Things I'm grateful for..

My dear friends, 

This is a much.. overdue post. To be honest, part of my new year resolutions was to do at least one post per month, and yet.. here we are, 6 months later. But I am here to tell you a quick brief updates about my life. It has been a little difficult and stressful lately. Nevertheless I would like to devote this post to tell you guys about things I am grateful for. 

Over this past 6 months, there were times when I was idle and bored (yes, out of my mind). And, there were times that I was overwhelmed (yes, again out of my mind). But here now thinking back to those times, I really a lot of people. I mentioned in the last posts that I don't want to take things for granted, and I wish to do this reflection every once in a while, to be a better person and to grow a bit by bit from the self-reflection. 

And since I love making list.. (here we go again, another damn list!)

1. A couple of things that I signed up for earlier this year when I was feeling rather idle were: (i)  volunteering with the "School-Company-Parents (SCP)" with Young entrepreneurs Development Councils (YDC), and (ii) my Putonghua class (woot, woot! 我是中文棵的学生! ). Both of them are going great at the moment, but the things that I would like to mention here is the SCP program. Since I moved to Hong Kong, due to language limitations, I have also limited my opportunity to volunteer locally. Through this program, however, I managed to work through those language barrier and get involved again. These guys here are the kids that I worked with. Teaching them about "Career Choice" makes me reflect upon my own. Thinking about why I have chosen to study Economics and Biology, and also how I ended up here in Hong Kong, and most importantly being able to guide someone with that experience are quite rewarding. These guys remind me of how much how much I have grown.

Note: SCP Program is started with YDC organization and technically we were to guide these secondary school kids to face the business world and the reality of job hunting and career planning. 

2. I've also got a chance to travel a bit. Explore unknown space. Though I am not going to discuss much about this because we all know what I am talking about (Explore, explore, explore, and never say no to an adventure!), I've learned that we can always do the smallest things like explore a park on a rainy day, watching the sunset and eating cold cakes. Yes, that makes the best memories. Indeed, the best.

3. My dearest. He gave me so much support. I ranted and ranted everyday, mood swings and all those emo moments. He was there. Supporting me and making me feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Really, I do feel that way sometimes! I am forever grateful. I really hope I am the same to you. You keep me silly. You are keeping my young.

4. Family. When I am at my saddest moments, I long for them. And I have not felt this way in a long time. Yes, there are times that I am homesick. But I am been on my own for so long that I forgot what it is like to feel like you can depends on someone.  They give me so much more than I thought I am receiving. Simplest words. would lift me up. I miss them so. I really do.

5. Sigur Ros and cute puppies (yes, cute puppies).

Sigur ros first.. Their musics, their epic concert. (not so much the ticket price, but hey, it is Sigur Ros afterall). I finally got the chance to go see them live. Jonsi again did not disappoint. Went to their concert at Asia-World Expo on May 21 (long-awaited since the beginning of the year!) Listening to them live reminds me so much of why I am so attracted to their music. Ah.. 2009 till now, I am very happy I have learned about them.

Secondly, puppies. I can not not give them credits, for I am very much grateful for their cuteness! These babies lift up my spirits a lot. When I'm down, when I'm bored, when I'm stressed. But look at those puppies, they make me smile big every single time. soo cute! 

6. Coursera.org This online class platform has helped to remind me of how much I am learned from moving here in Hong Kong. It's not just about learning new things, I realized how much I can contribute and that, honestly, build up my self-esteem again. Currently I am taking Professor Henry Perry's class on Health for All through Primary Healthcare with John Hopkins! My first public health related class after undergrad career! Let's see where this class lead me!

So that were the lists of things that I am recently very grateful of. Of course, a lot of it has sounds quite depressing. I have to admit that over the pass few weeks, I was unhappy and stressed and therefore, these things are quite crucial and more significant to me that you might understand. Anyhow, I hope again to update the blog more regularly since this proposal preparation madness! Of course... after I catch up with my putonghua class, my online class, the traveling scrapbook, and a lot of other things... hehe I am a busy girl ;).

Don't forget to stay silly!

Till next time,
Emily

End of the World, or is it?

Dear friends, 

So it has come the time in which we all reflect upon what we have done over this past year. I meant to finish this before the new year, but then I was too busy. Anyhow this is an opportunity to do, some year-end review and listing our some resolution and reflecting among what I’ve done!

