how to build stress resilience

Wednesday - sick leave.

Thursday - half day seminar on the subject in the afternoon in CSTDI.

Friday - Lunch at Lippo. Dinner at ICAC new office in Quarry Bay with Tsinghua pals. Beautiful seaview, high security. Chat, chat, chat.

Several of us have children studying in UK or some have completed. Much said about children.

Wenxi is excited about our visit. It makes you feel everything is worthwhile.

Cold weather continued. I have to wear the down jacket which has been shelved for many years.

Sang Kee Congee

Monday - Jap set lunch. Very enjoyable.

Marga went to consult HKU Space Chinese doctor. Hope the herb teas will do her good. Dinner with her and Kevin at Sang Kee. We had fish congee, chicken and pork liver.

Lorraine & the boys are so delighted to have our visit.

Chatted with Min over Skype. She is starting to think about her future.

Having a bad cold.

new pingpong racket - 6 stars HSH

Single side with rubber. The other side woody. That will become lighter.

Pingpong at Victoria Park. Then, lunch with Paus at Sagano.

Flora's Beauty Parlour.

Dinner at Porpor's home. Will bring her a set of blue towels - 3 different sizes - face towel to bath towel. Some red packets for the Lunar New Year.

Very cold.

The Lounge, Four Seasons Hotel

Saturday roster - the monitor could not function. Got a new Philips 17" LCD mon. Chatted with the guy who serviced. ICT is more a subject for boys. So Min is working very hard on it without much satisfaction. Maybe she can drop it after Lower 6. The young generation has a lot of their own anxieties as well. Being parents, we must be careful. Perhaps we think we have provided so much for them already and which are all that we were deprived of when we were small. However, their difficulties are certainly of another kind that we can help very little. Their competition is keen in differnt forms.

Lunch with Ella at the Jade Cantonese Restaurant at Citiplaza, Taikooshing. Bought some scarfs at Tie Rack. One for myself, one for Irene and one for Joycelyn.

Tea at Delifrance at Central. A hot green tea with fresh milk. A piece of Magdaleine. Jimmy's Kitchen was closed for some hours between the meals.

Taliana. David, Helen & Mike. How could a woman be named Mike. But she is really pleasant and offers very good services. I like David cos he never talks too much.

Waited at Citysuper, IFC, for Van and Andrew. Then we took a ferry to Discovery Bay. Dined at a Thai restaurant KohTomYum's. Most customers were westerners. We had tongyumgung soup. prawns with peppercorns, stir-fried potatoes, fried kale and some drinks. An atmosphere of a club for the whites. Strolled along the places nearby the pier. Relaxing. Felt like on vacation. It was a bit cold. Who says global warming? Complimentary ferry tickets from the restaurant to return to Central. Below the Thai restaurant, there was a pub or something called Hemingway's at the Bay. I like the name. We will go again. There are some similarities with Stanley.

Oh, just could not resist the temptation to have a drink in the Four Seasons Hotel - 2 camomile teas and one non-alcoholic Smile. They served with cashew nuts, olives and songzi (forgot about the English name). 6 Stars service - the guard in the Lobby, the waiters/waitresses, the live band and the attendants at the taxi-stand at the Entrance. Will go again, for sure.

Planning to visit Lorraine and bring along Mom. She deserves a break. So I do.

27 dresses

Thursday - one day off. The chicken broth with dried abalone + shark's fin & pork bones was added to boil congee with conpoy. Very delicious.

UCH - test. Then, dermatologist in North Point. My body needs so much attention and maintenance. Dinner at home with Van.

No news from Min.

Friday - lunch with Ellen at Police HQ - officers' mess. Very stylish & exclusive.

Tea Reception.

Movie at AMC, PP, with Agnes. American film. Relaxing. Absolutely different culture.

Late dinner at Zen. Glad to have her company.

jewels not worn

Tuesday night - able to chat with Min over Skype from 11 pm to 1 am. She has received the armani foundation. My girls are using far more expensive skin care products than I do. She is very happy with all the birthday presents she has received this year. She had once thought she would have a very lonely birthday in the foreign land. Caring English people. I like them. Or western culture is more expressive.

Wednesday - lunch with a retiree. Dinner at home with Van & Andrew. Nita boiled some very delicious soup for us.

It has been a few months I had not been in the Admiralty shop. Indeed they helped me to relax a lot. Too tight, too much tension.

Herb teas seem to help, perhaps psychologically.

I have taken out some jewels not worn for a long long time. Each item recalls memories. I love diamonds and gems. I love all kinds of things that keep me high-spirited. They are more reliable than people.

Chatted with Min over Skype this morning. She has no interest in the Bridges workshop. She sent over 2 photos - one with Wingki and one is flowers from Pam. Is it the first time she receives fresh flowers?

noodles in Landale St

Yee Hin noodles shop. Very tasty.

Il Bel Paese - bought a twin bottle for olive oil + vinegar and a bottle of ground black pepper. Fine food from Italy. Just wish to make life more pleasurable.

2 meetings for the day.

Van is still working in her office. No trace of Min.

Pam no response.

Dinner at home.

Bought a new novel by Yik She.

arucola from Italy

Lunch at Victoria Restaurant.

Dinner - a great dish of arucola with extra virgin olive oil + balsamic vinegar + mashed blue cheese. Fantastic! The funny point is that I did not go with risotto but plain rice. Save Nita's work.

Agnes assisted me in settling the bill of Pam. Very convenient and a bit cheaper.

I went to consult the Chinese doctor in HKU Space again. He said I am in very good condition with my medical history.

Good news! I bought 10 packs of tonic herbs for my body's maintenance.

Talked to Lorraine for many many things in daily life. Thank God I have got 2 lovely sisters and friends always supporting.

Hardship & bitterness can be better managed.

If I ever encounter nasty people or hard luck, I will just treasure all the more those who are kind and those which are enjoyable. Time passes invariably anyway.

Wenbang is doing well. Glad to learn that.

Had a long chat with Ella.

Cannot locate Min yet.

Connie went back to work for Sammy Lee.

Kwong is an interesting pal.

beverley hills

Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & lunch at Helen's place. I lost. But the game was very enjoyable as we are a good-willed company. We care for each other and support each other. Since 1971. Kingsui will retire a few months later.

IDD Min. Pam had sent her some flowers. She was in Tesco. She plans to go to London in half term break with Rosa.

Had some stomach ache last night. Pray for a peaceful sleep tonight.

bbq at waterfall bay park

Gathering of fun. I have bought some sausages and 3 "big eye" fish. Really tasty & healthy. Next time, I will buy more - at least 4. Martin is teaching children the national painting. We must do something after retirement. For physical And mental exercises.

