Structualism

I just spent an hour to assign the categories to my previous entries in this blog - this categorizing function was just introduced in this month so I had to put back the label for each of my old post. I had just finished the latest pieces since April this year, I think it must still take some time as my diaries could be traced back to April 2004.

It is a fun work to do the categorization. I classify my articles in a special way (I think)... My categories so far include: Anthropology freak, book worm, Fragrant harbor, I'm a mama, My global village, Precious Moment, Really a big deal, Whatever, Working bee and Wow something new. I think they sounds really cool (or weird?? or just nothing special?? Never mind)

Remember that I had studied one school of thought in Anthropology class - Structuralism, which was introduced by a guy called Claude Levi Strauss, he set up a model to study Myth across cultures... His theory may not be totally relevant to this post, but he reminded me about the structure of human's cognitive thinking, I can find out how I perceive my world simply by the classification I use in my blog.

Seems that my life consists of the above sections - Precious Moment is actually the prime part, it includes all the joyful experience with my love, my family, my friends, whenever and whatever, then the role of a mother is also my another identity. Working bee is also a reflection of me... 5 am proud to be a freaky anthropologist, even someone think only silly and aimless people will study this subject... And then Fragrant harbor (Hong Kong), my global village are the environment I am living in and care about. Book is an element that I cannot miss out, and from time to time, I need something new and interesting to enlighten my life.

How is your categorization look like?

Devastation in Internet World!!!

Wow, no need to mention that everyone is suffering from this disaster in the virtual world. Eventually, I managed to get into the blog sphere and say hi to all of you again.

Could not imagine that an earthquake near Taiwan triggered such a tremendous problem before the end of this year. This incident must be one of the most important news in 2006. Thanks god that at least no big scale destruction happened in this 2nd anniversary of tsunami in Asia.

How do you feel in these few days without or with very limited access to your MSN, internet or email account? Do you feel any emptiness?? I do feel lost somehow, and actually I wanted to correct my typo in my last piece of entry, and add several new diaries... As I could not get through blogger for several times, I scrabbled somethings on my real diary and fell asleep in the mid way...

If I am lucky enough, this piece of entry will be shown on Dec 29 22:30.

By the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY PA PA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Returning to our cultural root??

Some young people from the elite universities in Chinese are calling for the boycott of Christmas celebration, and asking people to return to our Chinese Confucian roots.

Well, for me, celebrating foreign festivals is one thing, respecting our own culture is another thing. Sending Christmas cards or joining parties will not make us losing our sentiment to our national value. Why can't we be more liberal and try to appreciate all the beautiful things from various cultures? After all, Christmas is about joy to the world, to love our friends in this planet.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Facebook

Facebook me!

Feel so lucky that I am living in web2.0 - an era with blog, wikipedia, you tube ... and now coming another popular thing - Facebook.

It is an effective tool to establish online social networking and then further facilitate the offline communication. Do not understand what on earth I am talking about,? Why don't you have a look of it??

Does the blossom of all these webs reflect that human being actually have a basic instinct to express themselves and sharing information with others? For me, I gain satisfaction when writing blog, it is now my major hobby. Isn't it a bit weird?

Meg Cabot's newly released books

Wow!!! Meg is such a productive novelist, she could release quite many of books in a year.

She just launched the Princess Diaries Vol VIII, Princess on the Brink; Size 14 is not fat either of the sequel of Size 12 is not fat; Valentine Princess and Missing You. I will put all of them in my X'mas shopping list.

I can't believe that I had became a 'Princess Diaries' fan for three years. I read the first volume in 2003.

Do you wanna know more about Meg Cabot? Click the title above and enter her latest website.

For book worms who visit my website frequently, please let me know what you are reading, let's share your joyful reading experience with me, thanks!!!

A letter to Blogger.com

I am a blogger user for more than 2 years. In some points I do want to shift to other blog providers because blogger is not stable and not innovative at all. Finally, they make some improvement.

Now I am using the blogger Beta version, where provides some new functions such as post categorization (even though this is not something new and already existed in yahoo and xanga for ages). It would be even better if Blogger can provide more templates and fancy functions for users. I know you guys are from the high-tech tribe, but adding some artistic elements will surely attract more female users.

Noel Noel

This is last working week before the Christmas holiday, I worked so effectively today.

Our company will hold a Christmas party on this Thu afternoon time, and then have a half day off on Friday for the 'Winter Solstice' of Chinese Calendar. Most families will have a reunion dinner that night. It is very great to be in a culturally hybrid place like Hong Kong, we celebrate both Chinese and western festivals.

It is time to do a review of 2006 and think about my New Year Resolution. Time flies and sometimes you do not have time to look at your life in another angle. Now, by the end of the year, grasp a chance to understand myself again!!

A nice weekend

Today is Saturday, the sky is clearly blue, the weather is very cool, it is really a good day.

Baby is next to me at the moment, staring at the screen and looks back to me sometimes, what a great day.

I treasure all these little blissful moments.

Antique (the 2nd Episode)

Today I told Jelly that the broken antique may affect the Feng Shui in our room, he then thanked me for reminding him and threw the pieces into the trash bin. Actually this so-called 'antique' only cost him RMB200...

Now the ambience becomes more comfortable. I decorated our room with some Christmas ornament and it looks so homey now.

Got a project commission suddenly. I give a good name for the project, hope it brings me good luck.

People may wonder how come I am so superstitious... If you work here, you will understand. Something that no colleague disagree with me - all projects got obstables, but if your give a silly name for a project, the situation will be getting worse, believe it or not.

Anthropologists suggested that supersition is important sometimes because it fulfills psychological needs. Sometimes you have hard time and nothing you can control, if you believe in Feng Shui, at least you will move the position of your stuff a bit and help you to restore your positive thought.

Is it self-deceiving? I don't think so. Samantha, cross our fingers!!!

Antique

Jelly kept some antique in our office. One of them is a container from whatever dynasty in Ancient China. Poorly it was broken during the delivery.

Jelly tried to fix it by adhesive tape. Of course it is a total failure. He put the broken pieces on the top of the cabinet like rubbish. My client came last night and he said it would bring negative impact to the Feng Shui of our room.

No wonder I have so much hindrance in my career development. This afternoon, I put a big black cardboard on that broken antique. Hope my luck will be getting better.

Today is Friday, I have very strong holiday mood!! Only 2 weeks left before the Christmas holiday, really can' t wait!!!

Christmas is all around

The end of a 2006 is approaching, it is a good time to send blessing to everyone. I wish you all have a merry christmas and joyful new year.

Have you ever dreamt about a wonderful christmas party? All those fashion magazines teach girls how to dress up and wear a glittering make up to countless parties. This year, I want to spend all precious time with my family and friends in some home parties. It must be a joyful moment.

Remember that last year we threw a party at my parents' home we invited our my cousin's family to join. I was in 5 months pregnancy. My uncle kept mentioned that my baby would be running around in the next Christmas. Now, Lucas is still too small to walk but definitely he is a very active baby already.

Time flies and we should treasure everyone who is around us. Spread peace and love to the one next to you! God love you and have a wonderful plan in your life.

There is still hope!!!

Great Great Great!!!

Just discover that if I take annual leaves on Dec 27-29 I will have a long X'mas Vacation from Dec 23-Jan 1. I had sent the application and hope there will be no hindrance. All clients are in the holiday mood also.

I can smell the hope in my life again. I should have a well-planned holiday to treat myself the best.

Oh my goodness, my enthusiatism comes back!!

Jesus is really great, his birhthday lightens up my exhaustive December.

My friends, how is your X'mas schedule, is it packed already??

Another late night

Well done... another late night, 1:15am off work late night. When those Europeans found the mid-night emails we sent them, they would think we are crazy Asians.

