birthday dinner at Megabox

First time with Anis in the birthday dinner. She is always curious and a bit nervous in the strange envionment.

Will go to play pingpong at Queen Elizabeth Stadium tomorrow morning as Victoria Park is having flowers exhibitions in March.

Por was obviously happy with all of us around her. Van, too, very satisfied with Andrew & Anis beside her.

YM's farewell dinner on Friday

It was all very celebrating. Very memorable occasion for him and for many of us.

Saturday - I had brisk walks and jogs in Sai Tso Wan Playground for 1 & 1/2 hour. Nita was the faithful maid keeping me company.

Sweaty hair - I wiped it with a dry towel. I dunn take things for granted. Luxury is luxury.

A bride-to-be at 60 must be determined enough to keep herself in good shape.

Will have dinner at Magabox this evening - Porpor & Van's birthday fall on the same date & hour - 20 March.

Feeling relaxed & mellow the whole morning. Anything with a sanctifying purpose becomes meaningful and wonderful.

Life is after all a blessing no matter how trying it is at times!

I love & I am loved.

the reading is 2.6

Something to celebrate.

After hospital, I went to supermakret to buy 2 boxes of Haagen Dazs- one strawberry and vanilla - so to celebrate. The doctor said 5 years would count a safety line. I must celebrate again on 22 Dec 09.

Will tell Min about it.

It is getting warm today.

Funny that Min sent me "You Are My Sunshine" by Doris Day. She has no idea who Doris Day is but is just fond of the song.

Anis was brought downstairs for a walk. I mean a walk by Irene carrying the little princess.

ppl of my batch are leaving one after the other

All human relationships are dependent on time. So we are but passers-by in the great grand universe. Encounters & departures make up the lives of us all.

Min sent along What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong. He sang Dream A Little Dream, too. But Min said the original is from Mamas & Papas. Thus she sent along it, too. I am now listening to California Dream by Mamas & Papas.

She is so cute. You are My Sunshine by Doris Day and Moody's mood for Love.

So wonderful. I love her. Cheering up her Mom from time to time!

What is the meaning of waiting for someone? You give up all possible chances and reserve everything for that someone? How would it make you feel worthy? Risking one's heart.

i left my heart in san francisco

One feels mellow.

It's you.

Min called to ask for assistance in doing her classwork. Luckily, I got help. Had dinner at Van's.

I talked with Min over Skype. Enjoyable conversations. She is growing up and yet so cute. She is my darling. She told me about her essay and the Red Nose Day. They wore red on 13 March and donated money. Took photos and had lots of fun.

Money well spent. I feel light-hearted.

Life is after all hopeful and worthy.

baby-sitting in the afternoon of Monday

Blessed to have a nice time baby-sitting.

I love and I am loved. Can't ask for more.

Where is Min? Last time I talked to her was on Sunday my evening time.

Van doubts my adaptability to live in a foreign country.

Lilies of the Field

Started watching it. Will finish later.

Had lunch with Porpor at Palace APM Lei Garden for dimsum.

Had a good nap in the afternoon.

Dinner at KT with Van & A & baby.

All routines.

No pingpong coz Marga had gone to trip.

Obama - The Audacity of Hope

"While Michelle got some well-earned sleep, I would stay up until one or two in the morning, changing diapers, heating breast milk, feeling my daughters; soft breath against my chest as I rocked her to sleep, guessing at her infant dreams."

A good husband and a good father. -- More than good. I adore men who do handy works. Love is best interpreted by cooking a hot soup for your honey or changing a bulb for her.

I will go to UCH to have blood-taking.

In the afternoon, it is mj game again at Su Chong's place.

The Way We Were & Memory

The wonderful voice of Barbra Streisand.

Over The Rainbow - it comes from The Wizard of Oz. Judy Garland featured as Dorothy Gale. It is a 1939 American musical-fantasy film. Man needs music, fantasy and dreams. The Land of Oz, Emerald City, witches ......... all colourful and beautiful and full of imagination ..........

Edmond came to my rescue last evening as he has been doing during the past 10 years.

White hairs keep coming out. See if a colour treatment can help.

talking to the computer

It is like writing everything on a piece of paper and slipping it into a bottle which is thrown into the deep blue sea. Never to be met again.

Lunch with the usual group at Wanchai.

Feeling more relaxed recently.

Life is interesting with all the unknown. Unknown people. Unknown development of events. Unknown destiny.

Moon River by Audrey Hepburn

It is in the notebook which is now lying idle.

Re-sent.

Lonliness, like happiness, is a state of mind.

apricot ice cream

I like my new fridge which is a Hitachi solfege - stainless steel.

Today's Tam's birthday. We bought him a lunch. So warm to have everybody around and toast - with tea though. We ordered noodles for him and the longevity buns, all meaning long life.

It is written. It is destiny. Theme of Slumdog Millionaire. Dev Patel & Freida Pinto.

slumdog millionaire

A great movie. Jamal Malik loving Latika.

Wenxi has been such a good boy. He is always smiling, quiet & caring. He listens without talking too much. He sends along his blessings.

Van, Andrew & I will bring Anis to KT for dinner.

I sweated a bit this morning playing pingpong. I fingered through the slightly wet hair. Would it be the same?

Coach Wu has got a new Rolex watch - very pretty new model.