Browsed around near Sogo. Mayee called my name. Then she invited me to visit her new home at Blue Pool Road. So, they are so close to Kingsui. Talked to Gordon, Tiffany & Alicia. Girls have grown tall.

I consulted the Chinese "doctor" downstairs and got herb teas for 3 days. He said I am weak and need to strengthen my body. Tonic is always right.

Dinner at home.

Van is coming home now from the Airport. She was in Sapporo this morning. However, when I tel her hotel, she had already checked out.

u are so funny, mom

Min said, "You are so funny, Mom. You told people around you to send me sms."

Lunch at Chiu Chow Garden to bid farewell to Irene. A terribly good working companion. I am very fond of her. She is so supportive and tolerant towards my blah blah blah.

Dinner at Marga's home - congee with stir-fried vermicelli.

BBQ tomorrow and mj on Sunday.

min is 18 today

Wednesday- could not join the Wanchai lunch as meeting overran. Played pingpong in the recreation room. Happiness is pingpong.

Slept after dinner.

Woke up at 5 am and IDD Min. Wished her a Happy Birthday. She is already 18 in HK but 17 in UK by then. So funny.

Thursday - went over to S Kln. Had lunch in the Penthouse, Nathan Hotel. Full house and noisy. People must have earned a lot of money. Last year, it was still quiet due to half of the tables were occupied. Rushed back to office after a brief meeting.

Dined at home. So cold. Just want to sleep.

Event of the Year 2008

Monday - an annual event done. Lunch at City Hall and dinner at Wanchai. Did not hear from Min.

Tuesday - A's birthday.

I have received the book HITMAN from Canada. Overloaded by Kwong's kindness.
I have not sent him any gift.

Talked to Min over Skype at about 10 pm. She is busy with her prep work for Business Studies.

Thanked Kwong. He intended such to be my birthday gift. Now much earlier. Wonder if he would send along another gift in Feb.

I enjoyed playing pingpong with Raymond and another guy after work today in the Recreation Room. I intend to bring a racket tomorrow and try to play during lunch time.

pingpong at victoria park

That acoustic there is not as good as that in Fa Yuen St. Very loud echoes.

We will stop for one time on 20th. I will go to play mj and Marga will fly to Thailand for a long weekend.

We had lunch at TohLee. Browsed at WingOn.

Dinner at KT. I bought the CD player for Porpor. She likes it.

Talked to Min over Skype. Her mobile activated. I am glad that I can communicate with her easily again. Very relieved to learn that she will not drop ICT and she promises to try hard. She had visited Guildford, Surrey, not Gillford where the Football Park is.

Bought a protective film for my LG. Should have done earlier. There are a few scratches now.

To be happy & healthy is my choice. Must sustain. Nice to talk to friends with wisdom and kind hearts. Avoid the devilish and bad-mouthed. But I think it is difficult cos I need to work and work with some of such people. They will not change for anyone. They think they are very smart and can bully others or boast about themselves.

Never mind, a sweet dream, a good sleep and a delicious meal will be my boosters. Virtue is its own reward.

Sai Tso Wan Recreation Playground

Van got up before 7 am & departed with high spirit.

Talked to Min over Skype from 8:30 am to 9:30 am. She wants very much trust from me. She will be mad if I say I worry about her. Sensitive child, like me. Glad to learn that she has worn the pale blue North Face down jacket. Nice & fit & warm. Good enough for the freezing cold. She likes Ollie so much. He is a very considerate and well-behaved young gentleman. He appears on the leaflet for the drama "Acorn to Oak". He is the leading role who comes from the future and meets some boy in the Bethany. Then he likes Bethany. Min said it is a silly play solely in praise of the school. Hahhaha! What a critic.

I then took a walk for about one hour with Nita in the Sai Tso Wan Recreation Ground. Sunny, breezy, fresh air and all the beautiful trees and plants. I like this big park heartily. It is a blessing to have it nearby.

Then, I had tea/lunch with Porpor and Nita. I think Porpor is getting weak in her hearing. She had 12 missed calls despite she had hung the mobile at the front. She always says, " I don't hear any calls." She is like that recently. Nothing can be done. I advised her to ring me up if she is late since she does not hear my calls. But she does not follow my suggestions.

Bought Gungung a dish of glutinous rice as take-way. Upon his request, I bought them a CD player + radio - Philips with some classical CDs for them for entertainment.

I had sago tea at 5 pm and then went to Park N Shop to buy some oranges, dumplings, Chinese mushrooms and dried noodles, abalone and conpoy flavours. Then I went to Flora and Ah Yee.

Dined at home with Nita.

Porpor had tried the CD player. She likes it. She listened to Roman. His voice was really excellent.

Min's phone works again. But she did not answer my call. Sent along a SMS.

BTW, should I have my hair permed?

where is min?

The Seaman has returned. SMS can bring along much fun and keep-in-touch.

Kwong gives a very sensible account of what would be the consequences. He is a good listener and a reliable adviser.

Chasing after Pam for the bill. She is very courteous. Most English people are very educated. It is a comfortable experience to talk to her and receive her emails. She will wait for Ann to do it next week. How slow! She does not mind waiting.

Party with colleagues. I got the lucky draw & got a Park & Shop cash coupon of $100.00. I bought 5 water bottles with different colours and a set of towels for the lucky draw. The cash coupon could be the one I contributed. I enjoyed such parties.

Cannot got hold of Min since 4 am on 10th. Does she know I am missing her so much? Presland has not replied to me either.

Hilary will win? Or Obama? One woman and one black. Nita said Hilary looks pretty. She did not cry before the camera when Bill clinton was involved in scandals with other women. But she had tears when the votes were low. Were such tactics or she cares more for the voters than her husband's fidelity?

The broadcast matters are hot potatoes. See how it will settle.

I like the rocket with oliver oil, vinegar & blue cheese chips. Dining at home saves a lot of money. Lucky to have Nita who is a good cook.

Van came home very late. She will fly early in the morning. Porpor still cannot go to sleep well. Pat seems liking his present post. I am glad to hear that.

Just caught Min on Skype. She finds difficulties in ICT. She will go to Gillford tomorrow. Where is it?

packed lunch on Wednesday & Thursday

Talked to Min over Skype from 4:30 am to 5:00 am. She has received the brithday card & 3 books. She will open the envelop so to read the card on her birthday. She enjoys reading the books written by Dr Au. Presland wrote to say Min is absolutely fine in school.

Reminded her to hand in the bank draft for school fee and taught her to activate the new sim card. See when will she perform & succeed. Min sat for the maths exam. She thought she could get B hopefully. She said it was not terrific at all.

Van will come back for dinner this evening. She will go to Hokkaido in Saturday morning. She got a very pretty white wind-breaker with fleece inner for skiing. Hope that everything would be safe. The travel agent she introduced is very good.

Pam is not keen to send along the bills. Typical decent English lady who feels ashamed to be mercenary.