During the way back home, I sit in a taxi. My brain was wandering but my body paralyzed. My right wrist was extremely painful, seemed the bone was already worn out by using the mouse for 16 hours . I missed my baby terribly but definitely he was having a sound sleep.

I do hope, in the soon future, no more late night.

Wish my Christmas merry.

I wish to take a one month break if I could, to give myself sufficient time to re-consider my direction.

Dragon Ball

I am watching 'Dragon Ball' the 1st Episode in Animax, and in English channel, I guessed this cartoon is 20 years ago. is still very fascinating.

It would be great if 'Creammi' and 'Daddy-long-legs' will be shown on TV again.

Which cartoon you love most?

Hong Kong's vanishing historical past

Our place is losing historical colour, bit by bit.

Why should we re-locate the ferry pier in Central? Why we should reclaim the Victoria Harbour aggressively , simply for establishing some flashy housing estate for affluent people along the water front? The magnificent sea view is belonged to every HongKongese actually.

What on earth those urban planning guys are doing? Do not fool me, I studied Urban Planning before, no single chapter suggests urban planner to demolish everythings to build high profit apratments.

Support

I hope you will support me for all decisions I make. I want you to understand me, I want you all to be proud of me, to give me strenghts.

You know that I am not a lazy person.

When could I leave this cage? Should I seek for any professional advice?

A sweet Wedding

Last night I attended May and Anthony's wedding banquet, it was a cozy night.

We could not believe that Anthony is a musical talent. He wrote and composed a song by himself. He sang the song in their wedding ceremony in church to express his genuine love towards the bride.

In the wedding banquet, Anthony thanked his mom, he said his mom may not able to give him a lot of material things, but she taught him one thing that he would never forget, i.e. to be a good person.

I am impressed. Many parents teach their kids to win others, to be in the front, to get the high marks, to gain money, but they always forget the most important love education.

Materials can never last long, the most important thing is love.

Hopeless vs. brainless

The two words our bosses like to apply on us always: hopeless and brainless. I do appreciate their benevolence that they accept such desperate idiots to be their staff.

I just think that if I build a school, I will separate students into two houses - Hopeless house and brainless house. Here are the cheers:

We are the hopeless!! (Clap Clap Clap, Clap Clap, Clap), or

Who are the worst? We are the worst, coz we are BRAINLESS!!!

We may wonder why I have such negative thinking, or you start to be irriated by my miserable diary, I am annoyed by myself too.

I don't know why every Friday I feel that I have no hope, and Jelly please do not remind me all the time that I really have no hope here. It is not my fault, I do believe.

I lose my passion here.

I miss my blog sphere

I haven't come to this place for quite some time, that is why you see me here. Actually nothing I wanna share, but it seems a ritual that I should jot down something in my secret diary.

How are you all friends? Life is busy for me as usual, but I could manage to leave my work at 7 pm or earlier in past 3 weeks, thanks Samantha and Ally for taking many works especially those pop out after 7. I had spent much more time with Lucas then, I feel that we develop the rapport (it is hilarous to talk about rapport between mother and kid, but it does make some sense for a working mom and her child). Everytime I look at him, he will smile back cheerfully, his smiling face always melts me down.

Lucas is growing very fast, the speed is unbelievable. I have a weird thought all the time, I always want Lucas remains as a baby forever, then he would be taken care by me. Jeff said it is a common thought for many mothers, I am not really insane.

Several reports and jobs pile up but let tomorrow me to face them.

Night night everybody.

Walk away from the cloud

I was stuck in a miserable cloud for quite some time, it is about time to walk away from it. I know that I should not feel upset forever. After all, I am one of the luckiest people in the Global Village - I don't need to worry the basic human needs, I have healthy life, a happy and complete family, and the most wonderful things are, a flawless husband and an awesome baby.

'Positioning' is not only a simple concept in marketing, it is also applicable to my life. Everyone's life is consist of many elements - Love, family, career, friends, study and whatever, we need wisdom to prioritize them. For me, at least in these few years, I would put family in the top of the list. These few years are the critical time for my baby's development, and now I realize that staying with my family brings me the genuine satisfaction and happiness.

Once I make the decision, I will get my direction!

I understand it is not easy to be a working mom even I know my direction, but I will have an anchor. Trust me, don't have to worry me, life will only go better.

女皇的辦公室

女皇妳出巡，在異邦客人面前要叨光，胡亂答應鬼頭子的要求，將原本的「死線」提前一整個月，出賣下屬，還膽敢取消香港公眾假期 - 妳說我們今年沒有聖誕節假期，要工作。

妳瘋的嗎，妳以為我們這代還有著中國人奴性人格，任人魚肉也不敢作聲？引氣吞聲？這些不是默默耕耘，這些叫出賣人命。

妳見到我每天臉色蒼白，眼神空洞，手腳乾枯，你有感覺嗎？妳沒有，妳只顧著自己的花甲有沒有花痕。我近來掉了很多頭髮，你知嘛？我每晚發惡夢，你又怎會明白？就算我變成禿頭，精神分裂，妳只會說：「wah lau..咩咁醜樣呀你？」

妳竟夠膽同我們說：「there is nothing we cannot do, it just depends on how we do!」???那一個月否真的這麼重要？我們交不到reports世界會行慢了麼？妳應該跟客人討價還價，不是唯唯諾諾！

我為了這工作已哭了不知多少次，我的家很需要我付出時間，我不想像妳，像妳老時感到內疚，後侮自己沒有跟兒子好好相處。

妳很像穿Prada的惡魔！不要將我推過底線，我其實站在底線上很久了。

What I had learnt in the last 2 years?

Well, I had worked in this field for two years, what had I learnt? Seems I am walking is a strange learning path, my learning curve goes up, but in a weird way... Am I professional enough? Definitely not. I hate to be a quitter, but what can I do? Can I see my future? Probably not, I do not have a clear picture in front of me.

How come I am so miserable all the time??

Jelly is out of office, I do not know where he is, seems he has a lot of business to take care of, the work here is not interested to him anymore!!!

Frankly speaking, his frequent absence does not make me feel good.

What we believe but cannot prove

Currently read this book. 'What we believe but cannot prove?' is a question posed by John Brockman in his website and attracted many contemporary scientists and thinkers from various aspects to contribute their ideas. They have diversified answers to this question, which include the string theory, the existence of afterlife, the existence of God, extraterrestrial species, etc. All these instinct believes create swirls of debate across different regimes.

Highly recommend for those who are interested in science, or who still remain their curiosity like kids.

For details, please visit www.edge.org

Night Night

Have not stayed in front of the home PC for hours quite a long time. Now I am in my room, typing this piece of entry.

Yesterday I went to Ocean Park with my family, including Lucas. Every corner recalled my childhood and teenage memories, which are as colourful as jelly beans. I remembered the great time I've spent in the Water World for 3 months as a life guard more than 10 years ago.

Now I become a new mother, with a little boy in my arms. Wow, our generation is different from our parents' one. We are lucky enough to share the same childhood memories with our kids. Ocean Park is always a wonderland!! This is a place that the Disneyland could not replace.

Life is so amazing. Children always remind you how beautiful the world is.

Talk less, do more

The longer you work, the more you know how to behave, the lesser you would speak, or, you would refine your words before you talk.

I saw some vivid examples illustrate that sometimes a person speaks something expose his weakness and incapability; or he does something which he thinks it is cute but it is actually irritating from others' eyes.

Of course, it is somehow sophisticated and the should learn from experience. Luckily I improved a lot in this aspect throughout all these years.

Podcast

One day I showed Jelly my IPod proudly, and told him that I was using Podcast - I download BBC and CNN news from Podcast everyday and listened to the programs when I commuted to and from work. 'Then, you now can listen to any oversea radio programs you like with no limitation.' I said.

