me to keep holding onto a tragic romance.  Re-learning these songs threw me back to that mentality… and something slowed down in me - I felt like I’ve been way too hard on certain things in the past few years.

Anyway, I’m going to post the translation of the desperately-in-love love song on this blog. It took me all weekend going through different online dictionaries (and with my mom’s expertise) and make sense out of it.  Most of the translation goes in the similar poetic order of the song, but a line or two had to be rewritten to be clear.  Some things just don’t translate.

Turns Out You Never Wanted Anything

I know this isn’t good
I also know you can only love so little
I can’t stop needing you, so bad makes you want to run away.
If only the tear on my pillow would dry
And you think these tears are senseless drama
But I had thought being with you could be my life’s pride
Turns out you never wanted anything

I don’t want your shelter, nor your rose
I just want you to love me once truly and deeply
Even if it’s out of vanity, even if it’s out of greed
What woman isn’t selfish and wishful when it comes to love?

I don’t want your promise, don’t want your eternity
I just want you to love me once truly and deeply
Even if it’s out of vanity, even if it’s out of greed,
but I fear your silence is your only gratitude.

Turns out you never wanted anything.

1. James Blunt’s “Beautiful”
2. Savage Garden’s “Truly, Madly, Deeply”
3. Aerosmith’s “I don’t wanna miss a thing.”

What other songs would you put on this Valentine playlist?

********************

Tonight I’ll be serenading with heartbreak songs such as “Without You” (Mariah Carey’s version), “My Immortal” (Evanescence), “If I Ain’t Got You” (Alicia Keys), plus a Canto-pop ballad “Let Me Go With You” - I learned this song with my dad’s help years ago. Alot of people have been asking me if I sing canto stuff, thought it’ll be a good time to try it out. 

I just hope people in the crowd don’t start slitting their wrists.  When it comes to romantic ballads, I tend to sing depressing songs.

Maybe I should bring some I’m-not-bitter-chocolates for insurance.

I don’t have much to pump up this programme - me playing on the piano and no guitars or drums.  I find most girl-love songs are sad and depressing.

Before the show tonight, me and 3 other friends (2 boys and 2 girls) are heading to the very girly (yet fashionable) restaurant Agnès b. le pain grillé for our Valentine’s menu.

I checked what that restaurant is serving for this Valentine.

Champagne — Roger Coulon Brut Tradition
*****
Shrimp Cocktail
*****
Swordfish and Tuna Carpaccio Duo
*****
Lobster and artichoke millefeuille
*****
Pistachio-crusted milk-fed duck fillet
*****
Slow-cooked Pyrenees lamb
*****
Specialty dessert

Happy Valentine’s.  What’s your plan for this day?

With LOVE, CK

During our pre-show dinner, we chatted like we haven’t seen each other in ages… which in hong kong party-mode, it’s forever - me haven’t been out since I’ve been sick for 3 weeks straight, and the others just got back from their Chinese New Year vacation. They asked me how I was, and one of them is a drama queen - she always has crazier stories to share. Her recent hair appointment included melting her blonde hair extensions and piled on top of her head like a plastic bee hive.

The conversation then moved onto the philosophy of “Better things come along after bad things happened”.

I’m not a big fan of this type of optimism. I’ve always scoffed at it as blind cheer - I see it as a light-hearted (almost frivolous) manner in attending a devastating state. I’m more a follower of “Shit happens.” But to think and understand and appreciate what I have this way, I feel like I’ve stepped into a new light.

If I hadn’t moved to Hong Kong (on my own terms — not because my mother wants me to be around her for her sake, but because she needs me to be around her for her sake, even when she says she doesn’t need me), my relationship with my mother wouldn’t have improved so amazingly. It is still reallyreallyreally hard at times, but this already is better than I ever expected.

If my apartment hadn’t been broken into last year - I wouldn’t have moved to this current apartment, which the new landlady noticed the economic slide, and offered to drop the rent by 15% (So I ended up with lower rent for a better apartment).

If I hadn’t lost my job with the devil, I wouldn’t have taken a health insurance for myself and worked on my own (against my mother’s wishes for me to join a big corporation), and now I seriously appreciate my current 12-hour at home work week. And since I know my teaching materials inside and out, it allows me to keep working and keep an income even when I’m too weak to step outside my apartment. And get 80% of my medical bills back later.

If I hadn’t gotten so much free time on my hands, and feeling anxious that I’m not doing enough with my life, I wouldn’t have started singing last year.

If I hadn’t embarrassed myself and started singing last year, I wouldn’t have the offers of performing 5 shows this month.

If I hadn’t gotten sick with my ear infection (which is mild comparing to many other illnesses out there), putting me on antibiotics, I wouldn’t be able to stop smoking and drinking all together and focus on taking better care of myself right now.

I’m thankful.

So a cheap tuesday movie with the girls to watch Bride Wars proves as fun as it sounds. It is a girl-comedy co-starring Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway which their characters’ life-long friendship was brought to the test. They both dream of a June wedding at the Plaza Hotel, and only had one opening between the two of them. The movie was basically pranks after pranks to thwart one another into giving in and relinquish her wedding date.

As the audience, we laughed, and some of us shed a tear (I got allergies). It isn’t epic or romantic or grandeur or brilliant, but cute and somewhat refreshing to see two leading ladies fighting for the spotlight. It works for me, because (and some people may disagree but) personally I don’t feel either one of these starlets can carry a mega blockbuster wedding film on her own just yet. So having them dual it out is a sound idea. It has couple of good funny moments, and definitely worth seeing with the girls.

All I need now is a nice hot chocolate and President’s Choice chocolate chip cookies to end my perfect night.

Maybe some baked mac-and-cheese tomorrow. Mmmmmmmm…

]]> http://curiositykiller.com/?feed=rss2&p=386 http://curiositykiller.com/?p=671 http://curiositykiller.com/?p=671#comments Sun, 08 Feb 2009 16:41:48 +0000 CuriosityKiller http://curiositykiller.com/?p=671 I wanna choke Hong Kong by the neck and shake it violently for this inferior air quality if I’m not already weak and dehydrated. I’m only ever this sick when I’m in this city.

Recap:
1997, I spent the year in hong kong working - got chicken pox for the first time.
1998, I ate not-so-clean seafood on Lamma Island, and had an allergic reaction that hospitalized me for two days.
2002, my visit to hong kong came crashing down when my severe nasal allergy pinned me in bed for 2 weeks.

Now:
2009, I have a severe ear infection which is blocking my hearing for over 8 days and I still listen to this high-pitched ringing in my ear.

Talking gives me migraine because my voice booms inside my head. Can’t drink wine cause I’m on antibiotics. I have pills, ear drops, nose spray and inhaler sprawled on my table and I’ve gotten incisions on my eardrums to let out puss.

So I disappeared from all the parties, dinners, club crawls (it only makes sense to trade in my social life for the medical bills, sigh) and spent my non-working hours in bed catching up on my favorite show “Madmen”.

I enveloped myself with the 1960s world of Stepford wives glam — the Betty flip hair, perfect tan, perfect mannerism. The men, Don Draper and his collegues, and their frighteningly masculinity. The diverse female characters all struggled or flourished in their femininity only acceptable at that time… and their non-stop smoking (anywhere!), cocktail drinking, and whoring lifestyle — I feel so tame in comparison.