So this year – 2012, I’ve lived in Hong Kong. In my small apartment with my German roommate who I’ve grown a fond for. I really do appreciate the people I have met being here in Hong Kong, the friends I have made at work, the people whom I’ve met and admired whom has become my role models. Nevertheless, when people asked me how do I like Hong Kong so far? I’ve always answered with “it’s a love/hate relationship”.

Indeed it is a love and hate. The crowds still get to me. Always and probably always will. It’s kinda crazy how packed and dense one city can be. However, yet hiding among this massive amount of people, I’ve found comfort in behind forest of steel and tall residential buildings. I admired how enthusiastic people can be with outdoors activities. From the third perspective, we’ve always assumed its because you cannot do anything inside your small home, that is why people are more active and more engaged in outside activities. However, living here myself has stripped away those beliefs. I do admit that in some ways, that has contributed to the lifestyle here, but there are much more variables. The accessibility of things, the great urban planning and the nature of the landscape here in Hong Kong do drive people to do hiking, going to the beach, surfing, BBQ-ing and other outdoor activities. Driven to find the “unique” place outside of the “city” is another one of the reasons as I have observed.

Coming from Bangkok, I think I’m indulged. Indulged by the opportunities to see stars anywhere I go. Particularly I’ve grown up in the sub-urb of Bangkok. I have seen lots of outdoors stuff, but I have taken it for granted. I learned to take the opportunity here and just do it. Live more spontaneously and give it all for both work and my personal life. This is definitely one big thing I have learned this year. Thanks to Hong Kong and my job here.

Another big thing is what I’ve learned through my long-distance relationship. The most important thing for me this year is the ability to learn how to listen and acknowledge one’s feelings/emotions. I’ve been raised to be “solution-driven”. Always looking forward and thinking what is the next step, which I have learned this year.. that sometimes solutions do not matter at that point. Your loved ones just need someone to be there and understand where he/she is coming from and just wanted someone to listen. I’ve grown in this respect, although I have a lot more to learn. To be more considerate, more understanding, and learning how to compromise and balance personal life and working. It has always been an issue for me since…. Forever. Balancing my passions and balancing my time.

Anyhow here are some of the reflections for year 2012 for me.

My job, pro and con.

I’ve met inspiring people, who taught me things within 5 minutes of being with them. I’ve met various kinds of people who are driven by different things, and it taught me how different the business world can be. How I need to learn how to adapt, and give the most to what I value. Learn more. Don’t be scared of risks, because the higher the risks, the higher returns.

Family

I regretted not having enough time with them. I do go back home a lot, however, I still feel like kids are growing fast and my parents and grandparents are growing old much too fast, and I am missing out from their lives. I admit I am scared. I still hope to be the glue of the family like before as someone has claimed earlier. But my nephew is filling in for me for now.

      My love

I regretted certain things I’ve done this year. But I’ve learned so much from this relationship. I’ve met the one who understands me, who drives me to do what I want, who tells me thing other people won’t do, who hurts me but for my own sake. Someone who genuinely care for me and love me for who I am. I would like to be the same person for him as well. His best friend, his love and his partner. Hope we can be together soon. If not, I am sure we will learn from this and continue to grow together.

      Friends

There were times when I feel distant with them and I am scared that we will continue to grow more distant and different. But I know I can always go back to them. To talk, to discuss and to have fun. I have many groups of friends I know, some who I go crazy with and some who I go to for love issues, some who I talk to for career issues and those who I haven’t seen for age. I cannot take my friendships for granted, I have to remind myself that.

     Myself

I learned to live alone in a completely new town/city. I learned how to travel alone. I’ve learned more about myself. I learned about my loneliness, my limits, my emotions. I learned that I need to take care of myself a little bit more. Always room to grow, and I hope I do not stop learning.

Those are definitely what I’ve learned this year. And hopefully things would improve next year.

To those who actually read all of the context here, thank you. And I wish you a very happy new year!

Love,

Emily

something from my trip home this new year

pop up card making

Dear friends,

I have been getting in touch with my arts and crafts loving self lately. Earlier I mentioned that I was going to make my own pop-up cards and that was actually a lot of fun! I finished one of my best friend's birthday card after a couple of trials.

 I'll show you some pictures I took with from behind the scene...

I didn't follow the template exactly, but that was what I thought was fun. trial and error. haha, or else it would have come too easily. I like challenges (not too much.. obviously. =3)

anyway, this is going to be it for tonight. I want to have a early night.


