Hi, dear,

I arrived Hong Kong last Friday but it seems I have left US for ages.  Uncle Joe has kept me busy, in fact, so busy in going places that my calves and ankles are swollen. (plenty of walking by foot in HK)   We dined out 99% of the time except breakfast.  We usually have late lunch during what they call “afternoon tea time” which is from 2:30-4 when the menu is half price.  We will meet up with Sirena (my aunt) for dinner.  Then home for TV or internet.  

The first few days, I experienced jet lag.  Now I have adjusted to the HK time.  

I slept on a thin mattress.  The pillow is not right and I miss my body pillow.  Uncle Joe and Sirena bought me a new bed (a fold up bed/crouch) and it will be delivered before Christmas.  How nice and sweet of them.

The humidity is high here (95-99%) and my natural curl is doing much better.  In fact, so curly that when I met with my school teacher and schoolmates, they asked me where I got my hair permed. (Chinese seldom has natural curls)    

The temp. here is around 40s and 50s and the people here are all wearing ski jackets with scarf.  Yesterday, a lady I saw at the subway was wearing her fur.  The only problem is they do not have heat in any residential unit and they like to crack their window opened.  So we still need to dress worm in our living quarters.  

I met up with one teacher and one schoolmate so far and will be meeting one more tomorrow.  It was very nice to see them again and catch up with those years since we were apart.  These were my school buddies.  My schoolmate said she recalled me being a social butterfly and laughed all the times.   My teacher commented on my nails of being so pretty.

My anxiety level has decreased.  So far, I took my anti-anxiety meds only twice.  One was during my visit to mass last Sunday and the other time was when I knew of how others in SL were helping in tieing all the troublesome loose ends during this holiday season.  Their sacrafices of time and energy, esp. my mother,  are their love to me and I am so touched.  I have only one goal in mind, i.e. “To get well”

I started exercising every other day in the club house here and that feels good.  I smoke less because standing in front of the stove top and blow smoke through the hood is not that comfortable; or standing on the street next to a garbage can where it is designated smoking areas.  Also, they do not have my ultra light 100s.  

If I could repack my suitcases, I would have packed a box of Q tips for sure.  The Q tip here is so tiny and not too much cotton at the end.  Also I would have packed less thicker clothings, instead of winter, it would be autumn or spring type.  

I still miss UT and the States a lot (the air, the sky, the snow, parents and friends, my car and driving, the spacousness...) but I am also glad I am here in HK.  I could not have done anything in SLC other than being stressed and depressed.

Wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  May the birth of Jesus remind us He brings joy and good tidings.  May the New Year bring us new hope, prosperity and fulfillment in all aspect of life.

Miss and love you,

ChinaDoll