はたち
はたち はたち はたち
あたし
あたし はたち ふりそでーしょん
はたち
はたち はたちだけなの?
そうでしょ
あたし はたち はたちの
ふりそでーしょん
Twenty
Twenty, twenty, twenty
I am
I am twenty, Furisodation
Twenty
Twenty, only twenty?
That's right
I am twenty, twenty
Furisodation
- Furisodation by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
Every year in January, 成人の日 Seijin no Hi, or Coming of Age Day is celebrated. Ceremonies are held all over Japan - regardless whether you've passed your birthday or not, everyone in the same academic year turning 20 will participate. It's a pretty big affair there, with festivals, parties, speeches and the like. The girls don pretty furisode like in the picture too. I feel a little envious that everyone gets to celebrate their coming of age together in Japan - it makes turning 20 something really eventful such that the whole country actually makes a day out of it. Whereas in Singapore, coming of age is mostly set at 21, and the hype only extends within your family and friends - not that it's a bad thing - it's just that it seems less significant.
This year I feel really happy on my birthday, because of the people I care for around me. Turning 20, or basically just another year older, isn't a big deal in itself at all. In fact, the excitement I feel when I'm fast approaching the 4th of July dips exponentially with every year that passes, since I was probably 13. The most significant thing about birthdays is probably having your existence acknowledged and appreciated by the important people in your life. I don't need fancy celebrations, expensive presents and meals, or anything of that sort. Just being able to be reminded and to feel that I am someone who is loved and wanted by others is really what makes my birthday a significant day for me.
But of course, I do love love love love the presents and surprises and meals that I'm treated to on my birthday (who doesn't!) I mentioned that I don't need lavish gifts, but I do really love gifts that were picked by the people who know me and my interests. Mom and Dad got me a Totoro jigsaw puzzle and a beautiful green Totoro frame that comes with it (and I will work on it soon!) because they know I'm crazy for Totoro. Heck, most of my friends would know, judging from the number of Totoro items I have (a soft toy, keychains, drawstring bag, hand-held fan, a terrarium which Iggy got me last Christmas and which I later broke accidentally etc etc.) My pal Iggy, who knows just how much I go crazy for Naruto, got me limited edition Naruto and Sasuke POP Animation figures (THEY ARE THE CUTEST). I love these stuff, but I never get them for myself because sometimes I can't bear to part with the money so readily, hence I would definitely be happy if they bother getting it for me :)
On Sunday, my family and I decided to eat lunch at my previous workplace Cacio e Pepe to celebrate both Stacey and my birthdays together. I kinda miss the restaurant - I worked there as a waitress and kitchenhand when I was 16, fresh out of O Levels. 4 years have already passed so quickly indeed. The kitchen staff had already changed, but Jack and Bee my bosses (two strong and admirable women) are still there. The food is great, but I still prefer the old taste back in the days when I worked with the head chef then - Jasline (my shifu!).
Absolutely, absolutely love it when food looks appetising in a cafe-like setting. This is the place where my love for food and cooking was born :) Jack was really nice to present me a birthday lava cake on the house :3 I used to be pretty scared of Jack's strong and assertive personality as a naive 16 year-old kiddo, but she's one of the few strong women I respect and wish to be like.
Today I went to school early for Navigators, and was surprised with a carrot cake and a birthday song by the other Navigators! Chan Hye, my Nav mentor, is someone who just came into my life last year and helped and guided me in my walk in Christian faith. I'm not the easiest person to work with due to my fear of intimate connections and dependence on others, even though I may seem really friendly and open outwardly. But Chanhye very patiently and consistently prayed for me, and for that I'm really thankful.
Afterwards I met Mom and we had lunch together at Miam Miam in Westgate and basically just enjoyed some mother-daughter time. The person that ought to be appreciated most on this day is my mom, for having endured a difficult labour and raising me into the person I am today. My mom is like a best friend to me, and I can confide everything to her (even about matters like love or simply how Yamada Ryosuke is so cute LOL).
I am twenty. Twenty years behind me, and probably more to come henceforth. *tries hard to think of something impressively profound* YES. I AM TWENTY. Haha I'll sign off with a picture of me (taken by okaasan whose photography skills probably isn't as good as mine LOL) Look at all those キラキラ lights haha
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