Friday taiji, Sat mahjong

Friday dinner at Chiuchow Garden with Agnes & Tam. Patrick was so silly that he missed the email and had gone home.

What goes up must come down. I lost this time at Miranda's place. Anyway, it was fun to be together.

No news from Min.

Miranda & Leo had a picture taken at Lake Louise, Banff. So beautiful.

glowing, radiant, light-hearted

Lorraine tel & was surprised when she saw my photo taken on Monday. Slimmer. But that is not the whole thing is about. The radiance, the smile & the happiness expressed. She encouraged me to remain positive. Sure, I will. As long as love lasts.

Lorraine also talked about Kevin. The youngsters have their love, work and future. Life is interesting, I am told, coz we cannot foretell what lies ahead.

Dined out at Wanchai with Ella & Kam. Kam will fly to London on 13/3.

Talking to Min over Skype. She said she had never seen Mom being so light-hearted before. She likes to see Mom to be happy.

Van bought a set of educational materials for Anis.

chats on yahoo email accounts

The distance between two is but that from one heart to another.

Recenty, Agnes has shown her greatest concerns over me as a faithful friend. She has all her life experiences and she is always the angelic girl.

Lunch with the usual group at Wanchai. Tam brought us to laughters and me tears, too, in describing a hotel in China where he stayed last Sunday.

Photos taken again on Wednesday, this time in HK Park. Min said her Mom looked pretty in the photos.

Very sleepy now.

the Broker by John Grisham

See if it is a good story.

Lunch at Jury Assembly room. Hui etc.

I am very sleepy now. GdGd!

won $850 on Sunday

Pingpong at Queen Elizabeth Stadium in the morning.

Rest of the day at Miranda's home. Winnie would go back to Toronto in April.

Tung had very different opinions from us on LegCo dissenting party's behaviour.

Magic worked and I had won back to back for 2 games.

Cannot understand how MSN can work with Yahoo Messenger.

Rainbow's right eye has gone blind. But she is still very excited when we go there and wags her tail when we call her name. She stills looks pretty being an old lady.

hurray, i have won $300.00

Kingsui, Helen & Christina. Three meals - all so gratifying.

Kingsui asked .........

Kingsui will retire in August. She will have the flat renovated. She will not employ any maid but do household chores herself. Capable woman. She can cook very well, like knuckles, dumplings, noodles and fried rice. Steamed chicken & various soups.

Christina has lots of grumblings vs some of her staff and some parents.

Helen kept on talking on phone with her friends for fixing dates of meetings. A retiree and a Christian, it is understandable.

We had the goose liver sausages from Yung Kee.

The Gold Leaf, Conrad Hotel

Times flies. 1/6 of 2009 has past.

Andrew told me there is promotion for TVs and asked whether I would be interested. No. I am quite contented with my old and bulky TV. I don't even spend a total of one hour at home watching TV each day. Nita has the more of it than I do.

I prefer going to cinemas. I had almost gone to a movie if not for the taiji class Friday evening. I must adapt to seeing movies by myself. Taiji is easier in a group setting. I enjoy the part of meditation. We keep silent and maintain the body posture and think and feel something not visible.

Will play mj on both Saturday (Kingsui) & Sunday (Miranda).

Talked to Min over Skype. She is really impressed by US. She envies Karin in US and Karin envies her. The grass next door is always green.

I must sleep now. I am told sleep will do me good. So Gd Gd!

a busy busy day

Meetings from 9:15 am to 10:30 am, then 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Emails to be replied and reports to be prepared and views to be collected.

Poor Ber waited for me since 12:45 pm in Peking Restaurant. She is the forever patient and gentle lady. Understanding and good-tempered.

Old friends are folks who are reliable and accommodating.

Rushed home to do babysitting as Van had to attend a company dinner gathering on HK side. A & I had spaghetti for dinner and we talked a lot about Van & Anis.

Is it a dream to get married at the age of 60? I seem to be very determined about this idea.

Could not get hold of Min tonight.

HK is getting warm & humid.

What is a romance? How soon it can happen?

If I would live up to 86

Lunch with the usual group at Wanchai.

Ash Wednesday.

Dinner at Van's place.

Min's photos are artistic. Who was the photographer?

A sigh.

min loves NY

She said she belongs there. So excited. Sent along about 10 photos for me to share.

She is lucky. If I could get the moon or star for her, no doubt I would just to bring her a smile. How I want to compensate her for her being deprived of paternal love since birth.

Lunch with B & Lee at Summer Palace. Ber will be seeing me on Thursday.

Dinner with Van & A. Baby is growing fast. We are very happy to have her. Cute.

Busy busy day.

alexandrite

Pingpong. Lunch at Sagano, Nikko Hotel. Then picking gift - by Marga & Lorraine.

Dinner at Yixan at Wanchai with Sims. They gave me a card. Saw Zhou wen-wai, his wife, Ning Po & Jin Hon.

Received messages from Ag & Mem.

Contented except for a soft spot in my heart.

A young stone named after Alexander II of Russia.

Happy Birthday to Me

Good Health, Good Luck & God bless us!

Love is the greatest blessing!

2 hampers from Irene

All Italian food. Balsamic vinegar, pasta, truffle, olive oil and green olives etc.

"I Left My Heart in San Francisco" & "It's You" & "I Do". All from Min. By Westlife.