One thing I adore most about this show is how they’ve displayed the creative design process throughout the episodes - my favorite moment was Donald Draper’s presentation naming then-newly invented slide projector - “The Carousel”. I love how the character developed through from Season 1 to Season 2, namely Peggy Olsen and Betty Draper. I love the beauty of Joan Holloway, played by Christina Hendricks. I can’t wait for season 3 to come out later this year.

After I was done with Madmen, I saw “The Heartbreak Kid”, “Tropic Thunder”, and “300″ (yes, 300 again). Plus other forgettable movies. It’s easy to kill time when you have it.

Because I’m eccentric like that, I then (skipping ocean park and junk boat parties) dove into “Gossip Girl”. Yes, guilty pleasure like eating marshmallows till you get sick with a belly full of air. Once last year, I saw half an episode of “Gossip Girl” and didn’t like it much. Never thought I would care for this silly adolescent show… especially with Kristen Bell perfectly depicting the preppy and musical titular role can sometimes be so irritating. But since I can’t manage any real life company, I threw an episode of “Gossip Girl” on my laptop while I was rearranging my closet… and boom! I was hooked.

Snotty but sometimes fascinating dialogues between pretty socialites of New York upper east side. I snickered when the freshmen girls were singing “glamorous” in recital poses. I gasped when Serena first announced that she killed someone. I reminised when little Jenny stole the Valentino gown from her rich friend’s mom’s closet to trade in for a second hand Dolce-Gabbana in order to impress her rich friends (not that I’ve ever done that for the record, but those were the mentalities and naive fearlessness of a 14-year-old girl). I secretly root for Chuck Bass, the only interesting character from the whole show - dark and twisted antagonist of the which the tv producers had spun him to be deeply romantic (completely different from the book, so I’ve read). I even like Blair’s cute unapologetic bitchiness contrasting her occasional sensitive side.

Oh, and they have captured New York’s city sceneries beautifully. From what I’ve heard, the books are even racier than the show. Although, I do like seeing fashion on display.

For this week, I’ve got “Heroes” (the show got so convoluted, I need to catch up in order to understand the current episodes) and “Dexter” on my playlist.

If anyone know any good shows for me to murder time with… please share.

At least the weather is nice, makes my trips to the doctors easy breezy.

And I have a show on Wednesday.

So I went to see a GP yesterday. I can’t remember the last time my ear stayed plugged for so long. And when my ear started running, I got worried.

He took a look at my ear and said there are 3 tiny holes in my ear drums.

My jaw dropped. “Is it going to heal?”

He looked up nervously and said, “It should. We hope so.”

I went home armed with 2 kinds of antibiotics, cold medicine, fever pills, and cough syrup — but I refused to leave the clinic without a referral to a reputable otorhinolaryngologist (eye-ear-and-throat doctor).

Today, I visited the specialist for a second opinion.

He took a look at my ear, cleaned it (OUCH!!), and sprayed it with a disinfectant which made me dizzy for a minute. I asked if he saw the holes in my eardrum. He laughed and said, “Oh he’s not a specialist, he doesn’t know. They’re actually bullous. I punctured them and they’ll bleed a little, but you’ll be fine.” He mentioned he could slice open my eardrum and let the puss out - and I’ll hear better, but it’s not necessary.

No slicing of the ear drum, thank you very much.

I just can’t believe the general practioner would tell me that my eardrum got holes. Seriously WTF.

************

I’ve been invited to sing for a charity event to raise money for women refugees seeking asylum at the end of February.

I met with the organizers and performers last Sunday.

I realized it’s a burlesque show.

After the meetup, I wandered around the streets of Soho, and thought about the show. I’m a bit… reserved you may say. I’m not used to the idea of sharing the stage girls who will wear tassles on her nipples and swing both of them clockwise. That’s a different kind of talent.

What the hey, I thought. Burlesque is a classic revived. It’s sexy and risque where nudity is a suggestion.

I even got my stage name. Honey McBunny. No kidding. Think I’ll make a decent asian version of Jessica Rabbit.

I’m excited.

“Cause you’ve been hiding.” One of my closest girl from the group said.

I’ve been doing lots and lots of pre-production work. I’ve got 5 shows in February I really need to gear up and be ready for. I HAVE to have new songs by then, plus I’m working with couple of musicians and producers in writing something fairly original. Yeah, kinda busy… yet not quite productive.

Let’s see…. I’ve survived the first two of the triple holiday whammy — Christmas, New Year — and now the approaching Chinese New Year. I didn’t buy myself any presents, nor go shopping. I made christmas candies for my friends as christmas presents. Kinda felt shabby receiving lovely invitations to fancy parties… but also flattering at the same time to get a sorta VIP pass (we’re talking about mansions in the valley with fingerprint key features and elevators inside these 4 storey-homes). I ate rich this holiday. Need to start an exercise routine pronto…. after the Chinese new year… Whaaaaaaaaaaaat? I’m going to be with relatives who flew in for chinese new year’s eve, grandma for chinese new year’s day, then chinese friends for day after. I won’t have TIME to exercise.

*************

I still haven’t visited Macau. I mean - I love Vegas, and Macau is Vegas of Asia — and it’s only an hour away. I still haven’t visited.

Though, I had good reasons.

I was invited on numerous occasions. Before American Boy left, he asked me to join him for a last minute day trip to go gambling in Macau, but I couldn’t cause (I was working and) he’s too spontaneous like that. Other friends asked me to go, but I wasn’t up for it. The only reason I would want to go to Macau is for the cirque du soleil show - which takes planning ahead of time.

Not traveling this holiday kinda got me going stir-crazy. So I finally put my muscles into planning this trip with several awesome party friends to go to Macau. We’re going to do a little gambling, a lot of eating at a well-known restaurant, and I lured some friends to go Bungee jumping (NOT ME! I’m just gonna take pictures).

But of course, the highlight of the trip is the cirque du Soleil show ZAIA in the Venetian hotel. I’m a big Cirque du Soleil fan. The first time I saw “Alegria”, I was in love. Last time I went to Vegas with the sole intention of watching as many Cirque du Soleil shows as possible. I ended up watching 5 shows in 3 days.

Other than “Allegria” and “Quidam”, I’ve seen “O”, “Mystere”, (also “Le Reve” - but it’s produced or directed by Franco Dragone himself, not a full cirque production), “The Beatles: LOVE”, and “Zumanity”. Now “ZAIA” would be my 7th production.

I’m pretty excited.

*****************************

Hong Kong went as low as 10c… without indoor heating and the concrete buildings acting like an insulation to keep the heat OUT… apartments here are like refrigerators. After endless bottles of wine and spirits, I started my regular hybernation routine of cozying up with movies. Last week, while I was watching “Australia”, I realized I haven’t updated my movie list in ages. Thought it’s about time that I update it — here’re the movies I’ve watched (or at least remembered watching) in 2008:

1. Happy Feet
2. The Other Boleyn Girl
3. Wanted
4. Jumper
5. Zohan
6. Charlie Wilson’s War
7. Burn After Reading
8. Iron Man
9. Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull
10. Wall-E
11. Valkyrie
12. Hellboy 2: The Golden Army
13. Dark Knight
14. James Bond: The Quantum of Solace
15. Eagle Eye
16. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
17. The Day the Earth Stood Still
18. Surf’s Up
19. Sex & the City
20. 27 Dresses
21. Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
22. Mamma Mia
23. Sweeney Todd
24. Australia
25. The Day The Earth Stood Still
26……. and eagerly anticipating “Time Traveler’s Wife” (haven’t seen it yet, sorry - but I’ve been waiting for this movie for years…).

