Type Delete Retype

From Phuket

It's getting more complicated on the moving things front: It's now confirmed - it will cost me about USD4-6k to transport even non-furniture, personal belongings due to the levy of duties etc. I rather not spend this money. I could buy myself a whole new life! So will instead bring a limited number of things for immediate use. The rest will probably be contained in a small number of boxes to be stored somewhere and brought later on after we get married. At least I will have extra weight allowance when flying in July.

We take a break from all things packing: Because I am now in Phuket - lounging by the private swimming pool by our villa. My cunning plan is to take it easy, enjoy the coming days with the twin and family as well as lovely girlfriends from my home town(city) as soon as they arrive. At the same time I must must must continue to eat healthily and move around as much as possible in the usual quest to lose the chipmunk cheeks. Also to take nice pictures. .

 
Phuket, 2011 

 

Minimalism Wannabe

I discovered the minimalism movement some months ago - It all started when I read this site and found this site and then more ideas here, here and this project. They provided a new way of thinking about my way of living and purchase.

* * *

It's true that since being in HK, I've shopped much more: often without consciousness and mostly as a reward. For example to mark the completion of a project or when I felt bad about spending repeated evenings/weekends at my desk. These minimalism ideas induced some soul searching. Was I defining myself and my life via my possessions? Why not lead a more conscious and possession-lite life? Surely my spending should be focused on accumulating precious experiences vs. material things.

Major decluttering exercise! 

I used a number of weekends and evenings to get rid of anything I was either not or won't be using. I think I gave away at least 6 boxes of books and more than 15 large bin bags of clothes, table ware, beddings, linen, crockery. But still I have a lot of things!

 * * * 

I am now in the process of further de-cluttering, using packing as an opportunity to cull. I have succeeded in only picking out the items "I love". Indeed, I've broadened my selection to things "I like" as well.  However, to be more mindful, I did start listing the items selected.

The issue of furniture has been tricky: Second hand prices suck (I'm only realising now!). So I'm planning to bring the more expensive ones or some sentimental value and give away the rest. This may change: costs of shipping is high. And really, am I willing to bear additional costs just for sentiment and unwillingness to part with more expensive furniture? Also, can I honestly say that I "need" them vs. others who seek charitable assistance? 

Unplanned margaritas ..oops

I made really good progress on the organising-packing of wardrobe number 1 today. I have several vacuum plastic bags of clothes ready to be boxed and shipped as well as several hampers to give away after a few rounds of culling ("Now, do I really-really need this? Would someone else derive better use from this top, jeans, yoga trousers, pillow case?").

So much so that I thought I deserved a treat to play outside.

First stop to my favourite Japanese home stores for more clear tubs. Then, a quick dash into the stationer for more bubble wrap. I texted M to say I changed my mind and would attend this lecture after all - it turned out to be inspiring and provided some ideas regarding what direction I would like to take in the future.

Unplanned: hanging out after the talk, enjoying some margaritas with M and the friendly and interesting people who also attended the talk. It was, I realised, the first time I introduced myself as someone who was leaving HK. No business cards were exchanged and chats included a mention to the new home, fiance and impending course. Current life is slowly transforming into past tense --- the future is beckoning.

* * *

What I like about HK: fluidity: meeting other like minded and partaking in spontaneous events and below, a picture from an exhibition by a French photographer by the harbour on the dark side last month.

What I'm not fond of: rude shop keepers who don't bother to listen and say "no" before I even finish saying "excuse me ...", impatient taxi drivers ... 

 

Unknotted

I received cupping therapy for the first time this evening. The marks will stay on my skin for a few days (I look battered and bruised) but my tired back and legs should benefit from better blood circulation (in theory). I have been advised to lay of any sporting activity in the next few days (aside from swimming) and will be going in for another session soon. The masseuse I am seeing is trying to repair my body before I go off: she has shown me how accumulated years of stress and sitting has resulted in a stiff, tense and knotted body. I should really make a point to not sit as much (without taking many breaks!) as I have done especially during this past year!

Dragon boat race day

 

 

Boat race, Stanley Beach, Hong Kong 2010
 

Yesterday was the Dragon Boat race day here in HK.

Unlike last year, I didn't participate as a paddler what with too much going on but was involved in organising the team's kit comprising a racing vest and an evening Hawaiian shirt.

Big yay: The team captain was kind enough to ask me to drum during the second race - I got to experience the thrill of the race.  Our team pix featured in the media: http://blogs.wsj.com/scene/2011/06/06/the-drumbeat-of-dragon-boats/?mod=WSJBlog&mod=SceneHongKong

Making progress - shedding possessions

Gone are several bags of clothes and kitchen ware.

More to follow in the form of books and notebooks, toiletries and crockery.

Also, I have to decide how much to charge for my unwanted furniture - not that easy, argh.

 

On the move

 

My apatment, Hong Kong, 2011

This past days have been g.o.o.d, especially in terms of exercising: walking, running, packing.

I'm walking to (and fro) most of my destination instead of taking the cab or bus. I realise this is only possible because I have the luxury of time. I'm so glad that I am no longer desk bound for c.12 hours a day.

I'm also trying to reclaim my habit and love of running, going out in the mornings before it gets terribly hot (which it is these days). This morning, I tried out my new webs: they feel comfortable and certainly won't be a problem to pack whenever I am travelling light which is already a big plus. Hurrah.

Packing is going well. I'm taking my time, categorising items according to type and have decided to select only 1/3 of each to come with me. I'm also listing the items I'm bringing with me (in line with a few minimalism blogs I've been reading) - as I believe it may encourage to make me more mindful.

To bring or not to bring

 

Bavaria, Winter 2009

Unlike some people I know, I don't hate packing. Indeed, one could say I enjoy it. VERY MUCH.

I started the process by sorting out my stuff this morning and now have several piles consisting of items to bring, bin and give away. I thought I would embrace minimalism and pack only 100(0) specially chosen things, however I've realised this is not realistic given my all consuming love for beddings, scented candles and notebooks (I won't mention my stash of vintage crockery).

Yes, I do know that I have a problem and will be signing up for Hoarders Anonymous once I've settled into my new home. In the meantime, I will try my best not to be burdened by my things (repeat after me: "I am not my possession").

There is nothing to do but to give away the stuff that I don't love.