She was watching NBA last night. 13 hrs behind HK, same as Toronto. She is having a great time. She misses her Mom as much as Mom misses her.

Still reading "The Audacity of Hope" by Obama. He is an inspiring leader and a great lover.

Still pondering on what my perfect retirement life should be.

Dinner upstairs - we have spaghetti this evening.

Ramada Guangdong Restaurant

Yummy dimsum and dishes. Dora is excetionally generous to staff.

Suen was sending me flowers. I thought he would stop doing that. He said he would honour his promise. We talked a lot about children. We also talked about retirement life.

No news from Min today.

B, Fanny, Cheung & Tiffany came for dinner. We were so excited about travelling in France, Italy, Australia and even Korea. My next destination should be Canada or Vietnam. We looked at the photos and laughed a lot. These young friends keep me young at heart.

Puzzled. Unpredictable. Who knows what happens next!

to get married at the age of 60!

We all have wishes. Some come true. Some never do. Let me make it my birthday wish this year.

Lunch with Meg at Man Ho. Connie was at another table. She has come back from Toronto.

Dinner at Dong Restaurant with Suen, Memory & Chu.

Min SMS me around 8:30 pm. Excited & thankful.

Proposal is the greatest honour a man may offer to a woman of 60. Wait & see!

Gatwick International

Min called before she departed for NY. She did not bring along her notebook. She intended to buy a phone card for contact.

A Timberland brown leather belt + 3 prs of socks.

Ultima II hand cream.

A deluxe pillow.

8 Happiness.

"Barack Obama is that rare politcian who can actually write - and write movingly and genuinely about himself." - The New York Times

It is just for the following observations, I envy Michelle Obama:

"And there was something else, a glimmer that danced across her round, dark eyes whenever I looked at her, the slightest hint of uncertainty, as if, deep inside, she knew how fragile things really were, and that if she ever let go, even for a moment, all her plans might quickly unravel. That touched me somehow, that trace of vulnerability. I wanted to know that part of her."

I am reading "the Audacity of Hope."

lippo lunch

Very sleepy during day time though I struggled hard to go through the meetings and answer the emails and read the papers.

Talked to Min over Skype. She will be going to NY her 8 am on 18th Feb. by Gatwick. Harry, Billy & Ching.

She really hopes I would have a good time while she is away. She is so cute. Wenxi, too, loves me so much.

Some precious moments .........

Lots of celebrations for my birthday.

Yet, I am feeling a bit lonely.

i have a dream, a song to sing

Pingpong in the morning. Badminton after light lunch. Exercises bring along lots of fun.

The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama.

"Do Something"

If you're ahead of me ..
lead ....
If you're behind me ..
follow ...
If you 're not going to
do anything ..
Get the hell out of the
way ...

When should I buy a new racket?

Dinner at KT. The golden bowl was given to Marga. One pink mug with photo of Anis was given to Van and the blue one given to Porpor.

Valentine's Day

Su has moved to a new home. Spacious & pretty. My rich friend. Garby has a place for herself. Loved dogs are luckier than wretched men.

Lost $30.00. That is good enough. Imagine my silly playing. Not concentrating all the time.

Min has gone to London. Tony's English is not as good as Pam's. She will go back to stay there before she flies to NY. We sent each other SMS.

How could her Mom retire? Bills to pay.

The gold-plated rice bowl is so cute. It is a pity my flat is not big for displaying such items.

Stanford's b/day on 15 Feb

So we 3 treated him with a delicious lunch today - at Jiang Shan xiao.

I went to the Great after work. Thinking of last Friday - all the surprises and happy gatherings. Time just flies.

Min will go to Pam's after school. Ollie is coming to HK with his dad & younger brother by end of July. Min is much attracted by him. He is tall, gentle & charming. He is kind-hearted, cheerful, good at rugby, drama & singing. They will come to my place for dinner. I surely will let them have lots of yummy Chinese food.

We cannot undo whatever we had done. Every decision, every incident, every act or thought will lead to become part of our lives. Bitter or sweet. Lasting or of short span.

Min sent me 2 songs from Stevie Wonder: I just called to say I love you and Isn't she lovely. Good taste Min!

Awaiting Fur Elise to be re-sent.

Hercule Poirot

Hercule Poirot by Agatha Christie. His last case was 'Curtain".

How fascinating!

Lunch with Juliet at the Lok Cha Tea House in Hong Kong Park. She bought Anis a pink dress from Hallmark, designs for babies. I showed her photos of Anis & those of my trip to Australia with Lorraine & Wenbang.

Got a book by Jeffrey Archer. A Prison Diary by FF 8282.

i know i should not complain much

A diamond ring 51/100 carat. A brooch from Swarovski in the shape of a dragonfly.

Pampered & tolerated.

Roger said if He permitted me to get recovered, I should be thankful.

Juliet congratulated me for having a darling Anis.

OK. No complaint.

I want a good pillow for sweet dreams.

Be a sensible woman

I am reading "Dreams from My Father" by Barack Obama.

Never been in the Southorn Football Stadium. Sitting on the stone bench watching people playing football.

resumed work

Bought a lunch box & ate in the office by myself.

Ella said, "After all, all one has is but himself/herself." So I have myself.

Spring Reception after work.

Dinner with Van & A. Anis is growing up.

