what's the point of a story if it doesn't move you or touch you, if it doesn't linger in your mind as you make your way home, if it doesn't make you wonder, if it doesn't incite passion?

in all likelyhood, this japan trip will be the last family trip. this time next year both my sis and i will be working. maybe we won't be living in our current house anymore, maybe i won't be in singapore anymore.

after 13 years of travelling as a family every december, it's going to take some getting used to, some adjusting.. as much as i want to be with him, i reiterate, i can't give up my family yet.

families are powerful entities. we hurt in equal parts, we love in equal parts, both with passion and ferocity. i think the defining moment of Some Secrets was when the younger sister said of her mother, "i did not expect her to want to be buried beside him for eternity."

even if they thought their parents weren't suited for each other, even if they've always thought their mother as a tyrant, strict, unyielding.. in many ways the show hit home. and as ver-may said, it's worth the $9, and more.

friends close enough to know the perfect present to give.. friends familiar enough to write me my bday wishes in front of me (using the pencil i lent her!).. friends comfortable enough to hand over their half of The Present Payment behind my back are gold and silver friends--treasured, precious and adored.

for all the memories past, present and future thank you. for appreciation, kind words, and a whole lot of heart, thank you. it's been 6 years, but that's no where long enough.. love you girls.