Hong Kong Portrait

Hong Kong. Present, past and future... beyond. A unique, city where millions call home. Where the skies are filled with housing units and offices and the streets are ruled by high-ballers like Maseratis, Porshes and Ferraris. Night life is not limited to a few clubs that run late at night, rather, streets can be filled with market stalls and eateries open till dawn. No other city in the world is quite like this one. Perhaps if you truly don't believe, there are other things to ponder about. There may be those in the high end of the payroll working out of the now 2nd tallest building in the city IFC. IN stark contrast there are those who live on too little to pay for food a day. Those who thrive on the streets making salaries that they can only skimp through life. Other interesting things to note that the heritage of competitiveness flourishes in the city. Whether it be the businesses, workplace or education from primary up to tertiary. There is a never ending burning flame in each of the souls sucked into the system. That's perhaps why, tutors are "celebrities" (well not truly celebs) but are plastered on billboards in the subway, buses, streets and malls. Another interesting aspect of the little city in comparison to many other peripheries of the same size is the massive network of public transportation that literally brings you to a five minute walking distance to 90% of the places you can think of. Although there seems like there is no lack in anything in the modern world of Hong Kong today. However, a key element is slowly slipping away under the covers of large billboards, companies, skyscrapers... The heritage. The reason why the little fishing village of Hong Kong succeed beyond other CHinese counterparts. Food for thought: What would it be like if HOng KOng never came into the possession of the British ?

Break!

So here it is, perhaps one of my last posts for the year. It's been way too much happening to even start blogging about. Perhaps a short list and a slice of my life to share... 1. 4 exams went well, the last one was so blah... Math... whatevers. My English is great isn't it. Math is stupid as usual with the likelihood that I might actually fail the exam I just wrote. Not an Asian fail but a real FAIL. 2. Celebratory drinks are always fun, especially when I love my floor mates. Going to miss them loads, as I fly off half way across the world to be with my family again. My floor has been my family for the last four months. It's going to be weird, but I'll survive. Even up to the last minute till I got onto my bus to Toronto they were with me. Most of them sent me off on the bus, which was so cute. 3. My hours in Toronto were filled with multiple meet ups with a range of people. I only really planned to meet up with CH, but that lead to people from the area to come as well. I also planned to find my own way to Pearson, but luckily I hitched a ride from EI. A break down of the night. - Seeing people I haven't seen since mid-August, if not longer. - Sharing the university experience and whatever has happened over the last four months in my life. - Getting to eat some pretty awesome food - Ride on EI's "stallions" whatever, horses... whatever you want to deem a Mustang. - Meet a pretty cat - Arrive at the airport without a lot of sleep. I'm looking forward to many things, meet ups especially! Time to get on the flight... gotta go!!

The Hype of Exams

Mon Dieu... the hype of exams. It's that merry season again, when the tree lights are bright, presents a plenty and exams galore. All the fun is just currently sucked out of everyone at the stage of post secondary school. It was like those exams in May, no fun. Well, big deal I've had my fair share for exams and I guess I should be worried that I'm not worried. With this Christmas holiday lingering and wafting yummy warm air my way, I'm intrigued to see how I'll do and get on that jet plane straight back home. It's not a very white Christmas, nor a very white winter in fact – again, maybe there's not that much hype in it... Back to examinations. The libraries full nor do I want to go there; how is possible to sit there for 24 hours... Oh Stauffer + Stauffees, how is it possible that you don't get bored there? There are many things to look forward to in the new year, and I do hope it will be fun. School as usual will be school but there are so many other things going on. Let me share with you! 1. Searching for that new house with my floor mates 2. The hype of Education Conference and BEWIC 3. Everyone will be a lil older and we get to celebrate many birthdays 4. The high school I once just dreaded going to because of the stress, is going to be on the outlook list. I'm excited to tell me stories and hear many stories as well. Give thanks, as He has guided me through a great first semester. Four and half more to go (:

The week I feel off the face of the Earth.

This is the week before I fall off the face of the Earth, temporarily anyway and of course not literally. Just hibernating somewhere which shall not be disclosed so that no one can find me. I need to get some real work done.

As much as university so far has been a stroll in the park well, a fairly intense stroll perhaps a really light jog – there are things that have to be done. Lab test to study for which is equivalent to an IA in IB tomorrow. I hope that all goes well. (: Wooo and we have all that other fun quizzes to study for.

I really can’t believe it, it’s nearing the end of the first semester of university and there are at least four and half more to go! Christmas is here, and it’s time to start thinking about housing for next year!!

I guess I’m kind of worried about it, not knowing who I’m going to end up housing with. Essentially making an unthoughtful choice can end up in a huge disaster. Not only that, I have to sleep every night knowing that I made that choice.

University has been pretty awesome so far. I hope everyone else is just having an awesome and fun day unlike me, stuck in the library for a couple to again, get some work done.

Cheers for now...

What we do @ queen's

We're all living life to the fullest here. It's been a pretty awesome week here in ktown. Playing my MW3, jamming with my floor mates guitar with some awesome friends and etc.

I'm extremely excited for the first snowfall but at the moment its just plain cold. I keep on forgetting to post and there is lots to talk and share about.

Anyway, sorry uber short post la.

The Weekend Adventure

Je does pratiquer le Français… I was given that wonderful opportunity this weekend in Montréal, to speak in the only part of Canada that is Francophone. It was a definitely a great adventure.

Some sharing of highlights

- Meeting with OG which is always fun and making fun of her as I always do. I'm also grateful for all the hospitality she has shown. 

- Mhmm food. Some pictures to share finally. Beer was a home brew it was tasty.  No photo to share for the poutine but it was truly amazing like a party going on my taste buds as I ate it. 

- Architecture and heritage. Even though I didn't actually have time to visit any of the museums. Simply being at the heart of the city and seeing Vieux Montréal was very cool. 

- Habs game at the pub. Well part of my photo but enjoying the spirit of a good game over a good beer (: 

- Meeting up with KN + MM = greatness. Had an awesome epic time @ Mont Royale, which Montreal is named after but it's kind of weird, just because it's a hill and not truly a mountain. 

- We had Schwartz… 80 years of perfected goodness and HDL and future arteriosclerosis, but its all good. The smoky beef goodness just pours out of it with every bite. 

- Wong Fu Productions, uber awesome. Got to finally meet the people I've been staring at on my screen via YouTube and their productions. 

- Bus ride back --> Not to shabby. Got lots of sleep in and it was all good. 

No time to post fotos, b/c I need to catch up on a lot of work. So ciao for now. 

Should Bring My Camera Around

I should bring my camera around campus more often... there are way too many things that only pictures can explain and simply inexplicable with words. For example, today – another ordinary day in PROF class that isn't my prof class anyway but besides that, I walk into class and see an odd looking man in a suit. Your first reaction would probably be the same as mine, who the heck is he. I then began to realize that it was my PROF a tad late for Halloween but dressed up because our classes raised money for UNICEF was sporting a SPOCK costume. The full thing, with the ears as well – who could forget the ears?

