Open-hearted joys 開開心心 91
Happy Friday, my loves!
We’re just one week shy of Christmas and I’m slowly starting to feel more festive again. Last week, I was away in Hong Kong which was just what I needed, but I’ve ended up in a post-holiday haze where I don’t feel Christmassy anymore, just missing my travels. Yet, after catching up with my friends, I’m relieved to know it isn’t just me: we’re all finding it harder to feel festive this year. Strangely, since then, I’ve felt more relaxed about it being mid-December, and now I do feel ready for the holidays and good food and a few days off work and having the chance to reflect on the year that was.
There’s a lot to be said for appreciating the smaller, not necessarily finer, details of the everyday mundane. Here’s to another list of petite, open-hearted joys, the moments that’ve brought and woven poetry to my days, this fortnight.
一. The feeling of being home, showered and in fresh pyjamas after a 17-hour flight and week-long trip. I’m forever grateful for being able to travel, and equally so for our home.
二. Checking off Christmas errands, marginally more fun than everyday errands.
三. Our first morning back in Hong Kong, and headed straight out for congee at our decades-favourite dai pai dong. I chose the century egg and pork congee and we all had youtiao and fried noodles to mop it all up. Comfort food in my comfort place.
四. Spending a whole day with my sister in Hong Kong. I love taking her to all my favourite spots that she hasn’t yet visited, and we had the best time chatting away, buying blind boxes, and stocking up on our skincare, makeup and stationery.
五. How it feels to cuddle my dog in the middle of a busy work-from-home day.
六. The chocolate coin and cup of tea breaks I’ve been indulging in throughout my working days. Hey, it’s practically required as part of my screen and get-up-and-stretch-my-legs break! It’s actually healthy!
七. Feeling so Christmassy strolling around Hong Kong in 27°C weather. Their displays and decorations are completely magical and always feel far more immersive than those here.
八. I’m LOVING reading Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel.
九. The hot chocolate I treated myself to after a pre-Christmas doctor’s appointment.
十. Making the most delicious kimchi fried rice for dinner, that also provided enough food for lunch, then another lunch. Cook once eat thrice is unbeatable.
