Friday, December 30, 2011
Last day of 2011
It is shocking to realize 2011 will be over very soon. I simply cannot look back to the year without feeling disoriented. Last 2 years brought me a lot of changes. 2011 is a big leap.
In addition, the big 40 is creeping up very quickly. The way to avoid judging myself is by... oh yes... investing in Kiehl's double strength wrinkle filler cream. I am expecting wonders.
In addition, the big 40 is creeping up very quickly. The way to avoid judging myself is by... oh yes... investing in Kiehl's double strength wrinkle filler cream. I am expecting wonders.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Guilty!
Sorry, sorry, sorry...
Those DVDs are really good. First half of The Good Wife Season 3, The ides of March, ...
Those DVDs are really good. First half of The Good Wife Season 3, The ides of March, ...
Sunday, December 25, 2011
OMG! Chinese New Year already!
They immediately changed the elevator's music from Christmas to Chinese New Year. I don't know if I can handle a whole month!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Christmas
So, no tree this year. We did not get around to get one. It is actually not so important after all. It took us 8 years to finally had our first tree last year in NY. I consider this is my little help to the environment.
I finally sent out my Christmas message to everyone... Almost everyone. I believe I missed a few people. My email address books are not consolidated. I really need to do that - To-Do-List-2012.
I tried not to be negative with my message on my Christmas email. Well, it turned out sounding some sort of uplifting. I am getting replies from friends saying it was so touching and all that. I was writing it at 12.30 in the morning, trying to rush it out before everyone leave for the holidays. Then I encountered email issue with too many people on the list. So I spent another hour to fix the address lists and splitted into multiple mesages. I did not go to bed until 1.30am. Maybe my next career move is to become an inspirational speaker. Haha.. Yeah right!
Speaking on that, I had a moment of guilty last week during my traveling. I realised my job is doing nothing to help curb the environmental impact on global construction. I should start thinking my next move to be more active in promoting good design and construction practise that helps minimize construction impact on the environment. Seeing the sand and dust covering every cities in China is heartbreaking. Just with little effort in managing the process from everyone, we can make a difference!
I finally sent out my Christmas message to everyone... Almost everyone. I believe I missed a few people. My email address books are not consolidated. I really need to do that - To-Do-List-2012.
I tried not to be negative with my message on my Christmas email. Well, it turned out sounding some sort of uplifting. I am getting replies from friends saying it was so touching and all that. I was writing it at 12.30 in the morning, trying to rush it out before everyone leave for the holidays. Then I encountered email issue with too many people on the list. So I spent another hour to fix the address lists and splitted into multiple mesages. I did not go to bed until 1.30am. Maybe my next career move is to become an inspirational speaker. Haha.. Yeah right!
Speaking on that, I had a moment of guilty last week during my traveling. I realised my job is doing nothing to help curb the environmental impact on global construction. I should start thinking my next move to be more active in promoting good design and construction practise that helps minimize construction impact on the environment. Seeing the sand and dust covering every cities in China is heartbreaking. Just with little effort in managing the process from everyone, we can make a difference!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Christmas in Shanghai
In a city bases on consumption, Christmas messages are certainly heard everywhere. And when I said heard, I mean literally you can hear them everywhere. Christmas songs in very shops, coffee places, and elevators. My head is filled with Christmas songs. For a country doesn't celebrate Christmas holidays, they did a pretty good job promoting it.
Costa Coffee shops have these cute Yule logs and Christmas mini cakes. So cute! Can't help but take a picture of them.
Costa Coffee shops have these cute Yule logs and Christmas mini cakes. So cute! Can't help but take a picture of them.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Weekend
I did a 30 hour turn around trip to HK to attend a high school mini-reunion. One old friend, Connie, returned to HK from Toronto to see her family. We have not seen each other all these years even though NY and Toronto is only an hour flight away. After 22 years, she looked the same, except with a husband and 2 beautiful girls in toll. It was a fun evening BBQ-ing with a bunch of people whom I haven't seen for many years. Even more special was that the BBQ at was at our old school. It was like when we were kids, except we are so 20+ years older.
