A Sunday Afternoon Moment

I rode the skytrain to Burnaby to have lunch with my brother and his girlfriend yesterday afternoon. It was a clear Sunday, and from the train you could see the mountains in the distance.

I had woken up from a good night’s sleep. I dreamt about my cousin and her one-year-old daughter in New York, and how other relatives whom I haven’t seen in years surprise-visited the same time we did! It was heart-warming and …nice.

I thought about my lunch engagement. I looked forward to the delicious foods I was going to consume, as well as the wonderful company I had with the meal. Then I thought about the success of a friend’s surprise birthday party Saturday night and the people I’m happy to call friends in my life. I thought that I am really lucky to have been working at SFU for six years now doing a job that I love. And that was illuminated by the fact that I was working backstage for a Robert LePage show! I felt grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and all the 2nd chances that were given to me when I didn’t deserve them.

My thoughts drifted over to the charming woman I’ve been seeing for the past month. Her zest for life, adorable smile, and an indescribable amount of “nerdiness” captivated me and filled my head.

Looking into the distance at the snow-capped mountains as the train pulled away, I was in awe of mother nature and count myself lucky that I got to reside in this beautiful city on the West Coast. For a lingering moment during that train ride Sunday afternoon, I was satisfied with my life. Happiness overwhelmed my soul and I was completely content.

Monkeying Around

On Chinese New Year’s Day the family and I visited Dad for the first time in I don’t even know how long. I can’t remember the last time I went to sit next to his tombstone and went through my life in my head, hoping he is following along and getting the updates. If I had a car I’d definitely visit more often – and with my guitar, too. I miss singing and playing the guitar with him.

Dad was born in the year of the monkey, and this year – the year of the monkey – is making me think about and miss him more than ever. I wish he was here…