Then the next day, he told me 'I tell my daughters about the Podcast!'

'Really? What did they say?" I sound enthusiatically.

He replied, 'They think I am an idiot and said "of course, we use it everyday!!"'

I couldn't help to stop laughing, kids nowsdays are the trendest customers of all electronic gadgets.

Zombie

I was like a zombie last week, my brain capacity dropped to 30% only. Could not recover after the weekend, that’s why I have taken a whole day rest yesterday. Now is slightly better, but still keep yawning while working.

Need to work on the coming Saturday, but we plan to go to Ocean Park this Sunday. Hope the weather would be fine that day, I will bring Lucas along, he must be very happy. I haven’t met any baby who is as outgoing as him.

So what I can be in this Halloween? Surely a zombie is the most effortless character I can act, just need several pieces of bandage wrap over my body, and I just need to maintain my semi-conscious status while walking on the street.

My career is like a slow train crawling up the hill

Where will I be in the next few years? Where is my future? I think I am devoting to my job but it is still far from enough. My career development is like a low train crawling up the hill - now is in the middle of no where and cannot see the destination, it is also too dangerous to stop the train.

The worse thing is, I am having a baby on the train.

Tell me what should I do. I am so incapable.

Circles of friends

We had two gatherings with our old friends in this month. One was the dinner gathering with my HKU drama folks. All of them stepped into the new life stage, became mature and stable. I haven't seen them for many years, the last gathering was on my wedding night. We even brought Lucas to meet them. Everyone just could not leave their eyes of him.

Another gathering was with Jeff's schoolmates. 17 pals (me and Jeff inclusive) had a BBQ party in Yuen Long. We left home at 10:30pm and came back home at 5:00am in the early morning. Haven't been that wild for a long time!

Heard from my sister that she and my parents will go to Ocean Park for the Halloween celebration tomorrow night. I should work late, wish they enjoy their time!

萬曆十五年

萬曆十五年，在歷史上亳不起眼的一年，但它總括了明朝積弱以至亡國，及後中國自此衰落直至現在的原因。

今晚我跟謝夫去了看胡恩威編導的同名話劇。全場一氣呵成，間中還加些爆笑位，酸溜溜地反映荒誕汙腐的社會狀況及不堪入目的政治角力。簡單一字總結：掂。

胡恩威謝幕時，突然說不出話，我還以為他想說一些很感性的說話...然後他話：「其實我想講希望大家填咗依份問卷...」

大力推介，尚餘少量門票。

What I only care about is Global Warming

Too much personal stuff to worry, feel so tired and wanna wipe all of it out of mind.

Now I only care about the Global Warming. SCMP today stated we almost reach the highest average temperature of the recent million years, just 1 more degree celsius.

This is not only a Global Warming, but also a Global WARNing.

Does this news make any difference of your life today?

I love this global village, but I still buy take away food.....

I am a lucky thing?

Everyone thinks I am a lucky thing - I have a supportive family, a very nice husband, a lovely kid, and a career.

However, how come I still feel desperated sometimes? I always feel guilty... If I spend time to my family, I worry my work and my colleague; while I work late, I feel bad for not spending quality time to my husband and my baby.

I can imagine how bad is when only the father stays with the kid, but mommy is absent from that picture - if this happens always.

I worry that if I miss out somethings and I don't know at the moment, but when I turn my head back, I will regret for it.

Baby grows much longer and bigger, but I just realized it last night, I really do want to stay with him, I miss him terribly, and I just discovered that I take all the work Jeff done for granted, which is so unfair to him.

Am I a lucky thing?

Working bees' Club

Wow, am sitting in front of my home PC, finished the last piece of work. Many jobs piled up in office but I don't have energy to bother them. Anyway, I finished somethings I targetted to complete it by today.

I decided to bring work back home because I want to stay with my baby, even though he becomes more friendly to his nanny than to me.... It is kinda pathetic but I have to accept it. No one asks me to be a working mom but just myself. My family told me my baby will recognize me as his REAL mother, when he grows a bit older.

Today is Jelly's birthday. Our clients threw a surprise party in their place, right before a phone conference. I assumed that someone over the phone will send a distance greeting to him by singing a birthday song, but finally no one did that.

Another two meetings tomorrow, am thinking about how to schedule my 'milk production' slot.

My new google page

Please come and visit!!

http://mankileung.googlepages.com/home

Somewhere over the rainbow

Jeff took this photo yesterday. A rainbow emerged over the Tolo Harbour, what a dreamy view.

After he saw the rainbow, Jeff rushed back to office and bought a mark six, because he assumed seeing a rainbow is a sign of luck.

Well, you can expect the result... today we should get back to our working place as usual.

Anyway, the weather is getting a bit well today!

Shake Shake

Can't believe Earthquakes can happen in Hong Kong.

Last night an earthquake reached Richter scale 3.5 struck Hong Kong. People felt the tremor in Wong Chuk Han. The epicentre was in Dangan Island.

What ashame that I had no idea about the earthquake history of Hong Kong, as a Geography student. Anyway, I got the following information from this morning SCMP:

The strongest earthquake to strike Hong Kong was on February 13, 1918, measuring 8 on the Richter scale. Damage in the city was light but 1,000 people were killed in Shantou, Guangdong.
The second-strongest quake, on September 16, 1994, measured 6.5, 50 times less strong than the 1918 one, rattling the city for 30 seconds.

Boring

I am having a KFC lunch alone, frankly, very lonely.

It's better to sit with my friends, at least we can talk silly things when we are bored to death.

Don't know when the rain will stop.

Tomorrow my whole company will have an incentive tour to Burma, but I will not join, because I cannot drop my part-time job - milk production.

That means I will be more lonely tommorrow and next Monday. Anyway, I guess I can get use to it.

Sigh, really have no mood today, hope I could finish my work earlier this evening.

Yesterday

Yesterday I saw a women matched her shoes and dress perfectly - both in dotty pattern, same colours.

Yesterday I finished the reading of 'Size 12 is not fat' by Meg Cabot. Don't know it is a detective story before, but still very amusing as her others' books. I will pick another book to read tonight.

Yesterday I received the confirmation letter for a salary increment. Not a big fat one, but out of my expectation. It is worth to celebrate... you know, in your life you may not be that lucky to have many chances to be surprised by the salary increment, right?

That's why my father-in-law keeps saying human should run their own business, not being employed.... But the weakness of this theory is - if everyone becomes a boss, who would work for them?

Have no mood to work today, the office is freezy, had heavy downpour this morning.

Challenge

Yesterday I planned to offer a training to the new hirers, then it turned out the three boses put their noses into it and sit in the presentation. It could be a really stressful situation because I didn't expect them to audit it and it was foreseeable that they would challenge me for the sake of challenging me, but I still performed pretty stable, at least my heart did not bounced like a wide horse.

Except, I broke the laser pointer when I played with it nervously.

The presentation was not perfect at all but I think they had positive comment on it, and I do have some important learnings from this whole process... such as... don't try to argue with you audience sometimes, bear in mind that this is not a pure academic discussion like what we did in school, in order to strive for the truth.

Instead, presentation in market research is much more about how to manage your audience and to be aware of the dynamic inside.

I will let them know their salary increment to me is worth!

Autumn arrives

Am in good mood because the weather is extremely comfortable. Cool breeze blows across my face every morning. The temperature drops slightly to around 24 -28 degree. Isn't it very nice?

Last weekend I indulged myself with a luxurious facial treatment, and went to the park on weekend with Lucas. Just wonder that I become a complete mom now - bring kids to park on Sunday and cut off all those late night activities - it sounds not that cool, but more healthy, right?

