December me

As the year draws to a close, my mind feels light. This is the time of the year when most of my projects have wrapped up. This is the time of the year when we celebrate, shop and eat to our hearts’ content. There haven’t been many sunny days lately but I’m not complaining. In fact, I kind of enjoy the cool weather. It’s nice and warm to take pleasure in sipping coffee and observe the rain. I also get to don and flaunt my insulated apparel which has been hibernating in the wardrobe during hot sunny days.

Although Christmas is still a few days away, I’ve already received plenty of gifts. Most of the presents came from my classes and a few from friends who are special. This month is also the time I get invited to many luncheon and dinner. One that made it memorable was a meal that cost $1,000! The food taste extremely good and every dish melts in the mouth. More invitations on the way. Looks like I’ve to work extra hard in the gym. I had the honour of being invited as a special guest to attend a concert performed by intellectually disabled persons. They performed simple song and dance routines but they spent months of practices and rehearsals to remember the sequence and steps. I was impressed and moved by their performances. It definitely brought back a lot of memories when I was a volunteer with MINDS. On Saturday, I was asked to help out in a Christmas line dance party for aunties. These aunties made an effort to dress to the nines, gyrate and groove to the music, play outrageous games and did pole dancing! Certainly not the type of party you would expect in any company’s D & D.

The following day, I was representing my team to do a symbolic row for the 5 dragonboaters at Bedok Reservoir. The various schools, clubs and organizations formed 5 boats to signify our lost comrades. The national team led the 5 boats in a single file to the starting point. At the starting point, the national team row ahead with the 5 boats behind rowing at the same rate. Towards the last 50 m, the 5 boats charged to the finishing point. When the boats returned to the pontoon, each individual boat was garlanded to mark the infusion of new life into the sport. The memorial row was a poignant moment. At the end of the ceremony, the boats were asked to splash water at one another to revive the spirit of the sport. We were all damp but the mood was transformed to one of exultation. It’s time to let go and move on!

"Once upon a December" - a song that I enjoy dancing to it especially during this time of the year.