Gung Hey Fat Choy!!

I even got the time to party a bit last night.

Just finished teaching, now on my way out for a hike today. It’s a sunny, beautiful, and a cool 10c day.

Have a sweet weekend.

*************************

Transcription of the show goes sort of like this:

The show host asked me about my classical background, I mentioned my dad mentored me, and he asked which opera is my favorite. I had to think about it.

“Der…. Rosenkavalier.” I love the trio in the final scene.

“Oh wow - that’s a heavy one!” the host exclaimed.

“I love operas. Some people hate it, but I love it. I can’t help it.” I love the storyline, the drama, the composition, the costumes, the setting.

Then the host asked what kind of gigs I’ll be doing next. I mentioned a book launch party, and some private parties, and playing with random bands. I expressed my appreciation for the Hong Kong scene and the support I’ve been getting.

The host played one of my covers - I sang “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman” (yeah yeah yeah, cheese, I know… whatever - it was the best my producer friend could lend me to record with the backgrounds in a short notice).

Then we talked a bit about jazz music, he asked who I listened to… then he asked about my upcoming performances and studio recordings. I said I’m planning on buckling down to write some music in the next little while, produce with as much as I can, and work with as many people as I can. I mentioned the song I wrote 6 years ago after my dad died and he played it.

That’s it. It went by reallyreally fast.

But it was a wonderful experience. It’s incredible to be interviewed in a chit-chat style, he really knows how to keep the conversation alive… I really need to get my game on.

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)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

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.

First Hottie.

Then American Boy.

Then now comes little Flirty-Monster.

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.

Merry christmas.

love always, CK

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Password:

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…

Wish me luck. xx

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Password:

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Password:

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?

He called me a meanie and hung up.

After he hung up on me, I looked at my phone with a WTF? expression for a second, shrugged, and continued chatting with rest of the party-people around me.

30 minutes later, he called again.  “Where are you?”  He slurred his speech.

“I’m at a party, I told you!”  I yelled over the crowd noises.

“You’re a meanie.”  He said, again.

We talked a little more - he said he wanted to see me.

Hi, my name is CK, and sometimes… SOMETIMES — I can be real stoopid.

***************

We’ve been talking ever since, and things were civil. 

Until this week - while I was moving, packing, and throwing out garbage that I have accumulated, I went through my email too.  I noticed I accumulated garbage thoughts in words that I’ve typed up in my email account.  Messages that I never intended to send to the recipients.  Y’know - just thoughts that you need to get out of your head, onto the computer screen, and forget about it afterwards.

So I noticed my message that I had written two weeks after my rendezvous with Mr. Drunk-dial.  I pressed the button, “discard”.

At least, I thought I pressed button “discard”.

Cause the next day - he sms me and asked - what’s with the email?

I was too busy to answer, until he emailed me back the message.

I replied: “oops, didn’t mean for you to read that.”

He said something along the line of - check other guys who drunk-dialed you cause I didn’t…

I wrote back:  Don’t be a moron… you forgot already??  That’s pathetic.

He replied:  Bye.

Me?  Shrug.

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.

Time is life. You can help by contributing to Sichuan Relief Funds, and Hong Kong Red Cross Funds.

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 Tung traditional 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.

*********************

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.

*************

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 shōchÅ«, 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, shōchÅ« (pronounced “show-choo”, and not impressed either btw — I love my whiskey and cognac, but no lust for shōchÅ«), 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.

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…

***************

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.

********

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.

*********

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.

********
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.

Hakone is a famous old onsen town with charming great inns… highly recommended by many, this Japanese friendly-stranger included. I went to the Tenzan - the most scenic and beautiful onsen in Hakone.

This is totally worth the day trip.

I even had lunch there. It’s a great way to start a vacation. I finally felt relaxed enough to enjoy myself.

*********

After another 3 hour train ride, I returned to Tokyo and on with a friend’s birthday party in Omate Santo (one stop from Harajuku). I picked up some cool postcards to mail to you guys soon.

Off to Kobe and Nagoya tomorrow.

Blog you later.

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.

***********

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.

Now I’m ready to go on my vacation.

Move on. Move right on.

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.

I wanna do some treadmill dancing before I go-go.

MEME TIME~!!
Jennifer Valerie tagged me to do a Six Word Memoir. I decided to give you a visual feast by adding Google Imageries. Here are the rules:

1. Write your own six-word memoir.
2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like.
3. Link to the person who tagged you in your post.
4. Tag five more blogs with links.
5. Remember to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play.

Here are six words/phrases that best depicts who I am:

1. Adventurous

2. No-Bullsh*t

3. Fun-ny

4. Creative

5. Independent

6. Expressive

Who to tag? Who to tag? There are several new bloggers that I’m curious about:

1. Erin
2. Simon!
3. Kristen
4. Freestyle70
5. SilverStar

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.”

*****************

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.

#80. Go To Sundance Film Festival

#79. Scuba Dive in the ocean

#78. Take a road trip through California’s wine country

#77. Participate with an oyster farm

#76. Own my piece of property with a vegetable garden

#75. Visit an ice hotel (don’t wanna stay just wanna see)

#74. Have a dog again from puppy till life

#73. Go rock climbing outdoor

#72. Do the tango

#71. Go on a romantic camping trip with boyfriend and sleep under the stars

#70. Have my own perfume formula

#69. Visit California

#68. Party in Ibiza

#67. Go back to U.K. and be a tourist

#66. Swim in the Mediterrenean Sea again

#65. Play one awesome song on the violin

#64. Learn about the growing of a vineyard

#63. Play one awesome song on the violin (I just realized I listed this twice, but hey, violin is the hardest instrument to play)
#62. See the Elysian Fields

#61. Ride a horse to gallop

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.

All of them took place in cinemas across the waters a.k.a. Kowloon.

****************

I watched Une vieille maîtresse The Last Mistress starring the gutsy Asia Argento - the famous daughter of the Italian film director, producer and screenwriter Dario Argento, well known for his work in the Italian giallo genre.

Adapted from the novel by Jules Barbey d’Aurevilly, the story is written in the same period as Dangerous Liaison and set in 19th-century France formed in the story of a love triangle between Ryno de Marigny (Fu’ad Ait Aattou) who sets out to marry the beautiful and sweet heiress Hermangarde (Roxane Mesquida) and swore to break from his decade long affair with the carnal and terrifying Vellini (Asia Argento) who was the illegitimate daughter of a Spanish matador and an Italian princess. When Hermangarde’s grandmother, the Countesse d’Artelles (Yolande Moreau), convinces Ryno to tell her about his affair with Vellini, she is concerned that he is in too deep with Vellini to truly break off.