There have been also other times, where I should share the purpling of people... Long story o.O engineers and their purpling.... I don't think I ever did recount that story I said I was going to pertaining to my "fall".

Anyway, I'm not feeling the desire to put it in a nice paragraph form, so you can just bear with my point formed story. 

- Decided to bike 7 km to go to the DriveTest Centre to get my G1 done and out of the way

- Completed it after 2 hours of waiting and writing the actual thing

- Found out that I don't have a latency period of a year and can take my first drive test whenever

- Decided to bike back to res

- Riding along like any other person would

- Almost got clipped by a car

- Fell and bruised my hip like heck

- A very nice guy pulled over and offered me a ride. 

- End of Story.. 

Again, too lazy... I'm also supposed to be paying attention in class but that's all cool. Another random thought well two. Numero uno, I'm going to MONTREAL (: weeeeee it'll be so fun to see a friend that I haven't seen in a couple months and perhaps two from Vancity as well!! Numero deux: It's been way to crazy in Turkey... Two EQs in a row? It was completely sheer luck that the city of Van was where the 5.6 magnitude EQ occurred and that it is the city where many of the journalists and aid workers were staying while helping with the previous EQ that occurred on Oct 23.

It's Been Pretty Cool

Did lots of cool things in the last 24 hours... I can't say day because it includes stuff I did last night and earlier today. So I share with the world what I've done. 

1. Play some pick-up in the gym --> it's cool when you end up seeing a friend from high school playing along with friends you know from fellowship

2. Read to children in French. Essentially I wasn't reading the "children" I had weren't really children but they were enjoyable as 12 and 13 year-olds. Woa, I really can't believe that 6 years ago I was in their position – slightly different obviously... I was submerged into the world of la langue Française.

3. Attempting to get work done in the library... key word – ATTEMPT. 

4. It felt good to sleep in with the option of heading to a later class of biology rather than at 0830 which is brutal when you enjoy TV shows as much as I do. 

5. Geology Geology and More Geology. I may have spent 3 hours of my life in total in Miller today, an hour for class and another two working on my assignment, but it was all worth it. 

     WHY? 

• I got my assignment done 
• I get to talk to my prof, which is always cool – it's funny because you wouldn't imagine a 70ish year old lady teaching geology to be speaking so quickly and also being so enthusiastic with cynicism
• I got to work with maps older than my parents... 1953... that's a long time ago. 
• We're also doing shorelines (: 
• Something I've covered intensively in high school but very interesting and intriguing as geology is DYNAMIC. 

6. I haven't gone yet, but I get to go see RZIM's presentation tonight on Belief Matters. Sadly, my floor mate can't join me due to work. :(

Life as I know it?

Life as a I know it... or do I really? There are constant changes in life and really coming about the 9 week mark since my arrival is scary. HAHA well scary in the sense I didn't realize that I've been here for such a short period of time and grown so much in terms of building relationships, doing homework. It actually works both ways, I feel like I have been here for quite a few weeks  – 2 months!! 

Life as I know it. 

• There will always be work and it is never ending
• People in Kingston are just awesome
• Food is high in sodium and very unhealthy --> so much for eating healthy this year... 
• It's also that meal plan! 

Life I didn't know about.

• There is constant guidance that I didn't realize until recently
• I am now a volunteer
• I'm happy to be alive and still intact in one piece 
• Expand on this story tomorrow as I have much to do today

Random thought, it's great to have such awesome people that I have encountered in the last three years to be helping me out again. Well, in terms of references anyway o.O so when I get back to HK, time to go catch up and eat dinner again. I guess I didn't realize how much the people that I have interacted either on a daily basis or less frequently have affected me – and of course how my character has developed. It will be an interesting rest of the year. 

1. Can't wait to blast through school, well exams anyway (that time of calamity for most university students)

2. Being thankful for all the people I've met at this moment 

3. Excited to see Wong Fu this weekend @ McGill and potentially meet up with some old friends

4. It was fun to send a random e-mail to a really old teacher of mine 7 years ago... 

5. This winter will be my first true Canadian winter and none of that water downed continental climate of Vancouver.

4 Day Weekend

Well it's not officially a 4 day weekend as marked by holiday, rather a weekend marked by Halloween festivities. As much as I don't believe in the ghosts nor the vampires and any of the random things you can think of. It'll be a great weekend.

Filled with the festivities of pumpkins - pumpkin pie (: Of course all the "cool" parties that accompany this time of year – after midterms and an excuse to party.

What are some costume ideas… slutty police officer worked out alright last year. Keeping in mind that Kingston is awfully cold. It reached a cool low for me at least in the month of October of -3˚C outdoors. Very chilly!

Short and sweet I guess. Time passes way to fast here. I'm sure before I know it, it will that time of year where it starts snowing.

Have a great and happy halloween! Watch out for the vampires that draw your blood.

WOA… it has been a while…

I totally forgot I had a place where I can place all my thoughts and share what's going on in my life … There has been way too much going on lately. From the midterms to the football games to the activities! Overwhelming in a good sense.

Just haven't really invested much time into here lately. I feel like every time I post nowadays I'm claiming to increase my post count but.. meh…

Highlights of the last week or so.

1. Rocked that geology exam (pun intended) --> well I don't know really, b/c I blanked halfway through.
2. Did great on my chemistry midterm… So I did really rock that.
3. Got my first math test back of the year, score 5.5 (:
4. Intramurals = best thing to do, and to stay active.
5. Psychology is no longer a pain in the butt to read, it's like revision of grade 12 biology!! woo!!
6. I'm going to get stuff in the mail soon I think?
7. I finally aced my chemistry lab… after multiple tries. Time to do really well in my bio ones too.

Life is a highway as I chill here in the office.

Can't Get Better...

I'm having that urge to say that it really can't get better than this. I haven't had to pull an all-nighter yet, which is a really good positive cus I'm getting my sleep. Well supposedly anyway.

I have three midterms, but I'm not too worried. Going to focus on my rocks and try to tuck away a good mark for biology and chemistry. 

People are pretty cool, getting to know them more so it's cool to always have new friends. Really random when you have miscellaneous mutual friends that you would not have dreamed of occurring. That has happened quite a few times already. If you ever wonder or want to see who has the most randomest ones we can compare.

I've found the best hall to study in right now. Geology 104 rocks lab. No one is ever here because they're all like who the heck cares about geology. It's a nice place to study, I get a pretty view of the street, the desks are a bit tall but the solid wood makes it worth while. I guess the only oddity is that my prof for the class actually drops in like every 2-3 hours to check who's here. Kind of awk, but she's also pretty cool... speaks fast though... 

Hope not much changes during winter sem. 

Life as you know it at university... 

Give Thanks.

It was that time of year, where everyone gathers around a large turkey and meet up with families and all the other food goodness. Of course, for all those in Canada. No one ever minds getting Monday off too!

