October- another year older...

How many clicked in from Facebook to see how amazing I looked?
Sorry to disappoint but this is heavily edited!

And its exactly as it is, October has come and it's 2 weeks post birthday. Honestly, I don't feel any different. Perhaps its because I get panic attacks about getting older a week before my birthday and start to up the ante on my skincare regime, diet and lifestyle. Hah! Trying to cheat the system basically. Its probably more psychological than it is physical but I feel great so I must be doing something right.

This birthday I celebrated surrounded by new friends, old friends, family and too much cake!

Last year in the days leading up to my 30th birthday, I had mixed feelings of joy and excitement in looking forward to the next chapter in life and of sadness from kissing my 20's and all its chaotic activities goodbye. Looking back, I really did have the time of my life in my 20's and the 30's is a whole other ball game, there was this sense of responsibility and calm that settled over me. The things I used to enjoy just no longer appeal to me. Now if I get home, it's so hard to get me out because I enjoy the peace and solitude I get from being in my domain doing absolutely nothing.

This is life now...Its not always champagne and caviar but then again-
Life is what you make of it!

There were so many changes in the past year with the biggest one being my move to Hong Kong with the hubster. I think we have reached a plateau with bad situations that arose after the move and now we're really getting a grip on life and work...or work and life...or just work. I really love the vibe here in Hong Kong, the New York of Asia, but its being here that makes me pine for the energy and the frivolous and carefree attitude of the 20's. I feel like I am stuck in between- between being zen and adult and on the opposite end of the spectrum, throwing all caution to the wind and just doing whatever I want. I have no reason yet to "be responsible" so why restrict myself right? Or wrong?

I miss my network of friends the most, every single weekend and evening of most days. I should go out and make some new friends...how do I even classify myself? I'm not a "Single/ Asian/ Female looking to make friends" (we know what kind of attention this gets) and neither can I join, nor am I ready to join mummy groups. Would it be rude if I flat out said I'm looking for intellectual conversations about personal growth and the follies of life in general? No conversations which will make me roll my eyes or fall asleep? I love wine like a baby loves milk and i'm artsy-fartsy when time permits. I'll find any excuse not to exercise but I'll attempt to start a diet every week. Anyone else in the same boat can look me up...desperately seeking someone relate-able. Oh yea, I'm also allergic to bullshit like i'm allergic to fur. (I paint such a lovely picture of myself!)

Lucky for me, I've had different friends who have been visiting Hong Kong nearly every month. Otherwise, it's back to Singapore for me for a good dose of errands and dinner with the gals!

Anyways, another perk of getting older is the joys of watching your fine lines become not so fine and skin sagging everywhere. Your chin gets lonely and starts to have a double to keep it company and what used to  be smooth as a baby bottom skin now looks like the surface of the moon. (Did I mention I am dramatic too?) 

Thankfully I work in the cosmetics industry and sometimes I get to guinea pig technology! So for the first time ever in my life, I decided to zap my face into shape! I tried out the new HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) machine that we got at the facial outlets and that was an interesting experience! (I have a generally low tolerance for pain but I feel like pain gets more bearable with age. It's like life is preparing you for all the treatments that are to come!) What I'm getting at is, the treatment does not hurt in places which are firmer (forehead and cheeks) but in my saggy chin and jowl area, it felt like someone was stapling my fats into hiding. I did however notice a great difference after the treatment, when they did one side first, there was already an improved appearance! Immediately after treatment was easy but days 1 through 3 after the treatment was a bit tender around the jaw area- like a post stapled effect. (It helped me learn not to squirrel away food in my mouth when I eat and take smaller bites!)

As HIFU is supposed to stimulate the cells for collagen production and tissue rejuvenation, the effects of the treatment will only be visible after 1 month and a follow up treatment is recommended 3 months after your first. So far, I'm liking the effects and at least I manage to keep any needles AWAY from my face! Anyone who wants to try HIFU, DO IT! 

Right, so another year and thankful for the opportunities that have been blessed upon me. Thankful to have a husband which has signed on for another year of my nonsense. Thanks to the colleagues here  in Hong Kong who have been so welcoming and throwing me a surprise birthday celebration which threw a lot of the birthday wishes off kilter and some people into panic- don't worry, you didn't miss it!

Cheers to the next one!

PS: For anyone who does notice, this blog is work in progress...I am playing around with the colors and tones and I'm not quite happy with it yet. Bear with me!

PPS: The effects of the HIFU are really visible 4 weeks post treatment.