Min is my darling. We talked a lot. Hearty talks.

Today is the Valentine's Day for Chinese.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Original by F Scott Fitzgerald.

What a strange story. I cried a lot. So sad. There is no perfect world. Full of regrets. Joys & sorrows.

The girl's name is Daisy again. Remember "The Great Gatsby"?

Brad Pitt - a handsome guy. More than a handsome guy! The make-up should win an Academy Award.

Dinner at KT. Talked to Lorraine.

Marga gave me a black trendy jacket. It fits me as I have lost weight.

A Happy Day

This is the best day I have had during the past 3 weeks.

Lunch with colleagues.

Dinner with beloved friends at home.

Cheered up!

Not sure how to face work on Monday.

1st Birthday gift received.

taliana

A place for therapy.

Photos printed. Lovely.

Bought some sterling pounds for Min.

source of comfort & energy

Fish/papaya soup, pears/pork ribs soup. avocado w/ olive oil, black pepper & salt. apples, bananas. hot lemon water w/honey. coffee. vege & steamed fish.

cherries. pitted prunes. kiwi nectar. lots of warm water.

sleep sleep sleep.

iTunes music.

forgetting about ppl & things.

couldn't care less.

Me is most important. Bother not, worry not.

UCH

You are my safety blanket.

Recovery in good progress. Relax, rest & wind down & enjoy doing nothing.

Visiting ParknShop is my event of the day.

heavy snow in england

Min had tea in Chinatown.

Heavy snow. They had snow fight. Traffic all stuck. No school as the day pupils cannot attend classes.

She saw "Bucket's List" by Jack Nicholson & Morgan Freeman. UK boarding school provides what HK schools cannot do.

Shopped at Telford and bought Mom a set of blue floral pyjamas. She wears it tonight.

skipped pingpong

Min went to Tonbridge Wells to play bowling with her friends yesterday. Good that she can mix well. English students spend lots of time in sports, music & leisure reading etc. Hobbies are very important in their life. So those who may not score high marks in exams can also be proud of their piano playing, squash, swimming and drama performance. Pride is essential in the growth of a youngster. HK just emphasizes on grades attained in public exam. Not every child can survive well in such a system.

We had "basin" food downstairs this year. I did not buy any tickets. Next year, I must try. Looks good. At least, I like the atmosphere.

I brought Porpor & Jeff to APM to watch a local movie. Just silly gags. But it is relaxing for us anyway.

Anis is receiving laisees. Rich girl!

hair cut

Went to Jessie for a hair cut. April & Joe are realtively lazy. And Jessie charges much less. Can't imagine why April & Joe can come back to work later than 12:30 pm on both Saturdays & Sundays. People are going out for lunch and shopping etc. They think they can keep customers waiting. Not even Kim Robinson can.

Jessie has a black dog. Mixed bred. Dog lovers are incredibly attached to their pets. She sleeps in her bed room. I mean the she dog sleeps in Jessie's bed room. But she says the she dog is her daughter.

Visists from old friends. I received red roses, yellow roses, lilies & egg rolls. We had sweet potatoes with ginger in sweet soup.

Wenxi gets admitted in the college of his choice. Terrific! Porpor is happy to learn that.

Ah Lin is suffering from a cold, too.

take the whole week off

I deserve a treat - one week off.

The weather is bad and many are suffering from cold & flu.

Ah So is very popular. She went to Taipei and visited many famous sports for special food/snacks. From DJ to cook and F/B critic. Nita cooked vegetarian dish with her recipe - oyster sauce & sesame sauce instead of red beancurd. We prefer the conventional one.

Thanks to new technology. I can have telephone, tv, music, emails and newspapers/books. Life is still active by staying at home.

improving!!!! hurray!!!

Getting better. Watched Driving Miss Daisy for the 3rd time. At first, I wanted to have Hoke around. Now, I wish I could be as brave, committed, undefeated & lovable as Hoke. Forever cheerful & knowing his position, pleasant & adding value to everything.

daffodils & water chestnut pudding

From Van.

Watching Driving Miss Daisy for the second time. What a luxury! Home alone. In the middle of a Wednesday afternoon. Best Award for Makeup! Well deserved.

Calls from Helen & Christina.

Music & sleep curing my body & soul

Min is sending over some very soothing songs as medicine from overseas. Losing weight within these few days. Think positive. This is one of the gains.

HK got a bad chip again. Needless to tell. Such a downturn. Life has to go on anyway. Survival for the fittest.

casualty early in the morning of CNY

No need for admission. Another course of 7 days. Go back for check up next Tuesday.

A deep sleep the whole day upon medication.

Keeping fingers crossed.

ill at CNY

Seems shopping malls, markets and restaurants & cinemas are in reasonably good business condition. HK people are optimistic & brave.

Enjoying TV programmes.

A boy came up to fix my lamp bulb in the afternoon. So hard-working.

Gungung has been admitted into UCH. Old age + sickness are torturing. With financial burden is on top, no wonder some commited suicide.

Very seldom that I spent several days at home without stepping out. A new experience. After all, I have spent lots of money on this flat. Just stay in it and relax. People play taiji downstairs everyday. 7-8 am. Healthy group. I admire them.

First time that Anis is brought to visit Gungung/Porpor at KT. She must find it excited.

