This has been a much needed weekend and so far it's progressed brilliantly. My itinerary so far (a bit scary that the word "itinerary" is still used for weekend activities, but nevermind):

Sat morning: wake at 11, chinese medicine/coffee/eggs, read papers and magazines
Sat afternoon: massage at 1, light snack and street-side cafe with 38, chat about life
Sat evening: dinner with family, watch "Happy Feet" with mom, lavender-scented bath, sleep.
Sun morning: wake at 10, shower, coffee/eggs, tutor downstairs
Sun afternoon: mini pizzas with students, cheese/champagne at art gallery with best friends
Sun evening: watch Russell Crowe movie with mom, get ready for Monday and interview with TVBS magazine.

Love my life despite absence of men.

Talked to 38 who is attending the second installment of her personal growth course at the end of this month and who is enrolling in a around-the-island bicycle tour in November which will officially make her the most adventurous woman I know after her stints as ClubMed yoga/aqua gym instructor and Vagina Monologue performer. When I see her now I see a woman who has broken out of her shelter, taken on a completely different view of life and the world. She is someone who breathes optimism and lives life to the largest. That makes me a very proud friend.

It also makes me think about my life, and the lesson I've strived to learn. For the longest time I tried to find my place in the world; I felt the need and the urgency to look for an identity, as opposed to someone's daughter, someone's girlfriend, someone's someone. Everyone used to say how strong and tough I was, or how interesting and special, but still it was all very blurry. A huge chunk was missing and I felt it everyday. I think this holds true for everyone, and there's always something to be yearned. Lately I feel more and more complete with this job that keeps me grounded. I've worked 15-hour days and been put into every function, and I finally get a sense of achievement that's my own. I feel real.

So yes, looking back at everything, maybe it was all timing. Some things came too early, and some too late. But perhaps they do all make sense somehow, and as the cliche goes, all happen for a reason. There are some things that we can't appreciate until they're gone, but some things we appreciate more because we've experienced loss. Life teaches us in funny ways like this. I suppose the best way to take it on is with a wink and a smile.

LL: "You're a hopeless romantic."
Hen8: "We still believe, I guess."