Porpor could sleep for a while in Kam's place. Old age is certainly the cause for all kinds of discomforts.

thankful prayers

Kwong has forwarded his little girl's prayer to share with me.

I must learn from the simple soul.

Everything is better today. So I should not be anxious and annoyed so easily. I must learn to remain composed, humorous and forgiving.

Lunch at Wanchai with the usual group. Pamela will leave us for about 6 months. Dined with Van at Fish Bar. Luxurious. Life is enjoyable after all.

Talked to Min over Skype. She is happy that her mobile was left in the cab on the way to London and not stolen. The honest driver will return it to her in the school a few days later. She had received the vf card and the warm coat. She is fond of the Pam's family. She has pity on Maryjane & the 2 girls. Min is stuck in ICT. What could I do?

The discomfort on the lower right abdomen that worried me yesterday disappeared this morning. Probably I had been too tense - 4 meetings per day and emails and talking to people. Nervous.

Min returns to school

Pam drove Min back by Monday evening. Just hope that she can have a fruitful time and score higher marks for the admittance to a U of reputation. Fussed about the charger for a few minutes. Naughty girl. Much for her to learn. Needs more discipline.

C came back. I asked him many whys. He said the sun shines on both the good and the bad. People are entitled to their own ways of life and opinions. We just remain what we are and do whatever we think is right. He said jealous people are unhappy people and that is sufficient punishment. We need not bother at all. So he is a Christian, a Christian who refrains from criticizing, a Christian who always responds with a smile without letting you know what he thinks, a Christian who will definitely keep his mouth shut when people pass on some unfair & nasty comments on you and he listens neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Pauline has just given me 2 booklets on her grandma who passed away recently. In return to our condolence money, she gave us the white packets and told me about her grandma. She died at the age of 101. A kindly face.

Van was very excited last evening when she came back. Her blueberry cheese cake was a success. Life, after all, is joyful, if we care to love and accommodate and give more/demand less.

thanks for the gatherings

Sat - Min had a walk in the sunny weather with MaryJane + her friend, Ruby, Isabelle & Flicker across some turf farms. They also bought some snacks from the ministore nearby. Glowing faces. One hour in the morning was so healthy.

I dined with Porpor & Nita at Telford for Jap food.

Sun - Pingpong in Victoria Park. Lunch with Marga & Kevin. HKUSpace tel Kevin that he had been admitted to the Master degree offered by Leicester U. They received a list online but everything would be subject to written confirmation.

Kevin drove Margar, Gungung, Porpor and me to Saikung in the afternoon. We had some Thai food in a lane. We were full but just to keep Gungung company.

Dinner at Porpor's home with everybody. Van also joined. She made a cheese cake for A as a birthday cake.

Nothing matters more than family members and food to me. Hahahha!

Rang up Pam's house at 9 pm. Pam told me that she had gone to the city for cinema with MaryJane, Ruby & Issy. It seems the 2 presents from Pam for Min & me were mislaid somewhere. She would follow-up. MaryJane will accept a job related to China trade. Poor single parent. Luckily, she's got great support from her parents.

I have been asked to do a stupid thing by 2 people. I must handle it carefully. One of them has been malicious by nature. Do I appear to be "no brain" to others?

i like ming kee - $45 a very decent lunch

I like Ming Kee in Wanchai. If our canteen would be similar to it, how nice!

Talked to Min by IDD. Van talked to her too. Very different life pattern there with 2 oldies. She had sausages and cheese and soup and a glass of tap water for dinner. She has a toast for breakfast. She watched DVD most of the time in her room. Sometimes she read the Chinese books I gave to her.

I had bought a birthday card for her and 3 books by the doc. She has to stay there for 3 more nights. Hope that she will study hard instead of idling around.

lovely sunny day

Talked to Min last night by IDD. She sounded cheerful and settled. After all, children are very adaptable. She has been doing the assignment on Business Studies. Flicker was right in front of her and some cats would go into her bed room at any time. It was snowing outside but the heater in the house made her warmer than in HK.

Today is sunny. I feel light-hearted.

Van got her appraisal for the year. Scored grade B. Not easy. Promised to be promoted in 6 months' time. Very glad that the girls are striving hard for their own paths ahead.

Had the washing machine repaired - $850.

The North Face down jacket would be Min's birthday present. A pale blue wind-breaker outside, can be zipped up with a beige inner with down. Should last for many years. Nita also sent by sea mail a big box of drinks and food for her. Spoiling her.

Yesterday, I had a delicious lunch with colleagues in Lippo.

I will buy Min a birthday card and she wants books written by a doctor. Quite humorous & positive.

margaret ng

A woman, an author, a scholar, a counsel & a politician. Recently, I have been reading one of her books - proses. Just tender & beautiful. Just wish that I had never known her face & her speeches. So nice & distant when she tells you about cooking, English backyards, cats & bridges ...........

Spent the whole morning in S kln. and came back to buy a lunch box from Great. I picked a bottle of Balsamic vinegar (di Modena) as New Year present. I am indulged in many delicate items in life. I make sure they are affordable. Don't worry.

I treasure every day cos I don't know as no one knows how many more are lying ahead.

New Year Eve & New Year

31st - Bought bank draft for the Spring Term school fee. Had Jap food for lunch - fried pomfret. Min had friends wathcing thriller with her at home before she departed. Dined at home with Van & A. She brought along the set of pink LeSportsac bags. I bought her some chilli oil and some choc for Pam. I also gave Pam a Coach coin purse. May drove her to the airport with Porpor, me & the 2 boys. Had some fun time at Burger King. Although Min had checked in online in the morning, the plane was over-booked and she luckily got up-graded to business class. She was excited. I know the departure will cause me some great sentiments as expected.

1st - Went to S Kowloon in the morning for about 2 hrs and treated some staff to lunch. Relatively cheap when compared with those restaurants in PP. Bought her a 2 jackets in 1 in the Outdoor Shop. Pale blue. The old one had faded colour. Will have dinner with Porpor.

Talked to Min and she has safely arrived Pam's home. Pam later confirmed that she has gone to sleep. Too tired. And the luggage is big.

Habitu Restaurant

Sat - Irene has kindly treated us for an Italian lunch buffet. I enjoyed the bell peppers, rocket salad with olive oil + vinegar and the smoked halibut. The main course is not my favourite. She ordered a glass of white wine for each of us. It was like champagne. I cannot remember the name. The desserts were fine.

Then I walked around with Min at Times Square. She bought a cardigan and a tee from Moussy, the trendy shop for the young. Charmaine came to join her before 5 pm. I went home.

I brought Porpor & Nita for dinner at Lei Garden at APM. They deserve a break after a whole year's cooking and serving everybody in the daily life.

