My blog
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My Olympic Dream kind of (but not really) comes true
Thursday, Aug 21, 2008 1:14AM / Standard Entry / Members only
Been gone for a while, I know, but I am now back from the Olympic vortex I've been residing in for the past little while. I call it a vortex because for the past couple weeks my usual daily routine of slapping on makeup and trompsing around in stilettos had been put on pause. It was the first time in my life that I took on a job that had NOTHING to do with what I do. Unfortunately, the first two days I singlehandedly confirmed the stereotypical view that models aren't the sharpest knives in the drawer. I have never worked in any sort of office environment, so I had no idea what the heck was going on. Thank god for the four women in the picture below. They were infinitely patient, understanding, and helpful. Without them I don't know what I would have done. I was definitely a fish out of water. They guided me through unknown territories of filing, copying, and customer service as well as constantly petted my shattered self esteem. It is a humbling experience to work in an unknown and unfamiliar environment. If any of you girls are reading this, THANK YOU!!!
From Left to Right: Rita, Ellin, me, May, Joanne
I have to admit though, at times, when I would wander around the venue, I would get a bit sad. Seeing these beautiful horses, feeling the energy, watching the riders practicing, it all made me wonder, just for a moment, whether I had chosen the right path all those years ago when I chose modelling over horses. Running into a once competitor of mine who now rides for the USA Olympic team really made me long for the dream I once had. I too, once upon a time, had an Olympic dream. Oh that was so long ago....... In the end, I snapped out of my melancholy and decided to really enjoy the volunteer experience. I figured that if this is the closest I'll ever get to that "Olympic Dream" then I'll take it.
Two more new friends I made. This is Gerry, one of the head honchos at the Equestrian Events, and Marie who worked in the office I was in.
I did have some time to goof off, and so I headed for the judges booth in the middle of the ring to fantasize about being and Olympic Equestrian Judge.
And then this is me playing the radio commentator...
I'm so happy I decided to become a volunteer. Its really cool to be able to say that I took part in helping at the Olympic Games. It was really wonderful to be able to spend so much time once again around the majestic beasts that defined my childhood. Now I must set my sights on early retirement so I can spend my days riding horses... I just need to figure out how to make a gazillion dollars in the next ten years...
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Africa...The Saga Continues
( 繁 | 简 )Sunday, Jul 6, 2008 8:13PM / Standard Entry / Members only
We continued on our journey by jumping on a puddle jumper plane and hopping over to Jwaneng, Botswana. I was NOT thrilled about that. It was literally a flying sardine can.
We went to go visit the DeBeers diamond mine where we were issued a hard hat, clunky boots, and snazzy sunglasses.
This wheel was attached to a truck that was three stories high. I'm 5"11 and look at how tiny I look...
So after all the crrrrazy mining fun we finally got to the part of the trip I was REALLY looking forward to...SAFARI!!!! Love safari! And on the journey from the airport these were the very first critters we saw. I knew we were in for a treat.
We saw so many animals. This is the first safari I've ever been on where I saw all "Big 5". But what really took the cake on this trip where these little tiny 1.5 months old lion cubs. They were so...aaawwwww. I can't even verbalise it!
I just wanted to smuggle them out of the country and bring them home!
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From Africa With Love
( 繁 | 简 )Wednesday, Jun 25, 2008 1:49AM / Standard Entry / Members only
From Africa With Love…
So its my annual trip to South Africa with the DeBeers Group, and so far so good. Been here three days and will be here for another five. Tomorrow we are off to Botswana for two days. As you can imagine, this trip is all about diamonds, diamonds, diamonds. No complaints here as diamonds are definitely my favorite precious gem. The only unfortunate thing is that we have to fly about six times within these eight days, and as some of you know, I am absolutely terrified of flying.
So, here I am, getting on our private jet this morning, trying to act all cool, calm, and collected.
And here I am pooping myself but still trying to act cool…
And this is why I was freaking out. Can you see the loose screw? Yea, SCARY!!!
What??? No guns allowed??? So what am I supposed to do with this gigantic handgun that’s in my back pocket?
And if any you guys have read my past blogs… Does this cow look familiar? I think its following me!
Hopefully I’ll have more for you guys from Botswana and some pictures of actual diamonds if my jetlag doesn’t get the best of me forcing me to fall asleep at 4:30 p.m.
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The Godfather of Bling
Friday, Jun 13, 2008 5:36PM / Standard Entry / Members only
Liberace was definitely the original King of Bling. All Hail The Bling King!! No one has ever even come close to his blinginess. No one. So, you want something interesting to do in Vegas? Go to the Liberace museum! It's definitely a sight to behold!
It used to be his recording studio and some-time apartment. There are showers in the public bathrooms that were actually used by Liberace and other artists like Frank Sinatra.
There were lots of opulent, over the top get-ups, but this little outfit was my favorite. Love the star spangled lederhosen!
He also had a fleet of cars. A lot of them were convertibles with only a driver's seat. This was because he needed to be driven onto the stage due to his costume being too heavy for him to walk. This was the swankiest car in my opinion. You can see one of the convertibles in the background.
And finally... this is what the gift shop was selling... (sorry, this photo is so blurry... you might not be able to tell that these sneakers are ENTIRELY encrusted with diamantes).
Nothing like some good ol' fashion family fun in Sin City!
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Thank You So Much!!
Wednesday, Jun 11, 2008 9:17PM / Standard Entry / Members only
First off, I would like to thank everyone for all the wonderful birthday wishes. I am sorry I didn't thank you all sooner, but I've been overseas for the past two weeks trying to decompress. Birthdays are always a weird one for me. They are always a double edged sword. Half of me loves to be spoiled in one form or another, as we all do, and the other half of me loathes taking a whole day out to remind myself that I am one year older. I guess I loath having to somewhat face my own mortality, and also having to face the absoluteness of someday being "old". It's all very ridiculous, I know, but I would really just like to stay 25 forever, thank you very much!
So this trip took me to Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Las Vegas was...well...Las Vegas. I specifically went to Vegas for not only my birthday, but also for my little brother's high school graduation. Boy did that make me feel like an old fart! Did, of course, have some amazing meals, and even went to the Cher show. It was an eventful week.
Then after a week of fulfilling my "dutiful daughter" duties, I flew to "La La Land" A.K.A Los Angeles. DISCLAIMER: I would like to apologize in advance if my following comments offend or anger anyone. We're all entitled to our own opinions, right?? I greatly dislike L.A. And I mean GREATLY. The week was an endless barrage of head to toe once overs and "plastic-fantastic" people. I guess I'm a New Yorker at heart. It's a completely different planet then L.A. I decided that the only two pleasures I get in L.A. are... #1 The Giant Robot store on Sawtelle:
And El Cholo. I love this restaurant! Fresh guacamole made at your table, really good tacos, the infamous Green Tamale, and a really cool vibe.
Usually I'm bummed about ending a holiday and getting back to reality, but this time I can honestly say...I am happy to be back in Hong Kong.