Should maintain a good mood because it would be a big waste if you feel sad in such fine days. Not many comfortable days in a year in Hong Kong... thanks to the sub-tropical monsoon climate and the air pollution!

Beautiful vs. Pretty

What is the difference between these two words? These are my definitions:
Pretty - sweet, good looking, cute, young
Beautiful - stunning, gorgeous, irresistable, elegant, charming, brilliant, chrismatic

I always feel 'pretty' is an adjective for 'girl' only, while 'beautiful' always come with 'woman'. There are many pretty girls in the world, but much less beautiful women, it is because 'Beauty' is not only about the outlook, but also the sustance inside.

For example, if Nicole Kidman is beautiful, Jessica Simpson is pretty.
If Maggie Cheung is beautiful, myself is pretty. Hahahahah, just kidding, but I mean it, hahahaha!!!

You can give me some examples, it should be interesting!!

TGIF again!!!

The world is so lovely because God made the world in 7 days, except the Sabbath day (Sunday), you could have one day break in a week. Then, my bosses give us another free working day on Saturday.

In all of my previous jobs, I worked 5.5 days/per week, it is a bit painful because you don't have this 'Thanks God It Friday' feeling on Friday, and you don't want to hang out with friends in Friday nights because you have to wake up early on Saturday morning.

If I really wanna change my job, I will definitely look for those 5 days work only. Just a gut feeling, the employers of those 5 days works are more considerate and respect the staff's personal time.

I book a facial treatment tomorrow afternoon, I haven't had it since I was pregnant, it's time to pamper myself!!!!!

Jude Law guy

Just read Samantha's Xanga, she said she has a client looks like Jude Law..... How come I haven't seen anyone with Jude Law look appeared in our office before??

Not sure if she is talking about OUR British client we tele-communicated with last Friday - he has a strong British accent (of course, it is nothing special unless he has a strong HongKonger's accent), we raised him a nick-name Mark Darcy.

However, last time Ally told me he is alike the new Super Man, instead of Jude Law.... Wow, look like either of them is very okay, I think!!

When I was small...

...I was a copy of my dad.

Taurus

I had a lunch with Pui Pui this afternoon, it is always nice to meet someone you know for more than a decade.

She said I am a typical Taurus person - extremely stubborn person, always insist on somethings that have no strong reasons. She is talking about my breast-feeding 'project'.

I am still producing breast milk but actually I feel very exhausted, it even slows down my recovery process, but I still don't want to stop it, for the sake of my baby, or for the sake of the aim I set to myself.

However, I know that it starts making bad impact to my body. What can I do? Where is the happy balance?

Finally we have done the review

Finally, my bosses can spend time to do the review with me, I am glad to know that I would have a salary increment and they plan to promote me at the early next year. Frankly speaking,I am a bit surprised by the salary adjustment because I didn't expect about it, even though the level is not very high, it shows me they acknowledge my effort.

I feel happy about it.

Sweep away the clouds

Clouds and miseries are in my head these few days. I was weepy and sensitive. This Tuesday, I was upset when Jelly commented on my work. I pulled a long face and created the unbearable tension in the room (now I sit just next to him), I left office at 6pm.

I couldn't believe that in the next day, he left a note on my deck, he wrote 'A big smile for you. You're doing fine, you are too critical of yourself.' He even drew a big mounth with some round teeth on it.

I knew that he had a lunch with other bosses yesterday, he told them I was extremely stressful recently and forced myself to be excel in all aspects. Other bosses were a bit surprising and asked Jelly to tell me not suffocate myself, and give myself sometimes to get use to the new role of working mom.

All of them are very nice. Actually I have some beloved ones also supported me unconditionally in the recent time, especially Jeff and my family. Jeff is a very caring person and he is the only one who suffered all my emotional changes everyday. When he asked what gift I would like to have as a reward of being a good mother in these few month, I told him it is not necessary because his caring is already the best gift.

Premier Banking

I always handle priority banking studies, but I am not rich enough to be a priority banking account holder.

Today I helped Jelly to deposit a check to his Premier Banking account in HSXC (frankly speaking, this is out for my job duty, I am not his secretary! But now I should spend my Saturday morning to handle this stuff, I will refuse to do it next time), I asked a staff in the Premier Banking centre to handle it.

Can you guess what had happened to me? The CS representative asked if I am his secretary, and she stated that only Premier Banking account holders could use the service in that centre IN PERSON. She still did it for me but she explained because I carried a baby this time and didn't want to make any inconvenience to me. The hidden message is... she didn't have to serve me actually.

It is quite embarrassing especially when you stood in the 'centre' of that centre and some other customers were around, when she said the above things loud enough to let everyone heard it.

If I am eligible for priority banking service in the future, definitely I will not go for HSBC... Oops, I leak out the real name of this bank.....

And I will tell Jelly he made me so lame, and I am a MARKET RESEARCHER, not his SECRETARY, unless he pays me extra salary!!!

Monday blue was gone, should have a bright Tuesday

Well, I have a big obstacle of pathing my career development in this company...

There are two problems causing this:
1. I have a baby now, my bosses perceived I am not a 100% devotee to job. They don't think 'balance in life' is a normal way to live your life.

2. I work very close with Jelly but my payroll is still under my bosses. Afterall, Jelly is just a PARTNER of this company, not a PART of this company. I know there are some confrontations between the two parties before.

I evaluated my performance from time to time. You know, when you feel something strange in your career development, you should not blame everyone in the first place, instead, should have a retrospect of what you have done. So far I think I work smart and hard in my jobs, I handle all projects well, and Jelly satisfies what I have done. However, the system in this company cannot access it. Strictly speaking, there is no system in this company.

If your boss offers you a review without asking your immediate senior's comment, and when you ask him what he thinks about you, he says: 'Sorry, actually I don't know you, I am not in the right place to judge you....' What will you feel? This happened on me in the last round evaluation. So, what is the ground my bosses used to decide my salary increment and promotion opportunity? Nothing!!

Well, even Jelly said it's time for me to have some changes, if I cannot see any bright future here.

I will have the review by this Wednesday or Thursday, if Kelly respects me and won't change it again, let's see....

Light Out Hong Kong 888

Will you join 'Light Out Hong Kong 888' tonight? Switch off all light at 8 pm on Aug 8 for 3 minutes , in order to hightlight your concern of air pollution in Hong Kong, and for me, in worldwide.

I do hope I could participate it, but I worry if I am in my way back home at that moment. If we could rush back home before 8, Jeff and I will stay in our room, with Lucas in my arms, and enjoy the quiet and light-less 3 minutes.

Environment protection is not only about slogans, it is a value, a life style, the way you respect our planet, all species, and our next generations.

Is that what god damn civil eduation about???

Hong Kong is no difference with other places, here is full of injustice. However, at least, we still have certain degree of freedom of speech. Otherwise the media cannot broadcast the embarrassment of Mr. Heung Cheuk-Kei - the cousin of Chief executive Mr. Donald Tseung, and head of the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education.

Since 1986, Mr. Heung had turned a government land to private residential use... illegally. He converted the warehouse into a fascinating private housing and a garden. The total area is as huge as several football fields.

Mr. Heung rejected all criticism; he claimed he is not a resident of that house because he stayed there for only 2-3 days a week. Obviously, the house is his villa, according to his explanation, but is a villa a residential land use?

Not to mention he had already broken the labour rule that the Philippino maid he hired to safe guard this house, if this is not his living place.

The whole incident is not only about land using, but the way he faced his fault, does this what civil education mean in Hong Kong? No wonder I don't have any empathy when watching at the propaganda which promotes patriotism he puts on the TV, and I don't surprise anymore when seeing kids who rush into MTR cabinet and fight a seat with elderly people.

So far Mr. Tsueng still makes no response to this news.

She looks like a peasant??

