New Year, 2024
2023. A year of growth and gratitude.
Welcoming Life. The highlight of the year – a keystone of my life – unfolded in San Diego during this auspicious Year of the Water Rabbit. My husband was born a Water Rabbit. And in the warmth of summer, our Family joyously welcomed our firstborn, a tiny Water Rabbit of hope, love and science. Yesterday, we celebrated his Red Egg & Ginger party, celebrating his 100+ day milestone surrounded by the embrace of our cherished Village of family and friends. Red eggs are symbolic of prosperity and positivity, and ginger is health and warmth, in East Asian cultures. We gave our son Chinese and Ilokano names, and that singular day in August served as a profound turning point, weaving its magic into the fabric of our lives.
A Year of Reconnection. Beyond that profound moment of life, the surrounding months were characterized by a theme of reconnection.
January: A symbolic start as I reclaimed my Philippine citizenship, embracing the richness of national duality.
February: The lights of New York City illuminated our journey as we supported our friend Jeff’s off-Broadway play, "Memorial" at the Pan Asian Repertory. We also saw the Michael Jackson bio-musical and loved it. And hubby and I went out dancing in Hell’s Kitchen, for the first time since the pandemic. I forget how fun NYC’s nightlife can be.
March: My brother R embarked on his first international venture to South Korea, a testament to the joys of exploration, which I have always insisted on.
April: Celebrated the vibrant hula culture of Hawaii by attending our first Merry Monarch Festival in Hilo with good friends M&D, and J&L, then to the mystical red earth of Sedona, Arizona with my siblings to strengthen those bonds. I felt the embrace of Mother Earth.
May: Joy continued with our friend Susan's wedding to her now wife Patty in Jacksonville, Oregon, then singing with our men's choir at the Buddhist Church of San Francisco. And I went to my first concert in these many years with the sardonic My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult.
June: Filoli's gardens became a backdrop for our choir's support of drag performers, a subtle counterpoint in the turbulent cultural landscape.
July: The Bay became our playground as we sailed across its waters, and the month was punctuated by two Baby Showers and a reflective journey to Seattle with my dear sister Z.
August: A new chapter unfolded as our son entered the world. My mother's presence in San Diego provided invaluable support during those initial weeks. Also, we celebrated my aunt’s retirement and hung out with good friends from Los Angeles.
September: Returning to the Bay Area, we brought with us the love and memories of our Southern California sojourn. Mama and I managed to pack ourselves like sardines and trekked 10 hours across the Central Valley.
October: The 49th chapter of my life began, the end of a decade and the herald of another.
November: A twist awaited me as I returned from paternity leave - a layoff. Embracing this turn of events, I found solace in the newfound time to care for our son.
December: A return to Hilo, Hawaii marked the culmination of the year, our son's inaugural plane trip, and exciting plans for our forested property.
As I stand on the brink of 50 in the forthcoming Year of the Wood Dragon, the elements of my life seem to be coming full circle. Contentment prevails despite the global challenges and joblessness, and I find peace in the simplicity of my little world.
Here's to a Happy New Year filled with love, joy, and the anticipation of new beginnings. May the pages of 2024 be written with continued growth and gratitude.