Nonetheless, Countesse believed Ryno and Hermangarde’s love was stronger than Vellini’s seduction - and they wed.  Yet Vellini’s hold over Marigny was more powerful than everyone’s expectation.

I initially chose to watch this film as the costume drama of the marathon series, plus Asia head-lining the film was an attraction in her own right. The roles were incredibly well-casted as the film speaks fluently in language of romance, taboo (Vellini rapes Marigny in grief for their daughter’s death), and contradiction with the epiphany of femme fatale (Argento) as the “other” woman — dark, forbidden sexuality, and temptuous — against the respectable virgin blonde (Mesquida) symbolizing the most openly coveted female by the society.

I haven’t decided if I love this film, but it’s certainly a film well-put.

******************

I was really looking forward to watching Shine a Light.

I mean, c’mon - it’s about the Rolling Stones!

After watching Mick Jagger shake his 60-year-old bon-bon like he’s 17 for two hours, while walking out of the theatre, I turned to my movie companion and asked - “Who do you like more? The Beatles or Rolling Stones?”

I wasn’t surprised with “The Beatles”. And when my movie buddy asked me who I prefer.
I was thinking out loud, “Beatles is like doing mushrooms. I can trip on them for hours.”

“And the Stones?” she asked curiously.

“Stones is like shooting up.” Not that I’ve ever done that (shooting up, I mean).

Aside from the Rock-n-Roll awesomeness, I also love Mick Jagger’s on-stage fashion and costumes, particularly his tux coat and synthetic feather coat with purple lining.

I will have one for myself. This I promise you.

If you too prefer The Beatles, go to Las Vegas and watch “LOVE”. Tell them CK sent ya.

******************

It’s really great to end the film marathon at UA Langham - my movie companion and I took the bus and ventured deep into the heart of darkness, and into Mongkok where a gigantic mall set the foundation and held the longest indoor escalator at the steepest angle I could manage. We were beamed up to the 12th floors of Hong Kong’s slightly more independent retail shops. The movie cinema was on the 6th floor.

We Own The night premiered May 25, 2007 at the Cannes Film Festival. The story took place in Brooklyn, 1988 where crime is rife particularly with drugs and drug violence. The cops were belittled by a Russian drug dealer backed by his “muscles” while he builds his heroin trade in a club that Bobby (Joaquin Phoenix) manages.

Bobby escapes his family’s tradition in law enforcement by using his mother’s maiden name Green and turns a blind eye to the drug-dealers around him. When rising star in law enforcement brother-cop Joe (Mark Wahlberg) and father-cop Bert (Robert Duvall) ask Bobby to help with intelligence gathering, Bobby declines. Then, after Joe raids Bobby’s club to arrest the Russian, the Russian showed his contempt and power by putting out a hit on Joe, and the rest of the police force.

**************************

I still remember when Nanking first came out - the most controversial film I’ve seen in last year’s festival. Whenever choosing films at the festival, it’s always a toss-up. You can either get really great gems, or surprising duds. Afterall, it’s a festival of independent films.

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.

***************

(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.

**************

(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…
*******************

(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.

********************

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.

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?

**********************

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……

Earth Hour is happening betwen 8pm to 9pm on Saturday March 29.

Stay with me in the dark for an hour, will ya?

I’m kind of down these days. Gonna need a few days off my blog.

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!?

**************************

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.

***************

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.

A MEME IN PICTURES (ripped off Hilly)

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!

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Password:

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…

****************************

My fortune cookie says - “Being loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone gives you courage.”

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, funny, heart-felt poems, or flashy e-cards…. had collectively added drops of joy, delight, giggles, and grins to my weekend.

And this, indeed, has been a fa-ta-bulous kodak moment of my life. And I didn’t even take any pictures.

Thank you, everyone.

Adding more oommphs and ahhhs to my birthday, I had a surge of phonecalls from friends showing me love from across the globe. I got a call from an old university friend who told me he’s now in Japan doing architecture. Guess what?? I screeched on the phone - I’m going to Tokyo in April!!

God, I love globalization.

The best part of my weekend is obviously the hanging out with my favorite people in Hong Kong. I partied like I was 23 again.
Life doesn’t get better than this.

FYI on more joints in Hong Kong:

1. The food at Sahara was faaaantastic, the Moroccan decor is beautiful, and the apple shisha was satisfying… (Thanks Tof)

2. Mandarin Oriental Cake shop makes a darn good chocolate truffle cake - their strawberry fruit cake is pretty too (I ate alot of cake).

3. I LOVE SKYPE.

4. Discovered Yumla for strong long-island ice-teas and rave-like atmosphere till four-thirty in the morning…

5. My new lashes are working out great this second time around.

And now is officially Patrick’s Day today…. which means… oh yes…

Her message reads: It’s Midnight!! Happy Birthday!!! Woohoo!!!

So I’m now another year older.

I don’t feel OLD, actually. Hell, I don’t look old, and life sure is young around me (little kids and music and all). I actually feel pretty good to be in my thirties. I was a bit nervous about getting to a certain age staying single… but to be honest - I’m pretty happy. I feel more secure in my own skin, if that makes perfect sense to you. And I feel a lot more in control too.

I actually feel like I have more as I get (ahem) older.

Life is more defined… makes more sense… and more stable. I feel my life is more fulfilling as I get older… Life is gets better and better with every year…  know what I mean?

It’s 2am right now, I’m ready to conk out. I have to teach all day tomorrow and probably be partying all night (ground me when I come home later, k?)

*****************

Even though I’ve visited more blogs than I can remember, I didn’t name my desired prize from the ultimate blog party… because I wasn’t in it for the gifts. I just blog-hopping for fun.

So I’m out. Hopefully I’ll still be in one piece by tomorrow.

If you’re an old pal, stay and hang out!!

So… HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF ALL THE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE… y’know — the INEVITABLE END of life as we know it?

I do. All the time. Just because there are always something I wanna do….
I remember reading from The Buried Life (co-authored by 4 guys) wanting to complete a list of 100 Things To-Do Before You Die — also the MightyGirl did her list of 100 things before She Goes… I decided to put together my mighty things I GOTTA DO in my lifetime… thought it’ll be nice to share this wishlist with you all, and super interested to hear what kind of things YOU would like to. I’m most certain there are a lot of things YOU’ve already done that I haven’t!!

As some of you already know — I’ve traveled a bit and enjoy traveling very much. I’ve lived in 3 different continents for more than 3 years in each. I was born in United Kingdom but it’s been ages since I’ve LIVED there (I only visited once back in 1999)… so for my #100, no matter how tricky or ambitious… I would LOVE to eventually….

100. Live in Europe for a couple of years. (hey, let’s start off my list with a dream, why not? It’s in the bottom of my list anyway!)

