swiss roll & jim

The herb teas seem to be effective. I feel better than 2 weeks ago.

Min has made a swiss roll & described it to be yummy. I could taste the sweetness of having a little girl growing up & getting better equipped in life.

I saw her writing the name Jim in her Skype feature. I strongly suspected she has been attracted by a boy Jim. I carefully tried to fish information from her. She said in her sms "BTW Jim is a song". The forever worrying Mom. What a joke? It is but the title of a song. My thoughts are far more complicated than her life.

Peter's daughters are named Phoebe & Stacy. Few people are called Stacy in HK?

Pam sent very kind messages to me. Bette, too.

Marga bought some shrimp roe noodles from a factory in Kowloon Bay near Megabox. Delicious & inexpensive.

Thank God I have had a nice day. Lunch with the usual group in Asiania & dinner with Agnes/Helen for Hakka food in Causeway Bay. Florence is very interested in fashion.

I discussed with CK about management of people. He advised me that it would be impossible to win the whole world. We must distinguish who are friends, who are working team-mates, who are rivals. I know the rationale, but it takes some intelligence to protect oneself gracefully.

Wenxi has gone to Outward Bound Camp for the week. I miss the fat boy who talks to me so intimately & innocently.

Today is Halloween. For so many years, I brought Min out to Marco Bistro, Hillwood Road, TST. Ah Wai would draw a ghost face for Min for $50.00 and took a photo. Pleasurable time. Miss the little girl so much!

Pak Loh Chiu Chow Restaurant, Elements

We celebrated Patrick's birthday by having a dinner with him and bought him a Nike T-shirt as present. Navy blue with red trimmings.

A busy day of work. Must know what to expect from whom. To be able to remain detached & watch all the folks around could be fun. Mental strength is essential. How to handle all situations well is a great test.

Chinese herb teas seem to have done me good.

Went to Xin San Yang, Kowloon City, yesterday. I bought some soy duck kidneys, Twins Liu processed bean curds with chilli & some sweet lemons.

Quite a journey to go back from Elements to my home.

As regards to prayer, how could God listen to & grant to so many at the same time? Even rejection takes time?

Kwong is so well posted of HK news. He never skips any headlines or talk of the town. HK is where his heart is, other than Canada.

The black jacket that Marga bought for me is trendy & pretty.

No time to talk to Gungung & Porpor today.

Min sounds well settled over the phone. Missing her very much.

HKCEC

Last year it was in PP Two, this year HKCEC.

I vistied Mr Dorey at the booth. Met several parents - all mothers. Kitty's Mom & elder sis; Hilda as she was there last year & Wingkee's Mom. There was another one of a boy who had graduated & got married. She came to show photos to Dorey.

Several parents made enquiries, including one boy. When I left, I saw Josephine with her husband and 2nd daughter.

Min safely arrived at Pam's place. Ann received the bank draft at last. They would go out for a drama after lunch.

Lunch with Van & A at Super Star Restaurant, Wyndham Street.

Min is grateful for King's presents & coaching which proves to be effective. Pam likes her for her good manners.

Talked to Lorraine by IDD.

Karin & Min are close friends. See if she will go to UK next year.

a post record of min's half term stay at home

Min bought a pair of Levi's black jeans, tight; a brown leather belt with copper buckles & a grey t-shirt from Moussy. Total amount round up to $1,500.

She brought the black jacket w/fur collars & a grey DKNY cotton jacket. She wore the red Agnes b tee on board. 3 warm underwears, too. 10 small cans of "white piglet" luncheon meat, a bottle of chilli sauce & a few packs of Doll's instant noodles.

I also bought her a Reebok pants for gym and a Giordano loose black pants for evening gatherings.

Mike drove me, Min & Porpor to the airport. Min bought 2 novels for reading, written by the Nie brother & sister.

Ann had received the 70 GBP eventually by post. They are so used to postal strike, my Goodness! 3-4 weeks just for one letter. I bought them a box of "After Eight" this time. Hope they like it. Min said it is a very good teaching that she should serve tea & offer to do dish-washing. They praised her a lot. She likes Custard most. Pam obviously likes her much for all that.

Gungung is so brave. He unerwent a 15-minute operation. He had gone home & taken a rest yesterday. I wish this will improve his physical condition.

