I (stupid upside down heart) Moderation

You know how you can put a ♥ icon to express something, like I ♥ Vietnamese sandwiches? Well, why isn’t there the opposite, a symbol that expresses hate? I guess there’s a 

but that’s too cute. So I am suggesting a

I think it’s pretty clear and much better than harsher forms of hate like a middle finger or a Teletubby.

So without further ado, I would like to announce:  I

moderation.

I turned 29 last week. That’s old. I’ve been talking to really old people (36) who try to tell you it’s not old, but who are we kidding? Turning 29 is terrible. 30 hangs over your heads like the sword of Damocles. Life starts changing creepily. Three of my ex-girlfriends got engaged in the last three months. I'm starting to wonder if I should buy a knee brace. I went to a dinner party where people only talked about different kinds of wine. What is going on?

When you turn 29, everyone around you emphasizes moderation. Eat healthier, sleep more, take it down a gear. Instead of all-night clubbing, it’s drinks in SoHo and bed by midnight. There are constant conversations about fresh fruit and vegetables. In one year I’ll be officially both 10 years too old and 10 years too young to party in Wan Chai. Oh my god.

So I’ve tried to live this new prescribed life. I’ve gone running a lot and cut carbs in the evening. If I’m in bed and I get a text about an impromptu beach party I’ll just sleep so I don’t overtire myself. I’m probably healthier, more balanced and more self-reflective than I have been in years. And also kind of miserable. I

moderation.

 I wish I could record Gerard Butler’s “300” voice screaming, “This is Hong Kong!” We don’t do things by halves; it’s all about extremes. And that’s probably why I live here. When I move to some sleepy town I’ll do sleepy town things like take a bread making class. But for now I’ve made one simple resolution: I’m going to stop living responsibly.