2 year aniversary

I feel my eyes have aged in my photos, there are stories behind them. Tomorrow is the two year anniversary since the day i packed up and left Vancouver for Hong Kong. It is incredible how the time passes so quickly, and how much has happened since that day, that decision. Two years ago it was about letting go, embracing new friends, and nervously stepping outside of a comfort zone i had always known. Taking a big gulp, those baby steps opened up doors to toward the dreams i always thought would just be dreams. I get butterflies just remembering that day.
Lantau Island, HK, Dec 2004.

Life is like a videogame, it's about struggling to beat your last best score and passing to get to the next level. If you're lucky, you might find a secret code that will fast forward you a couple levels or at least open a door to a bonus round.

This past month has been tough for Carlo and I. Problems with the Jeep, personal challenges, work challenges, all the stresses that by chance have all come full steam in one big blow. It's been tough to keep a strong face about it all, but we have managed to pull each other up. More than anything i'm really glad i have him, and my family. Even though they are far away, talks with mom and dad really help when you're going through a weak patch.

But the thing about weak patches is that's where you push harder towards turning things around again. So that is what Carlo and I are doing. Being a bit run down brings the immune system down, and today i have had a sinus cold hit me. I've been sneezing all day, tissue box in one hand at all times, and feeling rather horrible. It'll pass in a few days, but feeling rough just reminds me that strengthening the body and mind go together.

I had a dream about an old friend from when i was 18. We have not spoke in 10 years, and out of no where, she appeared in my dream. In the dream i had boarded a plane, and she had boarded soon after to sit in the same row across the aisle from me. I was stunned as the last time i saw her we had a terrible falling out. I got out of my seat and was actually quite thrilled to see her. I leaned over and i said, "give me a hug!". She was reluctant but she did, and she whispered " i thought you might freak out."
This is all i remember from the dream. But i wonder if it is a sign that i should contact her and apologize for whatever part i played in us falling out. I have had her in my thoughts all day and am actually contemplating writing her. I think she'd find it very strange if i contacted her. That could be kinda funny though. hmmm....

This is her, she just cut a jazz record.


Carlo and I are very close to beginning our business. Writing the plans down, crunching numbers, assessing risk, all that stuff, it's terrifying and exciting too. Will it happen before 2007?? It is confusing to be zen like, not get too emotional, but still be passionate, still be excited, and then detatched. Is that an oxymoron?? I'm still trying to master how i prioritize these thoughts and emotions. It takes enormous control and i'm far too spontaneous.

I met two really cool vietnamese girls this week, both of them are in the textiles business and deal in cashmere from Nepal. One of the girls lived in Nepal for a couple years when her husband was stationed there at the Army base. Quite interesting stories these two had. I got on with them right away and i don't remember laughing so hard for so long, not since nites out with James Fraser.
It felt good to laugh till my guts hurt. I am looking forward to spending time with them again. Plus, they know where all the good Vietnamese restaurants are!! And i do miss my Pho.