Influx

Victoria's and Maggie's mums arrived yesterday, which was an impressive influx with bags and bags of "supplement". It accentuated the fact that when parents meet children miles away, it is inevitable for them to fall prey to "insanity". There is, to be fair, nothing negative about it at all. I remember when last June holiday my parents visited, they were "as good as gold"! I could have any temper or play any tantrums or play any jokes on them and they literally appreciated it. A pair of flip-flops, clothes hangers, sprinkled plums, crackers, the foul smell of durian...anything could possibly spark off an incendiary discussion.

Thinking back, I am still quite awed by my father's forever "cool and steady" style. Being a lawyer, he could always master his emotions well and "think logically". When my sister and I were tossling them all around the island, confounding them with floods of information, straining every ounce of energy to divert their attention from asking about my studies----which I knew well would not disappoint them yet just wanted to keep their minds clear----my father still preferred to stay in my dorm and flip through my homework, worksheet, report slip, etc. Even when Mum was being dragged by us into the "Malay Village", he would rather sit outside and "analyse"----a life dealing with plaintiffs and defendants, judges and juries can indeed be scary.

This time, since Vic's and Mag's parents are more emotional sort, I am slightly emotionally affected by them. If my parents were letting their love flow over me, their parents were letting the whole lot of lovey-dovey emotions pour over them. Though I am quite an emotional sort, I secrectly appreciate the more reserved way----good for heart.

Of course, I got my own goodie bags. Haha, full of my Sunday-to-Monday bests(not really, exaggerated). Vic's mum is really loving. She brought Vic a horse that could fall on his own whe you press a button beneath the base. Maggie's mum is even more overwhelming. She brought all the way from China Mag's favourite novels, dolls, accessories, clothes for sure, and FAMILY PHOTOS including a tree outside her room. I was indeed swept over my feet!

Last night I talked with my mum on phone from 11:00p.m. to 2:41a.m. There is always a magic in her that can bring out everything in me, even those I do not want to relate to. There is always such chemistry between us that no matter how reserved or restrained I am on certain topics, she is able to bore it out and eventually, SHE KNOWS ALMOST EVERYTHING!(indeed, dudes)

And all I need from her at the end of each phone call is a simple "Jia You". Remote controlling is not easy as I see it, she and dad have done a wonderful job. So I just want them to say,"Jia you!"

That's enough:)