I’m sorry this greeting came a little late. I really should have stopped at drink number two at Tuckshop last night but here goes!
Being one of the last to come to Hong Kong, I was naturally unnerved by the thought that I’m moving yet again to another unfamiliar territory. But it didn’t take long for me to adapt because you had been so welcoming, ever ready with your fun stories followed by a belly full of laughter. Since then, I cannot count how many times we’ve laughed until our stomachs hurt, how many times we’ve cried foul over the injustices we’ve suffered for being females in a male-dominated industry, how many gossips and intriguing stories about co-workers we’ve feasted on, or god knows how many glasses of wine, vodka sodas and jagerbombs we’ve downed at LKF and Boat Quay combined. What I can count, however, are the times you witnessed my heart break into a million little pieces, listened to my tales of woe without passing judgement, and respected my silence when there were no words to describe the dull ache in my chest. For that I am eternally grateful.
It’s been four and a half years since I’ve known you and in that span of time, I rarely ever saw you with less than half a grin on your face, even when you’re obviously exasperated with the world around you. Which is why I will never forget the time I got in trouble with my boss for the same “misdemeanor” you got away with. The crime: hysterically laughing over something that, at present time, is no longer relevant. I think it was your feigned innocence that got you off the hook!
I know the current situation has left you somehow anxious about the future, but today I hope you forget about your worries because it’s a good day to pop open a bottle of champagne! Happy birthday!