Sailor Moon Costume

How a single, slightly bipolar bachelorette found roommates

I’d like to take this opportunity to apologize for my three-week hiatus from writing, but things have been quite hectic over here in the fragrant harbor.

I’ve been taking a far more “fluid” approach to my career goals these days. When I first moved here in January, I had hoped to become a beat reporter or weekly columnist of such caliber that I would eventually mature into one of the scotch-swilling superstars I so admired and often spotted at the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents’ Club. Instead, I am a regular in many of the waiting areas and lobbies of publishing companies and educational institutions, so skilled at being rejected in fact that I often nurse my bruised ego by sipping box wine at home on my sofa and drowning my sorrows in Jersey Shore reruns. The good news is that I never have to do this alone anymore. Thanks to my wonderful new roommates, I now have constant kick-ass company that pretty much cancels the “pity” out of these self-indulgent couch parties I’ve been throwing for myself.

On the first of this month, I officially moved into my new four-bedroom apartment in Tin Hau with three good friends. I first rolled into Hong Kong hell-bent on living the way I had been for the last few years, as a slightly bipolar bachelorette who did whatever she wanted, whether it was eating Thai takeaway in my bathtub or blasting Paramore at 3 a.m. while painting portraits. The reality of my situation, however, is that Hong Kong rent for singles is pretty ridiculous, especially for those like myself who lie about their master’s degree so they can get work as professional temps to pay bills. The best thing to do, really, is to share a flat with someone. I had already tried living with a stranger, which unfortunately didn’t work out. That was when I decided to move in with Steve, my nearest and dearest in Hong Kong.

Hunting for apartments with Steve might have been one of the most frustrating experiences ever. It is ridiculous how many twosomes in this city are scrambling to rent, and even more vexing how most of them are down to price you out of a flat if they really want it. Luckily, just as we were about to give up and return to our not-so-awesome living situations — me to watching Filipino variety shows with my Jesus-loving flatmate, Marina, and Steve to bunking with random backpackers at the Hong Kong Hostel — we learned that two of our good friends were also looking to move into a new place.

SUPERMAN AND SAILORMOON « mysonlikespink

It is strange how the Universe works and sends you messages if you are open to receiving them. The other night two important shows were on. One,  Out in America on PBS and the other SissyBoy Experiment series on Anderson Cooper. The SissyBoy Experiment is a TRAGIC story of a boy who was sent into therapy because of his interest in so-called “feminine characteristics” and ended up committing suicide. It was so hard for me to watch but such an important message. I have hesitated greatly sharing my story with strangers only because I did not want to put my son’s private intimate experiences out for everyone to judge and possibly cause some pain in the process. After watching SissyBoy I know now that  my journey needs to be shared.

If you are a parent and you are struggling with the desires of your child over current society and religious beliefs, PLEASE CHOOSE YOUR CHILD! You have a responsibility as a parent to first and foremost ACCEPT your child for what he is not what YOU want him to be. My son was accepted and allowed to express his passions without judgement or guilt and I can tell you he is a confident, successful but most importantly HAPPY teenager!  If I had not acted in this way and tried to “CHANGE” him or force him to bury those passions I can guarantee you I would be dealing with a teenager in pain and crisis. STAND UP for your children! Support and defend their passions and choices with all your heart and know there is no better gift you could give. As Lady Gaga would say “I WAS BORN THIS WAY”.

My story continues…………………………….

I can’t tell you the relief I had when my husband realized that it was his OWN fears and insecurities getting in the way of our son’s happiness. That was truly a life changing moment for our family and for Ryan. Now if I could just get the rest of the world to open their minds………………

Halloween became an interesting event in our house.It was around the age of 4 when Ryan started selecting his own costumes. The first being THE PINK POWER RANGER.Fully covered in a mask and pink power suit Ryan excitedly dashed in an out of the houses trying to fill up his trick or treat bag. Every house he went to he received similar comments. “Oh isn’t SHE cute!”

As Ryan entered kindergarten Halloween got a little “trickier”. It would be the first school Halloween parade. I took the boys shopping and was slightly nervous over what this years Halloween selection would be. Brett opted for BatMan and I could see Ryan struggling with his choice.

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