Happy New Year

Ok, so I lied. I did absolutely no updating over the Christmas holidays, but here I am now. I usually opt not to use this as an alternative to a mass email, but seeing as I've been horrible at keeping in touch with anybody lately, I figured it might be due (and forgivable).

Currently on holiday again for Chinese New Year (I know I'm rubbing it in) but this time, I'm back in rainy Vancouver visiting the fam and some friends. It's been six months since I moved to Hong Kong and I feel like much has happened in the lives of those around me. I've had three friends get engaged over the past couple of months, one each from high school, college and grad school -- congrats, congrats! Friends have been moving cross-country and around the world, starting new jobs and careers. And, my nephew is now eating food other than milk and making a variety of baby noises, though none of which are "Mama" or "Baba", much to the great disappointment of his doting parents. Maybe it doesn't sound like a lot, but it's a reminder of the things you miss when you're living far away -- the life-changing ones, as well as the little ones.

Nevertheless, I've pretty much decided that I'm going to be in Hong Kong next year as well. My current contract comes up in May so it's time to think again about what to do with myself. I feel like I've finally started to settle in to Hong Kong since Christmas but there's yet much exploring and wandering to do.

Some signs I'm becoming acculturated to Hong Kong:
1) I have a character dangly thing hanging from my cell phone. As much as I've tried to resist the fanaticism over cutesy animated characters, I have to admit, I've given in. I think being a teacher has definitely contributed though -- the kids are a perfectly good excuse to buy cute stationary and accessories. It's for them, really.
2) I wear a down jacket and complain about the weather when it's 11 degrees Celsius out. I also sleep in my sweats with two duvet blankets. I swear, it's freezing.
3) I consider walking around a mall an acceptable weekend activity. There's very little I can say in my defense here except that Hong Kong has a lot of malls.
4) I'm trying to cut down from working six days a week.
5) I drink warm water. I can't remember which of my friends predicted this, but it's true.
6) The idea of waiting more than 4 minutes for a subway is appalling. My idea of timeliness and "cutting it close" has been taken to a new level.
7) I'm starting to enjoy dice games. In fact, sometimes I prefer going to one of the dice game bars rather than a club.

On a last note, reunion with the girls in 3 days! Yay for the Pacific Northwest (rainy as it may be)! Hope all is well with everyone. Miss you!