99. Learn to drive stick shift.

98. Because I want to know what it’s like to Drive a Jaguar, at least once (I can always rent a Jaguar)

97. Donate to Women’s Shelter

96. Donate a huge lump sum to Children’s Wish Foundation

95. Watch “The Lion King” musical in NYC

94. Watch “Stomp” in NYC

93. Experience every Cirque du Soleil show on earth.

92. Wear a kimono/yukada in Japan

91. Walk through a Cherry Blossom promenade

90. See the Safari in South Africa

89. Speak fluent intermediate French (let’s get basic French first - take one step at a time)

88. Speak fluent intermediate Mandarin

86. Take my mom to visit her hometown nearby Shanghai

85. Take my mom and sister to go shopping in France and Italy

84. Buy a piece of real estate for my mom

83. Have my own eco-sustainable home built

86. Visit the Four Seasons in Chiang Mai

85. Visit Taj Mahal in India

84. Go to a Bollywood Party

83. Actively help save the environment, somehow.

82. See a naturally wild salmon stream

81. Go squid-fishing

That’s all for this week’s Thursday… let me know if any of the above is something you want to do as well! Where would you want to live if money’s no object?

I’m not a workaholic, I’m merely fashionably late for the ULTIMATE BLOG PARTY. Let me catch up with you guys by welcoming you to my Blog Party. You have arrived at the CuriosityKiller.COM. I’m C.K. and I hope you enjoy your stay here. Turn up the music, and uncork that champagne! My birthday is this March 15th so this is a great week for a party around here.

Let your hair down, kick off your shoes, relax and listen to some hot jazz. Can I get you anything? How do you like your coffee? With a drop of orange cointreau? Or just a beer and some Lay’s chips? I can make a really good cosmopolitan. Or would you just prefer champagne?

How about…..

Ingredients:
1 shot of Bailey Irish Cream
2 shots of Galliano
1 shot of Blue Curacao
1 shot of Sambuca
1.5 shot of Bacardi 15
1 seperate glass of brandy for pouring

In my humble party experience, Lamborghini’s the strongest drink I know in history of clubbers. PLEASE drink with caution!!!

Directions: Mix the Baileys, Blue Curacao, Sambuca, Bacardi shots in the brandy snifter, pour the Galliano into the Cocktail glass, and contents of the shots goes into the Galliano. Then light the brandy, while it is burning pour it over the upside down shotglass (you can’t see the flames galore in photo, but it’s there), and watch the pretty fire spread into the martini glass. Insert the straw and sip it up.

One two three, FLOOR!!!

You’re still standing?? Wow, you’re a party animal! My kind of people! Feel free and check out my posts - if you stick around long enough, you’ll notice there’s nothing not much I don’t talk about. Let me know if you find them hilariously funny or mildly offensive to you. I’ve been working on this blog for over a year now, even did the graphics myself. I also hog my music player and my own DJ - hope you enjoy my current Speakeasy Café playlist, cause if you don’t like it…… TOUGH!!

ME? Well… I work as a piano teacher and work-from-home graphic artist for an interior design firm. Work is the place where I’m discreet and calm. But with you here, let’s PARTY!! I just got back from attending a musical theatre last Saturday… I’m still thinking of the can-can!! I enjoy traveling… and I’ve traveled quite a bit. I’ve moved from the Big Apple to North Hollywood a.k.a. Toronto, and then flew over the Atlantic ocean to work here in Speedy Hong Kong. It’s been non-stop Go Go GO… so forgive me if I rant on too much.

I’m in the mood for chinkling of the glass and laughter. Don’t you just love this blog party?

Oh, and my birthday dinner party this Saturday. Yes, I’m getting older, again. (Thanks for reminding me, Mitchell.)

As much as I enjoy making money doing what I do, and getting to make my own schedules, there are downfalls to running this little home business of mine.

1. I work non-stop. When I’m not teaching, I’m doing administrations or make phonecalls. When I’m not doing courtesy work, I think about my work 24-7-365. My brain is always locked onto everything related to my work.
2. Income can be unstable and fluctuates wildly around holidays (kids going on vacation, and I’m left broke in the city scraping to make ends meet - Chinese New Year was pretty rough for me).
3. I can stay locked in my apartment and not step foot outside for days on end. Often most of my hours are locked in front of my computer adjusting schedules and balancing the book.
4. My home/office is not as impressively presentable as I wish:
(a) despite my daily attempts to clean, clean, and clean. We downsized from the last bigger apartment and don’t have room for a lot of the stuff that we own. It’s been a battle every day shoving shoes in the kitchen and covering my door-less kitchen with a silk curtain, etc.
(b) The building is old - compensates with a spacious flat, but I haven’t invested any money on chic furnitures, and still using hand-me-downs from my dad and my sister. And don’t even get me started with the suffocating waterhole that we call the bathroom.

My mum was an editor for economics page for a newspaper years ago. She’s no-nonsense when it comes to incomes. Oh yes, let’s not forget she’s Chinese, the old school way. Bless her heart, she wants my life to be comfortable and perfect to her standards and tried on numerous occasions to convince me to get a job job. Her reasons are:

1. I don’t get any insurance coverage.
2. My income is unpredictable and unstable.
3. I’m not investing any part of my earnings into any retirement fundings.
I’m missing out on the social occasions and techno-gadgets that companies provide.

I rebuttled. In monetary terms, I get paid a ton more by the hour. I don’t have to put up with a devilish boss. I can buy my own med insurance. I will choose to put my money into assets, so much that I won’t need retirement funds. I can have 2 hour lunch with my friends now that I don’t have to rush back to the office to make face time.

What moves you about your job? How do you base your career decisions on?

More money (higher monthly salary) would get more of you?
Fixed or Flexible hours? Do you care?
Work from home or a fancy office space?
More Vacation days?
Better childcare, gym membership, free food?
Techno goodies? swanky cellphones? Blackberry?

Last night, thanks to a piano student of mine taking me to an amateur (a.k.a. artists who work for free) production of the musical “Anything Goes”. Those who don’t love musicals are merely ignorants of a GOOD one done properly (it’s so easy to caricaturize a musical and ruin it all). Musical Theatre is my noodle salads and Sunday picnics, light-hearted stories with belt-out showtunes, the tappity tap-dance, the 1930s hairdo, and the sailors’ outfits. “Anything Goes” is running till Tuesday if you happen to be in Hong Kong, tickets are currently sold for HK$250 each (US$32) — all proceeds go directly to the orchestra.

I have to say, for amateurs - this production is “Pretty Good”. With exception of a boring and complacent leading actress, the rest of cast was adorably dedicated to a passionate level with a good dose of choreography and lively stage design. I particularly enjoy their decision to move the orchestra up onto the stage instead of the traditional way where they hide below the stage. It was an intelligent solution to lack of space, and as a result, the band added class and life to the platform. It was a very realistic scene as well since most of the story took place in a transatlantic ship where the musicians are part of the crew.

The group tap dancing could use more rehearsals and some can use more one-on-one instructions, but the dynamic duo tappers had raised the bar for Hong Kong Broadway musicals. The choice of the musical was fitting - with talents from all walks making silly jokes and contagious dancing and happy ending. I was surprised at the racial (Chinese) jokes they made thorough the show, but hey - silly is as silly does.

The show makes me wanna booze and dance and party like the 1930s.

*************

So for rest of the night, I boozed and danced and partied the 2008 way.

