Yesterday we had a meeting and I was given a surprise by my colleagues. There they had cakes and ice cream ready. An instant celebration. As always, I was in tears. I felt more lonely. Being far from my love ones. Two birthdays it has been that I was all by myself in a foreign land. Yet the friends around make me feel that home is being with them. Still, the longing remains.
I went to Singapore over the weekend as a gift to myself. I thought I deserve a well needed respite. Really it was a breeze. There, I was able to go to Sentosa and ride the cable car (that was my first. You could imagine how excited was I. Too childish but indeed it was something I looked forward to). I went around the place and even had a photo taken in the mouth of the Merlion. This image is not the one spraying the water. (More of that later). I went to take the chairlift. It is the same as the cable only that there was nothing covering you. It is as if you were seated on a chair. So there I went. As I was alone, I went with a father with his two kids. And off we were. Up there it rained. It was my first morning in the Lion City and I was totally wet. Whew, so cold. I won't forget that episode. The rain and being wet made it memorable. From YMCA (where I stayed) I traversed the path to Esplanade. It was good to walk. I chanced upon several interesting places: National Museum, Philatelic Museum, National Archives, Art Museum, among others. The cruise along the river, go I did. Then, the places along the river bank: landing site of Raffles, the Obelisk, so on. As I walked past the marvelous Esplanade tower (wow I was not allowed to take picture of the ceiling, it was copyrighted they said), I saw from a distance the Merlion (the most photograph image in the City, perhaps the most popular and eventually became the symbol). With great enthusiasm and a fast beating heart, I walked towards it. This was how I imagined it. Only in pictures have I seen it. Then I was there. It was like a dream. I took several photos. Good natured visitors helped me to take photos so I could be in the picture. Bless them!
Malls I went to some with my sister Joy who was there for a conference. We managed to buy some good books. We just walked around to find the places (a map is a big help). What a way to be in the City! Theng, a participant in RECSAM with Edwin (her hubby) and kid, brought me to the Magic Fountain show. That one was something.
It was my first and I tell you I enjoyed it. Tears welled up in my eyes again when I bid goodbye to my sister. I miss my family more than ever.
Today we went to Pizza Hut (again!) for lunch. (Last year, we were there also). Tonight I will go out with my Filipino friends. Just for a simple get together.
Friends have greeted as they never fail to do so every year.
Birthdays are a milestone. Often, I say this. I do not know why. I just believe that every birthday allows you to ponder on the things that transpired and reflect on them. It is a good way to assess how you live your life and how life has been.
I am blessed. I do not have to count my blessings. There are so many. Yet each birthday is a celebration of a beginning. Begin a new life. Start with a more mature perspective on life and live as if each day is only a day.
Today as I turn towards that unescapable reality, I look at the glorious years of my life. What else can I ask for? My life is far from being perfect. But it is in this imperfection that I become more aware of myself, of who and what I am, of what the days hold for me.
My parents and siblings are with me and I know that whatever happens they will always be by my side. All that I do is to honor them. All that I am is for them. An imperfect life is a life in which perfection is being sought.
As I begin another year, I begin a new life.
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