The year end is drawing near. I pray for health and peace of mind. Happiness is the fruit of both.

Both girls came home quite late. Min had seen a Cantonese film in the Grand Cinema, Elements and had dinner with Charmaine at Causeway Bay. Just hope that I am able to support her for many years to come.

Sunday - pingpong at Victoria Park. Ate a bowl of Viet beef noodles in soup. Then the 42nd HK Brands & Products Expo. Bought mushrooms, dried whelks and camillia oil for skin care. Kind of fun. Drank some offers of soup. Checked the knife for chicken.

Will probably go to Porpor's place for dinner. A bit cooler today.

Last Friday in 2007

Lunch at Canteen with colleagues. Then we took a walk in the HK Park. We all enjoy simple life.

BBQ in Marga's roof top with Paus, Porpor, Jeffrey, Jason, Van, Min & A. Dolly & Nita also.

Irene will give us a treat tomorrow for Italian lunch buffet at Habitu, Lee Garden.

Last evening, I had dinner with B at Zen.

Tam & I really treasure his talents & efforts in work. Just hope that he would be able to fit in the game & be on the right rack.

My health my main concern!

UCH

Medical appointment in the afternoon. Further test is required in Feb.

What a soul and what a body! Should I worry? No use. Just remain calm. That is the best I could do.

Chu has returned to HK. He is goodie goodie to me.

Gungung has spent one night in UCH and went home.

UCH - how you are serving my family.

Bought Caesar salad for Min.

i am legend - will smith

I went to Mongkok around 11 am. Bought dried oysters & 3 silver finger rings. A pr of sapphire ear-rings with tiny tiny diamonds.

Lunch at Sai Kung - Van gave us a treat ie Min & A & me.

Elements - Min's first visit. She preferred IFC. We saw a movie in the Grand Cinema there. Will Smith was very 'ying'. I like Samantha. How could they make her act?

Then Xia Mian Guan - just so-so. We had noodles in chicken soup & a smoked egg.

We bought nothing cos everything was expensive.

Both Gungung & Porpor are not feeling well today. Coldness is threatening to the aged.

X'mas Day & Boxing Day

25th - arranged Porpor for body massage. Then I had lunch with her & the 2 girls at Dan Ryan, Festival Walk. Surf & Turf, delicious but expensive. Sth uncommon for Porpor. Cole Hann had sale. A previously marked $500 coin purse now $360. But display items only unless I order from Sogo. Very beautiful decorations and people everywhere. Queen's Cafe & Cova only served X'mas dinners. Min & I had some drinks (mango nectar) at Starbucks after Van had gone. We had lengthy discussions/debates over generation gaps and expectations from parents vs children. An eternal topic. She is much maturer and has her ideas as usual. She told me a lot about her school life in Kent. Lots of adaptations to be made. We also discussed about religion and God. Glad that we can talk zealously though with different points of views over some areas sometimes.

We went to visit Chrystal. Her mother died when she was 4. What more could I complain?

Dined at home with Min. Wanchai Pier dumplings - watercress + pork. Delicious & economical. Nice to have Nita around.

Exchanged greetings with Pam on 24th. English people are polite. Her class, of course. Her friend Peggy wrote a book about Marden and touched upon her house - The Old Vicarage. She promised to send me a copy later.

Bette Li forever gentle and contented.

Kwong is intelligent and hard-working and self-motivating. Very re-assuring.

26th - What lies ahead? I must choose to be happy! Next week, I will be missing Min terribly. Poor schedules of flight bring along regret.

X'mas Eve - home alone

Worked the whole day.

Dined at home with Nita.

Van dined with A at Stanley. Min permed her hair in Causeway Bay and dined at TST with May.

Nita had gone out to Mass with Dolly etc.

All will return after midnight.

I better have a hot water bath & read some books and enjoy a good sleep.

World Peace!

I pray for everyone endeared to me!

The Golden Compass

Saturday - Wing On TST East again.

Reunion dinner at Porpor's home to celebrate winter solstice. Gungung was teriribly happy.

Sunday - Pingpong at Victoria Park. The facilities and conditions are disappointing. They are quite worn out. I had much higher expectations. Strolled along Tsing Fung St, Lau Li St and Electric Road with Marga. We had the beef brisket with noodles in soup at Tai Lee. The name is overstated. We found the beef brisket too lean and hard. Not cheap neither.

We then went to Sogo. All the pink Longchamp nylon tote bags were sold out. Min longs to have one.

Had dinner with Min at APM - Jap. Then we saw The golden Compass starred by Nicole Kidman. She is an excellent modle for clothes. Noble, good figure, fair complexion and nice, teeth, hair and figure.

Received X'mas presents from A & his mother. Very happy!

I have got a new LG mobile. Slim & silver.

Back to work on Monday.

Min is fine after a wole day's rest

Min went to Dr Tong Friday afternoon. Wirings were tuned. No swollen cheeks and the wounds were healing. She bought a bottle of red wine for Uncle. Wolf Blass Shiraz 2006.

X'mas lunch in the office. Usually I could not eat much food and as usual, I did not get any presents from the lucky draw.

Both girls had their respective fun groups for dinner.

I tel Ella. She was in similar situation. So we dined at West Villa, Taikooshing. I gave her a treat as post celerbation of her birthday falling on 20th. I like the famous 'charsiu' there. Spinach & stir-fried fish were also ordered. I am glad that I could have saved nearly $40,000 as Min got the surgery in QE. I only paid $49 for her bedspace for one night. Medical benefits are overhelmingly huge for me these few years. The younger generation must get adequate insurance. Illnesses are just ordinary happenings.

The year end is drawing near. I pray for the world peace and my family to be in love & harmony.

Min is home

Monday evening - fetched her from the Airport.

Tuesday & Wednesday - QEH - surgery successful - in between we had lunch at Yun Mei, shopped around at PP & Festival Walk on Tuesday. I am glad that I could accompany her. In fact, I had to sign for her operation. Lots of anxieties.

I went to work today and she rested at home the whole day. Her X'mas present is a LG Shine KE 970 - cherry pink.

I bought a purple cardigan for Porpor and a green cardigan for Mayee from Wing On as X'mas gifts.

J tel. Quite a number of serious problems.

Life is full of ups and downs.

I pray that I must keep my peace of mind and health.

Van is not coming home for dinner.

I think there is some misunderstanding with Pam.

Today is Ella's birthday. She had dinner with her children. I tel her & wished her all the best. Karyan had the same surgery by the private doctor. $38,000 + x-ray charge & consultation fees. Nearly $40,000. I only paid $49 for the bed fee for one night. Even the medicine - mouth wash water & pain killers were free.

a peaceful sunday

A pc of white bread dipped in olive oil + vinegar and a cup of coffee to start the day.

Pingpong in mongkok for the last session. Next week, we will go to Victoria Park.

