"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." - Lao Tzu
I don't know who Lao is and I'm sure he was a brilliant man but Julie's translation of the quote means "brave up, bitch" which I think summarizes it perfectly. Jules, thanks for being an inspiration to me everyday. I am so glad my little ray of sunshine is back from the States! It just isn't the same when you're not around.
Since we recently celebrated Valentine's Day, the holiday many single women across the globe dread (I've confirmed this based on an extensive scientific study...I asked them) I wanted to share a story I heard recently that hopefully gives singletons all over the world hope for the future...it certainly opened my eyes and gave me the courage to believe love at first sight really does exist!
Let me preface by stating this is a true story but names have been changed to protect the innocent (aka the guilty).
The Story:
I went to the Philippines with some friends back in October (please read Boracaylicious entry for more deets). We had a great time relaxing on the beach, drinking the day away and enjoying good meals every night before hitting the bars. What I didn't know was that one girl on the trip met a guy she ended up pashing (aka kissing) the first night - she had so much fun with this international man of mystery she agreed to meet up with him again the following night. DISCLAIMER - if my mom and dad (or any of their friends) are reading this, let it be known that your wonderful, conservative, responsible daughter (that would be me, not Michelle) would never consider doing such a thing! Or at least not be dumb enough to write about it in my own blog :)
Back to the story. Chanel and this guy exchanged contact info after their romantic weekend and kept in touch after returning to their respective lives in different US cities. After two months of phone calls and constant emails they started dating and have been together ever since. He is moving to be closer to her and there's even talk about a possible engagement!
My Valentine's Day was nowhere near that exciting since there weren't many attractive, single, straight men at the JJ concert (although for any single straight or gay man who might read this it's a brilliant way to meet a significant other) but regardless I had an awesome time at the show with Long and Traci. We knew almost all of the songs (she sang 35 of her #1 hits) and we found ourselves saying "I haven't heard this song in almost 20 years." The bit I am struggling with is when the hell did I get old enough to say I remember anything from 20 years ago??? Time flies when you're having fun!
Here are a few pics from that night. Does the venue remind anyone else of a high school gym? I love HK but it's definitely not known for it's music venues...I also recorded a video with my camera but decided not to add it since you can hear me singing...and I couldn't handle the abuse I would receive from Julie, Long, DAC and Kevin if I posted it.
Waiting for the show to start
Traci, Me, Longo
I also included a picture of me and my dad away from home on Valentine's Day. His name is Chow. He's the night doorman in my building and I heart him. He is soooo nice and looks after me and Longo much like our dads would if they lived here. The best part? He laughs uncotrollably whenever I try to speak Cantonese and Mandarin but keeps encouraging me to practice...
Me & My Valentine, Chow
Another installation of the blog is coming soon. My mom and "B" have been here for a week so there will be some funny stories and pics to share.
And since this is my Valentine's Day entry, I want to give a shout out to someone very special to me. We are going to have so much fun next month and I can't wait to show you my city!
xoxo,
Steph