My Thanksgiving was great, I hope yours was as well, wherever you may be. I think it was a good choice to stay in town. It was quiet, but I got a lot of crap done. You just get that feel good feeling right after. It wasn't really homework or anything, but just changing my sheets, vacuuming, organizing. Feels good (:

Of course, who is to miss out on the turkey. I had dinner Sunday night with a bunch of new friends. It was an awesome environment and even though I was new to everyone, they were all really open and of course yummy food. Lest not forget to give thanks that we are able to fill our stomachs and be bloated as well!

One thing I do miss a lot, is of course Chinese food. Who can do without it? mhmm RICE…

The Feelers

It's weird to feel at this moment to have so much time. I have more than enough time to do my work. As much as there is still a lot of stuff to do, and some classes like *ahem psych that I should a put a little more effort into.

It's an oddity. Perhaps the days of stressfulness are over? Or not... There are just somethings that I choose not to try so hard on? Scored meh on my first chem lab... Probably effed my Math but I don't really give a crap? I do but to a limited extent. There's also that feeling though, when you see some people who have scored higher than you even though you're like wtf-ing. That's me at this present moment. As much as IB has prepared me for university. The university style is way to laid back in comparison.

Phase 1.

Who said university was all that easy. As much as I did want to believe that after completing IB it would get through a lot of the stuff they throw at me now at university. I'm not feeling it yet. I just feel like a puddle of mush lying in the baking sun. There are assignments and relationships to build. Perhaps I've been trying way to hard to make so many friends, really when it's not realistic.

Anyway, just a random rant about life. I'm in the midst of experiencing reverse culture shock. New friends I'm beginning to meet have completely opposite views to many different things. With that much said, there are people I'm finding that have the same feelings as I do.

I don't want university to be ending up like the motions of high school. There are many things I would like to try out and I want to get to that point. I'm not sure if it's the culture here at Queen's but I'm awfully intimidated by all the other people who are very hard working. I'm not sure what to expect in the next couple weeks... We'll just have to see.

As for Thanksgiving... Looks like I'm staying in K-town. It'll be deserted but it'll be good quiet time for myself.

Small-ish University

It may be a mid-sized university but there isn’t a day that I run into someone I know I find. It all depends on how close I am with them. It’s pretty cool though, that I could just run into someone and ask if they want to have lunch with me since I actually have time for it!

Yesterday, I spent my lunch hour with JH and chatted about all the different things going on at school. It was interesting to catch up with him since it has been 2 weeks since I’ve had a conversation with him. Somethings don’t change from high school here–a lot of stuff still revolves around the work associated with school but it’s still dynamically different.

Today, I had my biology lab with an acquaintance of mine. That was definitely a conversation that was very intriguing. Although she’s a con-eddie, I do regret to say she doesn’t have the passion that some people possess in this program. Her reason for doing it was because it was her second choice to MAC for Health Sci. I’m disappointed and things like this always happens. Somehow they wrote an amazing personal statement of experience and took the opportunity away from someone else... However, passing judgment is not duty. I hope to find out more about her...

OMG, first time this month that I’m writing two days straight o.O I should commit more time to the blog. I also can't believe it's my 101th post (:

Mumbo Jumbo

University can just be mumbo jumbo flying straight at you. For some it may be the time of their life. For others another phase very similar to high school. I am at the crossroads in determining how I want to live the next 7 months here. Can you believe it a month has almost gone by? It'll be October by the end of the week.

There are the stresses of school. Stresses from peers. Stresses from achieving that grade. Stresses from living a healthy style. Stress can't be a big part of my life anymore and that's why I've decided that I have to stop having such high expectations of myself specfically in the academic aspect. I do encourage extra cirriculars and just getting to know everyone.

My experience so far here @ Queen's has been spectacular. I don't think it's only the fact that people in Canada are nice. Some people here are genuinely nice because they are like that. Perhaps that PSE did separate those who are more well rounded than others. Truthfully, I am most intimidated by a lot of people in all aspects. Some are diligent students such as my engineer floormate. It's amazing to see her up at 6 am doing work and be able to live a life beyond the walls of her room. On the other side of the spectrum there are those who just are able to PARTY HARD AND PLAY HARD. No jokes. 830 am lectures and they aren't even second guessing another drink.

A longer post for today. I felt like the need to share. Don't you ever wonder why the heck they schedule intramurals @ 1130 pm ???? Seriously, as much as I love basketball and I will still go- it's a tad late. To end, whatever stresses is bothering you, chuck it out the window. It's no longer high school where you have to make the grade to get into university- it's the real world now.

Psychology

I'm paying a bunch money to go to school. I expect to get something out of the prof and the T.A.. With only one hour in class and one hour with my T.A. it's just reading the textbook and their modules. Great. Anyway, life is strenuous, in a different way then ye olde IB, but it gets to you sometimes.

1. Rock geology! (pun intended)
2. Do awesome on this self learn psych course
3. Fulfill my duties as a socialite, and talk to people
4. Continue doing intramurals, that starts next week. (: I'm excited
5. Have a blast of a weekend
6. Be ok with chucking marks out the window

The funnies.

There are always those people you know who get are always studying. Along with those who always drink. Then you have those are just in the middle and not at either extremity. I live on a floor of that dynamic. As much as this dynamic is crazy one may say, we've created a tight nit community as one – as "2 nort" says my don.

Friday and Saturday nights are the days were the floor is 100 times more lively then it usually is. Believe me on a regular basis they are already all very lively. You get to meet the alter egos of your floor mates and their miscellaneous friends. You get to almost get in trouble because you're being too loud. Everything goes down.

My experience last night... I was out for a dinner with some alumni from HS so that was all cool. Chat about living @ Queen's and just everything else that buzzes in town. After that was some games and my chilly walk home. (It's way too cold to be only Fall right now) Hung out with my floor mates and decided to head back into my room. I found that I was troubled by the fact that I couldn't get into my bathroom. Long story short. My can-mate passed out and was sleeping with her head on the toilet seat. I couldn't get into my bathroom and had to go use someone else's! Not to much surprise she doesn't even remember what she was doing last night.

University is the place where you meet a diverse group of people. Perhaps one of the first funnies and at the same time a nuisance I'm sharing with the world.

Cheer-withdrawal Symptoms

If you were in my position as of this moment, you would be experiencing the cheer-withdrawal symptoms as well. Last week was jammed pack, without a break of fun, gleefulness of meeting brand new people. This week, it's not so much that... Rather, sleeping through a few classes and trying to de-stress people. 

I guess this is where I.B. all fits in. University is all about self-learning and it distinguishes those who can do it and cannot. I guess I'm on a floating boat at the moment due to the fact that I am technically retaking a few courses. Myself, I'm not really a gung-ho person for doing my readings online or on a e-textbook. Therefore, my favourite class so far is Geology. Old school prof who just loves to go with the pen and paper. 

Other things go on in life. I'm integrating myself in a new community, whether it be with my floor mates, fellow con-eddies, intramurals (which start soon?), church and other awesome extracurriculars. I like how it's not all about school. Even though, I do feel out of the loop sometimes because I seek out more then my simple floor mate relationships. Not that they are simple ones (: There's a mix bunch of people, we just get a long just fine. Anyway, back to feeling out the loop. It's been running errands for school – purchasing that printer, or that thing, or going to get a textbook. 