Time flies by in truly alarming rate. I feel very lucky that we are still in touch. This year I am grateful for Facebook connecting the world. This year, 2 service fees were well spent: first one is the 50 bucks to become a Marco Polo member of Cathay Pacific, and the second one is the 100 bucks on the VPN service for my internet access.
After the BBQ, I also met up with an old colleague who has just moved to HK. Anne moved to HK just a month ago. It was surreal to be sitting at the Pawn Shop lounge and having a drink with her; only not long ago we were just in NY and even worked on a project together. I am sure she will have a great experience in HK. Since she is working at a well known hospitality design firm, we may even work together again in the future.
I had a great weekend. The high cost of the air ticket was certainly worth every penny.
Time flies by in truly alarming rate. I feel very lucky that we are still in touch. This year I am grateful for Facebook connecting the world. This year, 2 service fees were well spent: first one is the 50 bucks to become a Marco Polo member of Cathay Pacific, and the second one is the 100 bucks on the VPN service for my internet access.
After the BBQ, I also met up with an old colleague who has just moved to HK. Anne moved to HK just a month ago. It was surreal to be sitting at the Pawn Shop lounge and having a drink with her; only not long ago we were just in NY and even worked on a project together. I am sure she will have a great experience in HK. Since she is working at a well known hospitality design firm, we may even work together again in the future.
I had a great weekend. The high cost of the air ticket was certainly worth every penny.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
3 Month Anniversary
I just realised it is my 3 month anniversary in Shanghai. In 3 months,
I visited Xiamen, Quanzhou, Fuzhou, Putian, Zhengzhou, Yantai (today),
Dalian (today), Hong Kong, New Delhi and Agra.
I think I have got a handle on the job. It has its perks. I do enjoy people taking my words a lot more seriously. But i also have to be careful when I give my opinion. LOL!
I visited Xiamen, Quanzhou, Fuzhou, Putian, Zhengzhou, Yantai (today),
Dalian (today), Hong Kong, New Delhi and Agra.
I think I have got a handle on the job. It has its perks. I do enjoy people taking my words a lot more seriously. But i also have to be careful when I give my opinion. LOL!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Very cold!
It's very cold. Not temperature cold. It is a damp cold that makes it feels colder.
And of course, Jim came back and the first thing he figured out was the heating. In fact, it took him 1 second looking at the pictures on the control to turn on the heat. The Chinese Architect didn't even bother to try and went ahead and bought heaters. The jet lagged white dude took care of it in a second. Classic!
Also, we got new computer and router today. More purchases. We are really starting to settle down.
But of course, the landlord is now looking to sell the apartment. Hope that no one is interested in this inefficient floor plan and it won't sell. Hehe. I did my part taking down the place today when they brought a potential buyer.
Speaking of home, we went to a beautiful home of two new friends. They live in this old Shanghainese style house and beautifully decorated the space. Fabulous!
And of course, Jim came back and the first thing he figured out was the heating. In fact, it took him 1 second looking at the pictures on the control to turn on the heat. The Chinese Architect didn't even bother to try and went ahead and bought heaters. The jet lagged white dude took care of it in a second. Classic!
Also, we got new computer and router today. More purchases. We are really starting to settle down.
But of course, the landlord is now looking to sell the apartment. Hope that no one is interested in this inefficient floor plan and it won't sell. Hehe. I did my part taking down the place today when they brought a potential buyer.
Speaking of home, we went to a beautiful home of two new friends. They live in this old Shanghainese style house and beautifully decorated the space. Fabulous!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Spending, spending, spending.
Finally, I found myself a free weekend and in the mood for some shopping. Saturday morning, I headed straight to Ikea. I am pleased to report that things are a bit cheaper at Ikea Shanghai comparing to the US. It has great collections of kitchenwares. I was there for bedside lamps, and came out with candles, vases, hangers, plants, extra towels, etc. It was satisfying!
Well then, Bronwen told me a website for Shanghai shopping where one can use debit cards or cash on delivery. How timely as I was thinking of getting a heater. Shanghai apartment doesn't come with heating in general. Next weekend is going to be really cold. So, I think I should be prepared. So, I rightly hopped onto the website and bought 2 small heaters, and a small iPod docking speaker on the side.
