Sunday, January 15, 2006
Reunion dinnerI just came back from my paternal family reunion dinner.
We ate at a vegetarian restaurant at Pearl Centre.
My extended family has not really met up in full force since my grandmother's pass away. (that was like 5 years ago!)
Prior to that, every year, we will meet at least for the Chinese New Year reunion dinner, and on CNY's day itself, at my grandma's house, where I live.
But now, since my grandma was gone, the situation is somehow different. Except for my small aunt and 5th uncle, they don't even come and Bai Nian anymore.
Hmm, like what my father said, "Once the tree has fallen, the birds will all fly away."
How true.
It's not like I really really like these family gatherings. There will always be this type of conversation:
"Boy ah, what are u doing now?"
"In sec sch/jc/ns/uni (choose answer depending on which year is it)."
"Orh. Then after that leh?"
"...."
Same questions. Same answers.
This is typical of all extended families I guess.
However, the sentimental side of me (yah i think i'm a sentimental person) thinks that since all are family (it applies to old friends as well), no matter how boring the topics are la, the same boring uncle/auntie topics la, we should still meet up.
At least get some updates la... still family after all ma.
I got a surprise this year when my 3rd uncle initiated this reunion dinner, the first in 5 years. And he is treating!
Well, there was still the usual topics, and just a simple dinner at a simple place, but it is rather heartwarming to see my uncles and aunties again.
It was like back to the times when I still was a kid.
Well, although we only met for around 2hrs, i'm glad that they're still doing well, and most importantly, still fit and healthy.
It is easy for people to dimiss this kind of gatherings to be boring la, meaningless la etc.
But guess I chose to take it positively, and I've got a rather good feeling from the gathering rather than the 'so troublesome' kind of thing.
So, when it's your turn to attend these annual CNY gatherings, please take them with an open heart.
Respect each and everyone of your family, and show genuine interest in their current lives.
Try to give more than one-lined responses.
It will turn out differently, trust me.
Saw the 'poster' pasted on the walls of my lift area this morning.
Hmm.. Old Clothes Collection next sunday!
Quite excited about being able to go back TJC and help out with the OCC again. It has been a long time since I went back TJ.
Although I was there for only two years, guess it gave me really lots and lots of memories. It was really really fun then, despite all the mugging and busy stuff.
That year we did OCC during JC2 was specially fun, especially with the rain hahaha
2004 i also went back to help but last year i didn't (dunno why also leh)
This year I'm going back! A familiar sense of excitement fills me
(anyone wanna go back help pls sms me hor)
lowtide blogged @
2:38 pm