Who knows what I will become of in 8 months. 

I know one thing for sure right now. I love my new community. 

Froshie Woshie - Schoolio

I can't believe school is starting tomorrow… For some perhaps it's already their second week at it. I'll see how it works out and how it compares to the deadly rigor of IB. I'm just hoping that I rock at it.

New friends, faces and cheers. Lots and lots of cheers. I love the program and it's simply great to be in an environment as awesome as the con-ed family. Always feeling the CON-ED LOVE (: KH, my can-mate is also a con-eddie so it makes my life so much easier traveling around campus to FROSHIE events even though she is in arts.

I'm totally excited for school – can't wait to kick its butt. However, the impeccable system of Moodle is back. Everyone just loves to use Moodle eh. Not much in life except for the major lack of sleep and loss of my voice.

Anyway, short post so to make up for it I'll share one of the many many cheers that I've learned.

Thunder

Thunderation

We're the Con-Ed delegation

If we work with determination

We can create a great sensation.

It gets louder and louder. We rule. All the narcissism I'll share today. At some point if I ever get to it I'll share photos.

The other kind of busyness

Sometimes you're just completely busy because of work and all that is stressful. There's also the different kind of stress when you're doing way too much stuff going on. I think the last time I posted was quite a while ago. To save time and efforts. I'll do a short point form summary.

1. Toronto may seem big, but it's also very small in a sense. On my random trip to SquareOne trip to check out the stuff in town I ran into quite a few people. It's surprising. You don't expect to see someone halfway around the world. It's just not like Hong Kong where you always run into someone. Anyway, pretty cool.

2. Meeting new family friends and all that fun stuff. Over the course of the three days I have met a lot of my mom's old family friends. It's really funny that this really old family friends of ours, that I've never met before is also in the same program. WOOOO CONEDDIES but she's in arts. Anyway, small world.

3. Queen's Queen's Queen's. Oil Thigh is my new favourite song. People are great and uber friendly. I think my most random encounter yet is with the "congregation" of Koreans. It's even funnier because one of my floor mates urged me to sit down with the group. It all ended with a three hour conversation over kimchi instant noodles and Canada Dry Ginger Ale (: YUMMY.

Way too busy

Summer is summer. Even the long enduring of hours of IB can't beat the schedule over the past week. I found that when you leave a place after you've lived there for a period of time, there are things that you must do.

1. Say hello to almost everyone, especially "aunties" & "uncles"

2. Figure out how they are doing construction on the road to avoid it.

3. eat, Eat, EAt, EAT. I'm absolutely stuffed.

Irene

Unless you hide away from all sources of media, you must have heard about Irene. Maybe it's because I took geography, that I actually pay more attention to these types of things in the world. It's probably the actual reason.

Hurricanes aren't new to the world, but I've realized the only ones that usually get the headlines are always the one affecting North America – in particular the southernly country. There isn't much coverage on stuff that occurs half way around the world and happens more often. Yes, we can all agree that there is a greater monetary loss. That doesn't make it less of a deal when it happens elsewhere.

Things Change & People Change

It's not a surprise that over the course of three years things have changed dramatically. The drive through a city that I once lived in for eleven years, it seems like some things will never ever change. In the last two since my last visit here, districts have transformed, moved and replaced faster than ever before. Buildings that once were landmarks to a common commuter are now gone. New areas being developed. It's pretty crazy.

Too many thoughts

Too many things have happened over the day. Technically it's one and a half days because of that dateline that causes everyone's circadian clock to go haywire. You'll have to suffice with point form, just to make sure I gather all my thoughts.

1. Plane – It wasn't that bad. An awfully crowded plane with the variation of Mainlanders, Taiwanese, odd caucasians here and there and of course the Hong Kongers. I was glad not to be sitting beside a child, although a middle seat wasn't preferable.

Bouncing around Shanghai

I've beaten the Great Firewall of China and gained access to posting on the blog. As much as I say that the days are going by quickly, and sometimes that the feeling that I'm moving away is kind of settling there is still much to do till then.

I sit at a Starbucks enjoying my brewed coffee and felt the need to discuss the dire circumstances of a Smoggy Shanghai. It's rather unpleasant- the feeling that you can't breathe nor see further than 2 city blocks. On top of that there is the horrendous traffic. Firstly the people who drive the cars, I swear don't have licenses(they do not respect any of the traffic regulations). Secondly, we have the mopeds and those who prefer to zoom around on the streets on bicycles. Lastly, the pedestrians. All of them work somehow all together and cause all chaos you can imagine.

A day well spent

You have certain days where you just feel great simply due to the fact you spent it with great people. The day blasted off with a missed alarm and a groggy headache. It quickly became a fast paced conversation with many people.

The goal was to go around and say goodbye or as I like more au revoir. At the end of the day, through reflection of the fast three years that past – its time to say, "Hello" to a new life in Kingston. It doesn't really hit you that you're saying adios, until the person is slowly walking away.

Dinner --> Cleaning

I was planning to have company over, but one thing turned to another. I guess its good that I'm not having them over anymore so I don't have go through all the prep that goes into cooking. bleh. I'm lazy. I think it has been decided we will just head out to eat.

Haven't we all considered that its so hard to have company over especially in Hong Kong… Living room is basically right next to the dining room. The kitchen is small. It's definitely hard to squish four at a table. At least at my dining table.

Anyway, just being random as usual there isn't a point to me writing– not like there ever was but to share random moments. I think I should get back to cleaning my room and rearranging books on shelves. I have too many books. Then to the final hours I need to devote to my summer job.

Cleaning in the process...

Over my head.

I'm in over my head again. With the days slowly ticking away, I technically should be packing my miscellaneous things that I will need in K-town. Apparently that's the hip name. Anyway, this last week is looking to be jammed packed with last minute meet ups that didn't happen earlier in the summer. I thought IB taught me to be a better planner than this… (perhaps it's already wearing off)

Meet ups are awesome. I love them, for the reason you get to catch up in a lot of missed things. Maybe with the exception to the very few I talk to almost everyday already. It's still great seeing people in person though. It has a different atmosphere. Chatting online, is rather lame in the sense that it lacks emotion. 

On that note, I finally had the chance to go check out Unar Coffee Company with a friend. It's a really small place, you sit outside. It was great that I could actually hear him speak unlike any other coffee shop in Causeway Bay. Although I sensed the owner was annoyed that we stayed there for two hours, service was top notch.

Next couple days, I have lots of stuff lined up. I think I'll be completely and utterly drained on the plane.

My phrase for the week - "If you never go, you never know."

Reflection of “the time”

After reading the second chapter of Crazy Love by Francis Chan it put my head into full on reflection mode. The reality of life is that it can be taken away in the matter of seconds.

The questions of whether I did well in school or where I will be in 15 years is completely irrelevant when I’m dead. Who people remember me will be whatever compared to where I will be in this temporary body.

Religion can be seen too many as that bogus kind of thing. It can also be justified as blind faith. The way I see it, is realizing there are pretty crazy things that go on that are inexplicable and more than luck. It’ll always be a roller coaster relationship with God. But once reflection sets in, you see Him in the most unsuspected moments.