As I mentioned it is going to be real cold next weekend, I need to get a turtleneck just in case my shipment doesn't get delivered in time. (oh yes, my shipment has arrived a long time ago, except I didn't have the time to arrange the document for delivery. Finally, it should be coming very soon. But I should be prepared, right?) So, I went to my favorite Muji and picked up a turtle neck and a sweater.
On one of the local Shanghai English magazine, a few local places were featured as Christmas gift ideas. One particular caught my eyes. It is Golden Button for custom shirts. For USD$26, you get a custom shirt. How can I not go check it out. When I got there, they have some ready made ones for USD$13. But It took no time for me to shift right into custom. The tailor measured me, and said my neck is too small for shirt size 41 and my arms are longer for size 40. How perfect for custom shirts! I ordered 3. Let's see how they turn out.
I restrained myself just around the corner where there is the custom shoes shop. I saw a pair of Ferragamo monk strap with an Oxford front a couple of days ago. For RMB 1350 (USD$212), should I have them replicated?
Then I had a cool hair cut. Including a photo here so that you can remember how I look.
This past week was a busy week of dining out. I went over to Pudong Shangri La twice last week. Once was to pick up my oldest friend Mary, who was visiting SH for work. We went for a drink at the Ritz Carlton's rooftop bar for a drink before heading to Park Hyatt's 100 Century for dinner. Another night, it was drinks and dinner at Shangri La again with my new friend/colleague Serina, her husband and her visiting friends. I also had dinner with Mark Hayes one day during his business trip. It was so great to see these familiar faces. Friday night was Shanghainese food, and Saturday night was with Bronwen at a local French place. A busy week!
Anyhow, next week Jim comes back!! It is so exciting. A lot of planning to do for Christmas, New Year, the big 4-0, and Chinese New Year.
Well then, Bronwen told me a website for Shanghai shopping where one can use debit cards or cash on delivery. How timely as I was thinking of getting a heater. Shanghai apartment doesn't come with heating in general. Next weekend is going to be really cold. So, I think I should be prepared. So, I rightly hopped onto the website and bought 2 small heaters, and a small iPod docking speaker on the side.
As I mentioned it is going to be real cold next weekend, I need to get a turtleneck just in case my shipment doesn't get delivered in time. (oh yes, my shipment has arrived a long time ago, except I didn't have the time to arrange the document for delivery. Finally, it should be coming very soon. But I should be prepared, right?) So, I went to my favorite Muji and picked up a turtle neck and a sweater.
On one of the local Shanghai English magazine, a few local places were featured as Christmas gift ideas. One particular caught my eyes. It is Golden Button for custom shirts. For USD$26, you get a custom shirt. How can I not go check it out. When I got there, they have some ready made ones for USD$13. But It took no time for me to shift right into custom. The tailor measured me, and said my neck is too small for shirt size 41 and my arms are longer for size 40. How perfect for custom shirts! I ordered 3. Let's see how they turn out.
I restrained myself just around the corner where there is the custom shoes shop. I saw a pair of Ferragamo monk strap with an Oxford front a couple of days ago. For RMB 1350 (USD$212), should I have them replicated?
Then I had a cool hair cut. Including a photo here so that you can remember how I look.
This past week was a busy week of dining out. I went over to Pudong Shangri La twice last week. Once was to pick up my oldest friend Mary, who was visiting SH for work. We went for a drink at the Ritz Carlton's rooftop bar for a drink before heading to Park Hyatt's 100 Century for dinner. Another night, it was drinks and dinner at Shangri La again with my new friend/colleague Serina, her husband and her visiting friends. I also had dinner with Mark Hayes one day during his business trip. It was so great to see these familiar faces. Friday night was Shanghainese food, and Saturday night was with Bronwen at a local French place. A busy week!
Anyhow, next week Jim comes back!! It is so exciting. A lot of planning to do for Christmas, New Year, the big 4-0, and Chinese New Year.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
December
It is already December. I can't hardly believe. A year of change for me. Today, the cold weather finally arrived in Shanghai. Walking down the street in the chill cool reminded me of how much I love the fall and early winter weather in New York.
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