Tuesday, February 09, 2010

32

I did succumb to one fancy meal tonight. The staff at Tatsuya put a bright smile on my face. They definitely didn't know it's my birthday. Yet somehow, the omakase selections were fabulous. The serving staff were in an especially cheerful mood.

I relished each moment today. I made a choice to spend my birthday at the office. People kept chasing me home. But I wanted to stay till the sky turned dark. We're fighting wars on all fronts and I want to be with my team. While we each have our own hurdles to jump, it's a fantastic feeling knowing that we're standing shoulder to shoulder to get over these tough months. Nothing is more assuring than to know that we're able to lean on one another in times like these. I'll miss this most when I leave.

I also made a conscious choice to defer many fancy meals. Instead I've apportioned that time to pack Chinese New Year goodie bags for the old folks on my roster. The usual stuff. I've been extra busy this year. Little elves could be sent to do the packing. But I don't feel right. That isn't the basis of my volunteer work and it should never be. I don't care about Chinese New Year and I don't celebrate it. But the old folks on my roster do. That is enough to make me join my other team to hurl sacks of rice into the jute carriers. We've completed a good number. More to do over the next few days.

32. How interesting. I've lost the weight gained in 2008 and early 2009. I've no wish to be 58kg, but not back to the 44kg at my thinnest. I've slowly changed my diet. At least on paper, the medical records show that I'm at the healthiest point of my life. The body isn't as flexible as the period when I was a gymnast, but cartwheels and backflips are quite easily done still. Good lawwd, has it been so long?! I'm reeling from the many blessings I have. It's imperative that these blessings are gainfully utilized. I've always lived my life the way I want it so that if I die tomorrow, I'll have few regrets. I totally intend to continue doing so.

This is what turning 32 means- to be less selfish. Not to my friends unfortunately. My nearest and dearest all quietly bear my flighty friendship with fortitude and magnanimity. For that, I'm eternally grateful.

I can't wait to be 33 and older. Honestly, I want to be 40 as soon as possible! There're very few women I admire. Those whom I do, I stand in awe of their elegance, graciousness, intellect, determination and wit. They're generally older and possess a certain charisma that makes me want to seek their approval, gladly defer and bow down to.


And I wonder if I can ever become someone like that.

22 comments:

Jo said...

ditto to everything you've said! I can relate to it all. About all the changes consciously made, and the part where you look forward to the years to come. I do too! *grin*

Here's a toast to all that and more! Cheers!! Happy birthday!!

jazzgal said...

and you will my dear, you already are.

Dawn said...

Happy Birthday Impy!

Dawn said...

Btw, the edamame look like pod people creeping out to eat you.

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday! Totally agree with what you said about older women possessing a certain charisma - older is 'in'! :)

Cavalock said...

hey man, Happy Birthday! <^;^>

supercoati said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

=eLaiNe= said...

You will definitely be! Happy blessed birthday! =)

red fir said...

Happy Birthday again imp! You already possess that charisma. (:

imp said...

jomel: indeed. to us then. Cheers!

dawn: goodness. the sort of dreams you have! visual scapes!

dreamlaughlive: totally. that easy charm. i want!

cavalock + supercoati + elaine: thanks!

jazzgal + ice: that's so sweet of ya ladies. thanks!

jingjing said...

Happy birthday! May every new year be better than the last!!

lovexiaolongbao said...

Have a fabulous 32nd!

coboypb said...

Happy Birthday! :)

Jo said...

babe, your card sent by Royal Mail, just arrived today! I thought it was a CNY card! hahahahaha!

Delphine said...

Happy birthday!

(And that looks like a HUGE edamame bean...)

imp said...

jingjing: i hope so! thanks!

coboypb + lovexlb + eveline: loving each moment already. :)

jomel: It actually arrived? I'm surprised! Ah well. February. Wahahah. I should have written CNY wishes there too! Heh.

delphine: i just call it the Giant Pea. Heeeee.

ice: those words will get you more than a dinner at Tatsuya on me!

celcilia_tjioe said...

Happy happy birthday to you, Imp!
Wish u have a fabulous 32 ;)

Pebbles said...

Happy, Happy Birthday! Mine approaching in 5 months..Sheesh!

geesmo said...

Oh, you're such a young lass but definitely way classier and wiser than yours truly. No matter how intermittent, I am glad our paths crossed. Happy Birthday babe!

imp said...

celcilia: thanks babe!

pebbles: i'm sure yours will be awesome!

geesmo: you're a young lass too! i'm glad to have it cross. your bear is sitting cool in his sweatshirt next to me now.

tuti said...

dear imp, you will be an elegant older lady when the time comes. it's in your blood.
happy birthday to you and may you continue to be richly blessed.

imp said...

tuti: thanks for your kind words and may you have peace and sweetness for the year.