Get Well Soon

Ma has been talking about coming to NYC for Christmas. She always talks about things, but never actually get around to do them. For example, her desire to retire early; she got the paperwork long time ago, but never ever submit them, and still, she keeps on saying "I am going to retire early, I am going to retire early."

I encourage ma's idea to come visit (but never take it quite seriously). It makes sense that both ma and ba should take the advantage of the free accommodation and tour guide I can offer. It might be a little hard juggling between working and being a host, but anything for the family, right? Ma was pretty excited about the trip, as we talk and talk for weeks, but again, no action. I almost thought this is another plan flushing down the toilet, until about 2 weeks ago, mom finally announced that she has booked her flight to New York.

I definitely inherited the gene of procrastination from ma. The reality of her coming didn't quite sink in until a few days ago, when I had a jolting realization that I am supposed to pick ma up next Sunday, 6am at JFK, and I haven't started planning the itinerary yet! Even worse, I was down with a cold during the weekend, and couldn't do much (excuse je for lazy ppl). But I was determined to get better and do my research this week, during work and after work. With my high level of efficiency, it shouldn't take me too long.

From my life experience thus far, the deciding factors can never run away from these 3: time, cost, quality. Best case scenario, you get 2 of the 3, worst case scenario, you get 0. The difficult part lies in deciding which one to sacrifice/compromise. As you know, we humans are greedy, who doesn't want something "pan gee (cheap)" and "tua tei (big)"? Still, I was ready to sacrifice the $$ (again, anything for the family) as long as ma is happily satisfied.

I have a brilliant idea for a weekend getaway to Washington DC, spending a night at a guest house with jacuzzi. If ma knows about the price, she sure will complain, "Aiya, why simply spend money? Cincai tio ho..." But I know she is going enjoy the treat.

Keeping this in mind, I called home this morning.

"Ma is sick, the trip is canceled. Sorry ah, never call you earlier..." dad sounded exhausted at the other end of the phone.

And the stupid trains keep passing now and then, disturbing the stupid signals...

"What's going on? Is she ok?"

"She is in the hospital now, but don't worry she will be fine..."

"What's wrong?"

"Some sort of virus infection..bzzz...bzzz..."

"Hello, what virus you say?"

"We also don't know, still waiting for report to come out...bzzz...bzzz...but doctor advised against traveling long distance..."

"Ok, ok..."

"Have to go now, talk to you later. Don't worry, don't worry..."

Aiyo my mother ah, my head is in the kabus now. Please get well soon!!!