'CULT OF LESS'

Heard from NBC Nightly News this morning on the captioned, where an increasing number of Americans are trying to downsize their approach to life. This movement is largely brought on by the realities of an economy that does not seem to go anywhere. America, so used to being 'the land of plenty', is now waking up to soul search, do I need all this? ' ... I have more than what I need ... the art of letting go of material possessions ... slimming down to necessities ... back to basics ...' are meaningful expressions one should take heed. We in Hong Kong are relatively immune to what America is going through at the moment. With the economy of our giant neighbor, the master of our destiny, shooting through the roof China's 'optimism' tends to rub off on us. One has to look no further than PRC shoppers with rolls of RMB, who make up the lion share of patrons at top tier retail outlets in town. Forgive me, I rather think this is when we must all be careful, it is probably the best moment to start the regimen of downsizing, just in case. BTW I did try to preach this concept of an 'apparel diet' to the 4 women in my family, rather unsuccessfully, I should add.

It was reported an opportunistic and entrepreneurial new business 'Got-Junk.Com' or something catchy like that is doing well. I just wonder if this will work in our World City here at home?

HISTORICAL PORTRAIT

Taken yesterday on Oct 31 2010 when the twins were 2 days old, at the Hong Kong Sanatorium. Jamie the big brother in front of his youthful 'Poh Poh' and his little sister Sonya in front of her bald 'Kung Kung'. Priceless!

I was nervous when Jamie was handed to me, being out of practice for almost 24 years ago when Jessica was born. The bonding was magic though, 'this is how God makes miracles', Dora said. The newly minted proud parents, Terri & Fergus, are driven by adrenalin. They must be exhausted from excitement overdose and hospital schedules but no one can tell. The twins decided to join the party early, by almost 10 days, and I missed the 'ribbon cutting ceremonies' by 1-day. I was at my finals at Wandee in Bangkok. For Terri it was like 'a walk in the park'. We spoke around 1pm when she was being prepped for the delivery room, by 5pm we were talking again and she sounded like she just did a few laps in the pool. Amazing!

Life will not be the same for everyone in the family. We all get promoted or 'kicked upstairs' starting with my 89 year old mother who is now GGM from GM ... her nickname is GM, for Grandma, but now she is GGM. Andrea & Jessica are delighted to become Aunties, while the siblings, cousins & in-laws of Dora and I will join the 'grand' generation. I am not sure if they are all ready? We are!