Today is the 7th day of the Lunar New Year. This is a significant day in the Chinese culture. It is also called 人日 (pronounced as Ren Ri) which literally translates to ‘Day of Man’ or familiarly and affectionately known to us Orientals as ‘Everybody’s Birthday’. My granny used to cook a pot of noodles for the entire household and we would all celebrate together with a bowl of rice dumplings in sugar-water. I miss all the little traditions which I grew up with. Some were simple while others were more elaborate but there is one thing in common – family. It brought the family closer together. :)
- Received an unexpected phone call from my aunt June. We were supposed to meet up during her visit in Singapore during the festive season but she was unwell and busy with her family. It was a pity that we were unable to meet during her visit but we had a quick chat over the phone. I was happy to hear her voice though it sounded nasal as she had caught a cold. I suppose I will meet her next year.
- Sent well wishes to everyone on my Facebook account. Delivering happiness in the littlest ways.
- Watched a movie while I was having my lunch. Love multi-tasking! :)
- Received a surprise email! Another request for quotation!! 2 days in a row! Feels wonderful to receive such surprises! :)
- Rushed to the office and sent out a few urgent emails before hopping in the car with my work team and headed towards Pulau Ubin for a business meeting! I was feeling excited. Felt like I was going on an excursion!
- Had a great time chatting with my colleagues on the way to our destination.
- Really enjoyed my first visit to Pulau Ubin for a business meeting. There was an instant sense of tranquility when I step foot on the island and took a deep breath of the fresh island air. It brought me back to my diving holidays and to my childhood days. I spent a lot of time growing up in the rural areas of Singapore. I miss the smell of morning dew.
- Had a really good time on the island and having our discussion on the waterfront, feeling the sea breeze combing through my hair. Ahhh…. best feeling ever!
- Watched the sun set on our way back to mainland Singapore.
- Caught a lift from my boss to my dinner rendezvous with my family. Thank goodness for his help as my brothers were growing hungry and my mobile phone kept ringing from them trying to find out when I would be arriving so that they could start dinner. Oops!!
- Dinner with my family was a simple indulgence which I truly enjoy. The meal was a simple fare but we enjoyed ourselves tremendously. Simple food with family. Priceless! :)
- Connected with Ronny and some friends.
- Showed gratitude and appreciation to another.
- Shared joy, laughter and experiences with another.
- Shared a bottle of beer with my younger brother! hehe.. That was fun. :)
- Grateful that the weather was wonderful and cool today.
- Started to write again! Yes!! Writer’s block.. begone! ;p
I couldn’t ask for a better way to spend a “birthday”. Receiving surprises, going on a “field trip”, spending time with a bunch of great and more importantly like-minded people, sharing a simple meal with my family, connecting with people who are significant to me and to be able to write with flow again! I wish everyday is my birthday!! hehe
