Q

If my 20th was the tepid horror of spilling over my teenage years, 21st would be an irenic – if a little grudging – acceptance of change.

This year was a little different. For all the years of elaborate birthdays – from water balloon fights to double bluff surprises and faked injuries – I wanted a quiet, stress-free day. It took some effort to convince (rather inadequately) my mom and aunt that nope, I wouldn’t be needing that chalet or function room, that all I want is to sit down with the people I love with good food like we always do.

On the 18th my huge family got together and I was initiated into adulthood with my grandparents’ special occasion prawn mee and a very touching pool of gifts. That they had not only taken the trouble to mull over what I’d like, but went to such lengths to make sure I do (“I searched all over the island for this Pandora charm!”) that really reminded me just how blessed I was, and how much my family meant to me.

On the 19th the mugs planned to Safra as we did a couple of years back, as a last attempt to recapture some youthfulness. I woke up with old bones and an octogenarian constitution, and so cancelled jungle gym last minute. Instead, we sat around a familiar neighborhood just chillin’, as we always do. It was so simple, but almost perfect. All it needed was 3 more of us to carted back to Singapore to complete the set.

On the 20th – the day between Justin and my birthday, we lazed around for half a day, and then spontaneously went to Wild Wild Wet. It was probably the best decision we’ve made that week – there was nothing quite like being swept along the lazy river on a supposed school day; and nothing quite like free-falling down river slides to remind yourself of your mortality just as you enter real life. On the 21st after school J’s parent’s brought us to Tony Roma’s where we exercised our carnivorous inclinations.

I’m very grateful for everything, everyone. Most years, birthdays go by with me marveling at the cloud of festivities. This year, I spent it marveling at all that I have and undeserved love I have from so many. Thank you all who messaged me, who met me, who have made plans to meet me, who were there for me not only on my 21st but throughout my 21 years – I love you all, and I love my life. :->