Dogberry

Lately, a myriad of "reunion dinners" have sprung up. A meagre surprise, noting that the 'A' Levels are a thing of the cruel past, and the same applies to respective school proms and Christmas fussing.
I attended one for the Class of A04 on Monday, whereupon none of those who turned up could recognise me. (I'm still curious as to whether this is a good sign or not.)

Isobelle had arranged for a steamboat near Marina Bay, which was a mightily awful place. Also, I dislike steamboats. I never quite understood the rapture in paying a decent fare to cook your own meal and have sizzling lard gouge crevices in your arm.

One of the waitresses perturbed me slightly by treating me like royalty and being frighteningly rude to the rest of the table. Also, she kept asking odd questions like "How old are you, madam?", "Is your mother nearby?" and "How much does your necklace cost?"

It was quite relieving to call my parents and have them drive me home before eight-thirty because as the evening progressed, I grew more uncomfortable than ever.

First of all, I had not seen most of them for two years, having been one of the few to transfer to a new junior college.
Secondly, I was the only one without a significant other, and was made to feel as if I was worthless for it. A few cast me pitying glances, which I took immense offence to.
In the end, they concluded that I was a bitter feminist lesbian and it did not make everyone less unahppy for it.

Thirdly, and this is rather a sensitive matter - two students had not eaten a single morsel throughout our petty discourse. Unfortunately, they could not afford to pay the buffet cost. Naturally this situation made me feel quite guilty in my ambition to develop a pot belly, and I offered to foot their bill. However, they declined, and the rest of my dinner was slightly marred.

This is the second time in my life something like this has happened and it never fails to blacken an otherwise pleasant day. Although I know I should treat these occasions as reminders of how fortunate I am and stop moaning about how my father never makes enough money. My mother insists that I'm dreadfully naive and I wouldn't dream of contradicting her but

-times like these make me feel more of a horrible person.
Oh, well.

Here's another resolution, then :
To treasure what I have.

*





Today was lovely, nevertheless.
I met Jing and Tash for lunch at Hu Cui.

It was talk, talk and talk galore, until lunch hour was long overdue and we had to seek gossip refuge at Copenhagen Tea House. Afterwards, we watched Mona Lisa Smile and bought the soundtrack immediately after exiting the cinema. It's absolutely fabulous, especially Elton John's The Heart of Every Girl.