10 years later

5th March 2008, Opera House Precinct

I am at the famous Sydney Opera House once again, with my mother. We were taking pictures of the famous tourist view, I got a wonderful sense of déjà vu. I remembered that we were once in this very same spot, under the same weather, exactly 10 years ago.

10 years ago, I was slightly younger, single, and has just found a part time job to last through the summer holidays. The job required me to sit in front of a computer, printing piles of letter that reads, "Dear Customer, According to our records, your balance in our bank account is $0. We are now closing your account on your behalf. Please contact us... blah blah..." It was paying me well: $14/hour, enough for me to cover rent and food over the holidays. Mom was here, staying home alone during the days when I worked, and site-seeing all over the city on my off-days. I was her precious daughter, to be fed with yummy food, to be pampered, and looked after.

Today, there were 4 of us. Mom, myself and my 2 little boys. We are here to take EggEgg on a special harbour cruise to celebrate his second birthday. (What a memorable birthday indeed! EggEgg threw a tantrum as soon as we step onto the ship. I had to drag him into an empty disabled toilet to give him some discreet "behaviour remedial therapy".)

Life has come full circle. We are blessed, so little has changed. Time hasn't touched us. In the photos, Mom & I looked as healthy, happy and carefree as we once were.

9 October 2009, Victoria Park

It has been drizzling all week. I'm taking the kids to Victoria Park, next to the uni. This has been my favourite park.

10 years ago, when I was a student at the uni, I often come to the park to study during StuVac, the week prior to the exams. Falling asleep under the tree in the afternoon breeze. Singing songs to myself in springtime, watching the clouds drift above the sky. Listening to the melodic organ ringing from the uni tower. And best, coming here with Tonton in the evenings when the engineering lectures and lab sessions are over, sitting next to the duck pond, chatting over the days events and whispering sweet nothings.

3 years ago, when I was heavy pregnant with EggEgg, I would have a $5 steak in the pub across the road for lunch. The heavy meal makes me dreadfully sleepy. I'd walk to this park and fall asleep on the bench, dreaming about this unborn baby, until its time for the afternoon lectures.

Today, I've returned with EggEgg and Cola for the first time (we are now living in a suburb far from this park). EggEgg is scooting around in his blue scooter and Cola being pushed in a tricycle. We brought a big bag of bread crumbs for the ducks.

How time flies! EggEgg can aim the bread crumbs to the ducks in an overarm throw, and can name, no, even count, the ducks, pigeons, swans. I told him not to feed the seagulls. He confirmed, "白色雀壞。唔可以食。(White birds are bad, they are not allowed to eat.)" As for Little Cola, he can grab the crumbs from my hand and shove it into his mouth while I wasn't paying attention.

For the girl who once sat under the big oak tree 10 years ago, studying feverishly for the exams, struggling with Schrödinger theorems, phase-lock loops, partial differential equations... this blissful, serene moment is beyond her wildest imagination.