A Birthday Lunch for L

It was L's 52nd birthday and we had a mini-celebration at home for her. L helps me out so much in keeping the house clean and neat every week. Yes, this is her job; I pay her a weekly wage. But she has certainly been upfront and committed about it. It has been three years and counting. Part-time or weekly help can be dicey and inconsistent. So I'm thankful that she is dependable. 

L really misses home these two years. She usually flies home to the Philippines twice a year, maybe three if she can afford the time. But with the pandemic restrictions and quarantine rules, it has been impossible for her. It's been all about work this year. She works hard. In a way, I'm glad that last year's strict lockdown in April forced her to take a break. 

As schedules change and pandemic lockdowns closed restaurants and eateries, she has acquired the practice of having lunch at our home before starting on this shift. I most certainly don't mind that. She preps her lunchbox at home in the morning, takes it along as she begins her work day. Then she comes over to heat it up and eat. Told her not to prep lunch for today, and instead, we would get takeout and lunch together. Ordered nasi goreng, Yangchow fried rice, and stir-fried kai-lan from the trusty Penang Kitchen. 

L is kind to Choya, and the wary dog has come to like her. She welcomes L each week with a little hop and twirl, and present her with a toy. During thunderstorms, if Choya is really frightened, she sometimes goes to look for L to be comforted. She doesn't totally need a hug, but she wants to be near her too.

I can leave them home alone if I need to. Initially, I wasn't comfortable leaving her home alone with Choya. When they first met, the dog left enthusiastic long nail marks on L's thighs. It took some time, but now, Choya's all chill when L comes, and I can leave them be when I can't shift appointments. 

Went out to the bakery to get a birthday pastry of sorts. Bought cakes. There was a small slice of chocolate cake topped with a little candle. We gotta do the customary ritual of luck and wishes to the birthday girl. L is valued by our little family, and the least we can do is to mark her birthday and tell her we appreciate her.