A tin of steamed rice, I took beef, Marga took chicken w/mushroom. $20 each. So we can survive anyway at all levels of life.

Charisma - hair cut & colour treatment.

KT - dinner.

Home.

Van's mobile was not functioning.

Min sms that she is going to the airport now.

Pray that everything is fine. I will fetch her tomorrow.

I love sunshine & roses.

honey citreon tea

Worked in the morning. Had honey citreon tea and grilled ham/cheese sandwich.

Had lunch with Van & A near Sogo - Jap sushi set. Delicious.

Went to Ju. Then Wing On TST East. Then afternoon tea.

Had facial at Flora Beauty. I am not sure whether I become more beautiful but it was really relaxing.

Dined at home with Nita. Potatoes soup + beef steak + bitter gourd + rice.

Talked to Min with IDD and over Skype.

My memory mainly catches food & clothes. A very material girl.

Life is not bad.

PS I am reading Kenny B's book, some sort of autograph. Should he disclose so much about his ex-wife? That would be terribly hurting to the children though I have no sympathy for his ex-wife but contempt.

9.9 to be 5.1

Thursday - lunch at Jiang shan Xiao - YM gave a treat to Ag & me.

Arrived Eastern at 3:30 pm and waited for 1 1/2 hour by myself. Very puzzled and uncertain. The lady doc told me about the report from UCH on ct scan. Terribly good news. Examinations with normal conditions.

Went back to join the seminar. Dinner at Sheung Wan. I laughed with tears. So amusing was the company. Perhaps the main cause was that I was relieved from some anxieties.

Friday - lunch at Chiu Chow Garden.

Had a chearty chat -

Lorraine & family got an upgrade on the way home. So lucky.

i am happy

I know I can't ask for more.

God has His Will.

Monday lunch with Ju. Her diamond ear-rings are so pretty. 4 chains - 2 on each side.

Afternoon visit at Eastern.

Dinner at Yaumatei near the fruit wholesalers. The Singaporean man & boys enjoyed the roast goose so much.

Bought Michael a Cross ball pen as birthday gift. He liked it. One for myself and one for Min. Both of them have the silver ones and I have the black one. All with names engraved.

Tuesday lunch with Meg etc. at Zen.

3 meetings from 9:30 am to 7 pm. In between all emails & writing reports & phone calls. Crazy schedules.

Min will stay in the school for the coming weekend and share a taxi with 2 girls to Heathrow. Have cancelled arrangement with Pam. Hope she would not be upset.

elements

Pingpong. Noodles. Elements. Nikon camera. Macaroon. Cakes. Hairy crabs from Hou Wang Road, Kowloon City.

Dinner at KT. IDD Min. She sounded cheerful. She will stay in school on Sunday.

Maria home leave again.

Truffles. Coach handbag - black shoulder bag. See's candies. 2 coin purses.

I pray for energy and joy.

Wing On - the Dept Store

It is a day for the 3 sisters yesterday. We had tea at TST east - Good Luck Restaurant at Imperial Centre. Then Wing On TST east to Wing On Yaumatei. Walked all the way via Park Lane on the Nathan Road.

Dinner at MegaBox, Kowloon Bay, a table of 17.

Wenxi birthday on 29/11, Michael 7/12 and Wenjun 8/12. All celebrated together.

Wenjun got a Waterman ballpen and Wenxi a Cross ballpen.

Tops from Italy/Spain, chrystal necklaces and leather handbags. A day for ladies' spending for lots & lots of fun.

We found out that the public toilet in the Kowloon Park is a clean one.

Min was getting better. She went to Maidstone yesterday. We talked by IDD. She has got the 2nd school report. She is able to partcipate more in the class by oral expression. Business Studies is the hardest subject for her so far. Food Tech is the easiest for her to grasp. She wants to buy some warm clothings when she returns.

computerized tomography

I took 2 pcs of bread dipped in olive oil & vinegar + 2 cups of plain water at 7:30 am. Kept fasting until everything was finished around 6 pm.

Took 8 pills at 7:30 am and another 8 around 2 pm. Should be last night before sleep and noon today. Too tense and made things gone wrong. Luckily, doc said it would be fine as such were just for prevention of allergy. Had to hold the breaths at some moments.

One day vacation leave.

Weak, I feel weak.

Porpor accompanied me to UCH and then to APM Red Ant for a bowl of porkchop noodles + cabbages. Mama is God's representative to take care of us.

Van & A will dine at my home. So I asked Nita to prepare chicken broth and some delicious food.

Lorraine, Jerry, Wenjun & Wenxi will arrive around 8 pm. Michael & May will fetch them and they will stay at Marga's place. A busy weekend. We will let Wenxi play pingpong for the Sunday sessions.

Suen said work brings along pressure but retirement and idleness make people feel hollow and useless. It is indeed a phase for us to well plan in all respects.

King Fat Shop has moved to a smaller space opposite Osim. I made some purchases there.

If anyone finds me terrible recently, I ask for your indulgence & understanding. Of course, no one should tell me, "You are not terrible recently but always."

CT scan tomorrow

Killed by anxieties and unreasonable loads of work.

Need tremendous patience & tolerance & energy to deal with everyone & everything.

Could life be kinder to me?

Eventually, Min phoned back. Porpor was at my place. They talked a while. She is still sick. 2 days, at first sneezes. Today, headache & bone ache all over the body. She is sweet.

Van finished her work about 8:30 pm. Did not come back for dinner. Probably in A's home. Not yet returned.

New boss gave us a treat at Grappa's. Pacific Place is gorgeous.

Meg said she bought trousers & jeans from iBlues. About $2,000 each.

Even the most good-tempered man I ever know is a bit upset. Another few complain to me irrespective of our "shallow" relationship. Or some just do not want to suppress & blah blah blah. How long this will continue?

dried oysters

Could not get hold of Min for the whole day. Dunno how she is getting on. Feeling better or what!

The dried oysters are delicious. Stew with mushroom and pork ribs and black moss is fine. Steamed with ginger shreds and wine is another taste.

Lunch with the usual group in Wanchai. Dinner with Van & A at home.

Gungung has undergone a minor operation today. Results very satisfactory. Porpor is happy to accompany him to & fro.

I like Harvey's question that whether S had been ill-mannered to me. He cares.

I like the Swarovski crystal brooch so much. Have quite a collection of such.

Talked to some guys working in the bank. They think Anson should be able to survive the queries on 100% mortgage on her flat 10 years ago. Wait & see.

Met Deneb on the way home. We are fond of each other despite the short encounter in 2006.

min is ill

I was able to chat with Min last night over Skype. She was having a cold. She went to the Medical Centre & got a pill. Today, it became worse. She sms me to ask Presland to grant her sick leave & permit her to stay in her room. I did email Presland. As I was kept busy and away from my office for 2 hours, when I returned, I found that she left me a message for calling her. Poor darling!