After the show, we went to a nearby jazz bar with the cast. When I walked into the bar, I completely forgot I was in Hong Kong. It reminds me of those smoky nightclubs up in west-end Manhattan with all the fixings - pretty gay boys with big blue eyes who wear makeup better than I do, gorgeous latino man with his gelled up curly hair sparkling in the dim light, sultry women straight from the cover of 1920’s Vogue laughing and smiling, atmosphered by talented jazz musicians you’ll only get to hear them perform by chance.

After my first couple of drinks, off I cabbed to Causeway Bay and joined a spray-painting farewell party. (I’d show you the pictures of these graffitis, but it wouldn’t be legal.) Then we zipped back to Central and hit the Gecko bar - a very popular hole in the wall hang out in Soho.

Even as my feet are dancing to the techno-tunes - I still have the show tune running in my head - “A-NY-THING GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOES~!”

Tony Award winning performance of the great and fabulous Patti Lupone with the revival cast doing their big number in Lincoln Center’s 1987 production.

***Lyrics to Anything Goes

Times have changed,
And we’ve often rewound the clock,
Since the Puritans got a shock,
When they landed on Plymouth Rock.
If today,
Any shock they should try to stem,
‘Stead of landing on Plymouth Rock,
Plymouth Rock would land on them.

In olden days a glimpse of stocking
Was looked on as something shocking,
But now, God knows,
Anything Goes.

Good authors too who once knew better words,
Now only use four letter words
Writing prose, Anything Goes.

The world has gone mad today
And good’s bad today,
And black’s white today,
And day’s night today,
When most guys today
That women prize today
Are just silly gigolos
And though I’m not a great romancer
I know that I’m bound to answer
When you propose,
Anything goes

When grandmama whose age is eighty
In night clubs is getting matey with gigolo’s,
Anything Goes.

When mothers pack and leave poor father
Because they decide they’d rather be tennis pros,
Anything Goes.

If driving fast cars you like,
If low bars you like,
If old hymns you like,
If bare limbs you like,
If Mae West you like
Or me undressed you like,
Why, nobody will oppose!
When every night,
The set that’s smart
Is intruding in nudist parties in studios,
Anything Goes.

[RENO, PASSENGERS & CREW]
The world has gone mad today
And good’s bad today,
And black’s white today,
And day’s night today,
When most guys today
That women prize today
Are just silly gigolos
And though I’m not a great romancer
I know that I’m bound to answer
When you propose,
Anything goes

[RENO]
If saying your prayers you like,
If green pears you like
If old chairs you like,
If back stairs you like,
If love affairs you like
With young bears you like,
Why nobody will oppose!

[ALL]
And though I’m not a great romancer
I know that I’m bound to answer
When you propose,
Anything goes…
Anything goes!

It’s gorgeous day out. I meant to go out for a stroll but ended up spring-cleaning my apartment… I took a huge bundle to the dry cleaners, couple of bags to the laundromat, stuffed my suitcases with my winter coats and blankets.

Note to self: Bill Lil Sis for her Wedding dresses (3 of them, one wedding gown, one evening gown, and a Chinese qi-pao) for dry-cleaning. They are darn expensive.

Now all I need is a brand new thick white heavy curtains to brighten up the apartment, and a brand new bathroom.

Since I was cleaning, I briefly cleaned out the fridge - and pulled out a big bar of Cadbury’s Milk Chocolate. I always keep couple of plain chocolate bars in the fridge in case I feel like having my usual chocolate-covered strawberries (when they’re in season, of course). Then I remembered I bought a bag of dried strawberries the other week from City Super…

Remembering the decadent Harry and David milk-chocolate covered dried strawberries, I threw the bar of milk chocolate into the double boiler and melted it. I ended up dipping all the dried strawberries, plus some lemon cookies my students gave me for Chinese New Year.

I keep forgetting, I prefer dark chocolate because I find milk chocolate way too sweet.

Good thing the lemon cookies weren’t very sweet to begin with. Maybe I should make my own lemon cookies super tart, chewy, and hand-dipped with milk chocolate to balance it out. That could work.

Note to self: Make Chewy lemon cookies and dip with milk-chocolate - test the market, name it Killer Cookies, package them and sell asap.

So while I’m thinking of dessert recipes… next thing I know - I felt like cooking again.

Wednesdays are a big travel day for me - not for fun. I go around Hong Kong Island to different neighborhoods so little children can have their piano lessons at the comfort of their homes. Last couple of weeks, I’ve been grabbing greasy sandwiches and pastries to eat on the go. The chinese pastries here are delicious - but I realized they’re made with lard. No wonder I feel so ugh.

So I’m gonna make myself something nice today.

I love english muffins, esp when they’re toasted, with a little butter… oh yum. Besides, sliced bread go soggy quickly. I’ve got eggs, a nice small wheel of camembert in the fridge, and some white mushrooms fresh from the supermarket yesterday.

Normally I’d go for the poached eggs when it’s a relaxing weekend brunch, but no — this one’s gotta be on-the-go, so I’m opting for scrambled eggs. Pack myself a little baby carrots on the side, and I think I’m good.

And since it’s been awhile since I’ve posted any recipes on my blog… here’s the little recipe for Egg Muffin with Mushroom Camembert:

Grill or toast the english muffin slices lightly first, a mushroom each, then lay the camembert slices on top. Put in the oven. Quickly scramble the eggs and fry them up in a lightly oiled pan… when the cheese is melting, take the muffins out of the oven, and place scrambled eggs on top of the toasts. Finish off with the muffin tops. Pack a few sticks of baby carrots and a bottle of water.

Now if I could only just find a little garden to sit and eat in peace.

Back straight!

Ready?

Ok!!

Neil had summoned up the greatest interview idea - I was one of the first 75 bloggers (out of 400! 500 bloggers now!!) to start up the party. I’m very, very fortunate to have gotten Michelle a.k.a. Fabricated Goddess to interview me. She’s incredibly lovely, thoughtful, and (lucky for me) a very talented writer. She asked the most inquisitive questions that rocks my world (and you all know that doesn’t happen very often.)

So grateful that I waited patiently for over 2 weeks for her to recover from her pneumonia (poor thing!) and caring for her entire family of sick people (where’s the greatest mom trophy again?) before she’s fit to okay the interview and finally… it’s a GO!! Her questions are in bold.

********
Michelle: So, as a single girl, living in Hong Kong, I’d imagine you could have a lot of fun and get in a lot of ‘trouble’….what kinds of things do you like to do? Is Hong Kong a good place to be a hip young blogger chick? Give all of us un-hip types a taste of what it’s like to be you.

CK: Who? Me? Hip? HA HA HA HA HA HA!! - (wipe tears from eyes) Nah… I’m new to the Hong Kong dating scene - I’ve been working like a maniac having a meltdown, moving for the 3rd time in two years, traveling, and settling down… Dating totally took the backseat in my life for a while there. Besides, I haven’t been enthusiastic because most men I’ve met are suits. They are really, really nice guys, but I haven’t made any connections. So there hasn’t been any fireworks.

I’ll love to travel with someone. Even just walk around the city and see new things - going to see new shows, poetry reading, new bar, anything. A long walk in a big park can be fun with the right person. I imagine it’ll be really romantic to go camping and look at the stars. The trouble is Hong Kong’s a small global village in a massive gossip city. I have history here that I don’t know about - I’m connected to my dad’s old network (we’re both classical musicians — he taught here, and now I’m doing similar) so there are a lot of people who know about me but I don’t know about them. That’s why I have to play very carefully, so my “fun life” is suffering.

