As the year 2006 draws to a close (and on a whimper, judging from my Internet connectivity), I find myself looking back on the choices I have made, could have made, did not make. The path I have walked, the many others I did not. Knowing who I am now, where I am and what I have, would I have changed anything?

As we take stock of our lives and the decisions that have made us what we are, the most important questions are usually the most difficult to ask. Nevertheless, there is seldom a more appropriate time to address them, so that we may begin a new chapter afresh and with stronger convictions.

So, as I stand in my apartment and the year 2006 draws to a close, I have to ask myself… … what was I thinking when I bought that white belt with tassels? Tassels! Did I think I was Elton John? Gawd.

Here’s wishing you a more meaningful retrospective, and a great year ahead.

The crowd swirls around us as we strolled down the waterfront. Our fingers loosely intertwine, her left hand in my right. The breeze teases our hair, playfully stirring them into dance. I can feel her slight intake of breath from an abrupt gust of cold. The lights of Hong Kong glitter from across the water.

We pick a relatively isolated spot along the waterfront walkway, straddling the railings so they double as metallic seats. The view of Victoria Harbour is unfettered, if a tad foggy. We wait for the music to begin, for the electric rainbow opposite to pulse. Our hands are still lightly clasped. The salty sea breeze capriciously refreshes, then nips, but never too cold for discomfort. Across a city of lights, accompanied by the chug and occasional horn of ferries, with the waves lapping at our feet, I know a moment of perfect contentment.