holiday peak

So the holiday started off with surprises.
Kris had booked us in to a super nice designer hotel in Brisbane. Me like!
A beautiful walk along the river followed and it was during our walk that the real surprise was reviled, we were going to a concert that very night. A concert with the French star Camille. So we jumped onto a boat as the sun set and arrived to a beautiful and cool venue called the Powerhouse. The concert was excellent and intimate filled with energy and rhythm. And both Kris and I walked out into the dark, warm night filled with admiration for this talented girl and with big smiles on our faces .

kung hei fat choy

I'm off to Australia later today!
My Chinese New Years Holidays are about to begin.

Kung Hei Fat Choy everyone!

the year of the ox

Thousands of years ago, the Jade Emperor held a race to determine the order of the 12 animals that would appear on the Chinese lunar calendar.

On the day of the race, the Ox was leading the pack but the resourceful Rat managed to claim first place by hitching a ride on the Ox’s back and leaping off as the Ox approached the finishing line.

The strong Ox therefore came in second, followed by the Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. For their efforts, the emperor honoured each animal with a year of its own. That is how the 12 zodiac signs came about.

The Chinese will soon usher in the year of the Ox. The second of 12 animals in the Zodiac cycle, the Ox is a sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work.

So what can we expect from the year ahead?
Well the OX year is a conservative year, one of traditions and values. This is not a year to be outrageous. A slow but steady year.

This OX year will bring stability and growth where patience and diligence pays off. And this is a year of Harvest - when we reap what we have sown. Take care of business this year, do not let things slide.

And for me who am a Tiger, this year is for keeping a low profile. Because of the slow pace of the OX year, it will be a frustrating time for me and I, who like things to be move quicker, will need to show restraint.

On the other had it’s a very good year for Snakes (perfect for you Kris my darling snake) Act on an opportunity - this is your year!

And sister Yster: The Ox is the direct opposite of you, the sheep, therefore expect challenges in all areas this year. Keep a low profile, just like your big sister...

hardcore

After another session of boxing... Hardcore, dude!

two things

Today I have two things I'd like to bring to your attention:

In the midst of the slaughter in Gaza, a forgotten casualty is President elect-Obama's promise of a new Middle East policy. The conflict is trapping Obama in imagines fault lines aimed at limiting his ability to break with the Bush administration's Mideast policy.

My friend Trita writes about this in an analysis published yesterday on Huffington Post. See http://www.huffingtonpost.com/trita-parsi/israel-gaza-and-iran-trap_b_157483.html

And on a happier note, I just wanted to let you know that the count down starts for real today... One week until I fly to Australia and Kris. Oh happy days! Bring on the sunshine and love. :)

local favorites

Met up with my favorite old colleagues last Sunday.
An afternoon and night of just hanging, talking, eating and playing different games with the cutest girls in town.

forgotten anniversaries

I've been so busy trying to learn how to take punches to the face (yep, that's what we practised yesterday, getting hit in the face and feeling ok with it...) that I have forgotten 2 important anniversaries.

My 2 years in HK anniversary. Hurray!
And more importantly, my 18 months anniversary with Kris. Double Hurray! And lots of love to you my darling.

hurting

Today I'm sore. All over.
And walking like a duck - legs are so stiff.
But it feels good though.
:)

the time has come

Today is the start.
Today is the day I start sheading blood, sweat and tears.
Today is the first day of my new life as a white collar boxer.

The time has come to get fit.
The goal - to win my boxing match on the 26th of March.

do something

Just came home after a very nice afternoon (went to the gym and then grabbed some food together with Tiina). Still hungry as I walked in the door to my cosy apartment I though: what will I gourge myself with tonight.

But quickly lost my appetite after watching the following clip (among others).


I now sit here crying, not that it helps, and not that it came as a surprise - that the world is a very unfair place. I'm wondering what more I will stuff my face with while others struggle to survive... And even worse, are dying just as I write this and just as you read this.

You peolpe out there with power, for f*ck's sake do something!

happy new year

Happy New Year!

It's 2009.
But it feels like old times, cause Tiina is in town...

And even though we have had a great night, loads of fun and are full of excitement for the new year, plus that we have been princesses for a night, we are a bit sad.

Sad because we're not together anymore, sad because we're separated by both ocean and land. However, happy that everything is as it's always been now that we're together again. The way it should be when you're really good friends.

Again, wishing you all the best for 2009!