Cheers,
Emily

Another day in Hong Kong

Dear friends,

Today is indeed another day in Hong Kong. A laugh-out-loud "epic fail" day. So let me tell you my story...

This week my mind has been occupied with two main things: (1) the fact that I am sick, and (2) making a home-made pop-up birthday/congratulations card (thanks, mini-eco for the inspiration!) f for one of my best girl in Seattle. As I have already failed to find an appropriate birthday gift that can be shipped internationally, this card better happen.

So Friday night art supplies hunt started (I actually need cutting mat and x-acto knife). I figured.. I took off the night from my Hockey class as I am not fully recovered.. I should take this time to go find the supplies that I need i.e. cutting mat and a actually cutter. So.. I thought I saw a good one while hunting for birthday gift two nights before, so I went back to the store in Sha Tin.. I did not find the ones that I have imagined. So I went to the same store in another district (2 stations away in Kowlong Tong). I did not find it there neither. But I did not give up because.. I figured I'm already out, I should use my time wisely.. So this is where my epic fail moment started.

I never know finding the most simple stuff can be this difficult until I moved to Hong Kong. So I went to the nearby bookstore knowing I would find it... And there's none there. I am still optimistic, so I remember googling "art supplies Hong Kong" and I came up with a good store in Mong kok. Since I am already out, I figured my journey should continue (so I can spend tmr working on this card). So I kept going.

Another station away.. I was certain that I was going to find it as I have only find good reviews! I was very certain. AND..... after walking blocks and blocks looking for the stores. I found a whole lot of them!!! They are all in the same block!! BUT... (yes, "BUT") most importantly.. they are all CLOSED as well.

"dim dim dim" indeed.

Well, I actually remain positive. I got something that I've been meaning to buy on a random store while on a hunt for art supplies. And now that I know where it is.. I could always go back anytime (aka tmr as her birthday is coming up soon). So tmr I will be back again. Until then!

So I went home, disappointed but it really was not too bad. So back at my home station I was thinking.. "hmmm what am I going to cook when I get back home?" Walking out of the train station, that is when I saw it... This girl carrying a huge canvas (one of those you can only buy at art supplies store) and a canvas stand.. (again, one of those you can buy at art supplies store).

"dim dim dim" x2 indeed.

And... that is the story of my "Epic Fail" today.
I laughed very hard when I saw the girl.
I know there should be an art supplies store nearby I just... I am just a foreigner who does not know her way!!! :p

credited to Postsecret

To live up to the postcard, three things I've planned to do this weekend:

• Update my Flickr account and upload some of my latest photos.
• Made the homemade popup card, AND while on another art supplies hunt in Mong Kok, go on an exploration photoshoot with my macro lens! 
• Think about my living situation next year... Keep telling myself, "Find or roommate or get a new apt, you don't want to be homeless."

I think I've written enough for the night. I'll upload some of my exploration photoshoot tmr.

Peace!!
-Emily


P.S. here's another one of my favorites on Post Secret this week.

I hope so too..

Dimsum Land turns Outdoor Land

Dear friends,

Coming to Hong Kong, I was under the impression that I am coming to live in one of the most crowdest place in the world (apparently that is not true, although sometimes it seems like it could be), one of the best food in the world, but a claustrophobic would just die living in HK apartments.  At some point earlier, I just know that I would never live in Hong Kong. And I remember saying that.

Although it took me some time to ease in to Hong Kong lifestyle, now I really have grown to love this city. Its accessibility and its systematic transport system. Many of my friends actually told me that the "honor system" tends to works perfectly well here, but not things have changed for a bit. Although coming from the absolute (and not relative, since I have never lived in other Chinese-speaking city) perspective, HK people are rather rude.

Hey, hey.. this is not a blog to rant about HK but rather I want to express how appreciative I am that I chose to come to HK. I met many good friends and I have learned a lot of these great people around me this year. It's going to be approximately 1 year next Saturday since I arrived in Hong Kong for this job.

So... back to my point on being appreciative. I have recently becoming more active, and start hiking and playing hockey. I have realized and am very much impressed by HK people's activeness. They are always busy doing something, playing sports, going to the beach, hiking, BBQ-ing, etc. But I have fell in love with HK outdoors. It's like a hidden gem. Almost like Seattle Summer as the Northwest secret, just almost though. But this recent eye-opening completely alters my perspective of HK and I recalled the last time I went home, my mom said "you really do travel like a local." Yes, I am proud to travel like local. Spending time outside in HK is.. one word... Epic.