I will go to HKCEC this afternoon from 3-4:30 pm to see Mr Dorey, listen to Min's progress & will promote Bethany as a parent. Just see how it would go.

Min misses her school & pals. She looks maturer & more confident.

min going back to school tonight

Kwong is so witty that I am really lucky to have a pal like him. Always make me laugh.

At lunch time, I learnt that Mavis has suffered colon cancer in Canada & has undergone an operation. Aged 60, a retired clerk and a divorcee. Quiet, gentle character, crippled.

Discussed the film "Lust/Caution" with Stella last night. She is a fan of movies. Her sis-in-law is just known to be suffering from blood cancer. Aged 45, accounts clerk, quiet, sportive with a loving husband and a son of 16. Regular life.

Bought Van for prescription of herb teas. She needs some booster.

I like the taste of the herb soup. See if they work on me. It is close to religion.

Time flies & Min will fly tonite. Pa will undergo another operation this afternoon in UCH.

Asiania & Yung Kee on Wednesday

It seems the Chinese medicine has saved me. I have started a course of 10 herb teas & 3 soups. See it it can kick away my stomach gas, enhance the quality of my sleep & strengthen my internal organs as a whole. Nose allergy, too.

A cheerful company at Asiania with Gus as the rare guest. He enjoyed casual talks as usual.

We had dinner at Yung Kee. Roast goose, fried garoupa, bitter gourd w/goose webs, doumiu, beef brisket & prawns w/deep fried bean curds. the usual thousand year eggs w/pickled gingers. A table for 9. Nothing more comforting than family members/friends + delicious food. Porpor is definitely happy to be with us.

Both pcs failed last night to connect to netvigator. No internet is equal to a tragedy or grave accident to the young guys. The whole world stops. Me, too, finds great inconvenience. How heavily we are relying on the online activities.

McDonald breakfast this morning for Min. Life becomes normal again.

min is coming home

Talked to Min. She has stayed at Pam's house overnight. Supper was potatoes & sausages + some fruits. A bottle of Coke. She does not like the pipes in UK buildings. Hotels & residence alike. No constant temp. The problem is she prefers shower to tub. When the water temp goes up & down, she cannot take a bath properly. She complained about that even when we were in London and Paris.

Pam fetched her in Friday evening. Now is their 4:25 pm. Perhaps she will leave their place one hour later and go to Heathrow. I asked her to phone once she has checked in, disregarding the hours.

Looking forward to seeing her soon.

I have my hair cut with colour treatment to welcome my darling home.

K is very amused about someone having a new girl friend.

Chung Yeung Festival

Andrew drove Van & me to Langham Hotel, Tang Dynasty, for tea. Ate some congee. He is very considerate.

Tel Pam. She has made arrangements for Min to stay at her place for one night. Min is sociable & popular according to Pam. Ricahrd Whiffen is a reliable cab driver. I like him.

Min is excited over Skype that she is coming home. Andrew & Kevin will drive to greet her with Van, me & Marga.

Marga is feeling much better now in her present acting appointment. Fortunately, she did not turn away the second chance.

No more stomach ache. The appetite is still small. I know I cannot indulge in negative thoughts any more. Just for the sake of myself, I have to be positive & cheerful. Nothing more valuable than a joyful spirit. OK. Be a good girl & start to kick away the stupid & harmful emotions.

Min is coming home. That should be sweet enough for me ignore the unpleasant.

Had dinner with Mom in Telford. She needs my care. Better concentrate on her more. Min tel to ask about some details. She must learn.

3 days ahead for rest

The Chinese herb tea worked. Stomach ache stopped after one night's sleep.

I wonder when will I become strong again?

With the retirement of many close to me, will I have down moods?

Help!

i have been ill for 3-4 days

Min tel me & told me about her results of half term. Her tutor wrote an email, too. Other than Pam.

I am ill. Very anguished & painful. Went to see Ch medical practitioners in HKU in Admiralty Centre.

I wish to remain healthy & live long - very long.

Dined with Mem, Suen & Chu. Bought her a mug of the month. Ate so little. Just to honour my promise.

Lust Caution

Went to see Lust Caution after work. 7 pm at AMC, PP. Alone. By myself.

2 & 1/2 hrs. Ensured that the mobile was switched off. And checked the handbag. Any cameras or video recorder would be detained until end of the movie. This is the 3rd time I went to movie alone. First time when I was about 20. Saw "A Touch of Class" in Majestic. The other 2 times were recent as Min has been miles away.