Is there really the great difference between local and westerners in term of the perception of beauty??

Many Hong Kong people thinks Kathy Chow is stunning, Jelly thinks she looks like a peasant in Mainland China.

I guess he doesn't really know how do Mainland China peasants look like... Or, most Mainland China peasants are model-like, he guesses.

Be prepare

Last Saturday, I helped a tiny old lady taking her trolley up to mini bus, and another old lady to get her seat. Both of them felt so happy and thanked me.

It is a joy to help people and make others happy. Being a girl guide, I always remember our motto - 'Be Prepare!' - Be prepare to help others. When you spread the happiness to other, he/she will pass it forward.

I enrolled to be a girl guide when I was 13 years old, although I am no longer a girl in the blue uniform, I will never forget the pledge I made during the enrolment, this is the promise:

I promise that I will do my best,
to do my duty to God,
to serve Hong Kong,
to help other peoples,
and to keep the guide's law.

East Kowloon 13th company is always my anchor.

He is such a caring person

My maid told me the maid of one of our neighbors praised Jeff all the time. This is the verbatim:

'Wah, the baby's father is a v-very caring person ha!' I wondered how come she picked up Chin-glish so fast, I never spoke to her in this way.

'Why does she know?' I asked.

'She saw Jeff washed his own car and cared his wife (that's me) and his baby much lor.' She said.

'Wow, seems she may know lot of our secrets!!' I replied.

'No la, she can see us through the window ma, then she saw him washing his car all the time.’

Well, can you see the dynamics in a community? You can't believe someone you don't know know you so much, and you also don't know he knows you so much!!!

It makes me think about those housewives in 'The Desperate Housewives'!

Girls, you all came back!!

The Season 6 Episodes pf Sex in the City show in Pearl Channel now, on every Saturday mid night. Last night was 'Hop, Skip and A Week'. Wow, girls, I missed you all so much!! I watched it when I was operating the 'milk production'.

Carrie and Berger had lot of fights recently. Berger suggested to have a break. One night he came back and tried to fix the relationship, but in the next morning, he left a Post-it on Carrie's laptop, stated 'Sorry, I can't! Don't hate me!'. Carrie smashed the canation bouquet he sent on the floor!! It was just like what Carrie mentioned before 'Now having a break, then break up, then break down....'

Miranda felt guilty every morning when she left her baby to the nanny. Then she decided to have a change in her professional life - cut back her working hours from 24x7 to 50 hours per week (55 the top). As assured and determined as her usual, she forced her law firm partner to accept it.

Charlotte had too many dates, ladies from the women community she just joined forced her to date their sons. Those matchmakers must be very diappointed because finally Charlotte met Harry, her ex-boyfriend she had dumbed, in a Church gathering, she confessed that he was her true love. Harry proposed immediately and she accepted.

Samatha was a cheerful as usual. She managed to get Smith to be the model of 'Absolute', and made a huge poster hanged on a building - with his totally naked body, only used the 'Absolute' bottle covered that... well... huge part, which was 3 flats high. Smith felt sad about the ad because he only got attention and teasing but no other jobs at all. Samatha asked him to relax, because one day he would attrack guys, and then girls, finally everyone. All these came true and Smith could get a chance to act in a movie - acting a lousy drug addicted model - he accepted it joyfully......

Wow, couldn't wait for the next weekend!!

Meet Joe Black & Peanut Butter

Yesterday when Samantha and me were hanging around in a supermarket, we saw skippy peanut butter on racks. I asked if she had seen the movie ‘Meet Joe Black’ before, she immediately knew what I was talking about; both of us remembered Joe Black (Brad Pitt) loved eating peanut butter so much, with a delicate silver spoon.

Both of us also agreed Brad Pitt was so charming in that movie. Sam then said, ‘See? We are so shallow!’ Then I replied, ‘Yes, but I admit!!’ Haha.

I've seen ‘Meet Joe Black’ twice, first time in cinema, the second time in Pearl channel. If this movie is a beverage, I think it is a glass of Bailey’s, it’s sweet, but a bit bitter with strong aroma.

You won't believe it!!

Oh my goodness, I lost 3 pounds in these 2 days.

A working mom

This is the second day of being a working mom. I start to get used to the working environment, I can’t believe that I am so adaptable to the change.

Yesterday I still missed my baby when I was in office, but today, maybe I’ve geared up, I don’t think about him when I concentrate on my work. It seems nothing change as before.

Some people said once you become a mother, you will totally dedicate to your baby and have no ambition to your career. I don’t think this is the case for me. I still chase for a prosperous career development, this should be part of my self-actualization.

It doesn’t mean I don’t concern about Lucas though, I still miss him very much when I am off my work, and I will spend a lot of time with him during weekends and after work.

I love Lucas so much!

It's time to get back to work

Today is the last day of my maternity leave, a long 11 weeks holiday. Just realized I experienced enormous change in these 11 weeks, my life seems flipping over. Couldn't believe that I brought a new life to this world.

My place in office will be relocated, I will sit next to Jelly, my direct boss. I'm sure I will miss Sam so so so much. Remember our director Kelly Larry claimed we were 'chopstick sisters' because we stuck to each other every moment. Now we should be separated. As Jelly doesn't like his staff to use instant messages, it might be a bit hard to chat with her all the time as we used to be.

Another new change I should face is having a new challenge - I should pump out the breast milk in office for every couple hours. Definitely not an easy task.

Had brought a lot of new office outfits because some of my old clothes still don't fit me. I still have 7-8 pounds left from prenancy, but I look perfectly okay, at least I don't look like I am in my 5 months expecting mother. However, I still hope to get back to my original weight and shape soon.

Hope you all have a nice Sunday!! The sun is lovely.

Trimming down

Can you imagine how happy I am when I can slide into my old jeans again last week? Frankly, it is not as easy as before and I should tuck my fat around the weight into the jeans forcefully, and it is hard to zip and do the button, but at least it's much better than before. I could not even pull my jeans up to the upper thighs right after I gave birth. This is already a breakthrough.

Last Sunday I went dancing with my sister. Actually my sister was being my instructor and taught me Jazz dancing. It's really a good aerobic exercise, and I felt my tummy and thighs toned immediately.

I feel a bit guilty for not doing exercise yesterday, should do at least 30 minutes workout today.

I may not about to get back to my original weight right before I resuem my work by the end of this month, but it won't be too far. Now only 8 extra pounds left.

Freakonomics tells you why

This is the most interesting Economic book I ever read: Freakonomics - A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner.

This book is not written by Mars Language, there is no complicated equation difficult chart, but it explains lots of daily pheonomenon through an unique and accurate point of view.

There are several interest topics: such as, who is an ideal parent? Does your name matter? Why a wealth gap between black and white, etc. Some study results surprise readers, they are very controversial which lead to attack by other scholars, but at least it gives you a new way to perceive our planet.

Here is the authors' blog: http://www.freakonomics.com/blog/

葡撻就是太空

有天在小巴上見到一個很可愛的小男孩，他像是個混血兒，大概四至五歲。與他一起的外傭很年青，為他抱著書包，二人很高興地談天。很少見「小主人」跟傭工這麼好感情。

男孩子說著流利的廣東話：「那不就是葡撻罷！」
「什麽是葡撻呢？」驚訝那外傭的廣東話也如此流利。
「葡撻就是太空啦！」小孩說。
外傭答不上一句，小孩便嘗試解釋：「太空就是...就是...太空啦！」
「都不知你在說什麼！」外傭回應，我也不明白，不是小孩瞎扯，而是他說的話太深奧，太耐人尋味。

小孩子們都是哲學家。

I hate Toshiba Protege Notebook!

Does machine also have sexual discrimination? I know I have less sense to computer comparing with Jeff, but Mr. Toshiba shouldn't bully me in this way.