Little baby, we all love you.

Min has visited London yesterday. She brought back a box of charsiu rice for today's celebration. How creative! She has become more confident & caring. That is great. The whole purpose of education is to build integrity and nice characters other than language and technical skills.

just pay full attention to myself

There are always people and things and events we cannot change. So just be good to myself and relax with others. Quite often a waste of efforts and ending up in frustration. Why bother?

Complete rest. A quiet time in CNY. When will I recover? A retreat from the work, from the people and from everything.

Silence and aloneness can be very enjoyable.

Calls from Lorraine & Min are soothing. After all, love & care are indispensable.

Nita is my guardian angel.

i am dying

X-rayed the chest. Confirmed chest infection. Vomitted 2 times.

Will stay at home throughout the CNY vacation.

I need a good rest.

sick leave on Friday

Very painful.

No peace of mind. I will go to doc again today.

Obama re-took the oath

To err is human.

But it is so pressing when all eyes are on you.

Roger has been very kind & gave me 4 packs of chuenpei. To be double-boiled.

Min, I am missing you so much.

Not yet recovered from the bad cold. Some coughs.

Another bowl of bitter herb tea. Is my choice wrong not to go for an injection or anti-biotics?

Kam went to visit Hing Jie.

Be good to me while I am alive. I may not be able to see your tears afterwards.

The Year of the Ox!

2 McDonnell Road Coffee Shop

A quiet & stylish place. Food alright.

We had lunch by the end of the Lunar Year. Both Van & Andrew had been there. They like the place, too. Relaxing atmosphere.

A good body massage helps to relieve pains and stiffness of muscles.

Drank another cup of bitter herb tea.

Must sleep early tonight.

Driving Miss Daisy - Jessica Tandy

Finished at last. Nice film. But I have to watch it 1-2 more times before I can completely absorb it.

Most of the time I think I know English very well until .......

I wish to have a friend like Hoke.

Another cup of bitter herb tea. Seems effective. I feel better now.

I am happy & thankful for everything.

May God grant my parents longer lives with good health!

Barack Obama - Martin Luther King & Morgan Freeman.

The first African American President will be swearing in one hour & a half later. He is charismatic. Wait & see his attainments.

1:33 I am now watching the inauguration ceremony. Magnificent.

bitter herb tea again

Arthur gave us a treat. Everybody was pleased.

Herb tea again. Seems a bit effective.

It is the second night I watched "Driving Miss Daisy". Not yet finished.

When I grow old, I want to remain educated and elegant. Start right now. Grumble less and remain composed. Quite out of my character.

I stayed away from Anis.

ill

Rosa has gone to visit Min & Winki. Both Victoria Line & Jubilee Line were out of order.

My greatest concern is that I cannot carry Baby. Dear Bad Cold, please go away.

Pingpong in the morning. Lunch with Paus in TST.

Dinner at Telford to celebrate Andrew's birthday. So full house.

Drank bitter herb tea. Cold & Flu, leave me alone!

I want a good sleep.

Will watch "Driving Miss Daisy".

a bad cold

Min's 19th birthday!

She will go to London today with Winki etc. Kevin and Christie will have dinner with her.

Everything was fine except that I have a very bad cold.

APM. A good shopping mall.

Life is so comfortable without a bad cold.

stomach ache

Stomach ache last night. Took the afternoon off for a rest.

Min wrote "Kill c3" in her Skype. I thought it was a boy - something like a love affair turning sour. Worried a lot.

I asked her tonight. She said it was a Maths module. She teased me for being so silly. Moms are suspicious and imaginative. Glad that she was only struggling with her classwork. Not stupid sentiments. She requested for 2 epilators. One for Winki.

Missed taiji for 4 weeks already. Must catch up later.

Eunice sold to me a dirty pink/brown down jacket and a green/brown woollen sweater.

Pam received her presents. Leavers Ball in June. How time flies. I remember Min flew back to attend the Leavers Ball after Van's wedding. I would like to go. But it will be too taxing if I will go in August again. Both expenditure and energy. And I am so scared to travel alone.

I drank 2 bowls of herb tea. Seems effective.

gold leaf

Anis was naughty. She sleeps at day time and wakes up at night. Crying for milk and hugging.

They cancelled the dinner coz they were really tired.

Min was busy doing homework.

mango cream cake from cova

Lunch with the usual group at Wanchai. Happy group.

Bought a cake for Andrew's birthday on 15th. He is entitled to one day holiday tomorrow.

Lunar New Year is getting close.

packed lunch

Glutinous rice with sausages etc. Water cress/black head fish soup with pork and almonds etc.

With the radio on. What a luxury!

Must admit it is a blessing.

Wenxi got very good marks.

Cream puffs - choco, white choco, lemon custard, raspberry & mango. Delicious. From the Great.

Anis is growing.

I KNOW I AM LUCKY

They are all nice & warm to me.

We are just like family members. We feel so secure in each other's company.

LYO 09. I know in 2 years' time, faces will change.

Oh My God! I am afraid of strangers. Difficult to build up relationship.

Min has received the black arnold palmer bag. She said she likes it and will use it tmr.

Lunch at Maxim's, City Hall. Dinner at Super Star Restaurant at Wyndham Street.

Anis sleeps at day time and cries at night time. Her parents are poor.

baby-sitting again

Pingpong. Toh Lee. Himalaya.