Blogworld Darling Hilly had mentioned I should just keep blogging, and the boyfriend will show up — and I’d love that, but I wonder if it’s possible… I mean, I love North American men, but I’m (physically) in Hong Kong. I’ve given up on having a long distance relationship a while back - it’s tough enough for people who live cities apart, let alone separated by an ocean.

But who knows? I’m dorkishly hopeful when it comes to love. Everyone wants to believe in love.

Michelle: You had recent post about the at myth that all Asian girls are skinny and how there is a lot of pressure to be size zero. You walked out of a diet clinic (and let me say that by the stats you give, you are NOT FAT!) because you refused to accept their opinion of you and your body. I love that you did that! As someone who has struggled in the past with body image I was cheering you on as I read that. How do you remain positive about your healthy body image in such a negative body image culture? And even though it’s clear that you totally embrace the body you have, do you ever give in to the pressure?

CK: Thanks, Michelle! (Sniff!) I love you! “Fat” has such a powerfully derogatory meaning, doesn’t it?

Singing is really good for you. Music is my outlet to release the stress. I can see this stereotype and family pressure happening to a lot of asian girls, which explains a high percentile of asian teenage girls with bulimia and anorexia due to this body image issue. A lot of them are trained since infancy, and having people treat you a certain way can really kill a girl. It’s a vicious cycle. Thankfully I’ve never developed bulimia nor anorexia.

I have bad days (which got me feeling like I just got beaten up and left to die), I remind myself “Sexiness is half what you got, and half attitude” and try to walk a little firmer. I also have a great shoe collection - stilettos do wonders to a woman’s body . Fashion can be very powerful if you know how to utilize it.

I (also) have great friends. I hang out with women who actually like me and enjoy my company. I love to laugh, and I love making my friends laugh. I’m very very lucky to have a couple of emotionally-healthy and stable girlfriends (and guy friends!), and they’re my ROCK. They keep me grounded when I’m freaking out over nothing. They also don’t care about my weight issues - only get concerned when I get too thin. At one point, I was quite thin, and I thought my girlfriends might be simply jealous when they said that I was getting too thin (craziness from lack of fat lubrication in my brain), then I took a good look at myself in the mirror, and I didn’t like what I saw - I looked dried up and my skin practically sags around my face and jawline. It actually scared me. That’s when I realized that the “baby fat” is really a good thing - I look younger and more luminous.

It’s a shame to be someone else and lose what you’ve got. I don’t want to be an average girl. I’m ME, and this is MY life - no one else’s.

Michelle: I love your posts about dating and internet/online dating. Some of the guys that you tell us about are pretty hilarious. How do you deal with the kooks? And have you ever had a ’successful’ dating experience with someone you met online? And, if the answer is ‘no’, then why do you keep doing this?

CK: I started with internet dating back in NYC (that’s like 2003?), I’ve met a couple of really amazing bachelors on the internet. A few of them I’m still really good friends with. Even though nothing was long term or permanent (I haven’t had a long term for a while anyhow, so it’s not the internet’s fault), I got to meet incredible men and learned a lot. Internet dating is a great way to break away from your usual circles, and meet someone different, with different mindsets.

On the down side, I’ve had really crazy messages and indecent proposals from sad and weird men, and I felt bad for some of these guys…. but it’s not my place to solve their problems. I can only filter the profiles. If a man persists at an alarming intensity, then I’ll be blunt and honest and tell them when I’m not interested — and those ones I blog about. I don’t really blog about my romantic life as much as I dare to — even with my ex last summer, I didn’t blog about it till after it ended — which threw a lot of my readers off when they learned about it — I got a lot of emails congratulating me — like when did this happen? so on and so forth. Little did they know it’s over before it started. Anyhow…

Michelle: You have had some creepy blogstalker issues that have caused you some grief. What keeps you going? Do you ever think about quitting the whole blog thing?

CK: She used to be a personal friend - I’ve introduced her to some of my close friends. A few months ago I wrote a post addressing and documented an event that was close to my heart - and it spun from her story, and I never meant anything hurtful by it. She read what I wrote (I asked for permission so she knew I was about to write something), especially when she told me she liked what I wrote. But she later panicked and told me to take down the post (which I did like a good friend would). That’s when all hell broke loose and her friends attacked me. My friends actually pointed out that she indeed was lying when she told her friends she didn’t know about what I wrote, etc. I got some really nasty comments, threats, and emails from her end. But that all stopped and it’s over - except well… that she’s stalking my blog.

I was really really down after our fall out. She’s got bad Ju-ju and it’s been a really heavy weigh on me. I thought about starting a completely different blog, more anonymous, and just disappear (I still might just up and go, but I’ve made so many great blog friends, I just couldn’t leave!)

The thing is - my dad had a stalker as well when he was alive. His stalker stalked him physically almost every day for over 15 years. My dad’s stalker even traveled from Asia to my Toronto home and rang the doorbell looking for him. My dad avoided her, ignored her, moved away, tried to disappear, tried to live his life pretending she doesn’t exist. Having lived through it — I see that avoidance doesn’t work. I will fight - I don’t have any problems provoking people who piss me off. If either one of these stalker’s here, I won’t hesitate going to the ring and box it out. One at a time only (of course).

Or maybe I should just show up at my blog-stalker’s Montreal apartment’s door with a restraining order. LOL What do you think?

I have some friends who suggested presenting a legal document to her university and slap her wrist and hope she seeks help regarding her online behaviors. I blocked her IP address, she started using proxies to read my blog. She even got to change her proxy address and trying to hide behind anonymous proxies — everything so she could do hoping I won’t detect her. Now I know she’s not reading my blog out of habit or boredom, but because she MUST know everything she could with every word I write. She needed an obsession, and I guess my blog was the It-thing.

But ultimately, she’s just a blog-stalker. She’s not as psychotic as my dad’s stalker. I honestly don’t think she’s malicious. She’s just a bit crazy right now and refuse to think straight. I truly wish her a speedy recovery and move on with her life.

M: Okay, enough heavy (seriously, I think I might have nightmares!) What’s your single most ‘can’t live without it’ vice?

CK: I’m sorry!! I forget myself when I tell my stories. I have to learn to retell my tales in a lighter tone in the future. Anyway - my “can’t live without” would be… My computer - but that’s not a vice, is it…? Then it’s wine. Wait, no - chocolate. Wait - no, wine. How about cognac-filled chocolates? That should satisfy me. That and beautiful fragrant flowers nearby. Oh and a good book! A good book, good wine… and flowers… with my laptop.

M: What word do you love? What word do you hate?

CK: Coposetic has been my favorite word forever. C-you-Next-Tuesday is the one word I absolutely hate. It’s ironic how some women have no trouble using that word to attack other women. It is disgusting.

M: Favorite food?

CK: Does chocolate count as a food? Ice-cream!? Maybe I’ll just call the entire dessert compartment as my favorite food. Yee mein (a chinese noodle) has been a long time childhood favorite. I LOVE a good stew… and I indulge on seafood (lobsters, crabs, scallops, yellowtails, and sea urchins).