The notebook works well always, but since last month, it got problems - only when I use it. The blue or b/w screen may come out which claimed there was system failure, but when Jeff went home, it got back to normal. Shit!!!!!

Not only this notebook, but lots of gadgets in our room also do this to me. Jeff also witnessed it once, when I tried to switch on a electronic appliance, it wouldn't work, but if Jeff did it, it went back to normal. I swear that I know how to switch it on, but it seems all machines doesn't like me much.

It drives me crazy.

I believe I can fly...

I believe I can touch the sky.... soon...

This evening we met some relatives in airport, they would migrate to US tomorrow.

During the way to airport, the sky is extraordinary beautiful. The sky above Hong Kong has not been such clear for a long time. After the alternative rainy and fine weather, trees and bushes along the highway are in sparklingly green colour.

At that moment, Jeff and me thought about having a leisure trip coincidently , we both have an idea that to have it before the end of my maternity leave. Taipei or Shanghai would be the best place, we could spend just 3 days 2 nights aboard to experience a relaxing journey.

However, how about baby? Maybe I can keep a certain amount of breast milk into the freezer, then Lucas won't be starved.

Well, we have another alternative, i.e. spending a weekend at Disneyland for 2 days 1 night, it seems a bit easier...

Should think about it thoroughly...

FAQs on Marketing

Currently reading the book FAQs on Marketing by Philip Kotler, the guru of marketing (what is stated on the book cover). The book includes the most frequented asked questions about marketing and Mr. Kotler answered them one by one. It is so easy to 'digest' and the way of presentation is very interesting.

One question is about when did the first marketing activities take place amongst mankind, Kotler gave a funny answer: in Genesis, when snake 'promoted' an apple to Eve, this is the first marketing event, and then Eve tempted Adam to have it, it's the second one.

Kotler also introduced many new marketing terms in the book, such as 'holistic marketing', 'prosumers', etc. A good marketing book if you wanna read something technical but light.

Bonding amongst the little boy and the big boys

Jeff's schoolmates came and visited Lucas. I could tell they're amazed by the new life. They looked so joyful when holding the baby, it's a beautiful moment as the connection of two generations developed.

I can tell these big boys will love Lucas so much, as they're growing with his daddy and witness how he passes through his different life-stages.

Lucas, you are so lucky.

While there's life, there's hope

Stephen Hawking is in Hong Kong, he will offer a seminar in UST this Thursday.

In yesterday press conference, he claimed a quote from Ciero (Roman author, orator, & politician (106 BC - 43 BC), 'while there's life, there's hope.'

Life is full of obstacles and difficulties, but all these make our lives full and challenging.

About the princess

Yeah, I finished the reading of The Princess Diaries - Seventh Heaven!!! I do the reading between feeding, diapers and bathing time.

This is already the seventh volume of the series. I couldn't believe I am so childish to read the books which are targeting for teenage readers actually, and devote to them up to the latest volume!!!

Anyway, Mia, the princess, is so sweet. Literally, I 'see' her growing up in these few years, she emerged from a shy girl who wanted to be invisible everytime, to a confident young lady.

When will Meg Cabot publish the eighth version, just can't wait!

Sneaking out....

Well, when can I lose all those gained weight? I could squeeze myself into a petite size before, but now, I should wear size L.

And the pair of Betty-boop-round-thighs-in-human-version, when will they become a bit leaner?

And when can I sneak out for a longer while and see a movie?? I haven't watched The Da Vinci Code yet.

I decided to have a child-free time tomorrow evening.

Get back to work

It's not the time to worry about my work, but I do wonder how the worksphere is when I get back to my job. My company is launching several crazy plans and now some of my friends are actively seeking for a new job.

Well, in my company, the Darwin theory doesn't work, the survival may not be the fittest... well, you may say some of them are great to endure or equip themselves to the environment (our company). However, throughout the history, many fittest executives decided to resign and got a better place at competitors firms.

Let the July-24-me to worry about the job, I should take care of my baby first.

June 4

We will never forget that night. I was in Primary 6, I still remember my mom cried when she watched the TV, I pretended I didn't care it at all, but actually my heart was weeping, I just didn't know how to express my feeling.

I wish all the sacrifice is worth, democracy is still what we are striving for....

Blogosphere

According to the column 'It's a blog world afterall' in SCMP, there are 41.5 millions blogs worldwide, in which 75,000 are being updated daily. The culture of blog developed rapidly throughout these few years.

One day my colleague asked me what I would put into my blog. For me, blog is simply an online daily where I put something I would love to with others. Truly, it won't totally reveal everything in my heart. You know, blog is very personal but also very public at the same time, everyone can access the link, it's really hard to show my life blatantly to others.

Some writers prefer to write controversial articles, usually they would receive lots of unnecessary attacks, people love to show off their excellent logical thinking and challenge the writer words by words, which is so humiliating!!

Do you love blog writing?

Hi, stranger!

I'm back, with a new born creature.

Frankly speaking, when the doc put him onto my belly in the delivery room, I was a bit shock... I didn't see this process in Discovery Science. You know, in the TV, when a baby is born, a nurse will hold it up and try to make him cry, she won't put it on the mother's tummy.

Therefore, when the little one which hid inside my belly suddenly appeared on my belly, I thought, 'oh hi, stranger!!' Then the nurse took him away for the examination and gave him back to me. She asked me to kiss him. I was too tired but loved to kiss and smell him. He smelled so nice!!

雞蛋花

這些漂亮的小花叫雞蛋花，是從露台摘下來的。我們種了很久才長出來，一長便有十多朵。

雞蛋花多生長在炎熱地方，在關島及泰國布吉，隨處也盛放著這花兒，有些是白中帶黃，有些是粉紅色，帶有清幽香氣，美麗極了。我喜歡在拾起掉在地上的雞蛋花，然後掛在耳朵上，很有熱帶風情耶！

科學園真是一個好地方

謝菲的公司剛搬進大埔科學園，那兒真是一個好地方。環境幽雅，風景怡人，樹影婆娑，空氣清新。每户辦公室兩邊是落地大窗，睛天時自然光照得滿室通明。閒時你可走到天台欣賞八仙嶺和馬鞍山景色。那兒是「煲煙勝地」，遠眺山巒，近看漁船，感受著微風輕拂，不是極盡奢華是甚麼?(請記著，那兒是辦公大樓，但環境媲美電視廣告的豪宅。)
謝菲又告訴訴我，在政府的「強政勵治」下，科學園的所有辦公室也會在下午六時關空調，所以大部份科學園人也可於六時後溜之夭夭。多麼健康的工作環境呢！我真羨慕不已，已問過安德魯會否招聘新人手！

Boop-Oop-a-Doop

Betty Boop is one of my favourite animated characters.

Betty was born in 1930, she started her career as a dog, and then gradually evolved to a wide-eyes innocent little girl by 1932. Her overwhelming popularity was contributed by her unique sexy image - curly hair, big eyes, full lips, round figures, cute voice and ... brainless sometimes.

Betty became a sex bomb much earlier than Madonna or Britney Spear. In fact, she is a sex symbol even in nowadays.

I guess feminists hate Betty Boop, but I love her a lot because she is so cute and has an blatant image.

A beautiful day

Am not that moody today. Thanks to the beautiful day after the typhoon swept by in last 2 days.

This morning I went out for a walk for 20 minutes. The sun was so fierce and the skin of my arm was turning a bit darker, and then I went back home and made Jelly.

I plan to practise yoga in the afternoon.

Frankly, I should treasure the leisure time right now. It is precious to have several weeks to do 'nothing' in your life, isn't it? In Hong Kong, not many people can get into the Leisure Class. (Remember that I complaint a lot about my busy bee life in blog previously). Now I have time for reading, music and exercise. Even though I am alone but I am not lonely. Should also thanks to the internet, now I can connect with my friends and family through instant messager and email. I could chat with them anytime.

