Christmas in NYC

The holidays are finally over, and life is back to its old track but busier. Working on a review article recruited by Rob, can not say not. Career is taking on its wings, to a place I never thought it would be.

Cynthia and I spent the Christmas in NYC and New Jersey with a group of friends. We strolled in Manhattan the day before Christmas Eve and saw Mama Mia live on Broadway. Two years living in Manhattan, did not really enjoy it at all, but start to appreciate it on this return. It has been 10 years!

Thank Rachel and Kirk, for hosting a party to take us all together. Gloria looks fantastic at her age (68, 69?). She is a woman distinct from others, not science per se, but more of an interesting and talented woman. She was divorced at my age, raised a son to her expectation and has lived a life to its fullest. Eating, drinking, shopping, traveling, she enjoys them all. She met Dr. Lin, a man who adores her and complements her existence. She is a role model for me in some ways, but not all. I am striving for a more spiritual life, besides enjoying it.

Honghai and Limin are like family, so many memories in their ranch house sitting in the Princeton town, especially around this time of the year. Cynthia was 4 when they bought this house, and we spent the first Christmas together. Over the years, we visited sporadically, each time with Cynthia growing bigger, and always with a feeling of welcoming and warmth. We watched a videotape taken by Chen, Xinqian, a camping trip we went together when Cynthia was 5 year old-time flies and people change. In an old Chinese poem: forever can we live, to share the everlasting moon?

June, if one day you are reading this blog, you will know how happy I feel for you. I have never seen June in such good state and spirit. It once again convinces me that 40s are really the best years for women. We are no longer simply pursuing a concept of happiness, but the true meaning of it. Not to focus on what we do not have, but enjoy what we are given and left. No longer bothered by how we are perceived, but feel free for being ourselves.