Celebrations, ceteris paribus

Since the announcement of Covid-19 SOP relaxations effective 1st May 2022, life has picked up its pace. I feel like the two years of slumber has helped us gear up for this day. It is heart-warming to see celebrations returning in full force everywhere. 

Indeed, the two years of lockdown have caused a loss, in terms of income and development to many. In my case, I feel truly blessed to be retired with a pension, which has afforded me to turn inwards instead, for much soul exploration. 

On 26th June 2022, there was a high tea by MGS in Armada Hotel to celebrate Puan Kalsom's retirement, followed by a wedding dinner for Vivian and Xin Zhe at Jade Restaurant, OUG. 

I felt a little overwhelmed by the "downpour of events" maybe due to the long isolation, and chose to just drop by the high tea with Kok Hong. Upon arrival, I felt  a tinge of regret of my own reticent nature, when I met my dear old friends, Som, Srrifa, Noorliza, Zaidah, Miss Lim, Eric and Su Ling, Tamindey, Nava, Puan Lim and Tang, Faridah, Mazinah, Hazlina, Siti Rosidah, to name a few. There were many hugs amidst tears of joy (everyone threw caution to the wind). We had worked so hard together and supported each other through thick and thin.  The eleven years after leaving MGS just melted away.

                                                                            Som's retirement 

                                                           

                                                                Feeling blissful with Kok Hong

Economic students learn the term "ceteris paribus" during the first few lessons. It was the first Latin phrase to me, introduced by the late Puan Hasmah, my Form 6 Economics teacher in 1981. I can still recall her gentle voice - "... dengan andaian semua faktor lain tidak berubah" or "...with the assumption that all other factors remain unchanged". This phrase is essential to enable full focus on the subject matter studied, by putting all other factors on hold.

I have often pondered about this phrase, when faced with difficult decisions, especially when my mind gets cluttered by too many issues. Applying this concept has helped me to identify and focus on the most important matter. Unfortunately, in life, more often than not, other factors cannot be brushed aside so easily. 

The most important lesson from this never ending pandemic is the fragility of life and how we should never to take things for granted. Any event, big or small, has become a huge achievement.

It was such an honour for us to attend the wedding banquet. Kok Hong and I shared the table with Siew Lay, Lei Kim, Choon Lian, Soo Hoon, Lay Neo, Bee Fong, Puan Chong and Hong Eng. The food was first class, the live entertainment was fabulous, and the companionship brings to mind the true meaning of celebration. The fact that we were actually present at such a momentous event felt unreal to me. We thank the Tuang family, especially Mary, for including us in their joy.  

                                                       Vivian and Xin Zhe's wedding banquet

Wishing a very happy beginning to Kalsom as a retiree, and our young couple Vivian and Xin Zhe as they  embark on their life together as husband and wife.

Yesterday, 8th July 2022, Siew Lay, Mary and I had lunch together at Estate Coffeehouse, Taman Midah. As Mary put it so aptly in Facebook, it was "A happy day at a happy place with happy companions". The event helped us vent our joy from the wedding, plan our Turkiye trip, celebrate Mary's belated birthday, plan future outings, recap the past, share essential medical tips, among other things. In short, this was truly a girls' day out, as Lin labels it. I feel so glad Siew Lay made it happen. 

                                                     Feeling blissful with Siew Lay and Mary

Time and tide waits for none. Truly, the present is present enough.