At the mall today, I observed a great many comparisons between my Canadian home and my Hong Kong temporary home, in the span of one hour.  Maybe I was very aware and pleased that my fellow Canadians did me proud in demonstrating how polite, well-mannered and caring-for-the-neighbour they can be.  A few examples:

We were waiting in line for a 3 person merry-go-round for Vanessa and of course, people formed an orderly line.  The ride cost $2 dollars a go and when the last round was finished, the newcomers all hopped …

This trip to Toronto didn’t turn out as bad as I thought.  It could be because I had already set my expectation through the roof that it would be the mother of nightmare air travel.  In the end, a drowsy Vanessa (she had a slight cough, so was on cough medicine – good timing) slept away a big chunk of the flight.  Victoria slept on and off, but with the assistance of my helper, we survived. 
I’ve always noticed that on flights like these (particularly from Hong Kong – Toronto), you …

My best friend’s husband came to visit from TO today (really just dropping by through HK on his way to Taiwan) and every time we see each other, we some how get on to the topic of entrepreneurship and starting businesses and fancy brainiac ideas and VCs and stories of successful entrepreneurs.  I would classify him as a successful entrepreneur.  He owns a few businesses, which are all sideline incomes to his full-time job.  I’ve dabbed at my own business (which bloomed mainly out of interest) and have my stabs …

I decided to wear an old (but still relatively new looking) pair of high heels I found in my closet the other day.  I bought it in Bangkok a few years ago at a no name brand shop for about $100 HKD.  The 2.5-inch heeled shoes are white with a thick red and blue strip running across the front section and match jeans wonderfully.  On an errand out through Central, I find myself on one flat foot.  At this point, I am wondering:
Did my heel get stuck in a grate?
Did …

“Did you bring the bib?”
“No – you were supposed to pack it!”
“Did you remember to pack the bottle?”
“God, I forgot my jacket!”
“You also forgot the baby’s blanket!”
“Do you want me to go get it?”
“No, we’re already late as it is!  Just go!  Geez!”
This is the conversation between Dennis and I as we were leaving the house for dinner today.   You always seem to forget something – either your own stuff or your children’s when you’re pressed for time and have 5 minutes to hustle the whole family out the door.  …

I am a big 007 fan.  I’ve always loved the movies, the action, the hot chicks, the suspence, the entertainment value.  The newest bond film is pretty good.  Even though it’s bagged mixed reviews, I personally thought it was good money for the entertainment.  Daniel Craig plays a very cool and very sexy Bond.  
 
The movie has a series of plots running though it.  It’s actually a continuation of Casino Royale and there are repeat characters from the previous movie.  I was racking my brain for a good part of the …

Living in Hong Kong (a home not really a home) has given me an abundance of friends.  Some friends share similar situations in that we’re expats living in a home away from home.  Other shares life experiences – like those with children.  And then others are ones you’ve managed to connect with and just enjoy each other’s company.
I’ve come to realize that with life, people drift in and out, whether they choose to or not.  Some will obviously influence your life more than others.  I’ve managed to developed a pretty …

It’s nice when children share.  Either with each other or with me or whomever really.  Vanessa is really beginning to understand the word “share” and she will share when she feels like it, or if it suits her mood.  The one thing that is easily shared is a virus.  Hmm, I’m sure she doesn’t mean to share it or could keep it if she could, but somehow, it always gets distributed around the house.  The first person to whom she shares it with is her younger sister.  And then, since …

I’ve gotten a lotof remarks that Victoria looks like a boy.  I’ve also gotten a lot of ”advice” from random people about how to raise my children.  I think it’s in human nature to try and help by passing on words of wisdom from the elder to the younger or the experienced to the inexperienced.   I don’t mind advice.  I don’t mind observations.  The one thing I do mind is condescending and know-it-all attitudes.  I know the old laides in my building have good intentions and by saying “Oh your child …

As a youngster at the ripe age of 20-something, you see parenting in one light.  A view which understanding and sympathy don’t come easily and putting yourself on the other side of the story is very unlikely.  Last night as I was tossing and turning before sleeping (I don’t know what’s become of me lately, I think I’ve been sleeping TOO much), I was thinking about how much my thinking has changed with respect to certain situations regarding parenting.  I’ve made a comparison below:

What I used to think

What I think know …