Baby-sitting 5-7 pm.

Megabox - dinner with Paus and Porpor.

Can Obama work miracles?

2 teenage girls committed suicide within 3 days.

Cold.

Min & BV or Paul Smith. Brands are always attractive. Belt or wrist band or a silver watch?

Irene brought me from lettuce from a farm.

baby-sitting

1-5 pm.

Quite enjoyable as she was sleeping most of the time. Good girl. Precious beautiful jade of the family. Hearing checked. Perfect.

McCafe.

Shampoo in Kai Tin barber shop. Not bad.

Cold.

A legend

The script is excellent. The characters are charming. I am particularly fond of Young Mei Lan-fong. How could one be so attractive to both sexes!

Too much tension! Must relax.

Thank God it's Friday.

Taiji class stopped for 2 weeks and I missed 1 today. A break of 3 weeks. Pingpong last Sunday was allotted to Wenxi.

Cold.

Min is happy with her skin condition.

who is good & who is bad?

Cashmere is fine. Light & warm. Durable.

Noodles at Landale Street.

I like Murray & Lanman Florida Water, made in USA. One bottle in my bed room.

Will go to movie - Forever enthralled -tomorrow evening. 2 & 1/2 hr.

Patrick has been very kind to me. He gave me support.

Did not hear from Min both yesterday & today. (She wrote in Skype afterwards.)
Anis is growing fast. Her expressions and responses increase every day.

Life is bittersweet. Just enjoy every minute. Keep peace of mind.

May God grant me strength to carry on calm & cheerful!

new year resolutions

For many years, I have been aiming to keep fit, do more exercise, talk less and and spend less. Live for happiness!

Nury Vittachi suggested otherwise. I agree that he is wise. So I have new resolutions for 2009:

1 Allow myself to be "darken faced" to bad guys and bad situations. Need not be saints.

2 Do not respond to those who want to fish information. Ignore.

3 Take greater care of myself . Spend more on clothings and jewellery. As long as the sterling pound is not going up, I can spare some on pleasing myself without failing provision for Min.

4 I have sufficient knowledge about food. Need not press myself too hard on diet. No more guilt.

5 Stay away from people who upset me. Those boastful and malicious should bury themselves. Not to believe a single word from them.

The above is to be amended from time to time. Failure is permitted in life. Whatever will be will be.

min has gone back to uk

Bought rice with curry beef brisket + lotus root soup for lunch from CANTEEN.

Dinner at Marga's place - hotpot. We ate lollipops from Kota Kinabalu.

Visited Anis at night.

Min has arrived UK last night. Michael Rose fetched her.

Pam has a baby dog called Leo. Just a baby of a few weeks' old.

Karin has returned to San Francisco.

YM has started his part time work life. It is good to retire in a gradual fashion.

Po Toi O

Went to the expo at Victoria Park again. Lorraine bought mushroom. We bought lanolin cream from Australia & dried shrimp paste from Tai O.

Seafood with Paus. Lorraine & 2 boys enjoyed the walk so much. I did, too. The sky was blue. I have bias over bamboo clams. Refused to eat them.

Min's flight was over-booked. Chaotic CX!

Heichinrou

Full moon party at Millennium City 6.

Min was sick since last night. Brought her to see the Chinese doctor at King Fat Store. She drank the bitter herb tea and became better.

Will be missing her.

Anissa is good with people around at day time. She cries a lot at night time. Her Dad & Mom cannot sleep well. The big price to be parents.

lam chi-ling & chan po-chu

Tao Jie wrote, "Lam Chi-ling is an opinion-free woman, therefore men like her and women find her harmless." So a woman with views is not as lovable.

Taliana in the morning. Bought a pale-blue suit for Van from Mother World.

Got the ruby ring from Sanaco. Lorraine likes it.

Chan Po-chu is a good actress. Kam Kwok-leung is an idiot playwright. Therefore, she was wasted. Extremely loose and silly dialogues. He is a mad guy.

We were quite disappointed with the vegetables in Sang Kee. The salty chicken and the pork livers were delicious.

airport

Fetched Wenbang, Wenxi & Lorraine.

Dimsum with the boys at Maxim's. Shanghai Restaurant at Homantin.

Shopped at Victory Road.

Dinner at Homantin.

Visited Anis at night.

One month old.

Tumi wallet from Lane Crawford

Absolutely fine leather. Black. Traditional and well designed. Simplicity and durability. From 3 of us.

We wish YM a happy retirement and will continue to be our friend.

Countdown with Min before the TV at home. Dinner at Van's place.

Happy New Year 2009!

Peace & Prosperity to the World!

dr wu

Took afternoon off to accompany Min to see Dr Wu. Met David & his wife on the way.

Lucy gave us a treat at Jiang shan Xiao.

Dr Wu is not as skillful as Dr Tong. There is a difference.

A diamond finger ring from Sanaco. Made in Italy. Half chain and half ring in white gold.

I have been so pampering myself at this X'mas. My golden rule: be good to oneself.

Dinner at Dan Ryan with Min. We had appetizers combo & cioppino + iced lemon tea.

Irene had bought us liver sausages, pork sausages & preserved duck legs. Joycelyn is so loving towards Anis.

Talked to Pam. She is happy to receive my call. Min will bring her presents and the donation.