Kwong had a terrible experience. I wonder who was so wicked to play a malicious trick.

I pray for Min's getting well soon.

I bought a lunch box from Zen with daily soup. Dined with Nita at home.

anson wins

Woke up to learn that Anson Chan wins. Quite expected.

Lunch with J at La Fourchette.

Dined at home with Van. We went shopping after work in Pacific Place together. Not happening frequently.

The dried oysters are very delicious. I bought some food from the Great.

Min could not go to internet. Their wireless environment is not very steady. Luckily, she sms.

anson v regina

Received a twin bottle of olive oil + vinegar from Irene. I like it very much. Did not buy it though I eyed on it for long.

Pingpong & lunch with Marga at Mongkok. Shopping around nearby. Bought a grey vest with lace for Van.

Went to Flora.

Causeway Bay was terribly crowded.

Dinner with Van & A at Stanley - Chilli & Spice House. Van had a pair of black long boots from Agnes b as X'mas present. Van gave us the treat. Fish, beef/noodles in soup, pork rib soup, satay chicken, minced pork with string beans etc. There was a polling station in Stanley.

Who will win? An unprecedented election between 2 ex high-ranking officials.

Have not heard from Min for 2 whole days. Where has she gone on Saturday? Disappeared? Not on Skype for many hours already.

The Rules of Parenting

Sai Tso Wan Park - morning walk with Nita from 9 to 10:30 am. Best weather for the brisk walk. Sunny, breezy and dry.

Lunch with Porpor at Lei Garden APM. Enjoyed her company so much. She is the forever tender Mama.

Van played tennis with A.

Sago tea downstairs.

Dined at home with Nita.

I am reading a book by Richard Templar. How to be a good parent? The standard is so high that it is next to the sky.

I bought 2 Swarovski brooches. One for myself, one as gift. They usually cheer me up around X'mas.

ray charles

His voice is so charming. His songs are soothing - soul musician. He had many duets - some with Natalie Cole. He was born in 1930 and died in 2004. He had overcome blindness and poverty and became a towering figure in the pop music. He was a legend. His nickname was "Genius" as Frank Sinatra gave to him.

He divorced twice and had 12 children. "I got a woman" "Honey Honey"...........

Lunch at Summer Palace.

I must treasure the weekend and allow myself a good rest.

Dinner at home with Van & A. We had a new induction cooker with a hot pot - so delicious.

Consulted Dr Lee this morning. He brought along comfort & confidence.

I will buy a Sw. chrystal brooch tomorrow.

ginger tea

Had 2 cups of hot ginger tea.

To do or not to do?

Bought a set of roast chicken with rice + vege from the Great as the meeting ended by 1:30 pm.

Min sent 2 songs for me: Georgia on my Mind by Ray Charles & Don't make my Brown Eyes Blue by Chrystal Gale. She told me Frankie sang "Georgia" and John sang Bob Dylon's "Don't Think Twice" and played guitar & harmonica at the same time in their mini concert and assembly.

Ray Charles had been blind since 7. He was born in Georgia. Now the song has become the State song. But it should be meant for a girl called Georgia. Frank Sinatra said he was the only genius in the field. Ray Charles 1930 - 2004. A pioneer American pianist & Soul musician. Wonderful!

Min has to do kitchen duty - to clean up the place by roster.

Had dinner with Van and Andrew at home. Van cooked 3 dishes and boiled some soup. Fried shrimps w/eggs, beancurd cubes with minced pork and fried beef lices w/kale. Corn/carrot with pork bones soup. Nice.

Just been able to say hi to Min at 7 am on Friday morning. She then went to bed.

Read her little diary written in 2001. She was only 11 years old. She wrote a note in 06 after post reading - she thought she was naive. But they were interesting memories.

How I wish I could have spared more time and attention to her then.

workshop + medical appt

Day 2 of the Workshop. I made a presentation which attracted some praises from the Boss & some colleagues.

Job satisfaction.

Medical appointment - some decision to be made. Quite puzzled.

When I went home, Van has finished her dinner already.

Had the shower hose changed - $170.00 for materials and service.

Today is cold. I have not yet fully recovered from my illness.

vivien westwood

Min has gone to Cosmo last night - Old Pops Monitor dinner. School bills again. Just imagine how much I have paid for her. She sent 2 photos via Skype. One with Wingki & Axelle and one with Wingki & a few European girls - all making grimaces. She is wearing the black pullover I bought her before she left - Vivien Westwood. Spending money on beautiful things is so enjoyable that it can offset my "pains & sufferings" in work. She once went to a church in Marden in memorial services for those Bethany boys who died in World War I. So her school was founded for more than 140 years. Previously for boys only, later co-ed.

In December, I will have an increment in my salary - enough to buy many packs of abalone macadamias. Lorraine & family have set off for US yesterday. I forgot today & tried to talk on Wenxi by MSN. He is off line. Then, suddenly, I remember.

Van came home very late. Long hours of work for both of us.

The weather is turning a bit cold tonight. I must sleep early, have to get up early tmr morning.

No news from Mr Nanny.

we are all sinners

Or should I say no one is perfect. Anger, jealousy, greed, selfishness, laziness, lust & gluttony.

Kam said "You won't be able to find a 100% true friend since no one is perfect." Sure, another reason is that people change. We change & others change, too, responsive to circumstances.

Van has arrived the airport one hour ago and has not yet come home. Is it for retrieval of luggage or what? Should not take so long.

I continue to take herbal tea. Quite determined to do without Dr Lam. He is hard working and is rich. He owns several shops downstairs.

Marga said both Peggy & Kevin said she should buy the Longchamp purplish grey or red or wasabi instead of beige which is too common looking.

Van has just returned.

no macadamias for me?

Without knowledge that some nuts were for me, Jerry told the maid to open up all the packs and put them into food boxes. However, Wenxi promised to buy some from US for me. This time, he will look for the wasabi flavour.

Kingsui taught me to blend lotus seed for dessert. She also taught me to add fa diu wine to soak the chicken before boiling the soup. Really fantastic. She will retire next year. So by the time I retire, there are quite a number of retiree friends waiting for me to join them already.

The notebook is noisy. See how long it can function!

Talked to Min over Skype from 6:30 to 9:15 am this morning. She is getting maturer. She learns a lot. The education is multi-faceted. Caring and disciplined at the same time. She did not go to Canterbury nor Maidstone yesterday but will go to Tesco to buy some food today. She is taught to make a picture frame. All her teachers are multi-skilled. Driving, ironing, computer, cooking & art/music.

Anson Chan & Regina Ip debated or quarrelled?