That Feeling Inside

We do what we have to do. I have a good job. I have good pay. There is however, something that has been bugging me. Maybe I'm just being oversensitive to the whole idea because it doesn't really fit into my values. It seems like they have lost interest in actually increasing their knowledge of world beyond the text.

Education is all about learning more and more. There is a joy in learning. Although, at a young age especially for ESL children its tough and more of a chore forced upon them. The weeks have past after brushing up on explaining the different tenses. Puts me in the shoes of myself years ago when I first started taking French immersion. Simple present tense, present perfect, past participles, simple past, simple future… I'm not concerned about how they learn but more of the lack of organization of the learning I'm supposedly providing.

So much in such a short time.

There’s been a lapse since my last post. Thus,short and sweet - or as many others like to say concise and too the point.

Macao was a fun trip, with great people and meeting a new acquaintance. Between all the video games, meals and traveling, everyone was bummed tired. Perhaps the trip would have been better if we did more things. Meh.

Things I've Learned

Seems like it's been awhile since I've posted. Well not that long anyway. In the couple weeks I've worked my summer job I've learned many things.

1. Always use "Can I tell you tomorrow?" phrase whenever your employers want to give you more work.

2. If you want to avoid being given more work in the first place, don't work so hard.

3. The younger generation is not enjoying their summers.

On that note, I've seen some of them spend 80% of their time learning something to ameliorate themselves for their future education.

4. Sleep regularly – like school when your circadian clock is out of sync you don't work as well.

But it's been pretty fun, well to an extent anyway. It's been keeping me busy and some of the kids are really nice. However, I would never be a primary school teacher for a career! The stamina required to keep up with them is too immense.

Other random things that I've learned.

1. I'm horrible at self-motivating to run. So much for running 5k by the end of the summer.

2. Never play basketball outdoors as it is extremely hot and humid… Perhaps one of the other reasons I haven't been running.

3. Try to keep my plate small. Doing too many things is overwhelming. I've learned this over and over again, I just don't seem to be getting it right.

4. Summer is always too short, it's soon going to be back to academics :( Until then I'm not going to think about it. 

Planning…

More specifically financial planning… We all have to do it at some point in our lives and now is the time where I actually have to keep up with it. I devoted the entire weekend to build the ultimate spreadsheet.

On the note of spreadsheets, I learned all these crazy functions that I didn't even know about. Like who uses "=IF" or "=TRANSPOSE" very often? Kudos to whoever came up with the idea to create the program — without it, I'd be toast. I guess it would have taken less time and effort if I didn't like colour, borders and fonts. Hey, it's all pretty now or so that I deem it so. 

With the spreadsheet done, it's now under the scrutiny of how much I need to pay for university next year and living expenses. It's a bummer, but we gotta do what we gotta do. Time to be more frugal.

Digging @ What Costs?

Over the past few weeks, digging is occurring in what most people would call their backyards. The dig will continue until they have inlaid the tracks for the new extension of the MTR. With the deadline to be fully functioning by 2015, that's less than three years to get everything done. 

Everything goes into question, at what cost is all this digging? 

For the positive section one can quickly determine – the number one thing is convenience. If you live on the south side of Hong Kong Island you would know that it's a pain to go through the Aberdeen Tunnel during rush hour. A commute that is regularly twenty minutes can be extended up to an hour and a half. With odd working hours here, commute is essential as it determines how much rest one will get. 

For the negative section I can think of two major things; the environment and the disturbance. There is no question that the environment is going to through rapid change as a tunnel is being dug as I type under the Aberdeen Country Park towards Admiralty. On the other negative section we have disturbance, which is more an personal thing. Where my building lies is already so close to the bus terminus. Meaning that I hear buses go by constantly at the crack of morning and not so much after midnight. I don't know if I could tolerate hundreds of people commuting daily to and from an exit near here.

Who knows what will happen when it's finally done being built. I won't be here for the mean time to use it. All it is currently is a nuisance.

History and Change

It's been a tradition on my maternal side of my extended family to have frequent gatherings at my grandmother's flat. Inside this flat was filled with childhood memories ranging from living as a home to a place to rekindle family connections. The eighteen years past by quickly and they will never be the same ever again. At the end of the summer, my grandmother and my great aunt will be moving to Mei Foo. Technically more convenient as it is next to the MTR and has an elevator, however it's smaller and will not be able to fit the whole family in. 

The dynamics within the household has changed immensely. Since I was born till the age of ten I believe – I was the youngest grandchild. I had all the attention. The family soon bigger and bigger as my much younger cousins were born. I guess it's always been odd that I'm in the middle of everything. With cousins that are at least ten years older and younger – my interactions with my cousins differ. Not that it was a bad thing, I just grew up differently. (:

things that happen.

From the news and havoc in Oslo, no one can really sleep well these days. It's as if, internationally there are more conflicts, war, and random actions against innocent bystanders. 

The craze of a single man dressed as a police officer is of question - "why?". We may never truly find out as the general public, however one will always ponder upon it. No where is truly safe anymore - or so as it seems. Whether it be a more economically developed country or the less - one is vulnerable.  

All we can do now is reflect upon the horrid events that have past over the past week - hope and pray for protection. Lastly, extend our condolences to those who have lost a part of their family or a close friend. 

Worn Out

I'm completely worn out today. Heading out to the annual HK book fair coupled with little sleep the night before is taking its toll at the moment.

I think it was totally worth it anyway. A couple hours spent pushing and peering over heads does go by quickly. It's the place to be if you enjoy reading, or interested in buying those funny looking comprehension booklets or just go into the crowd and buy nothing. The only negative thing I can really say is that you're in a system with tens of thousands of others trying to buy books. And a tangent from everything - Hong Kong's efficiency still takes my breath away.

If there weren't that many people I could stay there forever. The choice of books is somewhat limited but they are the best deals in town. I did get a chance to pick up some novels that were on my "need to read" list as well as some random thrillers. $380 HKD later I fled the scene with twelve new books and three of my favourite childhood comic books - Archie's.

Before I drill through these other books I have more on my summer reading list too (:

An Out-ordinary Day.

My whole day revolved around me carrying around a bunch of books. It would have made my life a tad easier if I had the chance to drop off my Larssan books at home first - so be it, I ended up lugging them around town today.

Totally random run into DN as she was with VY. A short conversation - as everyone rushes away like a Hong Kong storm. Oh and while I was waiting for KY at the MTR, the usual random CC runs up says hi and leaves. He didn't even stay to say how you doing, etc. Anyway, its the HK lifestyle. 

Lunch was rather amusing a meet up with a friend from Vancity ended up into meeting a new acquaintance as well. He probably thought I was pretty weird. The fact that I was sporting 7-8 books in bag and brought them to the Flying Pan. Hey, I think it’s pretty decent all day breakfast. Anyway, did some catch up and some learning of the happenings in the city I felt like I did not leave so long ago. I also didn’t notice what I was really wearing today when I went out to eat. The owner of FP starting striking up a random conversation. “So you Canadian?” Anyway, a friendly exchange about her business and how it has grown - well also a bit of gloating. Oh wells - life goes on, but it was pretty cool to meet the who behind it.