The 43rd HK Brands & Products Expo

Sunday - bought mushroom and scissors, noodles & abalone etc after pingpong.

Marga has got a Hamilton wrist watch - mechanic - black dial - 50 m water resistent - stainless steel strap & sapphire crystal as her birthday present.

She likes it.

Dinner at Porpor's place. Gungung likes the goose liver sausages from Yung Kee.

Monday - work as usual. Had lunch with Agnes. Non-scratch in Man Ho Restaurant.

Dinner home. Bought Van a small can of 4 mix cookies from Jenny Bakery.

wedding banquet in Cheung Chau

Went to see The Tales of Despereaux in APM Palace with Min. Then some Japanese snacks.

It is a rare place holding banquets for us city guys. Very warm atmosphere. After all, we have been working together for such a long time. The sense of security and familiarity is irreplaceable.

Chu is happy.

Anis was sleeping when I went to see her. So pretty.

Discussions about God

Roger said, " He permitted you to recover?"

"But would it be better if it did not occur at all?"

"You should not judge things by face value." "He gives us tests."

"But He made us, He knows how fragile and weak we are. What is the point of testing?"

James said, "You can write to God. The letters sent to Jerusalem are placed in the wailing wall." "The man without limbs is really happy & peaceful. He has great skills in daily life." "Children do not fully understand parents when they are small or young. "

"But when they do, we are probably very old and even have died."

James agreed. He remembers once he was very angry with his mother. (Must be more than once). Now he understands but she has died long time ago.

Justina has just sent forward a ppt about beautiful life. Wonderful. Intellectually, I know. Sentiments wise and in reality, it is difficult to follow.

Rosana is silly to send me an email about the harm of OT. No use unless she can assist me to kick away some works or change the office culture iro my position or change my character/sense of responsibility.

T25 Swiss Made

Yung Kee at noon.

Dinner with Sims at Millenium city 6. We all enjoyed the X'mas meal.

Good to have a BIG rest.

The watch is luminous with marks on the dial with the position of 12 red.

many many x'mas gifts

Crabtree & Evelyn sets. Tie Rack shawls, scarfs. Royce chocolates.

Ball Watch Co. Black dial. Sapphire & 50 m. Automatic. Stainless steel strap.

X'mas party at Wanchai.

Tuesday dinner - Arirang Korea Restaurant with Min.

Wednesday - X'mas party. Dinner at Van's place. Min had 5 friends having hotpot at home.

Nita & Fairly go to midnight mass at St Joseph's Church, Central.

X'mas Eve.

Gungung at UCH. Mike working. Marga worked until 7:30 pm. I took pm off. Like to have a break.

The Muji bag on its way to Canada.

Agnes will go to Taipei for vacation. She likes the charcoal greay and red woollen shawls.

Dr Roy Wong

We brought Anis to see Dr Wong coz she vomitted some milk during night time.

After examination, Dr Wong found her a healthy baby. It was only over-feeding. He gave us lots of knowledge.

I went to Park n Shop to buy rice wine and red sugar. There are red sugar, ginger red sugar, black cane sugar & Okinawa cane sugar in rocks. Pearl River Bridge brand is the best for rice wine.

Taikoo manufactures all kinds of sugar.

Telford Plaza & APM so crowded.

ruby and aquamarine pendants

Miranda showed us with excitement her newly bought items from jewellery exhibition. I like the large ruby pendant with diamonds and the aquamarine pendant in heart-shape. Not interested in the gold pearl ear-rings and the big pearls finger ring and the black/gold ear-rings.

Physical condition has become normal again. So I know I love to live very very much. I don't want to die. Therefore, I do not really hate anyone. I have no room for those who are terrible. Just kick them out of my mind including their awful words or deeds.

I am greedy about every minute in this wonderful world.

Min has slept before I returned home. We always have different schedules.

Magdagascar 2

Had an enjoyable lunch at Lei Garden APM with Min. Had an enjoyable movie with her at APM Palace.

A lion has to fight very bravely and win before he becomes a King in the African forest. A lion can become a King in New York if he dances with excellence. When compelled by difficulties and supported by love, Lion the fighter can dance and Lion the dancer can fight.

True love accommodates differences - a giraffe marries a hippopotamus.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A hippopo is round and sexy and comforting in the heart of her admirer. Who needs slimming?

Crabtree & Evelyn is such a hot item for X'mas presents.

Hurray! As long as we have lavender hand cream and or Evelyn rose body lotion, we are really rich.

ill for a few days

Stomach ache & diarrhea.

Still went to work. X'mas parties & meetings.

Meg was unahppy about her colleagues' comments. Char was aggrieved by the pressure from her bosses. So common in our office life.

Taiji - I must be more persistent this time. Otherwise, a break will mean a long break.

Anis has receiced her present of jewellery. So rich & lucky. It is a gold necklace with a heart pendant.

Gungung was not feeling well all these days.

Min had made a banoffee pie for us last evening. I liked it but I could not take much.

QEH, Phillip & Jessie

Post surgery check-up.

Cleansing of teeth.

Hair cut & perm.

Then she went out with Karin.

Min had compared with Karin the school lives in US & UK. Luckily, she prefers the UK one which I am glad to hear.

Work tomorrow. Oh, noooooooooooooooo ...............