I know I have a test again. See how I can go thru it.

Car. sponsored me with $200 for the Walk.

I long to seeing Min.

pingpong

Normal activities. Dined at KT.

Talked to Min over Skype & on IDD. SMS, too.

She is far more capable than before. I must have been overdoing and overprotecting out of love.

Tummy not feeling well.

Will have a meeting at 9 am.

Want to see Lust Caution tomorrow evening.

Pray for my good health!

vodafone

The need 14 days to send me a blank form. They refused to e or scan. After 16 days, I made enquiry, they said they had sent already but would send another one upon my request. I checked with my given address. They wrote "Oh sorry, we sent to the wrong address." My Goodness!

Why should HK people pressurize each other to death. Vodafone is a great brand. Yet they just take things easy.

Chatted with Min over Skype again Sat morning 5- 6. I enjoyed the chat so much.

Su let us have very healthy & nutrious dinner. Corn, Chestnut, cabbages & mushrooms & tomatoes + fried eggs. Fruits, of course.

My left calf cramped before I woke up at 5 am.

Min made a very yummy blueberry cheesecake. She would go to Tunbridge Wells for Saturday activitis. She wore the black pleated skirt with a blouse. She likes the duvet cover & the skirt.

I like the photo depiciting the shadows of 2 people. I asked her who they were. She said "U & me". So I remember. She is so artistic.

Ho drove me home. As usual, he turned on the radio & spoke nothing thruout. He has retired and spent half of his time in China.

The wedding party on Friday had a cable car carrying Gary & Fonteyne from entrance to the platform. I am really out-dated & old-fashioned. I prefer quieter & more sentimental dinner.

wedding party again

Felt better on Friday.

No meeting but just report writing.

Played mj before the banquet & lost $200. A group of happy mates for the whole evening. I need nice companions.

Woke up at 5 am and got Min online from 5:30 am. Chatted with her over Skype until 6:00 am. She sounded cheerful & confident. She has some Belgium friends - boy twins (Gregory & Remy) and a girl. Speaking good English & mature. Pleasant pals.

Kwong has bought me a mug. It is supposed to be my retirement gift. I would like to have it soon.

Pam wrote for Min's flight details. She is a sweet lady. Hope everything goes right.

ate alone in my room - packed lunch

Must learn to be alone. Brought packed lunch & ate in the office. Minced pork + pickles and rice. A box of rucola w/olive oil & vinegar (il Bel Paese). 6 grapes from Japan bought in the Great.

Chopsticks made of bones of cows/oxen and a pretty glass plate for the grapes.

Meeting in the morning.

Life is interesting to be in the midst of a crowd of varieties. See how u face it. Challenges, wars, games, just a means to a fat cheque or social links, continuous learning, services to the community, responsibilities to maintain a family .........

Could not contact Min up till now.

Wrote to Kwong. He is my empty bottle. He would tell me sth about Sault Ste Marie.

Sault Ste Marie

It is pronounced as Soo Saint Marie. Somewhere in Time.

Seeds of hatred, jealousy & insecurity are growing. Warmth, understanding and strength are shrinking. Bitter experiences recur in the mind. Losing confidence & trust. That is quite near to depression, if not death.

Who can cure that?

I have been looking after my brother, sister & daughters. I need pampering. I am heavily loaded.

Dined with Van & Andrew at Zen.

Luckily Min is MSN with me now. She is my darling.

SOS

I know I am tired. Getting agitated & frustrated. Feel like dying. Why is my way so difficult?

Agnes & Judy have been very very kind to me.

I met Ng, Yiu & Fu this morning on my way to work. Too many questions & too little help.

Heard sth about I. Quite surprised to learn such.

Dined at home with Nita.

Van is working very hard & yet bosses are forever pushing for more.

Kwong has gone on vacation with family on an island where "Somewhere In Time" was shot. Can't remember it s name. Sounds like French.

Lille is where Min had visited last Saturday. She said 3 hrs single journey was a long one.

She likes the duvet cover.

Lorraine is coming back in December with Jerry & 2 boys.

Wildfire in Elements

Sunday - pingpong 1-3 pm.

Wildfire in Elements - metal, wood, water, fire & earth. Road signages everywhere. Italian food, yummy & expensive.