Made my first trip to Book Attic - well that kind of failed. My goal was to reduce the number of books I had in my very small flat - there’s only so much shelving space. It didn’t really work out as I put in three books and got two new books. Yea, so great place to head out if you’re looking for a cheap read. Most of them are 50 bucks and some are in immaculate condition.

My trip to Tung Wah Tung Hospital was interesting. Chinese medicine > Western medicine. It was pretty cool to see that the government funded hospitals all work towards helping their citizens and caring for their health. I’ll post more about the medicine tomorrow or for those who are suspicious I’ll tell you how it works out on my rash.

Rather many things I did today. I have a batch of dough cooling in the fridge right now. With the lack of baking soda, I wonder how baking powder will work out once I actually bake em. nom nom nom.

Sorry for the long post - to the one who “sent” me the package.

1. Thanks for the belated present.
2. I will get to reading it soon after my summer reads.
3. I’ll bring it to Kingston - because I know I won’t get through my other 10 books in the line. Perhaps it’ll jump it - who knows.
4. Congrats on your win, please show me your awesomeness when I’m back. 

Breakfast Munchies

I finally located where I can get my hands on BAGELS... nom nom nom. After three years of making that occasional breakfast trip to friendly neighbourhood green lady coffee shop, I can arrest that and toast my own bagel with my own philly cream cheese.

I didn’t actually first notice them on the rack next to some other bread like products. It’s there though - Mark’s and Spencer’s. Anyway, I’m a bagel fan and always want some without paying 2-3 dollars a pop at that green lady coffee shop.

Random. Felt like I needed to share my discovery with the world. Tomorrow’s breakfast, is calling out already!

Days Go By

It feels like its been awhile... At times like these who isn’t busy. Summer is a unique season for that. We may be busying away at work, play, TV shows or what not, however, we take it in a more enjoyable fashion compared to the school year.

Plans slip through sometimes and they all work out sometime. Again, I’m ceased to be amazed by the number of museums in Hong Kong. The HK railway museum is rather intriguing. Firstly, I learned the complete history of it. Secondly, I got to see the actual thing. Thirdly, the trip was coupled with friends and foooooood. I’m to lazy to hunt down the cable for my camera and I apologize for no photos. I can however share with you some interesting things I learned.

- The original name of the railway was Kowloon Canton Railway (KCR) that has recently merged with the MTR corporations.

- The original railway spanned from Kowloon to Canton where the Lo Wu station marked the end of the British Section. There was also a separate track from Fanling to upper New Territories.

- It was built in the late 1900s by both the British and the Chinese governments - where they each built their own sectors. The British labeled theirs the Kowloon Canton Railway the British Section.

Photo taken by Toby Oxborrow, 2008

Anyway, everything else is as it should be. I still wish I didn’t require sleep - the things we can do... Reading is still rather slow, I’m averaging 2 weeks per book?!??!?! The countdown ticks away as I should start to think more about packing. As usual being prepared (:

Maybe I'll create an album of select photos later...

:o Whether.

Today was rather disappointing as I woke up in the morning to find that there was thunder and a rather depressing cloud hanging over the peak of Ap Lei Chau. I automatically thought about the consequences of walking through Chatham Rd.to Whampoa. I would be soaked even with an umbrella. So I quickly contacted OC and canceled our meet up plans. A rain check (pun intended). Now that I’m sitting here in Starbucks finally getting some real work done that has been piling up on my desk I see that its nice, bright and sunny outdoors.

1. HKO deceived me. Well they are just an observatory. One I will miss greatly once I move to Kingston - no more 90% accurate weather reports.

2. I actually got work done.

3. Since it’s sunny now, I might consider hitting the pool and get a workout in.

4. Meeting up with OC has been rescheduled which is kind of a good thing? Well, another random meet up with a complete stranger - but she’ll be my first friend at Queen’s apart from RH, JH and the select others that are already moving to upper years. I’ll recount how that goes...

5. Wednesday will be fun - Tsuen Wan. Finally some HK exploring. I didn’t think I would be this busy!!! It’s alright, it’s better than sitting at home everyday whining about how Summer is boring like some people are.

I apologize for my list writing. It allows for me to cover vast topics that run through my head. Can’t fill in all the gaps of my life eh?

Oh and for those traveling - have safe flights and hope that you’re not siting beside an obnoxious child. Of course, if you’re heading to my little part of the world you know what to do. 

Death and Life.

For most of us in the world we don’t always appreciate the things we do have. I know I can go curse my head off sometimes when things don’t work out the way I want them to be. Death is seen as a passing, the end of someone’s life - it however is the unique event that also rekindles familial relationships.

Although I may not have known my great uncle very well, nor do I think I have ever met him prior to this weekend. It is a great time of reflection. He will be remembered for the things he has done - for some as a father, brother, grandfather.

The ending of one’s life hashes out new paths for others. It’s not only meeting second cousins, aunts and uncles but a chance to seek the lineage of ancestry that leads on. 

Rest in peace, for you will forever be remembered. 

Day well spent.

The day may not be over just yet, but I have nothing better to do as of this moment other than blog and read yet another novel. 

Starbucks is simply too loud for my liking especially during a Friday afternoon. CH and I were sporting some drinks, sat down chatted and off into our own little worlds. Whilst this was all occurring, we had two girls from the next table stare at us "innocently" for 45s to 60s. Just a bit too many seconds... it caught my attention and made me wonder. Yes, I'm reading a book, and English book. Yes we talk, it maybe about Catholicism. Yes, we can sit at the same table and chat up like no tomorrow and we can at the same time sit for minutes in utter silence. They were just weird, thinking that we didn't notice their awkward glares and eaves dropping into our conversations! 

Again, the world is made up of such random people, who all have their unique background. Some more distinguishable than others. From my non-professional training of profiling, I would come to the conclusion that both males sitting at their sides must always abide by their rule. Or in other words, the girls wore the pants but in a Mrs. Warren's fashion - using beauty as a strong point. Either way, it was also getting that vibe that they were some family that is very well off. But who am I to say, that I'm not wrong? You can remain skeptical about me as well, this is after all a blog where I am the author and choose to tell you certain things.(:

I sit here now, with a new novel, unlimited drinks, a computer, and a new excel file to reshuffle this university schedule of mine. I'll leave the night to close with a short reunion with friends from East to West - oh and of course my scary novel.

Busy days are fun days.

As much as being busy can sometimes be a pain in the rear, it can also be the complete opposite and make you smile once you're all done. Today was one of those days. It may be true that I've worked 6 hours almost non-stop since 3 in the afternoon, but really what other way to spend a summer.

There's no point of lounging around at home and stare at my screen everyday. There is obviously more to life than this. After meeting two of my new students its been great. They're from the Philippines and I believe their father works in town for some business. They're so adorable. I think they had a good time, or seemed to be until I waved goodbye as if my hand was going to fling off.