ATV - so dramatic

It is equally busy to be a housewife. I went to Jusco to buy a Silver Star wok and spades of the non-stick type from Korea. Yesterday, a Myer frying pan. I also bought a hose with shower as the old one was torn.

I bought some Italian big button mushrooms. Nita prepared some soup with pork bones + fish fins + conpoys + gingers. So delicious. A hot soup can save life.

Anis is indeed lovely. Fairly seems to know about her tasks.

What has happened to ATV new management?

Fat Kwong St Sports Centre

We went to Megabox to take lunch - river fish - and met Ber's family.

Played pingpong at Homantin. A very good place. Clean & spacious.

Last year, I received a book about a famous Wrestler in Canada. This year, I received another book about a multi billion dollars hair industry entrepreneur in UK. Both have attained great successes after years of hardship.

Ella often said she preferred to be "Ordinary" people. My usual reply is "We are Ordinary enough." Yet, life does not exclude Ordinary people from sickness, mistakes & failures. Pains and Sufferings, too.

Dinner at Porpor's home.

Everything predictable is enjoyable.

sleep is the best medicine/tonic

Went to Dr Lam for influenza vaccination. Medicine for the sore throat as well.

Good blood pressure.

Jusco and Park & Shop.

A light lunch. Then a deep sleep in the afternoon for more than 3 hrs. Best time of the week.

Retirement life could be nice.

Taiji, sleep, picnic, tea, reading, watching movies and playing mahjong, playing pingpong ...... visiting Lorraine in Singapore ....

Reading stories to Anis and buying her pretty clothes ................

min the philosopher

We had a hearty talk at dinner time. Sushi from Jusco & Ebi burger from McDonald's.

Lunch at Jiang Shan Xiao with KH, Ken & Yau.

Taiji again. Very relaxing & interesting.

Anis has seen the doctor. Everything was fine. Van, too.

Agnes is a friend indeed.

Bad weather. Both Maggie & James fell sick for a few days.

min home

Wednesday - Plane was late by 2 hrs 20 mins. Spent time in eating Japanese noodles by myself. Took a walk in Terminal 2 - Sky Scraper. She has grown up - got 3 offers from UCAS. Dinner at Van's place. We met Millie downstairs.

Thursday - X'mas party at Eastern. I remember last year and the farewell lunch for Winston. I felt that it was just yesterday. Rosana, Pauline, Lam & Kong at the same table.

Min went to Dr Tong.

We shopped at Great. Mak came to our place. Friends since childhood are never replaceable. It is good that she has moved to the building next to our estate. Terribly convenient. Min met Jor yan-ling. So strange. She met so many old folks.

I bought a leisure suit for Van - pink & grey.

Mickey will come next Monday, Wednesday & Friday. He is reliable.

Anis has big eyes and her nose bridge seems to be more conspicuous.

do u want to exchange yr position with him/her?

A good question.

When I complain about this and that, who and who, I am asked: "Do u want to exchange your position with ABC?

I have given thoughts to it and the reply is "NO".

I still prefer to be myself. So that's it.

Terrible sore throat. When I swallow food, it is so painful.

My prayer tonight is "Go away, sore throat."

Spent my afternoon in Fanling.

i am happy!

Sunday - pingpong in the morning. Lunch at TST East with Paus. Dinner at Porpor's home.

Monday - worked the whole day. Lunch with B & W. Dinner at Van's home with Irene & Joycelyn.

Problem-solving and dealing with people. HR matters took up most of the time.

I am happy with Min. 2 offers received. She has grown up a lot. Improvement in English is obvious.

To be alive & healthy is great!

busy busy busy

APM. Kwun Tong markeet. Jusco, APM. Park & Shop. Sogo - 6/F, 9/F & basement.

Anissa

Anissa is a variant of Agnes (Greek) meaning "pure, holy, satisfaction, favoured grace".

Taiji class - very relaxing. A treatment to our body & soul.

The Brothers 4 at HKCEC

It brings back memories of my young days. It is a group 50 years old.

The photos of Anis are so pretty.

Lunch at Lippo.

life is most precious!

Running between hospital and office.

Lunch at Wanchai with the usual group.

Laughters and hope - when people view the babies.

Min is counting down and looking forward to seeing Anis.

little baby anis was born

Lovely! 7 lb 1 oz = 3.2 kg.

8:49 pm at Baptist Hospital.

So I had to leave the restaurant half way during dinner.

We were all joyous to receive her.

Mike, May, J & J went to visit her. Por ......

Thank God for everything!

my prayer

Thailand - would God have mercy on this country.

Van - Holy Mary will be with her and bless her.

Many are getting fired - may they have strength to go through this turmoil.

Min is coming home, safe & happy. Let her be admitted into a University & finish a degree. May she grow up confident and pleasant. Healthy & kind-hearted.

Gungung, Porpor ......... and all those whom I love ...........

Just heard from radio some critical remarks on the Govt for some Sex Festival? Naked models for portraits and some male sex workers offering massage services in the eyes of the public. Cannot understand nor judge it at all.

Cheng is relieved as her daughter skips unemployment.

Where is their corporate conscience? So many have earned monies for their organizations. Now, just being kicked out even the businesses have brought them huge profits. Hateful!

Chu's son-in-law bears the same Chinese name as Chu. What a co-incidence!