Should try to keep the good mood!! I also wish you to have a great day.

Beauty products freak

Don't know why I spent crazily to skin care and cosmetic products in these two months. maybe due to the 'nesting instinct' of pregnant women (according to the book What to expect when you are expecting), I want to collect as much as I can for these few months, including daily products, face masks, body & hair care items, make up, etc. (Well, I admit that no make up is needed when facing your own baby).

I should cut back this habit before having any economic blunder!!!

However, if you haven't decided any gift for my son yet, why don't you consider buying me some beauty products?? You know, the best way to treat the kid is to indulge his/her mother!!!!

Well, I am just kidding. However, seriously, I did pack a cosmetic set in my hospital bag, I don't want to look dull after the delivery.

Gosh, how can I have all these strange ideas emerge in my mind????? By the way, when can I wear nail polish???

Gift for my mother

I bought a special gift for my mommy this year. I've donated $100 to HKU Libraries and received a bookplate honouring her in the book of 'Adaptation: studying film and literature/ John M. Desmond, Peter Hawkes. Her name will be shown at the bookplate of this book.

I've also prepared another surprised gift for her, even though she asked me not to waste the money to buy her any present. It is a nail manicure set I bought from Anna Sui, which has a bottle of base coat, two bottles of nail polish and a tube of hand cream. Wow, I also want to receive this gift.

As my mommy is almost the only person to do housework throughout the years, this is really a great gift to pamper her hands, hope she will love it.

我的夢想 - 辦雜誌

大學畢業時曾經希望到雜誌社工作，但當時市道低迷，有內行人跟我說由於香港市場太細，又難找肚裡有點墨水的人才，所以將會有很多國際級的雜誌傳媒北移云云。時移世易，這幾年我倒不見該現象出現。不過，從我從事市場推廣工作時所接觸到的雜誌人，知道這一行並不易行。他們常常趕稿至夜深已不用說，還有很多繁贅工作要處理，少一點熱誠也敖不過。

現在已沒有轉入這行的興致了。但是，當我在Princess Secret Diary - Seventh Heaven中看到Mia及Lily投稿到Sixteen Magazine但被拒絕，Lily便提議他們自行辦文學雜誌時，我有點共鳴感，因為我曾經也有這股念頭。在我的雜誌裡，會有隨筆散文、扮靚情報、人類學/社會學專題研究、讀者來稿、書評/影評等等。當然，夢想歸夢想，我那兒來精力耐力財力去做呢？

所以我很喜歡寫部落格，只要在線，你便可跟其他人說你想說的，又不太費力，又不用趕出稿！

寫中文

有感我的中文閱讀及寫作能力每況月下，我要多寫及多看一點中文。

之前多寫英文部落格是因為我不懂中文輸入法，現在只能在家用手寫板，真是羞死人了。如果十數年後真的取消正(繁)體字(對我而言這是文化災難)，我的普通話又好普通，又不懂打中文，再同時出現中文(國語)成為世界語言的話，我豈不是成為半個文盲？

**********

其實我是個日記怪，我並不是每天寫日記，但久不久便紙上胡扯一番，強說愁一下。在這廿年間，我已存了五、六本日記。有時翻開來看，真的很好笑。我覺得最好看是十七歲那一年，內容包括會考生涯、暑期工日誌、被男孩子追求但心裡其實喜歡另一個的娘炳故事、還有本來已有很多朋友但仍覺自已很孤獨那種白先勇式的寂莫的十七歲情懷，看後不只會心微笑，而是爆笑。

BB出世後，我會開始寫另一本新日記，以見証人生的新一頁。

Plump up your lips

I've read an interesting article in SCMP about some new beauty products, which are claimed to help you to achieve full and luscious lips, without any surgery and injection needs.

They are in the forms of lip sticks or lip treatments. What you need to do is simply applying them and your pout will be plumped up. That means, everyone can have Angelina Jolie's lips!!!

However, the research found that the pop-out effect is actually done by the substance which irritating the skin and caused the bee-sting look, especially for those treatments than can achieve instant effect.

It won't cause any bad damage, but the substances may lead to allergic skin to some people. In the product test, a respondent even stated that the after-use feeling was unpleasant and it was like a dentist anaesthetic wear-off.

Anyway, if you are a lip plumper to-die-for, I think it is still worth to try. After all, the effect is just the same as what your lips look after eating chili!!

Designcode Concept - shopping for accessories

Hi folks, my sister has established a design room for the trendiest accessories, visit her on-line shop to accessorize yourself!!!

http://spaces.msn.com/designcode00/

Domestic goddess vs. Domestic helper

Our new domestic helper had come last Wednesday. She will assist me to take care of the baby.

This is my first time to be an employer. Frankly, I feel a bit awkward to ask her to do the work, but I think I could manage it well soon.

I always believe my mom is a super woman. She took care of me and my sister, and did all housework at the same time when we were really young, she got no help from another one, but she can still made everything perfectly. When we were a bit older, she went out for work again but still did most of the housework after work. Mom is a very energetic woman, she never complaint about her double workload. She is a truly 'Domestic Goddess'!

Undeniably me and my sister are spoiled, now we are not good at housework, my cooking skill is even awful, my parent always said, 'work hard on your study and you can get a good job and find someone to do the housework for you....'

yes, I worked hard at school, but sometimes I think my mommy is more brilliant than me in certain aspect. Mommy, I'm proud of you. Hopefully I will become a new mother on or before this mother's day!!!!!

Be nice to yourself

Finished the book 'The joy of doing things badly'. One thing I learnt from Victoria Chamber - Be nice to yourself.

We used to being critical and dissatisfied to ourselves. There is a little exercise she suggested to readers - Try to list five things that you are proud of yourself, then you will feel very good and become more cheerful and confidence.

I am sure you have more than five things to be proud of!!!!!

White Rabbit Strawberry Candy

My sister and I were big fans of White Rabbit milk candies. Sometimes, Daddy bought bulk pack for us and we could finish it within several days!!

Yesterday, I surprising found this 'Strawberry' version in Causeway Bay. It tastes good but I still vote for the original flavour.

Quality of life

In last few years, 'quality of life!' is a slogan for something in Hong Kong , I can't remember clearly.

Then I find someone demonstrates this lifestyle in a hybrid and sophisticated way! This Wednesday, Ju and I met our famous ex-colleague in MTR station.

As usual, he wore branded outfit with the finest quality and appeared in front of us 'sparklingly'. He's carrying a bottle of red wine and a box of roast pork. This chubby guy, who was described as 'so hip, so funky' by our boss, told us that he was going to have roast pork with red wine for the dinner.

Wow, really hip, really funky.

2nd Anniversary

This month is the 2nd Anniversary of this blog. Should send big congrats to myself. I've developed this very good habit, which polishes my writing skill, and the most important is, to maintain the bonding between me and my friends.

We always say technology 'contributes' the isolation between people. However, this blog culture brings me and my secondary school friends back together. Now, we check each others' blog from time to time to get the update. I should thank Billie and Grace again for launching a gathering for Form 1 Martha girls several months ago.

I always wish to make my blog more fancy but simple. I search for stylish templates on internet but it is very hard to get the one I love. If you have any recommendation, please let me know. Thanks a lot!!

Alright, time for yoga. Wish you have a nice weekend ahead. Sun is shining outside!!

Lovely bracelet

My sister and cousin picked up another new hobby, i.e. making bracelet.

Mom showed me the bracelet my sister made for me for my birthday present. It's so cute, which is made of beads, pearls and laces. I feel that I am a blissful sister!!

Thanks my dearest sister!!

