Sunday, December 02, 2007
Birthdays are always a BIG thing in my family.
Big as in piously, religiously, humongously BIG.
Every since I can remember, we have managed to celebrate every one of our birthdays, be it a big sumptuous dinner at a favourite restaurant, a holiday get-away, a chalet celebration, or just the normal home birthdays, cake, candles and pressies included which are more often than not, surprises for the particular birthday boy/girl/parent.
you might think at some point since it occurs every year we would not be surprised anymore and expect it, yes...??? WRONG.
2 years back, I got back home more than a week or 2 after my birthdate.
BUT.
I still walked into my bedroom - lugagges and all - lit with candles, complete with hanging birthday posters on my windowsill and bookracks.
And of course, the cake plus candles, and a beaming Raze trying 100ways to get that look on my face on his cam.
SURPRISED, i so was.
I cannot remember a time in my childhood and even throughout my teens, that my birthday wasn't celebrated.
I don't think it ever was forgotten.
by friends maybe.
by boyfriends, sometimes.
but never by them.
I have never forgotten any of theirs either, and as I took over Mom's role of being the main organizer (tasks included being reminding everyone each date thats coming... setting up venue of celebration, method of surprise etc... HARD job, okay???) of such celebrations, I learn the further importance of celebrating one's birthday with close ones around....
Cos this is one of those very minimal times that I absolutely do regret not being at home and having them around me, gathered in an excited circle (sometimes complete with party hats and kiddy whistles courtesy of the kids) with those silly expectant faces willing me to make my wish and blow out those candles.
Its also one of those ultra minimal times that I feel like crying when I think of them being back home and me being so far away.
And you Ned, you just added to my already drama-keling evening of trying not to cry and get the next flight/boat/ship/sampan home just for this day.
http://dreamgirlie.multiply.com/journal/item/106/Dah_tua_lah_Ja.
tsk tsk.
I am getting emotional, I am. Being 26 doesnt agree with me.
Thank you loves, for all 15 or more of your texts that came through right about midnight Singapore time and all your funny and some less funny (points at Raze) birthday wishes.
Thank you Ned, for your kinda-lesbian inspired blog entry for my 26th.
If I close my eyes just hard enough and imagine, it feels like as though I have all of you right with me on my birthday.
Thank you.
P.S: Also to a certain Capt H, for actually remembering AND reminding me I am now closer to 3-0 (even if it was more thanks to Mr Bill Gates!).
:)
Needless to say, This is 1 family tradition that I will persevere to keep with my kids and grandkids to come.
Even if I would need the aid of calendars to keep me remembering dates as I grow older.
Oh, no need for calendars now, let's not forget the electronic organizer that one you nice brothers of mine have kindly VOLUNTEERED to present me with once I got back home, yes?
:)