So many people around me are ‘picking a word for the decade’. This seems WAY better than making a resolution for a new year. But to me this is nothing new. Many lifetimes ago I worked at a Chinese food restaurant.
My grandmother found me the job, and I started at 14. Every weekend from Friday after school till Sunday evening, I would be there. It was a GREAT job. I learned a new language, was introduced to a culture VERY different from mine and learned what it felt like to be the only person who was different in a group. Chinese new year always brought The Red Envelopes. These were filled with Lucky Money, and given to ‘the kids’ in a family group. I was one of these kids, and am proud to have been accepted into that family group. I can still remember how to say some food words in Cantonese, and yes, my accent is atrocious!!
Along the way in my life, my mom mentioned a tradition she heard — where you leave an envelope of money outside on NYE, and ensure its the first thing that crosses the threshold on New Year’s Day. I’ve been doing this since I left the restaurant 10 years ago. I’ve modified it to include ‘wishes’ for the new year. And I still write these ‘wishes’ in red, always red. These are my many ‘word for the decade’.
This year I made a point of thinking of how I wanted 2020 to turn out. And wrote those down on my envelope. Also I put two $20 bills in this year, NOT $40, but 20 20, to celebrate the year. (the word for death is very close to the word for 4, and is ALWAYS TO BE AVOIDED.) Hey! wasn’t this the year we were supposed to get flying cars? or was that 2030? hmph. I want my flying car. One like Ron Weasley’s.
What is your word for 2020? or did you make a resolution?
If you could choose a word, what would it be?