The Joy of Doing Thing Badly

Currently I am reading another delicious book, 'The Joy of Doing Things Badly' from Veronica Chambers.

Veronica wishes to tell women how to live their lives happier and enjoy every moment for themselves, not only try to follow others' expectation.

I should admit that I picked this book because I was attracted by the illustration on book cover. Well, I am that shallow, so what!!! =)

I am already in the half way of this book within one week, I guess I could finish it before my maternity leave.

Pamper myself

After a busy working week, I wanna pamper myself with a little beauty booster.

I had a crazy shopping in Benefit Cosmetic this morning.

I am a fan of Bathina collection of this brand, but I didn't own any single product from this line before. Today, as I determined to reward myself in my birthday month, I bought Body So Fine - a fragrant velvet body balm, which I wished to own since I found it in the Duty Free shop of Guam 5 years ago.

The sexy case itself has already captures my heart. This body balm with flirtatious scent can make my skin luminous and leaves the softest touch I have ever experienced. Surely this is one of the best body care items to indulge myself.

I just have a crazy thought, I wish to apply the balm all over my body right before I am going to deliver my baby... Not sure if my baby loves the lovely scent? hahahah!

Cost: HK$300

Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind

Have just finished a marketing book - Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind by Al Ries and Jack Trout. It brings a very precise message: in this overcommunicated society, the name of the new game is 'positioning'. This is not about what is the product, it is about how does it locate in the prospect's mind.

Positioning can sketch outside the economic regime. For example, a church, a politician, a country and even yourself need positioning.

What is the positioning of Hong Kong? Remember the slogan from Tourist Board? "Hong Kong - City of life"...

Well, if you ask me what is the first word come to my mind when I see this slogan, my answer is "doubt".

Isn't it? To get a good place in prospect's mind, the position should help you to differentiate from others. However, did Tourist Board assume that other cities are life-less and dumb?

Let me think about how to re-position the territory. Say, air pollution is something that tourists love (just an example, don't take it serious), and Hong Kong gets the pollution level that no other Asian cities can reach, we can promote the territory in this way: "Hong Kong - A Polluted Jungle!". Then the description could be: Wanna challenge your respiratory system? The visibility of Hong Kong can be less than 1m in almost 4 months a year, come and experience such special suffocated feeling....'

Well, I am just kidding. But I would recommend this book to you, especially for marketing people.

The Princess Diaries - Seventh Heaven

Oh great!!!!!!!!!!! The seventh The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot is released. I just couldn't wait and after I saw it in the first sight, I picked it up and paid it straight away.

However, it is too expensive actually. It costs $136.4 in Page Two bookstore, quite unreasonable, actually...... Grace, how much does it cost in Italy? People always say books in Hong Kong are expensive because here is a 'cultural desert'.

For those interested to know more about Princess Mia, recommend you to check www.megcabot.co.uk.

I will read this book during my maternity leave!

Prima Donna

Jelly told me that he lectured prima donna today.

Prima donna is the nick name of Jelly gave to that girl. He told me that she was disrepectful to him.

Well, human relationship and office politics are the most difficult subjects in the workplace. All those technical things and professional skills could be learnt through trainings and get the experience from time to time. How to manage a well-balanced relationshp with others could hardly be taught though.

I still believe if you have a good personality could overcome most of the difficulties, and not taking everything too serious will make yourself happier.

Book, I'm loving it!!

I do really love books, they provide me a much broader horizon to view the world. They nourish my soul and cultivate my wisdom.

I also like people who read books, usually they are less ego-centric and humble. Jeff is one of them.

If I haven't read any thing for several days, I will feel that I lose something.

I wsih Jeff and I can have a reading room one day!

Farewell

Last week we had a farewell party with Jimmy.

For me, I think this is a big loss of the company.

I don't spend much time with him before, but I think he is a very good teacher. Everytime when you talk with him, you could get some learning.

He knows I feel perplexing of my pregnancy and the parenthood, then he encouraged me to relax, have a baby, take care of the baby, and work as best as I can. Jimmy reminded me I am not working for others' comment on me, I am working for myself.

Right, I am living for myself.

Life Stage

I had read my great friend Billie's diary about her life in age 20-25.
At that time, she hanged around with friends every night and indulged in drinking and clubbing. For her, as described by her friends, 'those were the great days.'

I do believe your life will be more interesting if you have a period totally belonged to yourself and did whatever you want, no matter it is a good or bad experience. After all, this is a chance to experience your life in different way.

My 'great' (or messy is the much more appropriate adjective in my case) days were in age 19-20. I had a lousy freshman year in University. I skipped lessons and went discos every weekend (I won't mention much here as I worry my daddy will read this diary), I felt ecstatic sometimes and totally in depression in another moment. Technically speaking, I was losing in a maze. Then one day, I woke up, I didn't want to be lousy anymore, I wanted a new life, then I tried to work hard again and altered my life style totally.

I still believed that it is worth to be a naughty person in one point in your life, just don't go too far. As you are getting older, you have more responsibilities; you do not afford to be naughty anymore.

For me, I think my life won't be that completed if I did not go through that period. In my childhood, my parents set lot of strict rules for me; I try to be a nice girl simply because I should follow their instruction. After those great days, now I try to be a nice and stable person because this is what I myself aiming at!!

Happy Hour

Last Friday Samantha, Chrisse and I managed to sneak away from the office at 5:45pm, we then had a drink at the spaghatti factory nearby. Three of us had a chat about our future career path.

Seems that all of us got an intention to quit the current job, each of us got our own reasons. After the discussion, I had a thoughtful retrospect of my career development.

To be frank, I guess I like the job nature of market research more than I supposed to be. I told the girls that I didn't dislike the field, but it didn't mean I love this job so much. However, when I think about which industry I should dive into in my next job, I just discover that I don't want to give up what I had learnt in market research.

It is similar to the situation that you learn the fundmental courses 1001 and 1002 for certain subject, you want to complete the whole module because only 1003 and 1004 had left. You know that after that you could be a qualified researcher with a handful of experience.

Well, the point is, if I love this industry, should I stay in the current firm or jump to another company? I just don't know!! Job changing can be very perplexing for a pregnant woman. Anyway, let's the fortune guides me.

Not yet burn out

Well, after the peak season in the last 2 months, I start to have a honeymoon period with less work to do.

I am in my cubicle and sinking into my chair. Today is happy Friday and now is about 5:00pm, I just don’t want to start any new job.

In this last trimester of the pregnancy, I have heart burn always. However, by comparing with other expectant mothers, I suffer lesser.

Well, but you really cannot feel good if you baby keeps kicking and pushing up your inner organs all the time.

The weather is getting warmer, hopefully the spring really arrives, I don’t want to wear those big coats and jackets anymore.

Social class

My company is going to launch a new training program - An 'elite' program called 'super breed'. Simply from its gorgeous name, you could tell that it is something about elitism, that means, not all staff would be selected for this program, but only for those whom the bosses believe they are much more outstanding than others. The elite group would receive an intensive training in three months, and then, according to what boss said, they would be totally transformed and reach the level of those researchers with 5-6 years of experience. Well, does it sound like a fairy tale or scientific fiction? A psycho scientist who invents some disgusting medicine and forces the subjects to drink and transforms them from normal human beings to super but abnormal living creatures.

Besides, it also means a new dimension of hierarchy will emerge - the grass-root class and the elite class amongst the young or junior research executives.

I haven't studied management before, but I truly believe this will lead to turmoil if they insist to launch this planning. The worst case is, those who haven't been chosen will feel they are unimportant to the company and leave, and those who have been picked cannot bear the much heavier pressure and workload after the training. Not to mention the 'social conflict' or 'social drama' between the groups that will be forseeable.

This is one of the silliest policies I have ever heard.