Tick, Tock. Sweet 26 will Rock

Tomorrow means a lot to me.

It's bidding farewell to my 25th year which has been the most colorful year of my life by far. It had hues seemingly darker than black and colors of the most vivid rainbows put together. In the rush of things, I caught a sliding door to ride a train and it has been one fast roller coaster ride since then.

While work and visions of my career may be falling into place, a major change has occurred in my life and the very observant ones were able to take note of it. I have not written about it because I decided to take in the pleasure of privacy, enjoying my right to keep certain things to myself. I have not spoken much of it either because of the same reason that I want it quiet and peaceful just as how it was when it happened. Since the start of the year, there have been good days and there have been bad ones. But it's a choice already made and everything else just follows. I take in both the good and bad because that is what life is about. Having said that, the rest of the world has been generally good and wonderful, of which I am very much thankful for.

On a lighter note, I find it funny how people annually ask me about my age a few days before my birthday, as if I have this birthday radar flashing before me. Knowing me, maybe I do have that twinkling excitement in my eyes whenever my birthday is about to come up. Let's blame it on my fantastic family and friends who have pampered me with surprises since adolescence.

Last week, it was an adorable Grade 2 student who approached me in the middle of Spanish class. I sensed her presence as she stood beside me to whisper:
"How old are you, Ms. Lala?"
I whispered back, "Today I'm 25. Next week, I'll be 26."
Her beautiful eyes opened wide, "It's your birthday next week?"
I laughed and said, "Yes."
She replied with even more glee, "Happy birthday! Are you excited to be 26?"

"Are you excited to be 26?" was a question that I never really expected from a seven-year old. It was a very pleasant surprise. I answered her with all honesty, absorbing her excitement and mixing it with mine, "Oh yes, I am!"

And to myself, I say it again. Yes, I am.

If I were to write about this in the way one of my favorite authors would, I'd say:

Tick, Tock. Tick, Tock.
There goes the alarm clock.
It's time to rock in my own sweet way.
As tomorrow becomes today.

And if I have any birthday wish, it's just to receive heartfelt written words. Make me laugh or make me cry as long as you move me with sincerity. :)