My colleagues/ex-colleagues hiked up to this beach yesterday, Ham Tin Beach. This is claimed to be the most beautiful beach in HK, and it surely is (see picture below). Took this picture with iphone, sorry for the bad quality and my scribble on the photos. But well if you want the better version, go find me on instagram (@mzkaew).

 

Despite the obvious sign. We went out there anyway, just to see how scary it is.
Well I go there for taking a picture, but my friends are probably not there just to check how cool it is.
Credit to: Pauline Chan

My intention is to explore HK outdoor a little bit more while I am here. Finish the HK trail by the end of this year. And appreciate HK a little bit more each day. Perhaps even fall in love with it like I did with Seattle.

Okay, I should go now! Hope you all enjoy the picture! Ciao!

Best,
Emily

Old journal..

Dear friend,
Just found this draft hidden somewhere on my computer.

March 9^th 2012

Dear friends,

For the last three weeks, I was in Vientiane, Lao PDR for a business trip.  During this time, I have had the, you know, typical ups and downs, emotionally. But one thing certain that I have learned from this trip is that I should be proud of myself, for doing the work I do and being able to identify solutions for the challenges I have encountered with.

This trip was the first business trip that I have been assigned to, that is longer than a week and that I am going alone. Luckily, I was sent here to Vientiane where language isn’t really a problem because I am Thai. They even accept Thai currency here. But the planning for this trip was quite painful. It was quite a short period of time. There was problem with my credit card. I was constantly worrying about whether the trip would be okay or not. But here I am at the end of the trip, heading back home to Bangkok before going back to the dearly beloved Hong Kong (umm… that was sarcasm, just FYI).

First few days were quite exciting. There were places to see, all the temples and history to learn about Laos. Yes, I have been here before, but I was young and did not care to learn too much about how things become the way it is right now. So there were so much to learn and explore, and I was ready to tackle all that.

At the office, things were slow. I did the basic stuff, administrative and preparation of the officer operations. People were welcoming me and I did not feel out of place. Afterall, I did meet all these people before but only for a short period of time.

Let me get into the reasons why I said I was proud of myself (then I will tell you why there are things that I am disappointed with as well). I was proud of myself for being there. For being ready to challenge myself to work alone in places I am not familiar with. For working hard and trying my best for the project.

During this trip I have got many compliments from many people i.e. “you’re a strong woman… always go somewhere far away from home. Studying in Seattle, working in Hong Kong and coming to Viangchan alone.” This reminds me of what my grandma said last time I was home. She said, “I raised you to be a strong, independent woman, who won’t be scared of anything. I made you play with guns rather than dolls!” But there I was getting this compliment from the lady that sold me some postcards and stamps, and she just happened to over see my postcards to Seattle.

More than half a year late.
I know I have another one. Stay tune!

Best,
Emily

What if..

Dear friends,

Have you wondered what if...



Congratulations! You're a normal human being.

I truly think that everyone has the moment when they wonder "what if...". What if I did not move? What if we did not break up? What if I have done my best? What if I have been born smarter..? My friend, I think it's perfectly normal. We thrive to be better. We thrive for a better situation for ourselves and our loved ones.

No matter how much.. you don't want to think about it. It always comes back. It creeps into your mind when you think a little too hard. Sad, isn't it?

Personally, I am a very moody individual. One minute I can be on top of the world, and feel proud of myself. Next minute, my mind could beat my pride down. Stomp on it a little (sometimes). And I am back on the ground level or a little bit below sea level.

I think it is harmless. Not too healthy (mentally). But it drives me to be proactive in improving myself. Hike a little bit more. Be a little more social. Work a little harder. Be a better girlfriend.

I don't think I am making any sense.. But I just want to share.




I just can't help thinking.. what if you're not here. what if something happened and you can't be here to hold my hands or make me feel loved. will I still be the world traveler? will I still be this fierce young lady? will I fall in love again?

Back to reality. I will cherish you. I'll hold his hands as well. I'll hug him when he needs me. Love him more and more each day.

Hmm. Maybe it will make you a better person afterall, the ultimate yet.. deadly 'what-ifs'.

Hope you all would agree.


Love,
Emily Alexandreta

Recommended Soundtrack: Boy's "July"
Location: on the bed which scrapbooks laid out.

'what if...'