Christina was unhappy in the middle of the game. The purpose of entertainment ws defeated. I was taking cold tablets & felt very drowsy. I am naughty & always get up in the small hours trying to catch Min over Skype. Would it be like that for the next 5 years? My dear.

a bad cold

Dinner at Fung Shing Rest in Causeway Bay on Thursday. The deep fried chicken and the fish rolls were good. Not the deep-fried dumplings with superior soup nor the sago pudding. Sweet & sour porks and the glutinous rice alright.

Yesterday, I visited Shatin. Very busy - the New Town Plaza. Shing Mun River is there with the park. Quite good environments. Jo's husband is working there.

Dinner with Marga. Each of us bought a Longchamp nylon bag. Foldable. She picked the beige one, I picked the wasabi one. On sale.

I found that abalone macadamias are sold in the Great - very expensive - $99.90 for 12 oz. To my surprise, Wenxi told me (he returned home at 7 pm last evening) that he could not find abalone flavour in Perth. He bought the wasabi for me.

Helen said I am free & alone, not lonely. Van has gone to Phuket early in the morning yesterday and will return on Monday around midnight.

I will go to Kingsui's place tmr to play mj.

I went to Sogo 21 floor with Helen. We bought woollen cardigans (light blue & mauve for me & grey for Helen) from Brooks Brothers & Aquascutum (red).

I went to chinese doctor & will take herb tea.

busy schedules

Tuesday: lunch with Ag & Tam at Jiang Shan Xiao.

Went ot Taliana after work. People there have known me for 20+ years. A special kind of connection. Even Luk Hoi Tong Building is being demolished. No more Queen's Theatre. Sheung Yu's shop has been moved to Pottinger Street.

Wednesday: remained in one room for the whole day. So closely packed programmes. Lunch at Wanchai with the usual group.

Will go to Whampoa Garden for a wedding banquet hosted by Gungung's friend - one of his best friends still living.

Chatted with Min over Skype last evening. She will cook Thai food next week: chilli prawns, sweet & sour chicken and curry pork.

I am very tired now. However, I have to go to the banquet with Van. I am very tired, tired, tired ........................... Lots of work to be followed-up ......................... Loads ..........................Help!

Hitman

Bret Hart's nick name is Hitman. The full title of the gift book is:

Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling.

He comes from a family of wrestlers. Who is not wrestling in the cartoon world? We need to make a livelihood and our lives drain away minute by minute.

Raymond will study in Australia next year. So all the children have grown up and we have aged.

My CD ROM in the office was not functioning this morning. They sent along a new set with keyboard + mouse. Hahaha! The privilege of being at work.

I like the dogs with words of wisdom. Shared with all grade members & some others. Hope they like it.

Cannot contact Min yet. She says she is taught about hacking & fraud & commercial crime.

Will drink the dark herb tea tonight. See if it is tonic to my health.

this is entertainment

Her voice is sweet & far-reaching. The musical band is terrific. This is entertainment? Not good enough for me. No dancers, only 2 dressess worn for the whole evening. One black & one white - quite plain. No talks, except "thank you". None of the songs is known to me. The acoustic is renewed & enhanced and the free supporting shuttle services are excellent. Shuttle is equally important to Megabox.

5- Day week is good. It gives us a break from the office works. We rest & keep our brain fresh. Our mind goes to where we can seek amusement and comfort. I had a browsing in Sogo. Too crowded. No mood to pick & buy anything. The price for gaining the cheque is ........ So, enjoy the fruit and accept the process. It could be funny if I learn enough to step back & watch. That needs a bit of wisdom to remain detached.

SuperStar at Times Square - lunch with V & A. Sago tea downstairs.

The above account is for Sat.

Ollie is the leading actor for the Christmas drama - school production. Min will cook some Thai food next week as a part of fusion.

Today is again pingpong & dinner at Porpor's home. Regular & xing fu.

Ollie has won my heart

Ollie is playful in lessons. Keeps making class-mates laugh. But he is following the teachings well and can answer questions smartly. He can have divided attention and yet scores high marks.

Life is so easy for him. It seems. Wait. He is in the rugby team. He was bumped onto the ground and got his face swollen. He did not cry, did not withdraw and finished the game. My God! He joined the choral speaking on the following day in the Upper Dining Hall and won.

Min did not participate in both events. She was but watching or in the cheering team. She was too excited to be permitted to mingle with the seniors and to take caviars + red wine and talk to students from other schools. She has been a country duck.

In the Vanity Fair, the game is indeed interesting and challenging. I pray that I should be granted more intelligence and strength. Both of these, like money, are which I never have had enough. Players are so various in characters. How can I win? I focus on winning gracefully. That is difficult. I insist to win gracefully & sustain.

Have I won the trophies by accident? Or what? Never mind. My trophies are there. In my cabinet. Keep smiling & relax. One of my weaknesses is that I get tense & over-reacts too often.

Ollie is his pet name. He is Oliver. I envy his parents.

PS I will be receiving a X'mas gift - a book "The Wrestler" of 600 pages by Bret Hart.

crap, not crab & Quando Quando Quando

2 things I leant from Min:

A) She described her lunch as a whole of crap. I thought she meant crab. She said no, it was some shit. I used to think my English language standard is high. So, another example of our always estimating ourselves a bit higher.

B) She sent along a sweet love song "Quando Quando Quando". So soothing to my soul.

The dinner last night was inexpensive and comfortable.

chinese herb teas

I have finished the 10 herb teas prescription. Perhaps I shall go for another consultation.

Agnes is very very caring to me. I do not know why I should deserve that much from her.

I suppose I have written too much about food & clothes in this blog.

Believe me, I am people oriented. My sentiments towards folks are well above a meal or a suit.

Oh, but I must record that I have bought a pair of pretty jeans with stones sewn on it and wore it last Saturday. Chrystal beads? The bad thing about it is that I lost in mj game wearing it. Shall I try again on the 25th?

wenxi will buy me some macadamia

Wenxi will visit Perth on Saturday. He will be visiting a macadamia factory. He promises to buy me some abalone macadamia. He will bring it to me in December. He is a good boy & says he will not spend all the pocket money his Mom gives to him.

I will go to YMCA this evening at Harbour View International Guest House at Wanchai with 4 lady colleagues.

Kingsui will cook us some wined chicken pot on 25th when we play mj at her home.

Kwong is mad about his little girl's behaviours. Who isn't? When you are a responsible parent, work hard to support the family and have expectation on them unavoidably, there are times that you want either to kill the devilish kids or yourself. That is a privilege, a burden, a sweet dream & a night mare ........... Having said all these, to be a Mom is so far the best part of my life. Thank God for that!

TT is terribly expensive. I have to pay charges on both sides. That adds up to my bill. However, the postal service in UK is so unreliable & takes such a long time to deliver. Perhaps I may choose to save money next time.