M: Comfort or speed?

CK: SPEED — I love motorcycles even though I don’t know how to drive one - I’m still thinking about getting a vespa. I will get a pilot license eventually - a helicopter license would be fantastic.

M: If you could take one person and one item (I’ll leave the interpretation of ‘item’ up to you) on extended holiday who and what would you take? And why? Oh, and where would you go?

CK: I’ve always wanted to go with someone fun to Ibiza and party! I’ll just bring money. (LOL)

But seriously - I would really love to take my sister to France and Italy and just shop shop shop. She’s my best friend in this entire world, and I love to see her face light up. The one item I’ll bring would be 10 million euros (that should be enough, right?) But I’ll probably have to bring mum too… it’s not the same without our mum.

I’m a die-hard romantic — I always dream about a boyfriend/fiance/husband accompany me to several places I had reserved for romantic rendevous. I went to Paris but didn’t go up the Eiffel Tower… I went to Italy but didn’t go to Venice. I’m supposed to return to Prague with a love one (it said so on a sign by the bridge). And I still think Switzerland is the most beautiful country in the world (next to Canada, of course).

OR space-ship cruise would be FINE WITH ME! One item? A towel.

M: Okay and one last question: if you had a bumper sticker what would it say?

CK: “The most beautiful emotion we can experience is the mystical. He to whom this emotion is a stranger…. is as good as dead.” — Albert Einstein

M: And we’re done! Thank you so much CK for your candid answers, for your feisty zest for life, and most of all for your patience while I got over being deathly ill and found my brain again. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you a little bit. I hope that you had some fun in the process too.

CK: OH I had a GREAT time, Goddess. You’ve been the most awesome interviewer. Thank you!

Here’s my bulletin for this week:

1. MAC and WORDPRESS together are driving me nuts. For some reason, MAC automatically put my posts into “PRIVATE” whenever I edit a post - which means no one can comment on it nor read it on my blog (except when you’re using a reader, now that’s a record I don’t wanna keep.) p.s. I deleted my last post which I’ll elaborate later this thinking thursday.

2. My interviewee the Fabricated Goddess was really sick last two weeks — poor thing’s got pneumonia and hacking her lungs out. We’ve been corresponding and she’s recovering now — so my “GREAT INTERVIEW” will resume tomorrow. Thanks for your understanding, you’ll get to read more dirt on me very shortly. She calls me a feisty girl… Feisty? Moi??

3. I’m adding cable channels — I can’t handle the boring HBO cable anymore (it’s annoying when they cut out nude scenes and suggestive scenes - what’s the point?) I’m deliberating between adding Disney channels and forgo my E! + National Geographics + FX + VOOM channels.

God, I miss Bravo.

4. Catching up on some seriously tangible work - the graphics, the administration, clients, getting more clients, marketing ideas, and meetings with the design firm. Oh yes - I’m also cleaning the house, doing the laundry, cooking, and washing dishes (with no hot water). I’m so stressed out that I feel like punching someone.

5. It’s sometimes grey and misty and chilly - very typical first days of March anywhere in the world (except Australia I heard) - no different from being indoors in Toronto. Blah.

6. F*CK - I just got a call this morning and was informed that the computer graphics course that I wanted to complete asap is now delayed due to lack of registration. Not enough English-speaking students wanna take on advanced AutoCAD. Now the schedule will be clashing with my Japan trip - which means I might have to cut my japan trip short to only one week. F*CK.

7. Met up with couple of insurance agents for health insurance coverage and decided what the kind of health coverage I’m willing to fork out (physical therapy is getting pricey).

8. I’m spending way too much money on Starbucks’ soy Tazo Chai - I need to start making my own very soon.

9. I don’t plan on blogging about my work often - but I must say, I’m teaching my 4 year old prodigy student to play “For Soraya” (see video below). I know, no matter how much I mess up and fall flat on my face - I remain a somewhat impressive piano teacher. My little prodigy is going to be a hit at the upcoming recital this summer.

***** THE RAP SHEET IS HERE ON CURIOSITYKILLER.COM *****

I’ve been trying to hold out on this RAP sheet but Miss Britt convinced me - so I’m going to start this RAP sheet up, y’all.

I must say, since I already have a LAUGH-BITCH-WAIL-AND-VENT category, I’m totally behind the philosophy that blogging was made for bitching.

Whether it’s about stupid people, life being a bitch, or the service industry designed to suck your wallet dry, the Blogaritaville is constantly at witter with our gripes. And while we would in no way suggest you stop bitching, once in a while it’s nice to stop and remember some of those people who makes us forget about the wallet-sucking vampires.

And also, it is because of those Hilly and Karen, I hereby start The RAP Sheet with my very first.

Out here in Blogaritaville, there are some Ridiculously Awesome People. People who touch us, who make us laugh, who make us want to reward them with a cutesy graphic. Those are the people we add to The RAP Sheet.

This month, my contribution to The RAP Sheet is the absolutely lovely Julia from JellyJules.

I’ve been a big fan of her blog for a year now, and it’s been such an honor to get to know her more and more through blogging. She’s classy and thoughtful, and I love the fact that she finishes a book practically every week - that’s totally my kind of gal coming from a family that emphasizes intellectual pursuits (obviously I’m the black sheep…)

More importantly, I love the fact that she’s really blogging to keep in touch her friends and family. Her thoughts are uniquely her own, and I love her personal styles and the way she addresses the different aspects in her life. Her mother just had a bypass surgery, and she had been so honest yet strong through this all. But that’s not why I put her on The RAP Sheet. Truth be told, as Miss Brit said - The RAP Sheet was started specifically to look at the person behind the blog. And that’s why I love Julia - because behind her understatement, her depth and thoughtfulness and touching words makes you feel like you’re having a coffee with the wiser friend you’re so lucky to have in your life.

So yeah, Julia! You’re a RIDICULOUSLY AWESOME PERSON! CONGRATS!

I told you I’m grumpy. I only want my alcohol, my food, my tivo, and my bed. Yet thanks to the blogging world, instead of staying at home and be all pissy and feel sorry for myself and just work work work - I went out for a walk.

At first, I just wanna stay in my PJs all day and watch movies - so I thought I’ll rent something at the DVD store. I dug my wobbly and heavy legs to Soho, and thought about renting first season of “Monk” or “Lost” - I have never seen the first season of Lost.

I know, I’ve been living in a cave.

But I ended up not renting anything.

• Can anyone recommend a good TV DVD series?

After I injected my Starbucks elixir a.k.a. soy tazo chai, I got more energy to make a beeline back home… figured I’ll just eat junk food and breath with my mouth open for the rest of evening. But I walked into one of the many gourmet deli stores in my neighborhood (we got an organic fruit and vegetable store as well)…

…and walked out with a grin on my face and my bag heavy with truffled salami (I’m throwing a slice into my chicken soup tonight), and seriously yummy looking pecorino with truffles - I’m going to eat half as is, and save the rest for my next pasta dish.

And I bought a bag of Lay’s chips.

Whaaaat?? I need something to go with my cognac! You know what they say, feed a cold and starve a fever.