Dined at KT. Tel Min. She sounded cheerful. Gone to Lille as arranged by school. Very tired - one single journey was 3 hrs by school bus.

Monday - Lippo Restaurant for lunch.

5 meetings plus many emails + decision makings. Real trying. Have to have high EQ, physical strength & will power.

Wedding party of Twinky & Ivan at Yat Tung Heen.

Sentiments have won. Am I weak & silly or too desperate?

Telford on Saturday

Lunch in Imperial Kitchen. I like the deep-dried small yellow croakers.
Shopped around in the arcade. Got some food from Marks & Spencers - jam, muffins, pilau rice & almond biscuits + ginger biscuits. Bought 2 Van Gough ball-pens. One black lacquor top + deep purple & one black lacquor + marble white. Both were pretty. Even the one + dark green was nice, though I did not buy it. Van picked the marble white for Joycelyn as birthday gift. She likes it. Van & A bought a hair band from Alexandre. They celebrated her birthday in Lei Garden, Elements. I also bought a copper-brown wind jacket from Columbia. A small purple water bottle, too.

Lost a lot in the Xigu mj game - about 6,0000 marks within one day. Luckily, it was not real money.

I have won $20 + $160 from 2 Mark Six Random tickets. 3 numbers and 3 1/2 numbers. If put together on one ticket .........

Had dinner at Simply Thai with Nita. Just 2 of us. Let her have a treat. A dinner set for $198. Telford is a very good shopping mall and provides so many cuisines.

Could not contact Min until now. Missing her. Don't know anything about her day trip to France.

Will play pingpong today with Marga.

Must post-record Friday:

Lunch with usual group at Wanchai and dinner at Dong Resturant in Hotel Miramar with the Tsinghua pals. I enjoy the company of them all. I feel so safe & relaxed with all these people. What may seem disturbing in work can be just some jokes when shared out on table. Work keeps people smart & informative & flexible & broad-minded. It is more than money earned, experience earned and buddies earned.

Lei Yue Mun Seafood

Jap food with Van in Causeway Bay for lunch on Thursday. She is working very hard. A bit frustrated.
Dinner at Lei Yue Mun for Seafood.

Min will go to France on Saturday. School activities - start at 5 am & end at 3 pm. May be a visit to Museums or oultets etc. No extra fees to be paid. All included in the boarding charges.

Medical reports so far so good.

trench coat & brogues

Yesterday, farewell lunch for Suen in Central. Dined at home. Van finished her work late.

Today, salad bad at Marriott Lounge. Dined at home again & Van finished her work late again.

Life is so inspiring when I can pick up any topic & always get responded with knowledge & sense of humour.

Tmr I will see doc at 3 pm. Very scared. I become tense. Wow!

Min is playing badminton just now. Skype is so wonderful. It brings us together across the miles.

national day

Tea with Porpor at Lei Garden APM. Bought a down blanket with duvet cover for Min.

A special gift for the National Day. So unexpected. Jeffrey got a Nokia mobile phone issued.

Dined at KT. Talked to Min over Skype. She has got Food Tech. See what she will cook or make.

lan fong yuen & heichinrou (Sunday)

Van & A & I went to Gage St for tea and noodles in soup. It is one of the famous cafes in Central. We had tea w/sugar & milk and some instant noodles. Many customers looked rich. A young man sitting opposite me wore a Daytona. Another girl wore very bright & big diamond ear-rings. Another man held a handbag for his girl friend - LV. There was a tiny French resturant opposite but closed. We would go there some time.

Pingpong from 1-3 pm. I had to rest after 45 mins. Marga could sustain better. I just like to do some exercises. Usual confee + dough shop for snacks.

Dinner with Van & A's family. First time to meet his Grandma (aged 94) and his Pa. Very humorous & friendly people. Travel around after retirement. Enjoy dine & wine. We had 2 bottles of red wine. The abalones were very delicious. They are frequent patronizers in Heichinrou (Times Square). They asked me whether I would like to go to Penang and New Zealand with them. J will go to Gold Coast for a meeting. Her Mom will go with her.

Min did not go out on Sunday. She would do the prep work. Wenjun & Wenxi stayed at home doing revision for exams. Lorraine will return on Tuesday. The boys have to be very independent with such busy parents.