Porpor was upset by Gungung's picky manners. Sometimes, people tend to be venting on those who love them most or support them most. No consequence, they know. They will be accepted & forgiven. In Chinese, we say "Step on the kind-hearted & run away from the fierce".

I wish I could be more scary ......... Or someone would say. "You are scary enough." Hahaha!

Axelle & Christian

Axelle is a Belgian girl & Christian a German boy.

Gregory & Remy are Belgian twins.

There are X'ms gifts sold at Bluewater.

I must get up early tmr.

Gungung had been admitted to UCH last night. He will be transferred to Haven of Hope tmr. It is but the medication that keeps him alive. Or his will power. He is too sensitive sometimes & gets irritable easily. This is not sth that I should inherit. Rather, it should be Porpor's tenderness & patience and tolerance that would be invaluable for me.

Wenxi said Lorraine would hardly scold him. That is wonderful! A wonderful Mom she is. The more we love our children, we tend to be gripping & pressing. He will be going to Perth in a few days' time. I like his gauging me to be strong. He may never learn how helpless & stupid I could be. Jane said being too sensitive is a source of pain. She is probably right.

What will Min make in the Food Tech lesson today? Can't wait to know.

Bluewater

Met a number of people during the past few days:

VSo, Elaine & Melody at Lippo on Thursday. VSo will move to North Point. We can hardly have lunch with her unless we take half day leave.

Van for dinner on Thursday. She treated me with Jap food near Sogo.

Lunch on Friday - rice with salmon roes, sea urchin & tuna. Yummy - first time taking it. Dinner with Helen at Jade Garden, CWB. I bought 2 cans of abalone macadamia from Sogo. Tasty but expensive.

Sat - Yau Yat Chuen Club with 15 social workers + D's wife, Margaret. I am very much at home with them. We are never very close to each other but the social link has lasted for more than 20 years. To be with them for mj game is fun. Listening to them is also fun. Lo talked about the case of indencent assault. Fu showed me some photos during his trips to China. He was in a hurry to Bangkok. He did not join us for dinner. Lung footed the bill as she got promotion.

A few have been keeping dogs & they regard the dogs as their most faithful companions. Spouses may be busy or with passion cooling down, children have grown up, dogs will bring along warmth & sentiments. However, I do not think I would be enjoying it. I am a bit afriad of animals. I do not love them enough so to look after them. My living environment would not permit. My friends tell me that they spend quite a big sum on their pets every month. Medical care & beauty services could be substantial bills.

I have not seen Kwan for many years - since his retirement in 01. They said he is now busy working as volunteers in Mainland. He stays in the hosue there most of the time. D is working in NGO after retirement. After all, his youngest daughter is even smaller than Min. Margaret got 2 nails in her foot. Chan has become much fatter & older since I first saw him in the 80s. Would he make the same remarks about me?

I wish I would be able to do some volunteer work after my retirement which will come within a few years.

Helen is loving. When we were at school, we were not that close. As years go by, we have become very mature & treasure our friendship more & more. Her 2 girls are in UK. Dear me. The GBP!

Pam is being considerate. She offers to charge me half rate for Min's Christmas stay.

I did not join the school's reunion dinner yesterday.

I bought a flatheaded grey millet for Van & A. It was served cold & with brown beans paste dip - chiu chow style. Very economical to dine at home - the fish was $18.50 and the small bottle of bean paste $4.00.

Today I will play pingpong in the afternooon and dine at Porpor's home.

Lorraine & Jerry had gone to Vietnam after her trip to Shanghai. Wenxi will go to Perth by Friday.

Min had gone to Bluewater yesterday but I have not heard from her for 2 days. Missing her .........

lunch & dinner with Van

Good that she is nearby that we can have lunch together at Shiki.

Dining at Man Ho with Marga, Kevin, Van & King. Nice chat.

Kwong will sponsor me though at the last minute. He blames me for not telling him earlier. But I told me it is not too late yet.

No news from Min.

Pharaoh & the Golden BRICs

Flora the bautician asked me how to spell Pharaosh. I hesitated while doing facial, I could not check from dictionary or e-dict. Puzzled as to ao or oa in the middle. She also asked me how to pronounce "index". She asked me about Golden BRICs as well. Never heard about it.

She joined some NLP course. My Goodness!

A woman of late 30s who came from the Mainland. Pursuing knowledge & money & she is now the boss of a beauty parlour.

Brazil, Russia, India & China .........Golden bricks?

Talked to Min over Skype.

So difficult to arrange for a meal. Lunch or Dinner!

The T Team should feel better today.

I like the abalone macadamia, from Australia. Could not find it in HK though I checked with ParknShop. Plain ones only. $120 per lb.

balsamic vinegar

I walked 5 km this morning for charity. Lunch at Zen. Bought 2 Laura Mercier base from Lane Crawford. One lipstick.

Balsamic vinegar is highly regarded for its quality. $160 for 100 ml from the cask - aceto ....Modena. 18 years old & 6% acidity. Dark, thick & sweet. Supposed to be good for blood circulation? It is made from grapes, not wine.

Dinner at Porpor's home. Van, A & Paus played tennis downstairs. I skipped the pingpong lesson.

Talked to Jo to encourage her. Hope she can do well.

How's Min re her skin allergy?

I met Laoshi 2 days ago in MTR.

Lions for the Lambs

That is the film I want to see.

Friday: Wenxi home, very exhausted. 8 hrs for rowing & 8 hrs for hiking. From Monday to Friday. I asked him to sponsor me for HK$100. He was very embarrassed & asked me why I wanted the money. I told him that it would be for the cancer patients. Lorraine is at Shanghai for a business trip & Wenbang still in Taiwan for military training.

M & J & I had lunch at TaiPingKoon, Jordan. We shared the Swiss chicken wings, smoked pomfret & stir-fried beef w/hofun. Very expensive for the stuff.

Went to Jardine House to alter Min's date of flight in January. $1,000 charged. Poor me.

Min told me she suffered from skin allergy. Very itchy & painful. She got some pills from the Medical Centre.

Saturday: went to OLC to get Min's School Cert.

Min would go to Maidstone again today. She is a bit better but still itchy. The weather was too dry.

Tea with milk & sago downstairs.

Will go for Cancer Fund Walk tmr morning. Must remember to buy Laura Mercier base for Min.

Kwong has emailed a very beautiful ppt for me, with music. Lovely.

Lobster Bar, Island Shangri-la

2 course set lunch.

Dined at home with Van. Talked to Min over Skype.

Busy busy busy!

I wore the pinkish top. Nice with the dark striped suit.

I want to see the movie starred by Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep & Robert Redford.

I like CK 'views: If you are betrayed by your beloved or friends, you feel hurt naturally. Otherwise, why bother? I remember Juliet's golden rule, too: some people must be ignored.