The day ended off with showing off some card tricks and teaching SC and KC to do them. They'll be pro at them soon. I think their parents are glad that I worn them out by 9 pm, apparently something that only occurs on rare occasions. We also enjoyed some popcorn and Annie - a great movie starring Aileen Quinn. The coordination of the movie is phenomenal and the beginning kind of reminds me of someone. She'd probably laugh if I told her...

Anyway, another day gone by. It's summer so who cares!

Really?

As much as time is seemingly to pass by without me noticing - it’s needless to say that many of us are in the same boat of having a mishmash of feelings about the months to come. September is really not that far away. For those who are leaving even earlier, that tingly feeling is probably roaming around already. 

Who knew, that it’s only mere weeks that I officially completed high school. This week, I finally start my new job. As much as the hours are short, I’m glad - more time to do my own thing. 

On that note of doing my own thing, it just sucks to be flat out broke. Okay, that wasn’t entirely true as I need to save up for this trip nearby and it is going to cost a fortune. Who knows, maybe I’ll get lucky and find money laying around as I clean out my room for the move.

Filled day of activities.

It may be Sunday, but who says you can't pack it all in and have loads of fun? 

- Brunch, well basically late lunch with JL. Had a great time chatting over delicious English breakfast and failed lemonade. They put lemon slices into water. o.O - I should have gone for my gut and opt for the orange juice instead... Oh wells we all make those silly mistakes anyway. 

- PageOne - I could live here (: Over some intense discussion of certain good reads and the sharing of ideas from flipping through some books we came to the conclusion that it will be better if we either worked in a bookstore or had a library. As much as the library in Hong Kong is a wealth of information compared to many other cities, one thing that I find that it lacks good page turners. Again, my bias opinion prevails and who is to say that they don't have good books in Chinese?

- Pacific Coffee - I had an hour or so to wait before I headed out to church and decided to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and my book. The summer light beams through the window - a feel good moment. 

- Church - The sermon = great = rolled up bundle of jokes and a good message. What was rather odd, was when the service was about 15 minutes till the end, some woman smacks a bag across a man's face next to me. I was rather taken back a moment, well shocking really. That woman just continued down the stairs, strutting away, ferociously. No comment, no sorry - only walking with frustration written all over her face. 

the things people do these days

 Rather odd and I mustn't drag on about the sermon which was a rolled up bundle of jokes and a good message. 

Hmmmm.

Never put shampoo & conditioner bottles next to the bathroom window cill - one of them might go missing during a storm. :(

Ending the night with a blast.

Literally, last night ended off with a blast... I come home in those wee hours, turn on the light then *bam. A light bulb on the chandelier over my dining table bursts. Firstly, I didn't really know what was going on. Secondly, the loud blast was definitely a change from the ringing in my ears. Lastly, it was a pain to clean up. Anyway, now the flat is awfully dim and needs to get fixed. 

Rain, rain and more rain. I don't mind really (: It's awesome seeing people struggle with their umbrellas. I tend to just grab my raincoat and hit the streets. I get awkward stares like I come from outer space. 

Actions & Happenings

So many things have happened over the past week… Overwhelming really. So who knows how long this post will go.. 

1. I'm very glad I didn't get stuck in the Beijing flood. After seeing the news of the flood being up to car hoods and the Forbidden city flooded with water gushing everywhere, still can't believe I was there only a week ago. 

2. Great days have gone by quickly meeting up with YS was part of two great days. (: Can't believe it's been one year since we've met, in the strangest way possible. Had fun eating breakfast at 2 pm and meeting some very interesting people while roaming through the streets of Hong Kong. I also got the chance to see Mme Tussauds work. 

3. Swimming outdoors is becoming a hazard. As much as it is in a pool and not open water, the sun's rays never cease shining upon me. I now have an awkward tan. Perhaps a sign that I should hit the beach with a wetsuit and a book.

Bill Gates & Vaccinations

Flipping through the channels while sitting on the hotel bed, I come to a stop when I saw Bill Gates. It was on BBC News and it was a discussion of his philanthropy well his recent donation of $1 billion to fund for vaccinations in LEDCs. There sat the head honcho of some pharmaceutical company, a representative from the Rwandan government and critics from MSF and World Development.

Anyway, after watching about 10-15 minutes of it - I really began to think about the integrity of what Mr. Gates is financing. As much as his intention as stated was to reduce the figure of child mortality. Yes, vaccinations is one of the steps towards stopping high child mortality rates suffered in LEDCs. However, it is not the first. As the WD critic pointed out there are other factors that contribute to the cycle of poverty including speculative trade, land grabs, etc.

Finally Away from HK

As I'm up at the wake of dawn, I drag myself to the shower. It's that groggy feeling you finally get out after stepping into a nice cold shower. Anyway, leaving in a couple hours - and I had some time at hand so I decided to post.

On that note, I will finally get to post in my empty travel blog even though it is domestic traveling. Shh.. Anyway, if you're interested check it out here (soon).

Last Minute Emotions & to the class of '11

As much as we give our hugs and sign other peoples yearbooks - it’s never truly good bye. It will never be - nor do I believe in them. There will be a time when we come together again, the paths beyond high school will cross once again - then and only then - will we remember all the memories we have one another.

Rather than saying good bye as we may shed tears for those who have meant a lot to us over the years. Or the friends we have made over the years that are going around the world. I say - remember and cherish the times, but never fret. There will be a day, where we all unite at a coffee table chatting about the random things we did today.

Even though it’s not saying good bye to those we have began to love. It’s the turning of a new leaf. University. For many a daunting task, others a new adventure. Whatever it means to you, it’s only going to be a phase.

Shedding of tears is the natural emotion that everyone goes through. I was definitely at that point saying, “see you soon”, or “keep in touch”. It’s that overwhelming feeling. It has definitely stumped me, the fact that I know I’ll see most of you again in the near future and still be overtaken by emotion. However, I digress.

To the class of 2011, we were great - we set that bar higher than anyone else has ever before. I’m confident that one day, every single one of us will be successful.

For now, enjoy life to the fullest before we return to the cycle of sleepless nights. 

Overdone topic of 'over-ness'

I think I have completely overdone this - “It’s completely over” thing. OK, I think this is the last one for real. I will not write about the actual last day of school, because that will simply be OVER THE TOP.

Anyway, it was great seeing everyone out there. Most people got what was expected. What did come to a surprise was the actual award from the consulate general of Canada. The award for IC was huge + it was made out of glass. It was funny though when BL made the remark when he received the award that he wasn’t Canadian. Really LOL.

But it was completely bang on and had all the meet and greets you can think of. Tired. I don’t even know why I am up.

Short post.

Actually before I head to bed, I have to recount how teachers say they keep it short and sweet but never truly do. It’s not annoying and stuff - its just the realization that they don’t cohere with their own sets of rules. Shortest note so far in my yearbook - 8 words, 4 letters, my name and her name.

Good night world.

