I literally slept the whole day last Sunday. I've never done that before. But my body must have needed it. My flight came in late Thursday night and my brother picked me up at the airport. Got home, dropped off luggage and went to my Dad's to pick up my babies! They looked happy to see me?! Then unpacked - bought alot of souvenirs!

Already back to work slowly adjusting and catching up with emails and work. A little hectic but happy to be back. Also, I had surgery yesterday to remove a cyst from my left foot.  So have to wear this boot and need to keep my foot elevated. Ugh.



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It was so hard to say goodbye. I had the best time. Met with all three of my uncles soon after arriving in HK - so nice. I see my Mom in all of them. All so sweet. 

2nd stop: Macau was fun with my cousin Betty and her friends Aggie & Fannie. Food was awesome - dim sum at a Michelin star restaurant. It was so good I had to go again on our last day there! Gamble a little bit and end up winning enough to maybe buy a happy meal? At least I didn't lose...

3rd stop: Tokyo was amazing. But it was more about catching up with two old friends - Junko and Koko. It was almost like it was yesterday and not 12 years since I've seen Junko! We laughed so much! We went on a "power stop" tour so I can soak up positive energy from these natural energy places. We also had these little fish bite the dead skin off our feet. Then it was off to a cat cafe. Yes, a place where you can have a cup of coffee and pet a bunch of cats scattered throughout. And of course we had to check out Sanrio Land. It was pretty lame and geared more towards little kids. But now I can check it off my bucket list. Lastly, I made sure I ate ramen and katsu. No sushi, tho. Did ALOT of walking and taking the train. But time went by fast and had to say goodbye. 

And then it was back to HK for two days of last minute shopping and eating! We went to a "K" buffet - basically a karaoke club where you have your own private room and a buffet with a variety of food. Wish there was one of those here. Unfortunately, it didn't seem like I had enough time in HK to spend with my family. And it was hectic with all of the traveling. I'm surprised my body survived it! 

Here are some pics. Click on picture for captions. Also, a video in Tokyo.

Just checking in from HK! It's been nonstop - eating, shopping and traveling. I'm at the airport now heading to Tokyo. Got back from Macau on Wednesday and basically rested all day yesterday. Problem is I haven't been able to catch up on the sleep I lost flying here. Plus I'm eating so much! But hey, I'm not complaining. 

It's a little bittersweet cos the last time I was here was with Mom. I feel her presence everywhere. My cuz Betty and I had a long-awaited talk about the circumstances around her death. Man, reliving it is still so hard. You would think after all this time, it would be easier. But it was good sharing what happened with Betty. She knew my Mom almost as well as I did. So she knows what it meant to lose her and what a loss it was to me. She truly understands which helps. 

Anyways, off to Japan to see my friends. One I haven't seen in 12 years! Funny how this all evolved only 3 weeks ago when my friend Junko emailed me. We only email each other once or twice a year, She mentioned she dreamt about me and wished she can see me. So I decided to make it happen. I've never been to Japan and always wanted to go to Sanrio Land! 

So it's the 4th anniversary of your passing. Did you see me, Dad, and Norm at the cemetery today? I can't believe it's been 4 years? I'm doing better as you probably know. Dealing with Helen's passing hasn't been easy but I'm managing. I think I'm stronger because of it, funny as it may sound. But learning to rely on yourself tends to do that. 

I'm preparing for my HK trip to see Betty and all of your brothers! I just learned that 4th Uncle has throat cancer. Betty wants me to talk to him to offer support and encouragement. I said ok but not sure how effective my broken chinese will be. But I'll do my best. I guess he's pretty cavalier about it similar to how he was when you saw him last. He already admitted that he's not listening to the doctors. I just hope he doesn't regret it when it's too late. Betty is already planning around my schedule to make sure I have a chance to see everyone! 

Although I'll be gone for almost two weeks, I literally only have 5 days in HK. Because I'm also going to Macau and Japan,  It's going to go by so fast! Please make sure you come with me and keep me safe! 

​I love and miss you, Mom!