The Webster's dictionary defines phobia as an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something.
At my age, taking part in my friends' weddings is no longer a leisurely entertainment, but an important part-time vocation.
It didn't take us long to realize that the security guard and a few passers-by were gazing at our window. Xiao Shu, our decoration director, was leaning by the window and counting cash.
A decidedly non-bling canvas carry-all last year became the unlikely choice of arm-candy for a league of spoiled Hollywood celebrities fuelling the phenomenon of the "It bag".
We never thought painting the walls would be so difficult - and risky - until we stood in our newly painted corridor, awe-struck.
I realized early my parents were not equal. Mom said Dad risked being demoted when he went AWOL one night and took a train to see her.
There is a hair salon near my home. But it's not called a hair salon, it's name is the Plastic Center.
Some younger folks may say a 40-year-old like me is a bit long in the tooth and according to my Chinese dentist, they would be right.
As the holiday season wraps up and Beijing's winter chill sets in deeper, I will never forget the calmness I found within the craziness, on a not-so-silent night in the city.
As the holiday season wraps up and Beijing's winter chill sets in deeper, I will never forget the calmness I found within the craziness, on a not-so-silent night in the city.
On the weekend before Christmas, I hosted an office party at my home, and it took two days' work - from planning to cleanup.
My boss looked at me in horror after hearing my startling confession."I hate karaoke," I moaned.