315 AM

Now that I’m off school - have all the freedom I have, I’m not waking up properly. My whole sleep cycle is out of whack and I can’t help it. This week has been especially bad due to the fact that I haven’t hit the gym, nor the pool at all this week and that after prom that was in the middle of the week - that threw my plan completely out of the window. 

 

It’s that feeling you get when you just don’t want to do anything. On top of that, today, my day was ruined by the early thunderstorm that lasted from 3 am till noon? As well as that amber alert that was issued at 6 am. So that also threw my plans to go snorkeling out the window. So I was disappointed.

I actually can’t pinpoint what I really did today. After getting a text saying that it was canceled, I decided to again whip out my PSP that I started playing Saturday night. Playing some FIFA 11 (:

WriteRoom

What Ifs

Hasn't there ever been a time where you wondered how your decisions affect everyone else? I don't know if you had, but I've heard of the infinite universe that may coexist with ours where it plays our all the choices and probabilities of your life or something along the lines of that. I have my random moments where I reflect upon what would happen if I didn't come to Hong Kong. Its probably, well one of the biggest choices my parents have made that have changed my life dynamically. It has truly defined a new me. As much as I can say I detest the pollution, the cramped spaces of the flats and a school that has blown my mind into bits - there are its advantages.

Starting from the beginning of the adventure to Hong Kong. I met some of the most influential people in my life. SC - At first glance you would think of a girl wired on crack or something 24/7 but truly a great friend. Somehow I was also brainwashed by her into going into education - or actually confirming something that I've been thinking of going into. On the point that you'd think she's wired on crack shes always super enthusiastic about everything, there is never anything negative - always positive energy flowing through her - of course, she never ceases to smile either. After a full season of basketball stretching from September all the way till Feb. It was one of my best seasons ever. Practice was always filled with laughs and everyone actually wanted to be there. On a personal basis, our trip together to Guang Zhou was truly epic. We were on a natural sugar high, the ones you get of raisins. That night never stopped as we went around the entire hotel taking photos, telling each other jokes and doing flips on bed. We obviously were not tired enough to go to bed as we talked for hours even though we were lying still in our bed. I think it was about four when we decided it was time for us to actually head to bed. Those were the fun days.

I realize this is kind of getting lengthy, and I'll make it shorter from now on. On second thought, I'll summarize the next three women in my life (other than my mother of course).

They have truly made my life much better than it used to be. Two of the three were intimidating to meet at first, but once you warm up to them - they are all great people. One was known as that crazy coach who made you all these suicides, the other was someone who would give the evil stare, and lastly the one known to just be really warm. HAHA dynamically different (: All of them contributed in various ways, whether it was just a quick chat to deflate all the stuff making my head big or to help me manage that crazy scheduling of IB. Over the course of the years we had fun. I think to most of them anyway, I would send them all random e-mails using fancy colours back and forth that didn't really pertain to anything but something I just enjoyed doing.

In all, the three years spent here have changed my whole perspective of what I will do. Conservation, traveling, going to university across the country. Also being in a globalized city, I see all the globalization that is occurring at the moment in our surroundings. In general terms I am now: more educated about everything. So it now leaves me with university at Queen's as a con-eddie and a bunch of friends that I look forward in seeing again in the near future - also the dream to travel all over the world (maybe not Egypt after I heard the scary story).

Connecting With an Old Friend

Well not age old, just someone that I can say that has changed my life in a significant way, and known for quite some time now. The initial contact of this person wasn't particularly pleasant - well I wasn't in the mood for the fact that I moved to a new school and all that. So it was completely new friends, and perhaps the daunting fact that I was at that moment going to enroll in late French immersion. I guess this friendship also didn't blossom till later that year when we went to Manning Park for a class trip in the middle of the year. Actually, that's not entirely true we were pretty close by the time we traveled to Manning Park as I would chuck snowballs at her without getting into deep trouble. 

Over the course of the year, that friendship grew. It was clearly defined by my second trip to Manning Park that closely resembled my first trip, however, it wasn't with my grade 6 class but rather with a bunch of other students my age in the district - who just so luckily got elected by our teachers to attend a leadership camp. Somehow she saw potential that I didn't see? 

Over the years doing other programs with her we built a unique bond. An atypical friendship. We knew each other inside out - mostly anyway. After falling out of touch since the three years I've left, you just get that great feeling that you can finally reconnect. I remember visiting her prior to my departure that year. It was on the basketball courts outside of my elementary school building. I said hello and she returns the same remarks and comments on how she has heard from a mutual friend that I was moving. It was one of those bags of mixed emotions. Evidently she was taken by surprise when I first confirmed that it is true and also the fact that it's a dynamic change of scenery compared to Vancouver. The conversation ended with a sad good bye and a hug. 

Getting something back in the post after a postcard I sent a couple weeks back made me smile. Apparently my postcard did the same as she had a busy week. Just like I never left, I could envision her friendly grin from the first days I met her.

Reconnecting is awfully powerful. It just makes you happy for the rest of the day. As much as time has come and gone. A strong relationship that once existed will always revive again given the opportunity.

Another Day of a Summer

Today, was unique from the past couple days - the hangover finally ran away and I feel fresh. Although I was awaken by my mother vacuuming it was okay - it was 11 anyway. So I decided, to iron some shirts and head to school to drop off some stuff and run the list of errands that have been calling out to me for the last couple days. I set off, arriving at 12 - I then spoke with the receptionist who awkwardly knows my name. Kind of weird but I believe it's all due to my excessive tardiness especially for English class, occasionally for math. On a side note I know EA gets really annoyed, PL on the other class trusts that I'm making a better choice by sleeping in. Anyway, I dropped off the stuff for JJ and set off to go workout. That didn't happen so I decided that I should just go find my red headed friend and chat.

The chat lasted longer than expected - I thought I'd be in and out in 15 but that quadrupled o.O I had a great time though, and it was her anyway - I can always squeeze time for the ones you care about. Well out of this conversation, I now have a place to stay in the middle of nowhere in Québec. Although in the middle of nowhere, it looks as if it'll be a long drive from Kingston but perhaps all worth it - lying right along the coast of Saguenay River. So who knows, perhaps I'll spend some time there - with a book, with work? According to her kayaking is great, so that's on top of the list of one of the things to do.

Lunch was great as I enjoyed a nice fei cha faan (肥叉飯) with gueng yong (姜容) - yummy. I then headed over to no other than the immigration tower in wan chai (灣仔). Lone and behold, I see a familiar face in the crowd as I wait to collect my HKID. Sat next to SL and had a quick chat about school and the finished exams. A relief for her and yeah that was unexpected.

A quick side thought that has been on my mind - today I was sporting my vibrams, a pair of regular jeans, an ironed collared shirt and aviators. So either this combination, or how I look has somehow attracted a lot of people to ask me to sign up for credit cards and join fitness club. On the topic of fitness clubs, two thoughts come into mind - either I am very fit they think I will get a membership or that I am not fit enough and need a membership. On the other note of credit card sign ups, somehow I look older than I am? meh. People these days.

Kicked back with CH at Starbucks and just did some random chatting. We already talk so often, so it wasn't really anything special.