)) Over the mOon ((

It's times like these ...

when

I feel so IMMENSELY satisfied.

From NY client:

"Thank you for your excellent service.

We hope to be in touch with you
in the future.

It was a pleasure meeting you and

you should certainly contact me

when you make it to my side of the world."

From boss:

"Well done - sounds like it all went OK.

I take my hat off to you:

your first focus group with

non-English/Mandarin native speakers

on a technical subject
and in the enemy's camp."

I am over the moon.

*******

Took pains to prepare myself for the session:

watching the NY FG session;

doing my homework on the subject matter;

even a 1 hour crash course on how to conduct the ENTIRE session in cantonese.

My palms were wet, my stomach felt uneasy - hours before the session.

But like Tom said,

CHARM them

SMILE

that is your stage.

The participants turned out to be all male,

so I guess that was easy - haha.

I really hope I managed to get some valuable input from these guys.

x cross my fingers and toes x

*******

Had the pleasure to take client out to lunch today

at Crystal Jade at IFC

only to find out that he doesn't take pork

and ALL the xiao long baos/dumplings are ALL pork filled!

Why don't they have shrimp/crab meat ones??

I'm always stressed out whenever I have to take someone out for a meal,

and this has to happen.

Luckily, he enjoyed the food very much.

I think I'm getting better at this,

meeting someone new,

feeling comfortable in his/her company

talking about everything under the sun.

I think the best part is

learning about their experiences in different parts of the world

and sharing yours with them.

New York, Battery Park, Chicago, San Diego,

St. Petersburg, Tokyo, Jaipur, Agra, Taiwan, Bangkok,

Shanghai, Guangzhou, Su zhou, Hang zhou,

Three Gorges, West Lake,

Paris, Venice, London

Tequila, Gin, Vodka, Champagne,

Coke, Red Bull, Soda water

Johnny Depp, Leo DiCaprio

Quantitative, Qualitative

Cooking, Pizzas, Bagels,

Cakes, Egg tarts, Chinese noodles

He told me we are the lucky ones -

few have the luxury to travel for work.

and yes,

I'm so thankful for all the opportunities.

At Graham Street - one of HK's iconic wet markets.

Can't wait to get to the other side of the world!